ZipPicks Awards
Best Chinese in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Master Critic Review
Shanghai Terrace
9.0
Inside The Peninsula Chicago, Shanghai Terrace serves polished Cantonese and Shanghainese dishes, from Beijing duck to delicate dim sum, in a 1930s supper-club dining room and on a skyline-facing terrace. It’s the area’s most formal Chinese option, pairing hotel-level service and cocktails with carefully executed plates built for celebrations and business entertaining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beijing Duck tableside service, BBQ Pork Buns, Kung Pao Chicken
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Hotel-level Cantonese with dim sum and duck in a terrace-backed, 1930s-inspired room.
Who should go: Fine-dining seekers, date nights, and business diners.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings or warm nights on the terrace.
What to order: Beijing duck, BBQ pork buns, Kung Pao chicken.
Insider tip: Book terrace seating in warm months for skyline views with dim sum.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet available at The Peninsula (premium pricing); nearby paid garages along Michigan Ave — street parking is scarce
Dress code: Upscale smart-casual; jackets and dresses common, refined attire recommended
Noise level: Low to moderate — conversation-friendly even during peak hours
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended; walk-ins rarely seated without a wait or may be unavailable
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait with a reservation; limited walk-in availability
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several dim sum and vegetable dishes can be made vegetarian on request
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable dishes may be adapted, but advance communication is helpful
Gluten-free options: Several items can be prepared gluten-free upon request; notify the server for guidance
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished service, intimate lighting, and terrace seating make it ideal for special-occasion or milestone first dates where a formal setting is appreciated.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but not guaranteed — the dining room often books out on weekends and convention weeks; call ahead or check for bar or terrace availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens who are comfortable in formal dining environments; high chairs and kids’ amenities are limited and the experience skews adult-focused.
Best For
Better for: Luxury Chinese dining, attentive hotel-level service, celebratory dinners, business entertaining, and terrace views with refined cocktails
Skip if: You want casual pricing, large group share-plates on a budget, or a loud, fast-casual Chinese spot