Golden Lily occupies a spacious spot on Jianguo Xi Lu with a retro British bar, mock frescos, and a pleasant terrace that evokes the site’s previous identity as Notting House.
The kitchen blends French and Vietnamese influences into a pan-Asian–meets–European repertoire that aims to be accessible and affordable for neighborhood diners.
Quick verdict
- Overall score: Balanced, friendly neighborhood restaurant with solid Vietnamese dishes and casual French touches.
- Good for: Lunch sets, casual dinners, and drinks at the bar.
- Price range: Approximately RMB 80–250 per person.
- Who goes: Local Chinese diners and nearby office crowd.
Why write this guide
This long-form review is designed to help you decide whether Golden Lily deserves a lunch stop, a quiet dinner, or a casual bar visit.
I cover location, atmosphere, menu highlights and low points, value, and practical tips for ordering and timing your visit so you get the most from the experience.
Location and surroundings
Golden Lily sits on Jianguo Xi Lu in a part of town where mid-priced options are scarce, which helps explain its lunchtime popularity.
Across the street is Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire, giving the neighborhood a varied culinary profile that ranges from higher-end French to accessible fusion.
Ambience and service
The interior balances a retro British bar aesthetic with decorative mock frescos and a roomy terrace, creating a relaxed, daytime-friendly atmosphere.
Service is consistently cheerful and contributes significantly to the restaurant’s neighborhood appeal.
The menu: concept and influences
Golden Lily offers an eclectic menu that leans French-Vietnamese fusion but spills into broader Asian and European touches.
Dishes include Thai tom yum kung, beef carpaccio, burrata salad, pork neck, Vietnamese spring rolls, and pho, signaling a deliberate cross-cultural approach rather than a narrowly focused traditional menu.
Starters and small plates
- Vietnamese Spring Rolls (RMB 58): Generous filling of pork, prawn, and vegetables with ample fish sauce, widely regarded as a reliable starter that captures the Vietnamese spirit well.
- Thai-Style Shrimp Pancakes (RMB 78): Texture issues hamper these pancakes; they are less successful than the spring rolls and feel inconsistent compared with other starters.
- Pork Neck (RMB 78): Naturally flavorful cut for grilling but served in slices that are too thin to retain fat and char; a pungent chili sauce accompanies the dish and elevates it considerably.
Signature mains
- Pho (RMB 78): The pho broth is simmered for roughly six hours, achieving a respectable beefy base, though it would benefit from stronger spice and aromatic notes—star anise in particular could be more prominent. The pho includes tender beef, supple noodles, and melt-in-the-mouth tendon with standard fresh garnishes like basil, coriander, scallions, fresh chili, and lime.
- Pan-Asian and European items: Expect occasional European plates like burrata or carpaccio, which showcase the kitchen’s willingness to blend formats but result in a menu with mixed cohesion rather than a single unified identity.
Taste, consistency, and technical notes
Golden Lily’s technical strengths are most evident in dishes where the kitchen commits fully to an Asian classic—spring rolls and pho being the best examples.
When the menu drifts toward hybrid dishes, inconsistencies appear: texture and char on grilled cuts, and milder-than-expected aromatics in broths are recurring critiques.
Price and value
Golden Lily positions itself as budget-friendly for the neighborhood, especially with lunch sets around RMB 78 that drive lunchtime traffic.
The broader price range of RMB 80–250 per person places it comfortably in the casual mid-market segment, offering reasonable portion sizes and accessible pricing for daily visits.
Best dishes to order (recommended itinerary)
- Start: Vietnamese Spring Rolls (RMB 58) for a crisp, well-seasoned opener.
- Drink: Try a beer at the retro British bar to match the spring rolls.
- Main: Pho (RMB 78) for a comforting, reliably prepared bowl with tender beef and good texture in the noodles.
- If sharing: Pork Neck (RMB 78) for grilled richness, order well-done or request thicker cuts if available.
- Dessert/finish: If available, choose a light European dessert to complete the fusion experience.
Who should go and when
- Office lunch crowd: The RMB 78 lunch set is the core midday draw; go at noon for a lively atmosphere and quick service.
- Casual dates and friends: Early evening visits are pleasant on the terrace and at the bar when it’s less crowded.
- Not ideal for: Purists seeking authentic, deep Vietnamese or French haute cuisine; Golden Lily is fusion-first and casual in execution.
Strengths and weaknesses
- Strengths: Friendly service, affordable lunch sets, reliable spring rolls and pho, approachable bar scene, attractive terrace and decor that make it feel welcoming.
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent textures and char on grilled meats, under-spiced broths at times, mixed success with hybrid dishes like Thai-style pancakes.
Seating and layout tips
- Ask for a terrace table on pleasant days to enjoy the open-air feel.
- For quieter dining, arrive after 7:30 PM on weekdays to avoid the busy lunch turnover.
- The bar is useful for a casual starter or drink if main dining tables are fully booked.
Practical info
- Price per person: RMB 80–250.
- Typical crowd: Local Chinese diners, neighborhood patrons, office workers.
- Best time to go: Lunch for value; early evening for ambience.
- Dress code: Casual.
Table: Quick comparison of Golden Lily attributes
| Attribute | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Food quality | 3/5 | Strong on selected Vietnamese dishes; mixed on hybrids. |
| Atmosphere | 4/5 | Retro bar, terrace, relaxed vibe. |
| Service | 4/5 | Cheerful, efficient. |
| Value | 4/5 | Affordable lunch sets and mid-range pricing. |
| Consistency | 3/5 | Variable across menu items. |
Sources: thatsmags.com.
How Golden Lily compares to nearby options
Golden Lily sits in a stretch where higher-end French options like Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire are close by, making Golden Lily the more approachable, budget-friendly alternative for quick lunches and casual dinners.
If you’re craving refined French technique and tasting menus, cross the street; if you want a relaxed, fusion-style bowl or bar snack, Golden Lily fills that niche.
Ordering strategy for first-timers
- Prioritize Vietnamese starters and classic broths early in the meal.
- When ordering grilled meats, request a char and slightly thicker cuts if possible to retain fat and flavor.
- Opt for lunch sets to sample value offerings and avoid unexpectedly high bills.
Allergy and dietary notes
- The kitchen uses shellfish (prawn spring rolls, shrimp pancakes) and beef in signature dishes; always notify staff about allergies.
- Vegetarian options exist in small plates and salads, but they are less central to the menu—ask the server for vegetarian variants or modifications.
Drinks and bar options
- The retro British bar is a highlight and pairs well with spring rolls and lighter starters.
- Beverage selection suits casual diners: beer, wine by the glass, and simple cocktails that match fusion-style bites.
Private dining and events
Golden Lily’s spacious layout and terrace can host small gatherings or after-work drinks.
For larger private events, contact the restaurant directly to confirm capacity and set menus.
What reviewers and diners note most
Multiple reviews and diner comments emphasize the restaurant’s lunchtime popularity driven by affordable sets, friendly service, and reliable spring rolls and pho, while also pointing out occasional inconsistencies on more experimental items like shrimp pancakes and thinly sliced grilled pork neck.
Final recommendation
Golden Lily is a strong neighborhood option when you want dependable Vietnamese-inspired dishes, friendly service, and a relaxed terrace or bar setting.
Choose it for lunch sets or casual dinners; skip the experimental plates when you’re seeking precision and deeper flavor complexity.
Additional resources and external links
- Golden Lily listing and review on That’s Shanghai: https://www.thatsmags.com/shanghai/post/29866/shanghai-restaurant-review-golden-lily.
- Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire (nearby reference): https://guide.michelin.com/en/shanghai-municipality/shanghai/restaurant/le-comptoir-de-pierre-gagnaire.
- Easy Homemade Pho – Tastes Better From Scratch: https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/pho-noodle-soup/
Sources
All factual references about Golden Lily’s location, menu highlights, pricing, and diner profile are sourced from That’s Shanghai review thatsmags.com.
About the Author
