Shun Lee West

Shun Lee is my new favorite spot for upscale Chinese food. Beyond having incredible dishes, the service is outstanding (hospitable, attentive and accommodating) and the interior, unlike most Chinese restaurants, is tastefully decorated – great for just about any personal or work event. Although the menu is pretty stacked in terms of prices, there is a lunch special available (app or soup + entre and dessert for $24.07) in addition to their extensive list of a la carte options. I suggest ordering several dishes to share considering that the waiters thoughtfully portion everything out table-side for each person (i.e. no awkward food math). The Soup Dumplings ($15.50) and the Barbecue Spare Ribs ($18.50) are great starter items. My friend loves the Hot and Sour Soup ($7.95) but I recommend the Shark Fin Soup ($20.95) for something out of this world – FYI, it isn’t on the menu anymore but if you ask nicely… I also can’t believe that they have one of my favorite, albeit most difficult to find, dishes called Ants On A Tree with fine minced fillet of beef stir-fried with cellophane noodles in spicy garlic sauce ($21.95). The Moo Shu Pork is SO delicious, with barbecued pork loin shredded and sauteed in hoisin sauce and vegetables and served in home made crepes ($21.75). Fit for a Emperor.

I came down to the city to visit my daughter who lives here, and we were in the mood for Asian cuisine. One of our favorite restaurants in New York is Buddakan, but we wanted to try a different spot. After telling the hotel concierge how much we love Buddakan, she was quick to recommend Shun Lee as an alternative option. After looking at the prices for each dish on the menu, we were both excited (and assumed) to see some immaculate displays and taste some delicious food. However, what came out certainly disappointed us. We ordered the chicken and broccoli which looked like it was just dumped on the plate from a grungy takeout box...greasy and all. Although the chicken was was very tender, it was definitely not worth the price! All of our other dishes were just mediocre. Looks like we will be sticking to Buddakan from now on!

i must have gone temporarily loco for i found myself eating chinese food at this joint, and i am a native new yorker. aside from perfunctory service without a smile, the establishment must have forgotten that they are a restaurant. are they kidding?? the portions were meager, the prices absurd, and the quality equal to a local take-out. forgetaboutit!!

I grew up on the West Side and with Shun Lee. It used to be great but this was the last time I order. The food just has no redeeming qualities. What used to be novel just seems off. I ordered an appetizer, soup and one main for $48. They also add $5 for delivery. So not only is the food poor but so is the cost/service. The cafe does have a good pork bun.

I have lived on the upper west side for 12 years, and love Chinese food. That said, Shun Lee is simply very fine Chinese food. I don't understand where people who give it bad reviews go for high end Chinese on the Upper West Side. Unless you like doughy dumplings, MSG in the General TSO's and are willing to have bad B.O. from rancid oil in the cooking, this is really the only place to go. It is a lovely experience, and they will fulfill almost any request, no matter how complicated.

Unfriendly service, and the most busied, expensive Chinese meal that one can buy. The portions are small and the food isn't worth the price.

I read some reviews citing the tired and OK food, and felt I had to respond. Shun Lee is certainly the best Chinese on the upper West side. It may be over-priced and the atmosphere may be old and tired, but for really solid Chinese food, Shun Lee can't be beat.