Shanghai Terrace: User Reviews

Since moving to Chicago I've been on a quest to find the best Dim Sum restaurant in town. Failing again and again every time I venture into Chinatown, I had almost given up until someone told me there was a Chinese restaurant in The Peninsula. Coming from Hong Kong, I went with very high expectations.

Shanghai Terrace did not disappoint. The service was attentive but discreet. The food was absolutely fabulous. Each dim sum serving was beautifully presented either in a bamboo steamer or on a plate, every mouthful an absolute treat. Cantonese cuisine is all about tasting the freshness of the ingredients, sauces or condiments are there to enhance not to cloud or mask. Yes, while the food is probably twice or more than what you would pay at a dim sum palace in Chinatown, the food quality and the service more than compensates.

A fabulous experience. I will definitely go back and do it again.

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

Report This Review

I recently had lunch here and was disappointed. The portion size was small, which I expected, and the quality was average at best. The dishes were unimaginative and EXTREMELY OVERPRICED. Lunch for three was $150 with no appetizers or alcohol. The only redeeming quality of this restaurant was the terrace. Aside from that, the service was slow and stiff.

Report This Review

Somewhat dissappointed. Though Service was very good, attentive, and polite, and Food was well prepared, visually appealling and tasty, I found the portions to be very small and everything was VERY overpriced. Unless you've got money to burn, or are going on someone else's 'dime' (i.e. Gift Certificate, Guest, or business write-off), wouldn't recommend it. There are too many other fine asian restaurants, much more reasonably priced. Tab for just my wife and I for 3 dinner entrees (and no appetizers), and 4 glasses of so-so white wine, was close to $200.

Report This Review

Took my girlfriend here for a special occasion. Called ahead and got the waitress to bring her gift, everything was perfect. The terrece is beautiful...your next the the Hancock building, and you dont even know it. The food was OUTSTANDING. Easily the best Asian food I've ever had. The service was exceptional, my glass being empty for no more than 30 seconds. I'm going back for sure, and I definitely loved this place. Everyone was very polite, and it is a very welcoming atmosphere. Expensive, but that's expected in a Peninsula restaurant. Otherwise perfect.

Report This Review

We went there for Valentine's day and had a wonderful meal. The staff was very attentive and the food was amazing - best Asian food in the city!

Report This Review

I took my husband here on Saturday night for his birthday. We sat outside on the terrace and had a beautiful view of the Hancock building and the Terrace's garden. The service was very attentive and careful of my husband's dietary needs. We were never without anything, they even poured tea for me when ever my cup went low. The food was superb. We had the Peking Duck Salad, baked red rice and seafood pot-au-feu. All were cooked to perfection. Dessert was excellent as was the extra moon cakes and then chocolate mousse cake as a birthday surprise. We will definately visit this restaurant again!!

Report This Review

Three words: foie gras dumplings.
I could order four servings and go home satisfied if it weren't for the irresistible five-spiced duck and his come hither stare.
I've always received fabulous service at this Peninsula restaurant and superb advice on wine or sake pairings.
My favorite Asian restaurant in Chicago without a doubt!

Report This Review

Overall, my girlfriend and I were very pleased with the atmoshpere, service, and food. The duck salad was the highlight, lobster dumplings were very good, halibut was excellent, kung pao chicken was excellent, fried rice was average. Staff brought out complementary dessert for a birthday. Nice touch. Service is quick so make sure to take your time ordering. Hostess even reserved a table for us at The Lobby Bat at the Peninsula. Bill was just under $200 for two people, but if you are willing to spend, this is one of the better values for your money.

Report This Review

We were looking forward to dinner here as we had a superb lunch at the Lobby restaurant last year. The staff were disorganized and the service was poor. I have never been to a restaurant where there were so many staff running around and talking to each other, and so little attention to the customer. One person took the order and myriad others served, and on one occassion, we were served the wrong food. The steamed pork buns were flavorless, the scallop shui mai reasonably good, the tuna sashimi excellent. Our entrees were better than the starters. The seared halibut was was aromatic with ginger and served with haricot vert, enoki mushrooms, daikon radish, and baby carrots in a light ginger broth. The seared pink snapper was beautiful with bits of crab, black rice, and vegetables, but was almost flavorless despite being described as having a curry flavor. We had fried cheesecake for desert, which was good. If you order this, be sure to sample the fruit pate diamonds as they are divine. I cannot recommend this restaurant for either food or service. The terrace is lovely, as is the Peninsula Hotel.

Report This Review