TLDR
Elegant Shanghainese cuisine with unique, fun dishes like beggar's chicken and renowned soup dumplings.
Details
Step into a world of elegant Shanghainese cuisine at this popular St. Marks Place eatery, where an imperial-inspired design with red and cream lanterns creates a visually stunning atmosphere. This gem is a frequent destination, often with a line to prove its popularity. While the menu is extensive, don't hesitate to ask your server for regional highlights. Must-try Shanghainese specialties include the tender chicken soaked in Shaoxing wine, comforting stir-fried rice cakes with pork and leeks, and the delicate peach resin stew with crabmeat. For those seeking a bit of heat, the house special fish stew with Sichuan peppercorns is an unexpected but highly recommended Sichuan offering. Beyond the savory, the desserts are also a delightful surprise. With a sister restaurant in Flushing, this establishment offers a refined take on Chinese flavors.
Food Overview
This restaurant specializes in Shanghainese cuisine, with a menu that offers both familiar and regional highlights. Diners particularly enjoy the soup dumplings (XLB), with one user calling them their current favorite in NYC. Other highly recommended dishes include the beggar's chicken, chicken soaked in Shaoxing wine, stir-fried rice cakes with pork and leeks, and peach resin stew with crabmeat. Surprisingly, the house special fish stew with Sichuan peppercorns is also a standout dish. The restaurant is also noted for having excellent desserts and a memorable braised pork belly.
Highlights / Recommended
"Highly recommended dishes include their soup dumplings (XLB), beggar's chicken, chicken soaked in Shaoxing wine, stir-fried rice cakes with pork and leeks, peach resin stew with crabmeat, and their special fish stew with Sichuan peppercorns."
Customer Sentiment
Customers generally have a very positive sentiment towards this restaurant, frequently recommending it for its Shanghainese cuisine. Specific dishes like soup dumplings and beggar's chicken are highlighted as must-tries, with many appreciating the well-executed flavors and unique presentation. The ambiance is also frequently praised, described as visually appealing and elegant. Some users suggest that while it's a great option for regional Chinese food, it might not be as spicy as other Sichuan-focused restaurants. There's also a note about a Flushing location potentially being better than the St. Mark's Place one.
Caveats
One user mentioned hearing that the Flushing location might be better than the St. Mark's Place one. It's also noted that while some dishes are praised for heat (like the Sichuan fish stew), the overall Shanghainese focus might mean less spice compared to dedicated Sichuan restaurants.
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About ZHELI SHANGHAI
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Upscale Chinese Food Thats Actually Good
"CheLi is mentioned as being a nicer option than Pinch or Hwa Yuan Szechuan, but still a step below Hutong in terms of fine dining."
NeutralFrom post: Yeschef Food Fest Was Awful
"The commenter heard that the Che Li location in Flushing is better than the one on St. Mark's, indicating a preference for the Flushing branch."
PositiveFrom post: What Fell Off The Ny Times List
"This user believes CheLi should still be included on the NY Times list."
PositiveFrom post: What Fell Off The Ny Times List
"CheLi was included in a comprehensive list of restaurants that did not make it onto the 2025 NY Times list."
NeutralFrom post: Best Nonsichuan Mainland Chinese Restaurants In
"CheLi on St Marks is considered pretty good by the user, who has had positive experiences there. They also note that its Shanghainese style is not particularly spicy, aligning with the post's request for non-spicy mainland Chinese food."
Positive