Victor M.
Yelp
Shanghai No 1 Seafood Village has been around for years, but they have also had several changes in owners, management and chefs during many difficult years. It looks like they have finally found the right combination post-covid. The gaudi red decor and crystal chandeliers throughout the restaurant are still there, but the food has vastly improved.
Except for the morning and afternoon dim sum service, Shanghai No 1 serves predominantly authentic Shanghainese food. Shanghainese food or Benbang cuisine relies on styles of cooking found in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, such as steaming, braising, stir-frying, marinating and roasting. And all if executed properly are absolutely delicious.
We ordered a nice sampling of Shanghainese food. The braised eel with bamboo shoots had a nice flavor profile. The presentation of the Shanghai Smoked Fish and Whole Braised Fish with Ketchup Pine Nut were both spectacularly visual and tasty. The diced beef was very tender and most likely filet mignon cubes. The only disappointing dish, in my opinion, was the stewed egg with scallop. The steam egg was flavorless and the scallop were hard to find that did not impart any flavor to the egg. My most favorite dessert was the Ginko and White Fungus in Taro Paste of the three that we tried.
Service was good overall. It was a bit hectic as the food came out too fast and almost all within 20 minutes. They could have done a better job in pacing the food and in a proper order. The rice cakes or hot stone rice, for example, should have been the last savory dish to be served and the old duck soup should have followed the appetizer. Prices were reasonable post-covid and portions were fair.
Overall, I enjoyed the dining experience at Shanghai No 1. We had a private room for our larger party which was comfortable. Corkage fee is $15.00. With the recent ownership and management changes, Shanghai No 1 is finally back!!