Reserve now:
Shun Lee CafeReservations
Restaurant Reviews List >
New York / Tri-State Area Restaurant Reviews >
Manhattan Restaurant Reviews >
Lincoln Center Restaurant Reviews >
Dim Sum Restaurant Reviews
Shun Lee Cafe Reviews List
Shun Lee Cafe
With Shun Lee Cafe conveniently located across from Lincoln Center, Dim Sum is just the ticket. The Cafe, a black and white checkerboard dining room, decorated with images from the Chinese calendar.
Terrific Dim Sum on rolling carts in constant motion and a variety of dishes in smaller portions completes the menu at Shun Lee Cafe. The Cafe is a great pre-theater stop for a “quick” dinner.
See more Shun Lee Cafe details
Terrific Dim Sum on rolling carts in constant motion and a variety of dishes in smaller portions completes the menu at Shun Lee Cafe. The Cafe is a great pre-theater stop for a “quick” dinner.
98 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Rating Breakdown 98 reviews
5 stars
(17)
4 stars
(34)
3 stars
(34)
2 stars
(10)
1 star
(3)
Food
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(32)
- fit for foodies(25)
- kid-friendly(17)
- good for groups(15)
- late-night find(8)
- great for brunch(7)
Shun Lee Cafe Reviews List
Review 1 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Lincoln Center pre theater
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had a light pre theater supper which was excellent. The food and service were very good and the location is perfect."
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
grown-ups eat here
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"because it is a wonderful location (Lincoln Center). Dim sum is fun and you can always get to the theater/concert on time."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Decent Chinese food at reasonable (for NYC) prices, and they can get you out quickly if you have a performance at Lincoln Center."
Dined on 1/30/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Lincoln Center choice
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Frankly, this is only a good idea if you're going to Lincoln Center. The prices are reasonable, the food good enough, though not at all exceptional, and they get you in and out in short order."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 5 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I expected More
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The Food and service was just ok for what I paid."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 6 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The dim sum is delicious, although rather pricy. Be prepared for noise, but excellent food."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for lunch, kid-friendly
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was fine, a little pricey.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was fine, a little pricey. Service was very quick,very good for pre-theatre dining."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2010
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 8 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Dim sum is good but be careful!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We selected this restaurant because of the location and the fact that they served dim sum from carts at a time other than the traditional brunch time. The food was good but it was deceptively expensive. It was $7.50 a plate, which quickly added up. The portions were not large and with 1 drink apiece the bill for 2 with tip was over $150.00! They were accommodating - there were 2 dishes not on the carts that I love. When I asked about them the kitchen obliged by making them for me. I would offer the caveat to anyone dining to maybe have a plate of dim sum as an appetizer but then order the rest of the meal off the menu. They had some items that looked quite good but I would go elsewhere for a dim sum experience."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The Cafe Beats the Restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Cafe has basically the same menu as the restaurant, plus dim sum. But it beats it in one important respect: the tables are not jammed in cheek by jowl as they are in Shun Lee proper, and as a result it's noticeably quieter."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Have been here many times,
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Have been here many times, altho not for the past few months. The Dim Sum (which we usually feast on) was OK, but as is our usual routine, we then share a main course, which was poor - a dish advertised as "prawns" in a Szechwan sauce had medium sized shrimp & the sauce was sweet & too thick, seemed overcooked to me.
Very disappointing, for an old favorite, & a great place (in the past) to go before a concert at Lincoln Center."
Very disappointing, for an old favorite, & a great place (in the past) to go before a concert at Lincoln Center."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2009
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We came for a pre-opera meal;
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We came for a pre-opera meal; chose dim sum, which proved a mistake. The pork shumai was okay, but the sesame chicken and fried jumbo shrimp were overcooked and tasteless, enough so that we did not order anything more. On the positive side, because we weren't tempted to buy more, we spent very little money."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2008
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 12 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Excellent Dim Sum and Beijing
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent Dim Sum and Beijing Duck. Noisy; tables are tight."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2007
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 13 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Like Shun Lee. A lively Chinese
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Like Shun Lee. A lively Chinese restaurant with decent food. Dim sum is great. Rice is cold. So there's good and bad here, but overall it is a fun spot to visit on the way to Lincoln Center."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The venue is nice. The dim-sum
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The venue is nice.
The dim-sum is over-priced and is not that great."
The dim-sum is over-priced and is not that great."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2010
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food presentation left a lot
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food presentation left a lot to be desire . There was no taste to dishes served."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2012
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 16 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was a bit salty, but
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was a bit salty, but certainly acceptable."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2007
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 17 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Adequate and pricey dim sum.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Adequate and pricey dim sum. Quick and convenient before or after a Lincoln Center visit, but nothing to write home about."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2005
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 18 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of my favorite places
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"One of my favorite places to eat. Fun decor, great food, excellent service. Love the dim sum carts and the spicy cabbage. (Bought their cook book on one of my many trips there.)"
Dined on 03/17/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 19 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
upscale chinese restaurant,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"upscale chinese restaurant, very nice decor, very fresh food, not huge portions for chinese, but very tasty food"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2007
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 20 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food is always hot, tasty
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food is always hot, tasty and quick which we appreciate as we usually eat here before a Lincoln Center event. The Dim Sum is even quicker. The restaurant decor is cheerful and bright and represents a good value considering the neighborhood."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2008
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 21 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A favorite for years
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Reliably delicious, fresh and hot Cantonese food including dim sum. Fast and friendly. Healthy and not filling. Great before a Lincoln Center performance."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2006
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 22 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We went here before an early
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"We went here before an early show at Lincoln Center, which started at 7 p.m. Had a reservation here for 5:15 which was sort of ridiculously early - but gave us plenty of time to enjoy our dinner. Dinner? We had wonton soup and tons of dim sum, which they bring around in rolling carts. Everything we chose was delicious and the wait staff explained any item you didn't know very well. Truth to tell, we rather pigged out on the dim sum - and loved every minute of it!"
Dined on 03/12/2013
2010
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 23 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
So good we are going back
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"So good we are going back tomorrow!"
Dined on 03/12/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 24 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food is decent but service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food is decent but service needs improvement. Dim sum lacks variety."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2010
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 25 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
not what it used to be
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Shun Lee Cafe has had some sort of identity crisis or financial problems or both. Last year they cut the portion sizes of main dishes by about 1/3, but now the portions are back but the prices are up 25-30% for mains. Each dim sum is now $7.50. It does not work for me, especially in a room where the next table is at your elbow and squeezing in and out isn't so easy."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2004
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 26 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Disappointed
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We used to eat frequently at Shun Lee Cafe. The dim sum were quite delicious, the cooked dinners were satisfactory and sometimes quite good. In reason years we have had less reason to eat there - but when we have, it has been disappointing. This past week was no exception to the downward trend. I miss the old Shun Lee, but have no interest in returning to this one."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2004
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 27 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
At Shun Lee Cafe, you pay
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"At Shun Lee Cafe, you pay for location (close to Lincoln Center) and a more upscale ambiance than at your local Chinese take-out joint. The food, however, isn't much different. You go to Shun Lee Cafe because dishes come quickly, in time for you to catch a Lincoln Center curtain, and because dinner at the Cafe is cheaper than at most nearby alternatives, though a lot more expensive than eating in Chinatown. So I'll return happily even though the experience is more fueling than dining."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2006
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 28 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Slow to NO Service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We arrived at 8pm for our reservation. All was well. We were seated straight away.
We were there for the dim sum. The dim sum server came by at 8:12. Restaurant was eerily quiet and not packed as usual.
The next time we saw food was 8:41. We twice had to waive somebody down to our table.
This was not typical of the service there however, the review is asking for our experience that night.
I was so hungry when we got home. I won't be going back."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 29 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Maybe for tourists but not for us
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I picked Shun Lee Cafe because we were going to be in the neighborhood and I was hoping for a real Hong Kong dumpling experience with myriad carts trundling past bearing exotic and delicious hot foods. Unfortunately, this was not the case. There was a cart, yes, but the waiter asked if we wanted it brought over. And there was just one cart! Nothing exotic, just some shumai and dumplings. And at $7.50 a plate, the price was just too high. The food was okay but everything was lukewarm, including the soup. Next time we'll leave the dumpling house visit for a Chinatown trip. Half the price and twice as good."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 30 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not what it was, but not bad
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place has lost some of its luster, and some of its creativity, but it's still a nice alternative in the Lincoln Center neighborhood."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2005
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 31 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Missing the Good Ol Days
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have been dining with Shun Lee for ages, and when i go now, i want to believe it is as good as i remember. Unfortunately, there is always a bit of disappointment. There are certain dishes that are great, and their hot & sour soup is the best i have had. Their Dim sum is always good and fun. Other dishes, are surprisingly bland, which is amazing given the cost. Service can be indifferent. I had to finally call across the dining room to have my water refilled. Both tables next to me had been served, but the busboy walked with his head down so did not look that my table needed water also. Was also a bit exasperating trying to get my check and pay. Unfortunately the table next to me had the same challenges."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2006
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 32 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was good, but not outstanding.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was good, but not outstanding. Very good shumai. Not twice as good as Ollie's, and double the price."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2007
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 33 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The tables are very close.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The tables are very close. No one explained the dim sum part of the "menu". The vegetarian winter special was bland and the chinese broccoli was tough. For three times what a neighborhood Chinese restaurant charges I had half the food and not as well prepared!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2001
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 34 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always a Great Choice for Brunch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Ah, that dim sum! Just hearing the click-clack of the cart approaching and I began to salivate. For a wonderful brunch experience, enjoy Shun Lee's delightful dim sum. Tasty, fresh and satisfying, Shun Lee has been delighting New Yorker's with their delicious delights for years. Situated in a black and white cafe adjoining the main dining room, this cafe provides attentive service and a warm atmosphere on a cold day. Located across the street from Lincoln Center, it is perfect for a pre-lunch performance."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 35 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Have been coming to this place
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Have been coming to this place for many years for a pre-theater meal. They can certainly get you to your performance on time. However, everything about it has declined over the last few years; service in particular. The place could use a general overhaul."
Dined on 01/30/2013
2011
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 36 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Adequate food, poor service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Service is lacking.
No one is watching or running the dining room."
No one is watching or running the dining room."
Dined on 01/27/2013
2007
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 37 for Shun Lee Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My friend has several food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My friend has several food allergies. The waiter was very knowledgeable about the contents of various dishes and was able to help her with her selections. The chicken & corn chowder was particularly delicious."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2010
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Shun Lee Cafe
Based on the average of (61) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
5 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic