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This article is part of "Revisited". In "Revisited," SmartShanghai sends reviewers out for seconds at the city's familiar and long-lasting restaurants, eateries and cafes to find out what has enabled some restaurants to succeed and improve when others have been little more than flavors of the month. . More of Revisited here »

[Revisited] Saleya

Cirque du Saleya on Changle Lu - By Hien, Jun 12, 08

Usually SmartShanghai doesn't write about venues lacking in positive attributes -- we prefer to offer personal recommendations rather than professional reviews. However, Saleya, a French bistro on Changle Lu, has generated an overwhelming amount of user commentary recently, and we just had to head down to see what all the fuss was about. Given that the restaurant does have an inviting garden, we decided to revisit and investigate the source of such torrentially bad reviews to see if there was any merit to all the complaining. In short: the nays have it, and my experience has me dishing the proverbial (and in this case literal) dirt.

I walk past Saleya regularly so am aware that they still pack 'em in, especially on sunny days. Actually, I'm often tempted to return to Saleya since I live close by and laziness rules, but I hadn't been back for more than two years on account of the crowds. Last time I tried to dine there, the table we were waiting for was given away to stragglers who came in after us. We vowed never to return.
Alas, grudges never last and one sunny Saturday we took our chances and headed back for another go. This time we were seated without delay and it wasn't long before the waitress appeared ready to take orders.

I took the limited, bistro-style menu as a good sign -- too many choices can overwhelm a kitchen staff and nothing turns out right. We hadn't really brought our appetites with us, so given a choice between a two-dish set for 78rmb or a three dish for 88rmb we opted for the former with the intention of splitting the dishes between us.

The service was fast -- food arrived almost immediately -- but the dishes themselves left us wondering why we had returned. At best the food resembled my home cooking on a lethargic day (which, actually is not all that dreadful). I filled up on a nothing-to-write-home-about Chicken Liver Salad presented home style. Although not obscenely expensive, the food should have tasted a little better for the money.

As it turns out, sharing the two-course set is not permitted at Saleya. Had this regulation been announced at the time of ordering, or indicated somewhere on the menu in fine print, I wouldn't have been so upset. But the menu doesn't even offer single course dishes, so how was one to guess? The managerial staff might consider charging higher prices for single dishes to avoid misleading the customer.

Once upon a time in Shanghai restaurants like these placated the masses. But now, with so many professional restaurateurs opening well-managed affairs (Nova and De Lys being two great alternatives), venues like Saleya -- bad value-for-money -- may become extinct, assuming Darwin's principles apply to eateries.

Write a user review for Saleya here

urgent

Jun 13, 08

I've been frequenting Saleya for lunch for a few years now, and MOST of my experiences have been excellent. There were a few exceptions, mostly random bad service, in recent visits. Unfortunately the new manager guy seems completely aloof and arrogant.

alexdaune

Jun 22, 08

Hi guys, my name is Alex the owner of Bistro Le Saleya since the beginning and with 2 other restaurants 570 and La Grange.(which are different by the style and the food) Glad to hear a bad or good comment on Saleya and of course love to reply. This restaurant might be a surprise to you but it is not a restaurant it is a bistro concept. Which means if you go once to Paris you will see its originality. a simple black board with fresh food served everyday and over 160 kinds of wine at a very reasonable price. You are right when you say we are serving family¡¯s food. That is our aim concept. Coming anytime you like, enjoy a cool atmosphere simple food and good wine. I am trying to understand how you can compare a QQ car with a Passat. (We are a the QQ. small, trying to be fast and mechanical problem time to time) It seems to be difficult. NOVA is not a bistro but a trendy restaurant and Des Lys which is one of my favorite place. In order to make it short as myself a customer since 14 years in Shanghai, i can honestly say we do make mistake but we always trying our best to serve you in time and with a smile. you should come have a look to the new menu and brand new decoration inside. very best regards, Alex

POG

Jun 24, 08

Le Saleya stay one of my favorite restaurant in Shanghai for the food quality, the price and the welcoming. I am quite surprised by your comments. Perhaps you should re-revisited it...

tonio

Jul 20, 08

I am also suprised by this review, this restaurant is representing France culture and all that is good within... I really don't agree with that article, which shall consider the bistro atmosphere and not a vulgar fusion restaurant.

Coline

Aug 16, 08

Warning : This restaurant can be a real big disappointment. Last time i went there, i ordered a "duck confit". In my plate, i found some chicken. I told the owner that it wasn't duck but chicken, the guy insisted by saying "sorry, we cannot find the same quality of duck in China and France".... As a girl from South West France, i can tell the difference between duck and chicken, as much as a Chinese person. Since then, i feel this restaurant is a sad joke, and i hope people would be able to enjoy real French food in others places. Good job for the owner : a real Clown in the Saleya Circus!
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