Efes Restaurant
Shanghai
Avis
Efes was for sure some of the best food I’ve had in Shanghai over the years. The waiter Phillips was attentive, helpful and recommended the perfect blend of trying as much as in little possible time as we could. The visit was a top not experience and very reasonably priced for what we got. Make your day and visit Efes, you will be leaving with the meat sweats if you did it right! Cheers
On the search for mediterranean food, we found this place. Let me tell you from the drinks to the appetizers and actual entrées. Everything has been amazing. Their service has been above and beyond and it was actually one of the best Turkish food we’ve ever had and this is coming from someone who has lived in Turkey for quite a few years. If you are in Shanghai and looking for a great Mediterranean or Turkish food, you should definitely give this place a visit. It will not disappoint.
We had the pleasure of dining at Efes six times over a two week period in early May 2026. The food is simply outstanding. Coming from Detroit, we are very familiar these flavors. We have never had better chicken than done by Efes! The lamb chops were also sublime. We can't say enough how discovering this restaurant truly made our recent trip something to remember. Customer service was outstanding and friendly. Reservations are highly recommended.
Our guide recommended this place for lunch, and it honestly became one of the most memorable meals of the trip. This was my first time trying Turkish cuisine and the experience felt very warm and welcoming from the moment we arrived. The staff were incredibly kind and attentive and they even served complimentary Turkish coffees for all three of us, which made the experience feel even more personal. What stood out to me most was how passionate they were about the restaurant. They explained the stories behind the dishes, how the restaurant operates and shared little details about Turkish culture and hospitality instead of just serving the food and leaving. You can genuinely feel the effort and pride behind the place. I was also surprised to learn that they stay open even during Chinese New Year and work throughout the day without long closing hours. That level of dedication and consistency honestly made me appreciate the restaurant even more. The atmosphere felt cozy and authentic, with a mix of comfort and traditional character. The food itself was flavorful, rich, and completely different from anything I’ve tried before, especially the grilled dishes, fresh bread and the coffee experience at the end. What I loved most is that it didn’t feel overly commercial or touristy. It felt like a place run with genuine care, where hospitality is part of the experience rather than just service. Also, if you get the seats near the windows, the lighting is amazing for photos. The natural light made everything look so bright and aesthetic, I took pictures from my husband's phone and even the food looked incredibly pretty and cinematic in the photos. Definitely one of the highlights of my time in China, and a place I would absolutely visit again.
I had lunch at Ephes Restaurant in Shanghai, and overall, it was an interesting experience. The restaurant is a bit hidden, but once you know the area, it’s not difficult to find. The prices are definitely on the higher side which immediately sets certain expectations. While it is nice to find a Turkish restaurant in that neighborhood, I personally did not feel the same freshness or authentic taste that I am used to in Türkiye. The flavors were acceptable, but they did not capture the true richness and balance of traditional Turkish dishes. The ambiance of the restaurant is quite nice clean, calm, and thoughtfully arranged. The service was polite, but not very efficient. During lunch time, there was only one waiter managing four or five occupied tables, which understandably slowed things down. This is an area that could be improved, especially during peak hours. Another point worth mentioning is the portion size. For the price, the portions felt noticeably small. With a slight adjustment in quantity and a stronger focus on freshness and authentic flavor, the restaurant could deliver a much better value. Overall, it’s a decent place, but with room for improvement.
