CheLi

Grungy and packed may not be surprising for St. Marks Place, but it's certainly a serene and welcome, departure from this deep study on Shanghainese cuisine. The décor too is unique, featuring an elegant vibe, with nooks and crannies throughout. Red and cream lanterns illuminate the space—and bring to light the veritable tome that is the menu.
Chef Qiling Wang and wife/pastry chef Fang Fang are clearly in charge; but a fleet of staff and beautiful dishes are a sight for sore eyes. There is wine-soaked chicken to get things going, while peach resin stew with crabmeat deserves its specially marked notation. A pancake of sticky rice flour with peanuts may be relished at all times, but add brown sugar to the mix and you have dessert fit for a king.