Shun Lee West

Welcome to Shun Lee West, a Chinese restaurant located at 43 W 65th St in the Upper West Side of New York City. Established in 1965, Shun Lee West falls under the Chinese Restaurant category and has a long history within the community. One customer review mentions a friend recommending the restaurant based on fond childhood memories of dining there with their parents, highlighting its legacy and potential for nostalgic value for some patrons.

Shun Lee West can be contacted at (212) 595-8895 or via their mobile phone at +1 212-595-8895. These contact numbers would be essential for making reservations or inquiries. Situated on West 65th Street, near cultural landmarks such as Lincoln Center, the restaurant benefits from a prominent location in a vibrant part of Manhattan.

According to one reviewer, Shun Lee West is presented as a "traditional dim sum restaurant," with each dish having a "quite classic" feel. This suggests a focus on authentic, time-honored recipes and preparation methods. The reviewer notes that while this authenticity is a positive aspect, it might also be perceived as "a bit too old-fashioned" by some diners, implying that the restaurant may not have evolved significantly in its offerings or presentation over the years. The reviewer concludes this part of their feedback by acknowledging the value in preserving such a culinary legacy.

However, another review offers a starkly contrasting perspective, raising serious concerns about the overall dining experience. This reviewer begins by describing the place as "fascinating" before recounting a deeply troubling incident. According to this account, the reviewer's partner, who is Asian, was thanked for his service and complimented on the meal by other patrons, seemingly solely based on his ethnicity as they were exiting to attend opera or orchestra performances. This incident suggests a potential for racial bias or at least a significant lack of cultural sensitivity on the part of some customers, and the reviewer advises being wary of anyone recommending such an establishment.

Furthermore, this reviewer strongly criticizes the restaurant's decor, using the word "tawdry" to describe it as "quintessential." This suggests a negative impression of the restaurant's ambiance and aesthetic appeal. In terms of the food itself, the reviewer found it to be "middling," stating that they could not recall a single dish just two days later, indicating a lack of memorable taste or flavor. They further described the food as having "minimal taste and flavor." Adding to their dissatisfaction, the reviewer expressed shock at the prices, using the exclamation "Yikes!" and suggesting that meals of Michelin quality could be obtained for a similar cost. This strongly implies that the reviewer found the food to be significantly overpriced relative to its quality.

Based on these reviews, the environment of Shun Lee West is described as "traditional" but potentially "old-fashioned" and even "tawdry" in its decor. The contrast in these descriptions suggests that the ambiance might be a point of contention, with some appreciating its classic feel while others find it outdated and unappealing. The reported incident of a patron making racially charged remarks to another diner is a serious concern that reflects poorly on the overall atmosphere and the type of clientele the restaurant might attract or tolerate.

The services offered by Shun Lee West appear to include traditional dim sum dining. The mention of a recommendation from a friend and the act of dining at the restaurant indicate dine-in service. However, there is no information provided about takeout or delivery options. The service from the staff is not explicitly commented on in these reviews, with the focus being more on the food, decor, and the unfortunate interaction between patrons.

In terms of features, the restaurant's long establishment in 1965 and its specialization in "traditional dim sum" are notable aspects. The authenticity of the dishes, while potentially feeling old-fashioned to some, could be a draw for those seeking a classic dim sum experience. However, the reported middling quality of the food, the lack of memorable flavors, and the high prices are significant negative features. The incident of racial bias among patrons is also a deeply concerning aspect that potential customers should be aware of.

There is no promotional information available in the provided reviews. Customers are sharing their personal experiences and opinions about the restaurant's food, ambiance, and an unfortunate social interaction.

For local users in New York City considering Shun Lee West, it is crucial to weigh the contrasting feedback. While the restaurant has a long history and offers traditional dim sum, some customers may find the decor dated and the food quality underwhelming, especially given the reported high prices. The serious incident of potential racial bias among patrons is a significant factor that should not be overlooked. If you are seeking an authentic, albeit potentially old-fashioned, dim sum experience and are not overly concerned about the ambiance or price, Shun Lee West might be an option. However, the negative review regarding food quality and the disturbing incident suggest that caution is warranted, and exploring other dim sum options in the city might be advisable.

In conclusion, Shun Lee West in New York City is a Chinese restaurant with a long history, specializing in traditional dim sum. While it may offer an authentic experience, recent customer reviews highlight concerns about dated decor, middling and overpriced food, and a troubling incident of potential racial bias among patrons. Local users should carefully consider these factors when deciding whether to dine at Shun Lee West.