Morena by Azul: A New Culinary Chapter in Shanghai’s Jing’an District
Morena by Azul, a recently rebranded restaurant in Shanghai’s Jing’an district, offers a fresh take on Latin American and Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant, formerly known as Azul, presents a menu of small plates, a substantial weekend brunch and weekday lunch options, with many dishes priced under ¥100.
A Personal Inspiration
Chef-founder Eduardo Vargas describes Morena by Azul as a “new chapter,” reflecting a blend of cultures closer to his own heritage. The name “Morena,” a Spanish term of endearment meaning “my darling” or referring to a girl with darker features, is a tribute to his daughter, Amelia, who is of Peruvian and Chinese descent. Vargas emphasizes that the culinary approach is not simply fusion, but rather an intuitive weaving of Peruvian and Mediterranean flavors with Asian ingredients. [Source: Rachel Gouk]
Culinary Offerings and Ambiance
Morena by Azul features small plates designed for sharing, alongside a popular weekend brunch with a two-hour free-flow option for ¥150. Many brunch items are also available on the weekday lunch menu. The restaurant’s space has been updated with a brighter color palette and floral motifs. [Source: Rachel Gouk] The spacious terrace is dog-friendly, and the courtyard provides ample space for families with young children. [Source: Rachel Gouk]
Soft Launch Promotion
As part of its soft launch, Morena by Azul is offering a 25% discount on the à la carte menu for both lunch and dinner through March 31, 2026. [Source: SmartShanghai]
A Legacy of Quality
Azul, founded in 2003, has long been recognized for its consistency, quality, and respect for ingredients. [Source: Rachel Gouk] Morena by Azul builds upon this foundation while embracing a more personal and culturally reflective culinary direction.
International Recognition
Morena by Azul, a new gastronomic space in Shanghai, offers a refreshing culinary proposal that fuses Latin American and Mediterranean flavors. Located in the Jing’an district, this restaurant stands out for its small portions, abundant weekend brunch, and weekday lunch options, with most dishes costing less than 100 yuan. [Source: notiulti.com]
Azul in Shanghai currently holds a 5.0 rating on TripAdvisor, ranking it #2,656 out of 8,902 restaurants in the city. [Source: TripAdvisor]