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Shanghai Terrace Reviews List
Shanghai Terrace
Recently ranked the number one "Chinese Restaurant in Chicago" by Zagat, the exquisite Asian decor enhances the intimate atmosphere of this venue, which is unique to the city of Chicago. Seating capacity fits 75 guests with additional seating on the Terrace during temperate weather. Also features an intimate Private Dining Room for up to 30 guests. The Shanghai Terrace offers Eastern skyline views over Chicago, serving Chinese cuisine with an emphasis on Cantonese and Shanghainese specialties.
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81 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Rating Breakdown 81 reviews
5 stars
(53)
4 stars
(22)
3 stars
(4)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(45)
- special occasion(45)
- romantic(32)
- great for outdoor dining(18)
- neighborhood gem(14)
- scenic view(14)
Shanghai Terrace Reviews List
Review 1 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellence in dining and atmosphere
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It has a great view, very chic and upscale. The food is excellence. Service is fantastic. Staff treats you like a princess. Personality of staff warm and enganging. Everything was totally perfect."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 2 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Memorable Birthday
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My friend is turning 60, so this is her special year in the Chinese calendar: The Year of the Snake. An elegant lunch was in order, and where else? The Peninsula Hotel! We enjoyed the Sea and the Land platters which were beautifully presented. Our waiter treated us with care and answered all our questions. I had been treated to dinner here during my Year of the Boar and knew my friend would be delighted...and she certainly was."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 3 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Cool experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Reviews for this place were very good, and it had been personally recommended to us, so we had very high expectations. The place was lovely, and the ambiance was very nice. Our service seemed to get off to a slow start, which seemed odd considering the reviews, and the number of servers there. We think our waitress was new, and that could explain things. Overall, the food was wonderful and interesting. Our only mistake was ordering a beef noodle entree that was fair at best. The wine menu was odd, and even odder was the fact that we had to ask for it. They gave us list with wines by the glass, but not bottles. There were only 1 or 2 bottles under $100, and the rest were extremely expensive!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 4 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Chinese Ever!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My wife and I had perhaps the best Chinese food of our lives 2 nights ago at Shanghai Terrace. Every item was exquisitely prepared, every employee was professional yet friendly. It was not inexpensive, but hey, this is Chicago and this was an amazing dining experience. It was worth every penny."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 5 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Chinese Food in Chitown
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I had a wonderful night with my date. Tiger prawn and Dongpo pork are delicious!"
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view, late-night find, special occasion
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Review 6 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Shanghai Terrace is worth the visit
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The experience was amazing from the food, the presentation, the service, the view and the extra attention
paid to the customer. Very nice- well worth the cost."
paid to the customer. Very nice- well worth the cost."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Top notch Asian
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall excellent dining experience. Attentive service with helpful but not overly expensive recommendations. The food was exceptional as was the cocktails etc. We will be back."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2000
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 8 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Real deal top shelf Chinese
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"High line Chinese food and service. You will spend good money, but when it equals expectations, it's worth it. Seated immediately with our Open Table reservation. Wait staff is on point for drink orders. Explanations are detailed and service is professional without being overbearing.
Had the dim sum sampler app which featured various sauces and food textures. Followed up with Kung Po chicken and a shrimp dish. Meals were bursting with flavor and presented beautifully . Artwork on a china. Waiter asked my preferred pice level for the chicken, which was medium and had just the right kick.
You will spend about $150-190 for two including tip. Well deserved tip. Worth every penny. enjoy."
Had the dim sum sampler app which featured various sauces and food textures. Followed up with Kung Po chicken and a shrimp dish. Meals were bursting with flavor and presented beautifully . Artwork on a china. Waiter asked my preferred pice level for the chicken, which was medium and had just the right kick.
You will spend about $150-190 for two including tip. Well deserved tip. Worth every penny. enjoy."
Dined on 04/11/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 9 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This restaurant is always
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This restaurant is always exceptioal: great food and outstanding service"
Dined on 04/07/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 10 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Superb Chinese
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very attractive room, with a calming atmosphere. The kind, understated, professional wait staff served high-level Chinese foods with pride. A meal here hints at the extraordinary diversity and quality of the best of a great cuisine."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
There are certain characteristics
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"There are certain characteristics that one expects when dining at The Pennisula, but last Friday evening the service was off and the food was tasty but not great. It is a convenient place to walk to but there are better restaurants in the area to enjoy."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2010
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 12 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding, even with the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Outstanding, even with the outdoor terrace closed for the season, its a wonderful restaurant with great service"
Dined on 03/27/2013
2004
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Review 13 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great, great, great ! Like
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great, great, great ! Like each time...Fabulous bedjing duck, great dumpling, real Chinese noodles(not a melt of American Chinese receipe)"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2012
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Review 14 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent menu and service;
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent menu and service; the quality of the food was superb as was its preparation and presentation--Can't wait to go back to both the Peninsula Hotel and Shanghai Terrace!"
Dined on 03/26/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 15 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing food! Not typical
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Amazing food! Not typical Chinese by any means. A wonderful experience even with two boys ages 9 and 10!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Haute Chinese
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Outstanding, authentic cuisine and flawless service. This was the highlight of our stay at The Peninsula, and a worthwhile spot for savvy locals. The dim sum is incredible and our entrees were beautifully prepared. Get one of their custom teas with the meal and stay for dessert."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A quiet place with excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A quiet place with excellent food"
Dined on 03/14/2013
2011
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 18 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Best chinese restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great cantonese cuisine with an eclectic touch! Never had a better Kang Pao chicken. The server was very curteous and jouful.. They surprised us with a beautiful desert tray for our anniversary celebration. Will definitely go back there once again! Alsodo not forget to try the tofu appetizer, it is to die for."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 19 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food and service were
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food and service were sensational!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The Real Thing
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was an outstanding dining experience. Small, elegant with impeccable service.Peking duck and lobster hot and sour soup are "must try"! Dish presentation was notewothy. For a quiet,intimate dining experience this is the place."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Sub par food, very salty,
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Sub par food, very salty, mushy noodles, expensive for the quality and amount.
Foreign item in food, cut mouth. It was handled pretty well, but the entire experience was awful because of all of the above"
Foreign item in food, cut mouth. It was handled pretty well, but the entire experience was awful because of all of the above"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2008
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Review 22 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Nice setting. Good food. Excellent
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Nice setting. Good food. Excellent service. Overall a great restaurant."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2012
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 23 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
A Chinese viewpoint
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Hot food needs to be served hot not tepid.
With the price level you would expect the food to be delicious, and Shanghai Terrace was disappointing. I went on Chinese New Year and ordered the $128 special menu.
The servers for my table did not speak Chinese, I even wonder if the Chef is Chinese.
With the price level you would expect the food to be delicious, and Shanghai Terrace was disappointing. I went on Chinese New Year and ordered the $128 special menu.
The servers for my table did not speak Chinese, I even wonder if the Chef is Chinese.
Sauces were too thick, reminiscent of American Chinese Chop Suey places especially on Wagu beef; got half an Abalone, which is bad form and bad luck.
Steamed Lobster was tepid, Garoupa sauce was too heavy, too spicy. Dessert was too thick and was only warm."
Steamed Lobster was tepid, Garoupa sauce was too heavy, too spicy. Dessert was too thick and was only warm."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2009
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Review 24 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My wife and I celebrated our
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My wife and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary there for dinner. The food was delicious and well prepared. The service was impeccable and the ambiance was very romantic. We plan on returning in summer to eat outdoors."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 25 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is one of my favorite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago, a place to take visiters or just to celebrate alone."
Dined on 02/03/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 26 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very good makan lah!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Nice place probably the best place for bedjing duck in chicago.friendly service, great tea selection and real chinese food(not a melting of american/asian recipe.....)
Great chinese new year
Gong xie fa sie!"
Gong xie fa sie!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2010
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Review 27 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Upscale Chinese and so worth it!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"An enchanting experience with superb service and the food was sub.ime. The menu is classic with some surprises. I will definitely return."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, hot spot
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Review 28 for Shanghai Terrace
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Winter Birthday Blitz!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our dining at Shanghai Terrace was simply fabulous!! We are passing the idea along and making plans to return.
Stunning views, service and settings!!"
Dined on 01/23/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Shanghai Terrace
Based on the average of (53) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate