user Clemence

Sun Jul 29th 2007

I went to Yi Cafe at the Shanghai Shangri-La last night, Saturday 28th July. We arrived at 7pm, we were 6 people gathering for a birthday dinner. We had a great table by the window, as requested when booking was made. Good start. We had 2 waiters constantly around but discreet, checking our table (any empty plates? cutlery replacement needed?) not asking/interrupting our conversations. Appreciated. At some point I needed something and tried to find the closest waiter, so waved; the Manager speed-walked to assist me, with a big smile on her face. Regarding the service, this place is amazing, such a pleasure in the good-service-can't-be-bothered city that is Shanghai. The food was impressive too. The sushi bar is so tempting, new sushi made just for you, very fresh! The thai station (even though limited in choice) was very tasty. Being French, I was really pleased to find smelly cheese, ideal with fresh salads and high-quality imported smoked ham. These were 3 stations. On the other side of the room, you find the Chinese station (which I didn't try...), Indian st. and "European" st. The Indian food was excellent, then I still had to try the European station. This perfectly cooked roast beef with trimmings, and that lovely creamy mushroom sauce, wow! Then I went for dessert, a few slices of fruits and 2 mini-cakes. I was so full I had to skip the sweets and ice cream. I can't remember the last time I ate that much; and kind of regretted it a bit once we left as I was feeling a bit sick - my fault! As per recommended on other reviews, I did have small portions in order to try everything, but well, I ended up having about 7 half-full plates and share 1 bottle of white wine with another person. The price for this experience is really good value for money. We were happily surprised with the wine list: really affordable. Our bottle of wine was under RMB 200 (+15 %, but still, a good surprise). Finally, as we were about to pay and leave, the Manager (the one that had ran towards me to assist earlier) came to us and asked if there was a birthday to celebrate within our group. When we said yes, she said they had prepared a surprise for us (but kind of forgot about it): they came back with a birthday cake! We were very touched (but our friend took it home, we couldn't eat anymore). All in all, a very great place to try at least once. I will go again, but try to have less and more selected food. It's 11.30 am the day after and I feel so full still. I definitely over did it.

user Clemence

Sun Jul 29th 2007

can't find the "delete your own reviews" on My Account. Can Smartshanghai delete these two wrongly sent msg please?

user Clemence

Sun Jul 29th 2007

wrongly submitted, see the right review. sorry.

user Brad

Sun Oct 22nd 2006

I've tried most of the 5star hotel buffest in Shanghai, Yi Cafe is the best. At 270rmb + service charge it's about the same price as the Marriott on Peoples Square and the Hyatt - both offer a great view which Yi cafe doesn't have as it's located on the 2nd floor. However if food is more important than view, go to Yi Cafe. Best part is that you can tell the Chefs exatly what you want, and how you want it.