Shanghai Alley Gourmet — Restaurant in Oakville

I have never eaten food of such low quality in many years. Even the food courts in Chinese supermarkets offer much better food at a fraction of the cost. The experience was appalling from start to finish.

First, none of the ingredients here are fresh. Some ingredients in the dish were cold or even still frozen when presented. It was shocking to see that they didn’t even bother to thaw their ingredients properly. The broccoli was a prime example of this neglect, as it was clearly soft and mushy due to long-term freezing.

The taste was another huge letdown. The food was overwhelmingly salty, to the point where it was almost inedible. There was no complexity or craft in the flavors; everything tasted bland and unrefined. It felt like the dishes were thrown together without any thought or care.

Additionally, the presentation was poor. The food looked unappetizing and hastily prepared. For the high prices they charge, I expected a much higher quality of both taste and presentation. The cost is outrageous considering the low quality of the food. It’s extremely expensive for what you get, making the experience even more frustrating.

If you just want to find a place to have a conversation with friends, your topic will quickly become how bad the food is. We couldn’t even finish the food; more than half was left over. I packed it up and immediately threw it away in the nearest garbage can.

Overall, my experience at this establishment was extremely disappointing. I would strongly advise anyone to avoid this place. You’re better off eating at a food court in a Chinese supermarket, where you’ll get fresher, tastier food at a much lower cost. Save your money and...

Decided to stop here for lunch. Ordered the scallion pancakes, pork bao buns, scallion noodles, salt & pepper chicken wings and Shanghai cabbage.

First and foremost: the service is welcoming, friendly and helpful with the menu. They added to the dining experience.

Each dish was better than the next. The pancakes were crispy and flaky. The pork bao buns were light, fluffy and the pork filling had a great subtle Chinese five spice with pieces of pork belly. The noodles for the scallion noodles were perfectly al dente and the scallion oil was subtle but flavourful. The wings were cooked to perfection, crispy and well- seasoned.

The surprise star of the meal was the Shanghai cabbage, a thick slice of cabbage that is fried to crisp up the edges and finished in the oven with homemade yellow curry. It comes to the table on a platter served on top of the yellow curry sauce and sprinkled with roasted peanuts. It was utterly AWESOME, with the cabbage braised to perfection, harmoniously paired with the yellow curry sauce. For those who are vegetarians, this is a great substitute to meat dishes and equally filling. We will definitely return for this dish alone.

Shanghai Alley would be great for a date night meal or family style lunch/dinner. The staff is super helpful and the food is simply AWESOME. We will definitely be returning to...

Shanghai Alley Gourmet offers an authentic taste of traditional Shanghainese cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, high-quality local ingredients, free from MSG and additives, ensuring a healthy and flavorful dining experience.

The menu features a variety of handmade dim sum and noodles, with standout dishes such as the Xiao Long Bao, praised for their juiciness and rich flavor, and the Scallion Oil Noodles, noted for their perfect balance of savory tastes.

Another highlight is the Ginger Beef Sizzling Plate, which combines tender beef ribs with a medley of spices, creating a delightful sensory experience.

Diners appreciate the restaurant's charming ambiance, enhanced by jazzy music and thoughtful decor, making it an ideal spot for both casual meals and special occasions.

The staff is frequently commended for their exceptional service, contributing to a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere.

While the majority of reviews are positive, some patrons have noted areas for improvement, such as the quality of certain dishes and service speed.

However, the overall consensus highlights Shanghai Alley Gourmet as a delightful destination for those seeking genuine Shanghainese flavors in the heart...