nice&easy
(4) reviews
8/29/2009
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ dim sum here is great, reasonably priced for a decent chinese restaurant. For the entree, their Peking duck and spicy salt and pepper ribs are excellent. We enjoyed the jazz music, too. Nice dining experience.
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kushnir
(405) reviews
7/24/2007
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ As the door open you see a well lit clean place to eat! White tablecloths and premium silverware appoint the tables as you are seated and questioned for your drink selection. The place is appointed as well as any continental restaurant would be a full selection of premium vodkas and gins grace the backdrop of the bar. Looking at the menu this was not going to be our normal chinese experience, gone were the starters I was accustomed to, replaced by Caviar, chili wrapped fish and calamari. We ordered the calamari and pot stickers. Both were ok portions and were ok, but not worth the 9 bucks. Entrees included Sichuan Beef and Kung Pao Prawns both $16 and both tasted the same, goopy sweet plum sauce with some five spice thrown in, last try was the scallops which came over caramelized (burnt) and coated with another starchy sauce. Service was ok, but getting the attention for drink reorders was annoying. This is their idea of what Middle America should eat for chinese food. No return!
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andrushka
(1) review
7/22/2007
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ Absolutely dreadful. Your basic lousy chinese neighborhood restaurant fixed up. Everything is sweet tasting and goopy. Hadn't been here in four years. Then the cuisine was inventive and different. We will never go back! ”
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RoxyCat
(59) reviews
1/11/2007
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ I've only had take-out from this place but each time it's been really good. The Veggie delight and Firecracker Chicken are really, really good. The veggies are always fresh and cooked to perfection. ”
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infinitee1
(113) reviews
12/10/2006
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “
We had a birthday celebration dinner here and it was the perfect spot! The lovely decor and atmosphere helped with the mood. We really enjoyed the family style dining because we got to try so many wonderfully delicious entrees. I would definitely go back even though it was a bit on the expensive side! ”
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mmm...tasty
(69) reviews
9/18/2006
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ food is way not good here... certainly not authentic.... you're just paying for the frou frou atmosphere... go to chinatown instead for the food and another fancy restaurant w/ better food if you like the atmosphere.
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victoria
(32) reviews
8/17/2006
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ On a quite Monday night, this place was perfect for catching up with a dear friend who I haven't seen for months. The lounge was very laid back with live jazz in the background. It's a nice change from hectic happy hour at Ozumo next door. Friendly bartender and great drinks, and the food is very impressive as well, and reasonably priced at that
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hepcatlaura
(144) reviews
8/17/2006
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ This is one of my fave restaurants in the city. Portions are huge and great for big parties. One of our clients from work took us out for lunch here and it was really good. They had some veggie options which is a plus. It's pricey but you're paying for the atmosphere. This is a good place for special occasions.
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wyld4yoo
(212) reviews
8/13/2006
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ I was disappointed with this restaurant because I read so many good reviews on it. It wasn't a total let down, but there were several things that I noticed. This restaurant needs a DEEP cleaning. The carpets were soiled and stained with food, which I noticed despite the dark atmosphere. Why would you have a dimly lit dining area, then put fluorescent lights over the artwork??!! The Caviar and Egg Custard was just ok. We ordered steamed fish, which was very good but I have had the same quality at cheap Chinatown restaurants. Salt & Pepper Steak was average and Bok Choy was nothing special. ONE more thing, "spanish Tile" in the bar??!!
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jhelitha-13
(177) reviews
7/4/2006
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ I must say that this is the most romantic chinese restaurant I've been so far. When I walked in there, I didn't feel like being in a chinese restaurant. There were 4 of us and we ordered so much food that I don't even know what they're called. All of them were good. Some of the food were not traditional but it was good. ”
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Gogodesu
(19) reviews
6/1/2006
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ Food-- Very tasty. We must've said "damn this is good" about 6 times. I went with the recommendations of "sfmiss" and I am in total agreement. The Yangtze River Lite Fry, reminiscent of Robert Smith's hairdo, is scrumptious and is a work of art in it's own right. The Fish on a Vine... my my my if you like sweet food that's breaded, then this is a must have.
Service-- Absolutely impeccable. Easy reservations. I love it when the hostess takes it upon herself to pick out a cute spot for a couple. Our waitress was super friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu. Everyone was on the spot. Even the manager checked on us.
Atmosphere-- Very moody and romantic. Eat dinner then take your date on a stroll on the Embarcadero. However, as an anachronist, it was not the 1930s decor I was hoping for.
Price-- Definitely no value meal here.
This would not be a regular casual dining place for me but an occasional special treat.
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allrookie
(48) reviews
5/26/2006
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ Not a place to eat "real" chinese food, especially if you are asian and eat a lot of chinese food. BUT, if you want to go somewhere different, romantic and with a lot of atmosphere, then this place might be for you. I am a "eater" so I was not thrilled about coming here to chow down. Portions are small and the food is basically customized for Americans. That is okay and all as long as you know that up front. Food was decent for what you pay for. Nothing stood out for me. I just went there because it was close by and I was with business friends who paid for it.
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Wayne Lambright
(212) reviews
5/23/2006
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ My perception of gourmet chinese food has been irrevocably expanded, thus the search to find anything that comes close to Shanghai 1930's preparation, presentation and polish will be a pleasurable yet challenging pursuit.
I love to cook. I love dining out. I just love tasty food. When I'm trying something new, I mentally dissect the food as I eat it. Prior to eating at Shanghai 1930, my most memorable chinese food experiences were limited to two locations here in the city. One such location the owner's of Shanghai 1930 started and thus revealed why I was so taken with this incredible dining experience. Yes, I'm saying this is some of the best chinese food I have ever had. click here to finish reading my expanded review
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Goodfood4me
(4) reviews
4/25/2006
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ Shanghai 1930 is a fabulous restaurant. The menu is phenomenally well rounded, with a few gems in every catagory. And it's really neat to have largely sustainable chinese food while watching a good jazz band perform in an unpretentious club. It's a luxurious, culturally enriching experience in a comfortable family owned establishment.. HIghly recommended. ”
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Angela Von Buelow
(227) reviews
4/20/2006
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ I'm spoiled and forever ruined; I will no longer be satisfied with my local chinese take-out after enjoying an elegant adventure with Shanghai cuisine. It's not just a meal, it's an experience and we were savvy enough to leave the ordering to the experts. We started with the Yangtze River Lite Fry; flash fried river kelp anchored by a small piece of fish accompanied by savory trimmings. Beautiful unique presentation, the river grass stands on end about 10 inches high due to the flash frying. I would come back just for this dish. We enjoyed several mains, the star of the show was the “Fish on a Vine”, this dish is unique to Shanghai and was cutting edge fusion in the 1930's. What makes it is the red wine verjus-soya reduction sauce, the use of red wine in cooking was introduced by the french to Shanghai in that time period and now this dish is considered traditional Shanghai fair. It was perfection. I couldn't have been more pleased with our meal and service, we will return. Enjoy! ”
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amyyu
(1) review
3/19/2006
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ I would not recommend this restaurant to anyway. First I had problems making reservations. The hostess was extremely surly and hang up on me several times. She needs to work on her customer service skills. I could not believe I was actually hung up on; I thought it must have been a bad connection but when I calledback and said I think we got disconnected she told me she had hung up on me. In spite of that I decided to go that restaurant and check it out. In addition to the hostess's surliness, the food there is subpar. After eating there I got the same sick feeling that people who eat at fast food places or frozen dinners get. Being of chinese descent I am used to good chinese food and while I knew this place did not have authentic food I expected it to be at least edible. No one in my group was able to fnish their meal because of bad food quality. We ended up going to another much better near by restaurant. ”
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lottanotta
(132) reviews
2/20/2006
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ Way overpriced, sauce soaked average quality chinese food. Somewhat of an 80's atmosphere. Impersonal service. I will never go back if I don't have to. Band sounded like they just finished a set on a discount cruise ship. So did the crappy sound system. Painfully bad.
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sfdee
(129) reviews
9/20/2005
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ I was here recently for a birthday celebration and enjoyed it very much. I agree it's not cheap, but then again you are paying in part for the attractive atmosphere and the service. I enjoyed the dim sum appetizer-very fresh tasting and plenty for 2 to share. The smoked tea duck was a treat. The service was very attentive and gracious-when was the last time you asked for a coffee refill and the waiter went to the trouble to bring an entirely fresh cup? Listening to the live jazz in the adjoining lounge is a great way to spend the rest of the evening after dinner-no cover or drink minimum-where else can you get that? One caveat-this downstairs restaurant can get stuffy after a while but there are fans placed strategically around the room. ”
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jpierson
(412) reviews
8/19/2005
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ I was lucky enough to get back here under better circumstances, and found it to be very much the opposite of my last visit. I highly recommend an early reservation. Timing really can make all the difference. You can get everything from caviar service to very nice chinese here. Check out the menu online and try a few of those order-ahead items. It the off-the-rack fare is any indicator, it will probably be very good. Not only that, but they have a pretty with-it somellier running around, if you want to try something more palatable than baijiu with your meal. The duck was excellent, as was whatever else we had. I wanted to check out the cigar selection in the guangxi room, but got the wrinkled nose from the wife...Next time... ”
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dmz
(27) reviews
8/18/2005
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ As many previously stated, don't expect authentic chinese food from this place because they certainly don't offer it. The portions are small and way overpriced. In fact everything is. As for the food itself, it's okay. But just because you use soy or hoisin sauce, it doesn't make it chinese cuisine. I would consider Shanghai 1930 asian fusion at best. The atmosphere is great; no doubt about it. But you're certainly paying for it. Service was good though. If you're willing to fork out the same amount of money, I recommend going to a "real" chinese restaurant for a full-on, 9-course banquet dinner. ”
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evilcindy
(55) reviews
5/16/2005
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ If you are looking for authentic chinese food, don't bother going to fancy restaurants like Shanghai 1930 because you will be very unhappy. However, I'm asian and I loved this place. Restaurants like Shanghai 1930 have upgraded traditional chinese food to give it a modern and posh spin. Because of this, you get fancier food and better ambience but it isn't grandma's cooking. You also get better service. The bar/lounge area has live Jazz on the weekends and is great for while you are waiting for your table. I always like to come a little earlier than my reservation and get a cocktail before dinner.
We ordered the steamed whole fish. This is perfect for two if you get a vegetable side dish and an appetizer. I highly recommend the seafood Custard with Osetra Caviar (custard of crab, seasoned conpoy scallops, and lobster essence steamed in an eggshell with a dollop of Osetra caviar) for an appetizer. It's like something out of The Iron Chef where they serve it in an eggshell. ”
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poopsie903
(133) reviews
5/13/2005
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ The hostess took a while to seat us, but otherwise I was satisfied with the service. Wait staff was friendly and quick. The menu had a large selection and their lunch menu is reasonably priced. Food was hot and delicious! ”
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promotersf
(423) reviews
5/8/2005
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ Shanghai 1930 is a very cool and fun place. After cascading down the stairs, you will be greeted with live jazz music. You can enjoy cocktails and listen to the jazz band, but you can also order food in the lounge area as well as the dining room. The apps were tasty, loved the peking duck, the whole deep fried bass, the dim sum was so so(this is not a dim sum house). The food is solid, maybe not amazing, but when you grab your accountant and add up great cocktails, wine, good food, atmosphere and live jazz...it adds up to a good time if a little pricey. Definitely check it out. ”
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lady chan
(130) reviews
2/1/2005
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ This is a very cool atmosphere esp. in the bar.Bet it's hoping when the band plays. We went for lunch and they have a $12.95 and $14.95 special that you can choose an appetizer and an entree. I ended up taking home half of mine. It was a spring roll app, they were small but quite tasty and had a nice zing in the mustard sauce. My fish pillows were fun and the side veg. was pea shoot---yum, yum and some rice. We had a $35.00 jessup zin that was LOADED with flavors. no one had room for dessert. ”
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mapleleafgirl
(480) reviews
11/21/2004
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Cuisine:
Chinese
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Embarcadero |
| “ Shanghai 1930 is a very cool atmosphere, great LIVE jazz music & really great food. It is a bit pricy...but its worth the treat every once and a while. We tried the firecracker chicken...really tasty...spicy...but not crazy. The Peking Duck---YEAH,,,,it was fabulous...defiently worth every penny.
Give it a try...next time you want a full evening of entertainment.
UPDATE 10/5/2007: Try the beggars chicken! You have to order it 24hours in advance...fabulous. Still love the place
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