157 Reopened with a Fresh Look! The Most Acclaimed Shanghainese Cuisine in the City

157 has reopened with a fresh new look, so of course we had to check it out. Located in the office district of Changning International, the place is stylish and refreshing with more private rooms available. Classic dishes paired with summer specialties make it an amazing spot for gatherings with friends. Grilled Fish with Roe In early summer with cool breezes, starting the meal with a plate of flavorful grilled fish in rich sauce is pure bliss! Among cold dishes, this is my favorite—even surpassing Shanghainese smoked fish—because it's not only plump and slightly sweet, crispy outside and tender inside, but also packed with roe. So delicious! Drunken Lobster These lobsters are huge, making them perfect for impressing guests. The chilled texture carries the richness of Shaoxing wine, with an intoxicating aroma and bouncy, tender meat. A personal favorite. Steamed Pork Patty with Stinky Tofu I've had stinky tofu before, but this 2.0 version with pork patty is even more worth recommending. The stinky tofu is finely crumbled and layered over the patty, absorbing all the flavors. The steamed aroma is irresistible—a must-order for stinky tofu lovers. Braised Eel River eel is my absolute favorite—it's delicious no matter how it's cooked. This restaurant's rock sugar braised eel is incredibly authentic, with plump, tender fish and a rich, perfectly thickened sauce. Eel Rice Compared to Cantonese claypot eel rice, I prefer this restaurant's wet-fried version! Summer is the best season for eel—slippery and fragrant. Be sure to order double the toppings to make the trip worthwhile for your friends on a hot day, haha. The bill was surprisingly affordable—just 300 RMB per person and we were stuffed, lol. Afterward, you can walk to nearby Comfort Dessert for some perilla ice as a sweet ending to a perfect summer evening~