Little Alley is one of those genuine food treasures hiding in plain sight in Murray Hill, offering some of the most authentic Shanghai cuisine you’ll find outside of China. This intimate spot feels like you’ve stumbled upon a neighborhood gem from Shanghai’s French Concession, with its exposed brick walls, vintage Chinese posters, and warm wooden tables creating an atmosphere that’s both cozy and transporting.

What makes Little Alley truly special is their unwavering commitment to traditional Shanghainese techniques and flavors. Their xiao long bao (soup dumplings) are nothing short of masterful – delicate skins with perfect folds holding a rich, aromatic broth that bursts in your mouth. The braised pork belly in sweet soy sauce (hong shao rou) achieves that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture that takes hours of careful cooking to achieve.

Beyond the classics, their cold appetizers showcase the subtle complexity of Shanghai cuisine – the drunken chicken and jellyfish salad offer textures and flavors you simply won’t find elsewhere in the neighborhood. The staff strikes that perfect balance of being helpful with recommendations without being overbearing, and they’re happy to guide newcomers through the menu.

What’s most compelling about Little Alley is how it offers an authentic regional Chinese dining experience that doesn’t compromise or cater to Western palates – a genuine taste of Shanghai that makes you forget you’re in Midtown Manhattan.