Message from Shanghai River Restaurant

First to bring Szechuan cooking to Houston since 1970
  • Delivery available
  • Nine Marvin Zindler Awards
  • Zagat-best meal deals

Since the opening of their first restaurant in Houston, Texas in 1970, the Wang family has consistently served first-rate Hunan and Szechuan cuisine from their homemade recipes. The atmosphere is understated elegance with crisp white linens and candlelight against the background of gleaming walnut paneling, beveled mirrors and crystal chandeliers. Antique Chinese screens and paintings adorn the walls. A secluded intimate bar for cocktails and dining is set aside, as well as a wine room overlooking the main dining room. Catering available.

MarkerShanghai River Restaurant

(713) 528-5528

2407 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77098

Editorial Description by Citysearch
Longtime River Oaks favorite for white tablecloth dining and authentic Chinese flavors.
Rated 9.3 out of 10 by Citysearch.

A message from Shanghai River Restaurant

We are a family-owned and operated establishment in Houston, Texas that has been serving Szechuan and Hunan cuisine since 1970 that is fit for a president, literally! Our executive chef, David Wang’s recipes are family traditions passed down to him by his father, Chef Yung-Lin Wang, whom was the personal chef for the President of Taiwan at the time, Chiang Ching-Kuo. -Marvin Zindler's Blue Ribbon Award 1999-2007 For more information and menu, visit: www.ShanghaiRiverRestaurant.com

2 Reviews of Shanghai River Restaurant in Houston

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CAN'T BELIEVE HOW BAD THE FOOD WAS  1 Star Rating - Unsatisfactory

Wow. That was the most disappointing chinese food I think we've ever had in our lives. My boyfriend, who will eat just about anything, even refused to take a second bite. They are closed, but in the morning we are bringing everything except the dumplings (just needed jelly and you have a pb&j) and greasy egg rolls(because it's the only two decent items in the order...and we were very hungry) back for a refund. DO NOT RECOMMEND!!!

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Good Shanghai food  3 Star Rating - Satisfactory

The customer service is good normally. The food comes kinda slow during the busy hours. The food tastes pretty typical. Meanwhile, there are much variety. The price is OK. A little bit expensive, like all Shanghai food.

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5 Reviews by Citysearch: (read all 13 reviews on Citysearch)

Not edible 1 Star Rating - Unsatisfactory

Wow. That was the most disappointing chinese food I think we've ever had in our lives. My boyfriend, who will eat just about anything, even refused to take a second bite. They are closed, but in the morning we are bringing everything except the dumplings (just needed jelly and you have a pb&j) and greasy egg rolls(because it's the only decent thing in the order) back for a refund. DO NOT RECOMMEND!!!

Pros: Fast takeout.
Cons: Food is honestly disgusting.
Posted 10/03/08 at 9:32pm

Highly Recommended 5 Star Rating - World class

This is the best place we have found in Houston to go for Chinese food. This is one of the only places in town that serves schezuan shrimp and they do it well. The food here has never been greasy or of poor quality. Service has always been great and waiters are polite and attentive.

It is in a very nice setting which you would not expect upon driving up to it in a strip mall. The decor is very classy with a Chinese flair. It would be fine for a date. Portions are good. The prices may seem a little more expensive than other restaurants, but we have found none that compare to the quality put forth from this restaurant.

Everything that we have ordered has been good. The sizzling soup is tasty in a comforting way. I really enjoyed the Peking duck which is served table side and schezuan shrimp. I always order their hot tea - you get your own teapot to yourself. We highly recommend this restaurant as so far it has been outstanding in service, quality, and taste.

Pros: Romantic, Food, Parking, Decor, Service, Selection, Date Place
Cons: Not so great for young kids as sometimes it's pretty quiet
Posted 09/18/08 at 4:16pm

Good Food, Bad Service 3 Star Rating - Satisfactory

We went to Shanghai River recently. The food was great as usual , the ambiance is beautiful as well. The only problem that make us feel very uncomfortable was the waitress . She was rude , have the dont care attitude and never smile.

Pros: Ambience,food,parking
Cons: service
Posted 06/22/08 at 3:35am

This is my favorite Chinese restaurant 5 Star Rating - World class

My favorites are the steamed vegetable dumplings and pan fried dumplings. I can't seem to find them better anywhere else in town. There was only one occasion that I had the pan fried dumplings delivered, and they definitely taste better when you are there eating them at the restaurant because they are more crisp. I have been coming here for years and it is one of my favorite places to eat at. I also recommend the barbecue ribs and peking duck!!

Posted 05/21/08 at 5:06pm

Not great! 1 Star Rating - Unsatisfactory

I read all of these great reviews on here, so I went with a couple of friends. Our waitor was horrible. She ignored us. The food took forever, and the good was not good. I've had way better Chinese food at other restaurants for cheaper prices. They overcharged my debit card, and eventually they put the money back. I do not recommend it.

Pros: Manager was nice
Cons: Everything
Posted 09/25/07 at 5:45pm