Shanghai Restaurant-Modern Shanghai Cuisine & Bar

By Carol & Joe Davis
Dining Detectives

We are always intrigued when a new restaurant opens in San Francisco. Shanghai recently opened on upper Market Street and we knew we had to try it. They feature authentic Shanghainese Cuisine prepared with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.

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As we entered, we were impressed by the elegant decor of the dining room which included very attractive Bar as the centerpiece. We checked our coats then settled in at our table which had stylish and extremely comfortable chairs. We started out with Cocktails from their full bar. Both the Shanghai Tea made with vodka, gin, rum , lemon, lime , orange liquor and house made black tea syrup and Anna's Perfect Pink made with Hibiscus, Pisco, gin, coconut, lemon, Fair Goji Liquor and Orange Flower water were refreshing, unique and perfect.

We sampled some delicious and unique Appetizers. We enjoyed their signature Blasting Prawns, the Smoked Mandarin Carp which is smoked in Oolong tea and delicious Hot & Sour Cabbage. You must also try their delicate Xiao Long Bao Steamed Dumplings filled with pork and traditional ginger and vinegar broth.

The Fish Broth (Soup) with julienne of fish and egg white was outstanding. The Entrees were also light and healthy. We enjoyed the Fish on the Vine which was a whole deep fried laced fish fillet with red wine reduction and the Two Golden Faces crispy noodle with prawns, mushrooms and peas.

This Birds Nest presentation was lovely and the noodles were perfect. A Side Dish of Napa Cabbage braised in a light cream sauce was also delicious. The 2010 Provenance Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc paired well with the appetizers and the 2010 Chalone Monterey County Pinot Noir paired well with our entrees. We loved our unique and fabulous dessert which was their Sweetened Rice made with pan fried sticky rice with dehydrated fruits.

We really enjoyed our fun yet relaxed dinner at Shanghai. The cocktails certainly started us out right and the fresh Shanghai Cuisine created by Chef Leo Gan was excellent! We look forward to trying their Weekend Dim Sum Brunch which is served on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM till 3:00 PM. There is also live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nights and Happy Hour Specials both early evening and late night. Shanghai also offers a Tasting Menu for two available nightly and has a Private Dining Room.

Shanghai Restaurant
2029 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
415-701-8866
www.shanghai-rest.com/