Shanghai Restaurant
651 Somerset Street West
Written by Bytown Museum
on
03/Dec/2009
Opened in 1971 by the Kwan family, the Shanghai was Ottawa's first Chinese restaurant in what is now known as Chinatown. As the business was handed over to the next generation, the restaurant's interior underwent a drastic makeover, along with an updated menu. But the restaurant's vibe has not completely changed – the 1970s vintage chairs remain. The Shanghai now offers monthly art exhibits, outdoor events in its parking lot, and of course Disco Bingo. When this website went live, Saturday night patrons embraced weekly karaoke featuring the Kwan family's own performer, China Doll.
