Niu Gu

I had been craving Xia Long Bao for sooo long and I am so glad we found this place… even though there’s similar places with soup dumpling my next door lol but I’m glad we came here first! Everything we ordered was extremely delicious! So much flavor… literally explosions of flavor!! My son loved the duck and the noodles we got and even my brother who was very skeptical loved it and wanted more! I will definitely be back. There was a 20-30 minute wait but it was 2-3pm so it was expected… we were starving but so worth it! Give it a try!!

Although partners Jimmy Li and Joe Muscaglione have their work cut-out for them in making ShangHai Taste successful during a global pandemic, it is within the duo’s former Niu Gu that a new concept titled Suite 16 Seafood House debuted on August 24th. Tucked inside Mountain View Plaza at Spring Mountain and Jones, just behind China Mama, it is upon entry that eyes are immediately drawn to stylish décor surrounding a raw Shellfish bar, and following Chef Li’s time at 3 Villages, 1900 Asian Cuisine and the already-mentioned Restaurants it is no surprise that everything on-site is made-to-order from scratch daily. Seating approximately ~20 guests from 5pm, the menu still a work in progress but poised to expand, it is upon checking in at the hostess stand that guests are led to booths or tables, service predictably professional and the space itself spotless with all staff donning PPE. Visually similar to Niu Gu, and again eschewing the usual hundred-item hodgepodge of plates intended to please everyone, Suite 16 instead focuses on three bases and four Sauces, while Appetizers including funky bite-size Sausages and a generous $9 Salad with lots of Seafood serve to whet the palate. Working without a Liquor license, Mr. Muscaglione’s extensive knowledge of Tea finding both hot and cold options offered alongside bottled Soft Drinks, it was while music played quietly that four guests partook in all Suite 16’s current styles, “Sicilian” coming first with Tomatoes, Olives and Capers building the complex Broth surrounding a base dubbed “the Lobster Club.” Fair-priced considering the Ingredients, Shellfish currently flown in five days a week, bowl two featured a base called “the Full House” with King Crab standing alongside Zucchini, Scallops, Clams, Shrimp and Cod amidst plenty of Garlic, the spice-factor turned up and then progressing to sweat-inducing by way of “Curry Hurry” that the majority of diners decreed their favorite. Not skimping on Rice quality, a well-known Chef in the group commending Jimmy’s choice of Grains that have flavor and texture to stand up against each Sauce, “Creamy Creamy” rounded out the evening smoothly with subtle sweetness that tastes almost Thai in inspiration.

The food is definitely tasty, but don't let the publicity fool you because this place is really overpriced for some of the dishes. $14 apiece for steamed cabbage, and fried rice stingy on the black pepper steak were overpriced so much it bothered me. Pleasant chinese music playing in the background, and overall quiet atmosphere. Everything was certainly tasty, but if you're looking for a place of regular you go to, you can probably find a better value restaurant.

We came here at the last minute looking for a place to grab a quick dinner with great Google review rating. We were not disappointed. It is also great that they take online reservation. A few mouse clicks and a short drive later, we were seated. The place wasn't busy. Niu Gu translates to Cow's bone which naturally means their specialty is bone or beef related dishes. The beef tongue as an appetizer was great. We ordered their signature beef noodle soup. It was excellent. Their stir fry veggie as a twist to it and we were pleasantly surprised. We have been to our share of Chinese restaurants in Ca and Nevada. This is one of the top ones I would recommend to friend and family....especially for young people.

I had the best steamed fish possibly ever at this restaurant! They didn't have their signature "Niu Gu" dish available but we opted for the hotpot and it was so flavorful. The meat was extremely tender. Their cucumber appetizer dish was SO delicious. The server was friendly and attentive. It was a great experience!