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Shun Lee Palace
Master Critic Review
Shun Lee Palace
8.3
Historic fine-dining Chinese institution since 1971 that earned the first four-star New York Times review for Chinese cuisine and claims to have invented orange beef. The Adam Tihany-designed space delivers upscale Sichuan and Cantonese dishes with white-glove service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beijing Duck, Crisp Orange Beef, XO Prawns
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: NYC institution that pioneered upscale Chinese dining and claims to have created orange beef
Who should go: Business diners and special occasion celebrants
When to visit: Weeknight dinner with reservations
What to order: Beijing Duck tableside, crisp orange beef, General Tso's chicken
Insider tip: Open on Christmas and accommodates kosher dietary requirements
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Discount parking in garage next door after 6pm; street parking difficult in Midtown; subway to Lexington Ave/53rd St (E,M) or 51st St (6)
Dress code: Business casual to dressy - white tablecloths and waiters in jackets set the tone; no shorts or athletic wear
Noise level: Quiet and elegant - well-spaced tables allow easy conversation; ideal for business discussions and intimate dinners
Weekend wait: 10-20 min without reservation; book ahead for Saturday (no lunch Sat)
Weekday lunch: Usually seated promptly; $25 prix fixe lunch is popular with business crowd
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - Buddha's Vegetarian Delight, Ma-Po Tofu, sautéed vegetables, multiple options
Vegan options: Yes - tofu dishes, stir-fried pea shoots, vegetable fried rice; staff accommodates
Gluten-free options: Yes - dedicated gluten-free menu with 12+ dishes including seafood, chicken, and vegetables
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for refined dates - quiet dining room, professional service, well-spaced tables. Book Tuesday-Thursday dinner for the most relaxed atmosphere. Expect $80-120+ per person; the setting says 'this matters' without being stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights, but always call ahead - the restaurant recently reopened after renovation and has had occasional unexpected closures. Weekends and holidays (especially Christmas, when they're one of few upscale spots open) require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Families celebrate here regularly - approachable dishes like sweet & sour chicken and chow mein work for kids, though no dedicated children's menu. Best for older children comfortable in formal settings. Book early seating (5pm) for families with younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Quiet business dinners, kosher-accommodating celebrations, and diners who want old-school elegance over scene - the antithesis of TAO's club vibe
Skip if: You want cutting-edge regional Chinese or value pricing - try Hao Noodle for modern takes or Chinatown for authentic flavors at a fraction of the cost