818 Shanghai

818 Shanghai is a Chinese Restaurant located at 7860 Glades Rd in Boca Raton, Florida. Formerly known as Shanghai City, this establishment has been a long-standing presence in the plaza since the late 1980s, serving the local community with a range of Chinese culinary options. While the restaurant has undergone a name change to 818 Shanghai, it retains much of its original interior from its Shanghai City days. This introduction aims to provide an objective overview of 818 Shanghai based on recent customer feedback regarding its environment, services, features, and food quality.

The menu at 818 Shanghai appears to be a blend of familiar American Chinese classics and newer additions, particularly a dim sum menu and some Cantonese dishes. While the main menu still operates under the old Shanghai City branding, suggesting it remains largely unchanged, the introduction of dim sum indicates an effort to expand their offerings and cater to a broader range of preferences. It is noted that the dim sum menu was in the process of being reprinted at the time of one review, and customers should be aware that the English translations may not always accurately reflect the Chinese descriptions, necessitating careful double-checking when ordering.

Customer reviews present a mixed picture of the dining experience at 818 Shanghai. One reviewer expressed high satisfaction, stating that the food was "so delicious" that they ordered again the following night. They also praised the "great value" for the quality and portions of the food, specifically mentioning the beef with asparagus as "delicious" and highly recommending the restaurant. This positive feedback suggests that some customers find the food to be of good quality and value.

However, another reviewer provided a more critical assessment, particularly regarding the restaurant's environment. They noted that the interior, largely unchanged from its Shanghai City days, is showing its age and is in need of renovation and a deep cleaning. Specific issues mentioned include noticeable stains on the walls and sticky tiles. The continued use of the original Shanghai City menus with worn-out holders also contributed to a negative first impression. This feedback indicates that the ambiance of 818 Shanghai may not be appealing to all customers and that the establishment could benefit from updating its physical appearance.

Regarding the food itself, the second reviewer's experience was less positive than the first. While their dining companions reportedly enjoyed the food more, this reviewer found the dishes they tried to be underseasoned and lacking in flavor. They speculated that the kitchen might be intentionally holding back on seasoning, possibly omitting MSG to cater to local tastes. This blandness was similar to their experience at another restaurant under the same ownership, leading to an overall underwhelming impression. They did note that the ingredients in the beef chow fun were fresh, with crisp bean sprouts and tenderized beef, but the dish lacked depth of flavor. Similarly, the pork fried rice was well-executed in terms of texture and preparation but was also bland.

The services at 818 Shanghai likely include both dine-in and takeout options, as is typical for a Chinese restaurant. The positive review mentioned ordering for two consecutive nights, implying the availability of takeout. The negative review details a dine-in experience. The friendly service mentioned by the first reviewer suggests a positive aspect of their customer interaction. However, the second review does not specifically comment on the service, focusing more on the food and environment. Customers can likely place orders by phone using the provided numbers, (561) 482-1291 and +1 561-482-1291.

Features of 818 Shanghai include its long-standing presence in the community under its previous name, Shanghai City. The recent addition of a dim sum menu and new Cantonese dishes represents an effort to evolve and expand its culinary offerings. However, the retention of the old Shanghai City branding on the main menu suggests a somewhat incomplete transition. The inconsistency in flavor, with one customer praising the deliciousness and another finding the food bland, could be a point of consideration for potential diners. The generous portions and good value highlighted by one reviewer are positive features. The need for renovation and improved cleanliness, as pointed out by another, are areas where the restaurant could improve its appeal.

No specific promotional information for 818 Shanghai was included in the provided reviews. It is common for restaurants to offer lunch specials, combination deals, or discounts on certain days or times. Local users interested in any potential promotions should check local advertising, online platforms if the restaurant has a presence, or inquire directly when contacting the restaurant via phone.

In conclusion, 818 Shanghai in Boca Raton, FL, is a Chinese Restaurant with a history as Shanghai City, offering a menu that blends American Chinese classics with newer dim sum and Cantonese options. While one customer praised the delicious food, good value, and generous portions, another highlighted concerns about the aging interior, the need for better cleanliness, and issues with the seasoning and flavor of some dishes. The restaurant appears to be in a state of transition with its new name and menu additions, but the physical environment has yet to be updated. Potential customers may want to consider these mixed reviews when deciding whether to dine at 818 Shanghai, perhaps trying a variety of dishes from both the old and new menus to form their own opinion. Checking for any recent renovations or improvements to the environment might also be beneficial.