Seemor
CHELI MANHATTAN 浙里A-Worth Trying
19 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003
· Chinese restaurant, Dim sum restaurant, Shanghainese restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (1341 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Destination-level Shanghainese with theatrical presentations and standout soup dumplings, but expect crowds, waits, and premium pricing with some service variability.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Cheli Manhattan delivers exceptional food quality—particularly standout soup dumplings and red-braised pork—paired with immersive Jiangnan decor that creates a theatrical, destination-worthy experience. However, inconsistent dish timing and occasional quality variation prevent grade A territory, and peak-time waits temper the otherwise strong service. A solid neighborhood standout for Shanghainese cuisine enthusiasts.
Restaurant Summary
Step off St. Marks and into a set piece of Jiangnan: carved wood, lantern glow, and dishes that sometimes arrive crackling or aflame. Service skews warm and guided—one guest noted it felt like a server was "reading the table"—and the room stays bustling and lively. Expect crowds, camera-friendly plates, and a touchpad menu that makes exploration feel fun and accessible. The cooking leans Jiangnan with a showman streak—think supple xiao long bao, glossy red-braised pork, and eel done sweet-sour or garlicky. The culinary approach is contemporary-traditional: classic flavors with theatrical plating and a few modern detours like hot-stone rice and tableside flames. It suits diners who enjoy shareable plates, deeper regional Chinese flavors, and a bit of spectacle. Families do fine here if kids like familiar comforts: fried rice and noodles, sweet-sour tenderloin, and mild dumplings are easy wins. There is no formal kids menu, but portions encourage sharing. Note that some Jiangnan dishes run sweet or spicy; conservative palates should stick to the rice, noodles, and gentler dim sum, and consider asking servers for milder guidance.
At a Glance
- Standout soup dumplings and red-braised pork
- Immersive Jiangnan decor with theatrical presentations
- Peak-time waits and occasional staggered pacing
- Pricing is premium for the neighborhood
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- tableside_flames_and_theatrics
- immersive_jiangnan_decor
- broad_dim_sum_plus_regional_specialties
What People Love
- The dumplings burst with rich broth
- Tableside flames and sizzling shows
- Warm, guiding servers who help order
- Decor that transports without feeling stuffy
Points of Concern
- Table waits can exceed an hour at peak; reservations still may wait briefly
- Dish timing can be uneven; a few reports of slow mains after quick starters
- Some find flavors too sweet or prices high for portions
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; CONCERN: Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$45-65 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For classic set: Pork Soup Dumplings + Che Li Pork Belly + Stir-Fried String Beans + Golden Egg Fried Rice (~$68 before tax/tip for two to share)
- For seafood-forward: Garlic Steamed Butterfly Prawns + Hot Stone Braised Rice + Lotus Pond Stir Fry (~$70-74 before tax/tip)
Perfect For
- Date night with shareable plates
- Celebratory dinners with out-of-town friends
- Adventurous eaters exploring regional Chinese
- Small groups that enjoy lively rooms
Location Insights
Area: Youthful, nightlife-heavy East Village corridor drawing students, creatives, and destination diners.
Safety: Well-trafficked and generally safe, crowded late; typical urban street conditions.
Nearby: Dense bars, izakayas, Chinese and Japanese spots, near Astor Place and NYU foot traffic.
East VillageThe dining scene in East Village is diverse and dynamic, featuring everything from casual eateries and ethnic food spots to trendy bars and innovative restaurants. The area is known for its casual, laid-back vibe with a strong emphasis on creativity and community, attracting a crowd that values unique and affordable dining experiences.
St. Mark's PlaceSt. Mark's Place is a famous stretch within East Village known for its bustling street life, vintage shops, and a concentration of casual dining and bars. It has a youthful, energetic atmosphere with a strong appeal to those looking for an alternative and vibrant social scene.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–22:30
Tuesday11:30–22:30
Wednesday11:30–22:30
Thursday11:30–22:30
Friday11:30–23:00
Saturday11:30–23:00
Sunday11:30–22:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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