Very Good Chinese
While there is a branch of this restaurant in midtown (west), the Chinatown branch is where you want to go. The room is not that large but is filled to the brim with tables both large and small. Seating can be at a private table or family style at a large, round table (this is typical Chinese family style seating). The decor is rundown Chinatown, having been not too tastefully renovated in the not too distant past and having had multitudes served within. The service is cordial and attentive but we're not comparing this restaurant (or its food) to Le Bernardin.

The food is generally very good but not gourmet. In other words, it is delicious and well prepared but not with the attention to detail, finish and presentation that you'd expect of gourmet food. The fried dishes can be a bit oily but not overwhelmingly so or perhaps they taste good enough that the cooks can be forgiven. One dish that always seems way too oily is their rendition of squid with salt and peppers.

That said, try everything. Even their version of usually mundane dishes such as chicken and broccoli is very tasty. Try their specials, too, as they are based on the fresh fish and vegetables in the markets that day. The portions are usually generous and many dishes can be split three or four ways.

As a final note, get the pork and crab soup dumplings. They're a taste sensation. One order can feed two as an appetizer or if you really, really like them, get two orders and share them as an entree.    [16 May 2003 19:11:11]

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     ­Anonymous, New York, NY   

Great food!
We loved this restaurant!! The soup dumplings were sensational as was the rest of our meal! We'll be back!    [12 Jan 2004 15:42:12]

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Recommended Dishes: soup dumplings, beef with string beans

     ­Anonymous   

Best Shrimp Pork Dumplings!
I live in the midwest and good Chinese food is difficult to find here. All I can say is that I am completely hooked on Joe Shanghai. It was the best Chinese food I've had in a long time. I make a point of going there to eat whenever I'm in NYC.    [23 May 2007 09:21:19]

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     ­JMM, Detroit, MI