Shun Lee West

43 W 65th St, New York, NY 10023, United States
$$$ Chinese restaurant
(581 Reviews)
Price Range $50–100

Welcome to Shun Lee West, a distinguished Chinese restaurant nestled in the heart of New York City's Upper West Side. Since its inception in 1965, this culinary gem has been a beloved staple for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic and refined Chinese dining experience. The moment you step inside, you'll be enveloped by a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of the elegance of 1970s and 80s fine Chinese dining. Classic Chinese motifs and serene decor set the perfect backdrop for a delightful meal.

Shun Lee West specializes in American-Chinese cuisine, expertly prepared with the freshest ingredients. The menu is a delightful tapestry of flavors, featuring crowd-pleasers such as General Tso's Chicken, a perfect storm of sweetness and spice, and the savory Crispy XO Prawns, where jumbo prawns are coated with water chestnut flour, resulting in a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor with each bite. Other standout offerings include the luxurious Crabmeat with Egg White, where lump crabmeat is sautéed delicately and served upon a bed of fresh spinach, as well as the Seafood Combination, a medley of fresh lobster, shrimp, and sea bass fillet, oozing with exquisite flavors (all dishes ranging from $33 to $69.95).

The ambience at Shun Lee West is both refined and welcoming. Many customers have praised the attentiveness of the staff, which enhances the overall dining experience. Reviewers such as Thalia Taylor highlight the restaurant's serene environment and ability to evoke nostalgic memories associated with Chinese dining. Laurin Cabralissa couldn’t be more enthusiastic, raving about the hospitality and the exceptional quality of the food. The restaurant is perfect for both intimate dinners and family gatherings, accommodating a diverse clientele that includes families and older patrons.

This establishment's rich history and dedication to preserving authentic flavors have earned it a special place in the hearts of many, as echoed by customer experiences in their reviews. If you're seeking a Chinese restaurant that offers not just a meal but an experience steeped in tradition and flavor, Shun Lee West is your destination. Indulge your senses, gather with loved ones, and allow yourself to be transported to a realm of culinary delights that celebrate both the past and present of Chinese cuisine.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great cocktails
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves late-night food
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

12:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Tuesday

12:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Wednesday

12:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Thursday

12:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Friday

12:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Saturday

12:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Sunday

12:00 AM - 9:30 PM

581 Reviews
Thalia Taylor

30 Aug 2025

Shun Lee West on the Upper West Side effortlessly evokes the charm of 1970s-80s fine Chinese dining. As you step inside, the refined ambiance, with its classic Chinese motifs, sets a serene and welcoming tone. The menu offers a delightful journey through American Chinese culinary traditions. Dishes like Chicken with Three Nuts, Chicken with Vegetables (Moo Goo Gai Pan), Hot and Sour Soup, and Wonton Soup are prepared with meticulous attention to detail, reminiscent of the first Chinese food my mother took me out to enjoy. The quality of ingredients and the chefs' skill shine through, making each meal memorable. These are not new fusion dishes but traditional American Chinese dishes. The old-fashioned service at Shun Lee West is impeccable. The attentive and courteous waitstaff provide a smooth and enjoyable dining experience. The restaurant maintains a peaceful atmosphere, allowing for relaxed conversation and a leisurely meal. Overall, Shun Lee West is a charming throwback to the golden age of fine Chinese dining in America. Its combination of classic dishes, impeccable service, and quiet elegance make it a true gem on the Upper West Side.

laurin cabralissa

01 Aug 2025

This place is absolutely incredible, my favorite Chinese in Manhattan. I come here with my best friend who is Chinese and we both enjoy it so much. The owner is so kind and the hospitality is incredible. I am obsessed with the XO shrimp and surprisingly they have incredible wine list too. Some special old amazing red wines

POWER PLANT

23 Jul 2025

The food is consistently fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The dumplings and Szechuan dishes are especially amazing. Highly recommend if you’re looking for authentic and satisfying Chinese cuisine!

Eui Sun Chung

15 Jul 2025

This restaurant, established in 1965, was recommended by a friend, so we decided to visit together. My friend shared fond childhood memories of dining here with their parents. It's a traditional dim sum restaurant, and each dish feels quite classic. On the positive side, it’s authentic; on the downside, it might feel a bit too old-fashioned. Still, it's nice to see a place preserving such a legacy.

Dominique

06 Jun 2025

Went here for dinner recently. It’s an upscale Chinese food restaurant on the Upper West Side. It is very spacious and nicely decorated. There are many servers and they are all very attentive. The clientele is a lot of older people and families. We started off with soup dumplings and fried shrimp balls which were both delicious. We also got Chinese broccoli, crispy beef, General Tso’s chicken, walnut shrimp, fried rice and they brought another vegetable dish out to us. Everything was really good. Portions were a good size. Good for sharing. Definitely the type of place to go to on a special occasion with a group. Check it out.

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