[Shanghai] Roosevelt Prime Steakhouse

Roosevelt Prime Steakhouse

Add: 160 Taiyuan Lu near Yongjia Lu / 太原路160號, 近永嘉路
Tel: 6433 8240
Hours: [Sun-Thu] 5-10pm [Fri-Sat] 5-11pm
Website: www.rooseveltsteakhouse.com
Price: [appetizers] 75-125 RMB [steaks] 300-1200 RMB [sides] 55-85 RMB [desserts] 70 RMB
Visited: Oct 2010

Roosevelt Prime Steakhouse is all about the beef. Big, thick cuts of USDA certified filet mignon, New York strip, ribeye, Prime aged Porterhouse are imported from the best packing houses in Chicago and served here in the surroundings of velvet curtains, dark wood paneling, and leather seating. A deliberately “old boy club” vibe complete with, of course, a dedicated cigar room. An interesting fact: FDR’s grandson Delano Roosevelt is a co-owner and lends the family name as well as relics and photographs from the family library as decorations.

Pahlmeyer Winery Merlot, Napa 2006, described as exhibiting “sweet chocolate, mocha, cola, black cherry, and plum aromas and flavors as well as full body, a sumptuous, dense texture, and no hard edges.” Erm, admittedly my palate is not sophisticated enough for discern all that.

Caesar Salad, traditional style served table-side (125 RMB) was slightly disappointing. The dressing was too watery and the lettuce not crisp, not to mention that the portion was tiny for the 125 RMB price tag.

The classic bacon creamed spinach (65 RMB) was undercooked, and the oven roasted bone marrow with foie gras (80 RMB) was alright. Overall, the appetizers and the sides were below expectations. Perhaps I should have ordered the truffle mac and cheese like every other table did.

But the steaks were truly spectacular. We ordered two, both medium rare, to share among the three of us and it was more than enough. “The Cowboy” (Bone-In Ribeye Prime 24 Oz 2.0” thick, 875 RMB), roasted in custom made stone oven, was perfectly charred and caramelized on the outside while the inside remains rare and juicy. I preferred the New York strip (15 Oz 1.5” thick, 680 RMB), which was a thinner but beautifully marbled cut, resulting in a lusciously juicy center. The steaks were served just as pictured, a  slab on the plate with minimal plate decorations and no sauce. This is probably one of the best and also one of the most expensive cuts (including a 28 Day Aged Porterhouse Prime for 1250 RMB) you can sink your teeth into here in Shanghai.

Carnivores with a padded wallet, come here for a feast.