Fodor's Expert Review Farine

Deep in the heart of the French Concession is this faithful re-creation of a Parisian pâtisserie. Prices are double, even triple what you'd pay in France; such is the cost of using imported, organic French flour. If the line out the door doesn't convince you the desserts and pastries here are divine, one bite into a buttery pan au chocolate or a creamy raspberry cheesecake will. The coffee is some of Shanghai's best, and what would a croissant be without an accompanying café au lait, anyway? There's one large communal table out front and two free-standing benches; on weekends the small patio is packed to the gills.