Healthy food comes in tasty packages at this vegetarian-friendly Chinese eatery in the Outer Sunset.

by Chelsea Sime

This is the sort of neighborhood place that makes San Francisco feel like the population's about 350: owners and waiters alike recognize their regulars, remember their favorite dishes and kindly ask, "It wasn't too spicy, was it?" when they pick up cleaned plates. The staff here freely details the most popular dishes--eggplant with basil and fake chicken with cashews to name a few--to hungry newbies who may be put off by the detailed descriptions of some items' health benefits (lotus seeds for hair loss anyone?). While everything on the menu is both kosher and vegetarian (much of it vegan as well), carnivores can enjoy mock meat versions of standard Chinese dishes like spare ribs or Mongolian beef. In general, the menu reads like a letter from your mother: eat your veggies, folks.

High Marks
"Wonderful people, truly a cozy and warm atmosphere. The wontons are delicious, some of the best vegetarian food ever!" (eireannobrien, Citysearch user)

"I was amazed with the creativity of the dishes, being that it's 100% vegetarian and kosher." (samadler, Citysearch user)

Low Marks
"Their not-so-good dishes are really not so good--the noodles (drowned) in peanut sauce, the bland curry vegetables with tofu...have to be willing to learn which dishes shine" (niklinna, Citysearch user)

03/11/07

Hit-or-miss menu, but oh, when it hits

by niklinna

Their good dishes are amazing--the potstickers, most soups, the sauteed broccoli in hot sauce, the sweet & wour walnuts. Their not-so-good dishes are really not so good--the noodles (drowned) in peanut sauce, the bland curry vegetables with tofu. Well worth return visits, but you have to be willing to learn which dishes shine.

08/01/06

Excellent food!!

by eireannobrien

Wonderful people, truly a cozy and warm atmosphere. The wontons are delicious, some of the best vegetarian food ever!

12/31/05

MMMH Good

by ahamamjian

Even though it's not a great location, it's worth it. Great food and very friendly service. Cozy little restaurant. The hot and sour soup was delish along with Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs, I'd go again for sure.

• Pros: Excellent Food, Quick Service
• Cons: Small Place

11/17/05

A great surprise hideaway

by samadler

I was amazed with the creativity of the dishes, being that it's 100% vegetarian and kosher. Everything was fresh, perfectly cooked, and plenty to take home for lunch the next day. I wish they delivered downtown!

06/18/04

Shangri-La

by kegan04

This restaurant is a real find off the beaten path. Definetely worth checking out for the original and tasty vegetarian options and the cozy atmosphere. The restaurant is always filled with locals and repeat customers which is the true proof that it stands the test of time.

• Pros: fabulous food, innovative vegetarian, great service

10/21/02

Best Discovery in the Sunset!

by thaiboy

I came across this wonderful restaurant by chance one day. What a great discovery! If you are looking for good Chinese food at a very reasonable price, this is the place. For non-vegetarians, don't be turned off by the "vegetarian" aspect. You can find plenty of (vegetal) beef, pork, and chicken here. One of my favorite is the spare ribs dish. The food is so creative and delicious. Not to mention the nice presentation. Such a nice change from typical Chinese restaurants you find elsewhere. Service has always been consitently great, too. Go check it out!

10/21/02

YUM

by arch4us

I came across Shangri-la's by accident, after eating there one time, I was an instant regular. The food makes you never miss meat again, and the menu is enormous, very creative, and delicious! The staff is very friendly too! All this great food is very small price. The sweet and sour (vegetal) pork comes in a carved out pinapple for under 6$ !!!

Can't be beat!

• Pros: variety, taste, quality
• Cons: fake plants decor, could be a bigger