Best of Boston

Nestled near the Chinatown gate, New Shanghai is, literally and figuratively, a step up from its neighbors. The decor is passable—it won’t depress you like some Chinese restaurants, and there’s a colorful fish tank in front—but the food is truly incredible. For starters, the spicy Szechuan dumplings, shaped like tiny comets, pack just enough punch. Then move on to the fabulous Hunan-style crispy fish, lobster with ginger and scallions, or any of the phenomenal noodle dishes.