It began as a tiny space in downtown Bristol, seating no more than 25 at a time. The Chens, along with their three young children, worked hard to create the friendliest space and serve the tastiest dishes. Through the years, the restaurant has been voted the best Chinese restaurant in Bristol. A decade and a half later, the Shanghai Chinese Restaurant has expanded both our space and offerings.
While we can seat more than a hundred now, it remains our promise to maintain the friendly, familiar atmosphere. We are big enough to serve you and small enough to know you! We must thank the community of the Bristol and greater Tri-Cities region for the support they have shown the Shanghai Restaurant and the Chen family over the years.
While we can seat more than a hundred now, it remains our promise to maintain the friendly, familiar atmosphere. We are big enough to serve you and small enough to know you! We must thank the community of the Bristol and greater Tri-Cities region for the support they have shown the Shanghai Restaurant and the Chen family over the years.
Reviews (14)
Ashton B.
Jun 29, 2020
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Growing up in Bristol, my family and I always ordered Chinese delivery from Shanghai. I've always loved their food, especially the beef and broccoli and cashew chicken. Now that I've moved away, I've not been able to find anywhere that is as good as this place. I always eat here at least twice when I'm in town. It's the best place to order for take-out or delivery.
Katie T.
Dec 03, 2019
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Inna K.
Aug 24, 2019
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Love love love this place. It's so quaint! When you first walk in you see a lot of family history on the walls and just an overall really homey feeling. The food however, is INCREDIBLE. Everything tastes so fresh and well seasoned! The gentleman running the place was so kind and attentive, we just had an amazing experience overall. Would 100% come again.
Heather K.
Jul 24, 2017
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Wow! We passed another Chinese restaurant bc we didn't like their location and feared the food would be no good...so we decided to try this place mainly for the central location on State St. it was a Saturday night at 7pm and we decided to go with the dinner buffet....WHAT A MISTAKE! My husband and I were joking that the dinner buffet was actually from lunch! NOTHING was fresh! The young girl serving us was so sweet though! However, I will never get the buffet again. I may try ordering off the menu next time just to give it one more shot-only bc I LOVE Chinese food.
C. W.
Jun 18, 2017
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K. Aristotelis S.
Aug 08, 2016
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No frills, very independent feeling hole in the wall restaurant serving up the usual Americanized Chinese fare at a reasonable price. The restaurant is small, sparsely decorated, clean, quiet, and oddly deserted on a pleasant Sunday evening (though truthfully I'm an out of town traveler and the entire State Street looks just this side of dicey, maybe this is just a dying part of Bristol). My server was also working the kitchen this evening, and between appetizer and entree, was receiving deliveries of watermelon through the front door. I had my usual at almost every first visit to a Chinese
Pete S.
May 31, 2016
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Teresa L.
Jan 09, 2014
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Shang Hai is THE Chinese Restaurant in Bristol. It's definitely a family affair. We've watched their children grow up working in the restaurant, doing their homework, and practicing the piano. Then they've gone off to some of the country's best universities and medical schools, and now they're getting married.
We particularly like the egg drop and chicken & corn soups, crab rangoon with their delicious ginger sauce, shrimp lo mein, pad thai, and beef with broccoli or mushrooms. My husband enjoys their spicier dishes! Everything is freshly made in the kitchen.
The
We particularly like the egg drop and chicken & corn soups, crab rangoon with their delicious ginger sauce, shrimp lo mein, pad thai, and beef with broccoli or mushrooms. My husband enjoys their spicier dishes! Everything is freshly made in the kitchen.
The
Klaire M.
Dec 01, 2013
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First time here as we traveled back home to Virginia. The staff was very friendly and prompt. The flavor of the Buffet was good. However, the food was luke warm! The restaurant was filled with patrons. Decor is tacky. If you want quick, courteous, service and good food, this will accommodate your needs.
Amanda L.
Oct 18, 2013
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Was on a road trip over the long weekend and drove through Bristol looking for a good home cooked meal. Stopped by this place and was eagerly welcomed by the host. The establishment looked friendly for a small town restaurant. We chose to order more traditional dishes from the menu and everything tasted just like my grandmother's home cooking. The dishes were authentic and portions were generous. We will definitely stop by again when we're in the area.
Cory L.
Oct 18, 2013
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This is a classic mom and pop type restaurant, Dad is running the kitchen, mom and other family is running the front of the house. The owners were sweet and genuine, greeting me with a, "hello" as I walked in. While it wasn't the fanciest of venues the focus was obviously on the food. Buffet was great, the pan friend dumplings were fresh and the sauce that goes with it (which I heard is made right in the kitchen) was delicious. I also loved the chicken wings, couldn't get enough of them. I heard from others that food off the menu is even better.
Final Verdict: sweet little
Final Verdict: sweet little
Cheryl L.
Sep 15, 2013
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This is the worse Chinese buffet ever. We were traveling to Gatlinburg area and made a pit stop here on a Friday night. First off, there were only 3 couples/families in the place on Friday evening. The food on the buffet was dried out, skimpy on meats, and just didn't look fresh. I don't expect much for a 9.00 all you can eat Chinese buffet, but this one was terrible! I got a half plate of food and couldn't bear my self to eat at this run down looking establishment. Note for others.. Don't use the bathrooms. Yuck!
Eileen D.
Mar 07, 2012
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Eli B.
Jun 11, 2010
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On a long road trip with two friends, driving from Montana to New Jersey. Our day began in the northern suburbs of Chicago and ended over a pile of steaming, savory delicacies at Shang Hai restaurant in Bristol. The food was wonderful, but what makes this place so special is the familiar feel. Be sure to say hi to co-owners (husband and wife team) Chen and Ying! And the dumplings are not to be missed!
