Rui's Shanghai Bistro — Restaurant in Redlands

Very nice space for a meal. Spacious table settings and atmosphere. When we arrived at around 5:15, there is three or four other parties there. There. We were only a party of two so we were seated immediately. The place was packed and people continuing to stream in. So it's obviously a trusted find in the oasis area of Redlands.

Only gave it a four as service was a bit slow. Considering that we were only three or four parties in the entire restaurant. It appeared as we went along that the waiters tended to hover outside of our area and we're looking for keys like us closing our menus before they came over.

We ordered the potstickers as an appetizer, moo shu vegetable, crispy beef, and sliced pork with garlic sauce.

Food: menu was extensive, repeat extensive. Fantastic! Variety of dishes in all categories including a few non- traditional items. Very very quick to come out, the mushu took a little longer to arrive which was fine. However, they may want to consider letting parties complete their appetizers before bringing out the mains. We were two pot stickers into our appetizers when our meal arrived. In case you're not familiar, everything is serve family style. So you place the dishes in the center and everybody serves a little bit from each dish and enjoys. This isn't always how people do it, but it's the tradition. This usually incorporates an appetizer, at least one main dish per person plus one extra or a rice dish. They serve steamed white rice complementary.

There were a couple of interesting areas that I gave them a little bit of a hit on. First was when we are meal was completed, we ask for to go boxes. In all other experiences in Chinese restaurants, the waiter usually packs your leftovers. Here, they just deliver the boxes, bag etc. and you pack your own. The second area which is minor but is always a nice addition, but is more of an American type thing is the provision of fortune cookies with the bill. This is not done here.

The last area is just something for people that are looking for a new Chinese restaurant and have their old favorite restaurant flavors in mind. In my experience, many general Chinese restaurants are following a specific province flavor profile, like Cantonese. Has the name of the restaurant states, this is Shanghai which includes many more fish dishes as the location is near the ocean. Additionally, there was duck, lamb, various soups, dumplings, etc.

Overall, I would give the experience an...

This was our 3rd time dining here, and while we’ve had good experiences in the past, today’s visit was disappointing enough that we won’t be returning — all due to ONE server’s attitude.

We ordered Mapo Tofu (with a clear request for no peppercorn), Kung Pao Chicken, Scallion Noodles, Coke, and a Beef Scallion Wrap. I made the request directly to our server — a mid-age woman with her hair tied back. The kitchen had followed the same request without issue during our previous visits.

When the food arrived (brought out by someone else), my partner and I quickly noticed that the Mapo Tofu still had the typical amount of peppercorn. Both of us experienced that distinct numbing sensation. When we brought it up to the server, she defensively denied it and said there was no peppercorn and it’s just because it’s spicy. I calmly explained that I eat very spicy food regularly and could clearly tell the difference between heat and numbness. Instead of acknowledging the concern, she gave me a look and repeatedly insisted it was just spicy.

Eventually, she offered to remake the dish but said it would take a while. Since we were already eating, I asked to have it packed to-go.

When the check arrived, I noticed we were charged for a Coke we never received, and we also hadn’t gotten any lemon or utensils that we had asked for. As soon as I said, “The Coke—”, she cut me off mid-sentence and made a dismissive hand gesture, like waving off a fly. She came back a moment later, said “There, no Coke,” and left — without an apology or any courtesy.

By then, I felt too uncomfortable to even check the remade Mapo Tofu until I got home, where I found PLAIN tofu with ZERO seasoning and a soy sauce packet tossed into the bag.

To be clear: the host and other servers here have always been great — this review is strictly about one server’s unprofessional and dismissive behavior. Unfortunately, it was enough to make us decide...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at a Chinese restaurant in Redlands, and I must say, the experience was absolutely delightful. From the moment I stepped foot into the restaurant, I was greeted with warm smiles and excellent customer service.

The staff went above and beyond to ensure that my dining experience was exceptional. They were attentive, patient, and genuinely interested in making sure I had everything I needed. They happily answered all my questions, provided insightful recommendations, and even accommodated my dietary preferences without any hesitation.

Now, let's talk about the food. The menu offered an extensive array of traditional Chinese dishes, all bursting with flavors that transported me to the bustling streets of China. Each dish was meticulously prepared with fresh ingredients, and the attention to detail was evident in every bite.

One particular dish that stole the show was the Kung Pao Chicken. The tender chicken pieces were perfectly cooked and coated in a rich, slightly spicy sauce that brought an exquisite balance of flavors. The dish was garnished with crunchy peanuts and scallions, adding a delightful texture and enhancing the overall experience. It was truly a masterpiece.

The ambiance of the restaurant was inviting and cozy. The decor had subtle Chinese influences, creating a welcoming atmosphere to enjoy the meal. The cleanliness and attention to detail in maintaining the restaurant's appearance were also commendable.

I must say, this Chinese restaurant in Redlands stands out among the rest, not only for its amazing food but also for its exceptional customer service. It is evident that they prioritize their customers' satisfaction, and it certainly made a lasting impression on me. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking an extraordinary Chinese...