Elegant Shanghainese cuisine with unique, fun dishes like beggar's chicken and renowned soup dumplings.
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.
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.
"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."
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.
Important Note
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.
"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."
Neutral"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."
Positive"This user believes CheLi should still be included on the NY Times list."
Positive"CheLi was included in a comprehensive list of restaurants that did not make it onto the 2025 NY Times list."
Neutral"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"CheLi is recommended as a suitable alternative for those seeking less spicy options compared to Mountain House."
Positive"CheLi is noted as a sister restaurant to Mountain House, implying a similar culinary style or experience."
Neutral"User manicakes1 suggests CheLi for higher-end Chinese food, noting it almost always has tables available."
Positive"carefullywasnt considers the braised pork belly at Cheli to be the best they've had. This comment was in response to a request about pork belly in Chinatown, but carefullywasnt mentions this restaurant is not in Chinatown."
Positive"A commenter recommended CheLi for soup dumplings and mentioned it is also great for desserts."
Positive"Recommends Che Li as another excellent Chinese option in Manhattan, noted for having less of a Szechuan focus compared to Uluh."
Positive"Recommended for regional Chinese food in a visually appealing setting, offering some "wowing" dishes."
Positive"Recommends CheLi for Chinese food (Shanghainese)."
Positive"Recommends Che Li."
Positive"Chinese food in NYC is way better than London - Cafe China and Cheli are both a bit more upscale."
Positive"fantastic Shanghainese, very 'fun' dishes (beggar's chicken)"
Positive"CheLi has some great sweet options"
Positive"Has XLB and takes reservations. Current favorite XLB in NYC."
Positive
