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Shine Restaurant
Master Critic Review
Shine Restaurant
7.8
A Lincoln Park fixture since 1993, this Pan-Asian veteran balances quality Chinese entrees with a full sushi bar. The sesame chicken has decade-long devotees, while the quiet dining room and outdoor patio make it a versatile neighborhood standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sesame Chicken, Singapore Noodles, Neptune's Delight
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Over 30 years of consistent Pan-Asian quality in one neighborhood spot
Who should go: Mixed groups where some want sushi, others want Chinese
When to visit: Summer evenings for the outdoor patio seating
What to order: Sesame chicken stir-fry, Singapore noodles, sushi omakase
Insider tip: The lemon chicken is an off-menu favorite for regulars
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Webster, valet services also offered—manageable for Lincoln Park
Dress code: Business casual—elevated neighborhood spot, jeans fine but lean polished
Noise level: Generally quiet and intimate, though large parties can spike volume on busy nights
Weekend wait: 15-30 min possible without reservation; call ahead recommended for Fri/Sat
Weekday lunch: Dinner only weekdays (opens 4pm)—Sat/Sun brunch available from 11:30am
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—tagged vegetarian-friendly with tofu dishes, vegetable dumplings, and veggie rolls throughout menu
Vegan options: Limited—veggie rolls and steamed vegetables adaptable, confirm with server on sauces
Gluten-free options: Sashimi and some rice dishes work, but shared kitchen—ask about soy sauce alternatives
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—quiet intimate dining room, outdoor patio in summer, full bar with cocktails. Classy enough to impress without being stuffy. The sushi-plus-Chinese menu means you can both order what you want.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights. Weekend evenings get busier—call ahead to be safe. They take reservations by phone (not on OpenTable).
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—Yelp tags it 'good for kids.' Familiar options like fried rice and chicken dishes alongside sushi. Free wifi keeps older kids occupied. Patio works well for families in summer.
Can we get both sushi and Chinese food? Absolutely—that's the whole point. Full sushi bar with omakase options plus complete Chinese menu. Perfect for groups with mixed cravings.
What's the secret Shanghainese menu? Order ahead by phone for authentic Shanghai-style dishes not on the regular menu. Owner-curated seasonal specials for those in the know.
Best For
Better for: Mixed groups wanting sushi AND Chinese, quiet date nights with patio option, 30+ years of neighborhood consistency, solo dining at the sushi bar
Skip if: You want authentic regional Sichuan (go to Chengdu Impression), rock-bottom prices (try House of Hunan), or cutting-edge omakase—this is reliable Pan-Asian, not specialist territory