Shanghai

Surprised to read all these bad comments about service. Certainly wasn't my experience. Waitresses were friendly - one even suggesting (correctly) that we were probably ordering too much. Food was above average for a Chinese restaurant in this price range, although nothing to get over excited about. I'm not a Dalston regular, so not sure whether I'd go back specially but if they've taken on board the complaints about the service, then good on 'em.
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Jonathan - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 6
Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Having been here on a handful of ocassions, with only minor incidents of rudeness from the staff, I headed down on a Sunday afternoon for some dim sum. Although my girlfriend was running late having been stuck in traffic, I managed to secure a table for two, having explained the situation and promptly ordered a drink and some prawn crackers.

After about 15 minutes, I was told in no uncertain terms that if my dining companion did not turn up within a minute, I would be asked to leave! I laughed this off and said I'd order right away as she wouldn't be long.

On her arrival, we enjoyed some decent dim sum and, naturally wanted second helpings of the excellent cheung fun. Upon asking, we were told by the waiter that this was not allowed as we had been warned that second helpings were not permitted! In disbelief, we quickly finished our dumplings and asked for the bil. However, for the staff, the fun was not over yet and and we were again reprimanded for my girlfriends unacceptable tardiness! We explained that we were paying customers and their rudeness was completely unjustified; as a result we would not be returning. To this they didn't blink an eyelid!

All in all we were told off three times by the humourless, miserable staff who seemed to be there only to make the customers lives a misery! I suggest you avoid this place at all costs unless you get some kind of kick out of being disciplined whilst munching on your dim sum.
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James
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 3
Monday, March 09, 2009

Being local to the area we used to visit Shanghai regularly, tempted by the tasty and reasonably priced food, and the informal, comfortable atmosphere (and the cool little booths in the front area). However at some point in the last six months, the service (which used to be hit and miss but reasonable) has got so bad, we rarely visit now. I keep telling myself 'just one more chance', but Shanghai has now had it's last chance. Two of the main waiting staff are rude, miserable and look down their noses at their customers (even regular ones!). It is now really a quite unpleasant experience eating there. Shame, as the food deserves better. We've found a new Chinese cafe a mile or so further up Stoke Newington High Street where the food is just as good (but cheaper!), and the smiley staff bend over backwards to make your dining experience there a pleasurable one. So, sorry Shanghai, you had your chance!
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''Former'' Shanghai Customer
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Monday, January 26, 2009

The dim sum were not fresh and tasted as if they were straight from the frozen packs. We could not finish our food and asked to take away. The waiter said they charge £0.70 for the take away box! Service was just 'basic' though gratuity was added (10%) to the total bill. The food qualiy and service were bad compared to Chalk Farm's Yum Cha. What a disappointing experience at Shanghai for us, never again.
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Coco
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 1
Saturday, September 13, 2008

The best roast duck that I have ever tasted in London.
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yas - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Thursday, January 17, 2008

I went to Shanghai for dim sum on Saturday afternoon with my boyfriend. The service was good, attentive, but not overly so, though unfortunately one waiter seemed to be incapable of smiling. There is a large selection of dim sum to choose from and from the experience we had, I expect all are excellent. We ordered 6 different dishes which were all delicious and arrived promptly. The crab and pork dumplings were especially good, gorgeous texture and bursting with flavour.

This restaurant is a great find, excellent dim sum, speedy service and fantastic value - 6 dim sum dishes, 1 pot of jasmine tea and 1 bottle of Chinese beer came to £19.80 inc. service. We happened to be too early, but they also do dim sum happy hour 3pm - 5pm. We will definitely be back!
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ELG - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 10
Friday, January 11, 2008

Fantastic food. Service could be much improved... not very friendly, in fact sometimes downright rude. My friend and I entered the restaurant at 5 minutes to 3 on a Saturday for happy hour dim sum which starts at 3 o' clock. We did not start ordering until 5 past 3 but were still charged non-happy hour prices. Only after objecting quite strongly and pointing out that we were very regular customers, did they agree to charge us the reduced prices. We were told that we would be "let off" this time! We decided not to leave a tip.
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luvmybelly
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, April 03, 2007