We ate there and were served A LOT of food! Wonton soup was very tasty and wontons were quite good. The main course was just warm and under seasoned. With a few additions when reheated at home it was quite good the next day. Service tended to focus on the carryout business and they sure had a lot of that. It's a small restaurant but clean and comfortable.
Kate Dembowski
Wouldn't serve my family because there were "too many people" with a family of 5 and only half full.
Service: 1
Kristi M
This has to be one of the best Chinese restaurants in all of San Diego. The food is absolutely fantastic. And the service is just as great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Moises C.
Service is quick an friendly An there salt pepper shrimp an fried rice is my go too i have had party tray an the whole family loved it will be a repeat customer
Sophia Faulk
My boyfriend and I have been coming here for years. It always feels like home when we come, very welcoming. They remember our order every time. (Spicy crispy beef and fried rice is the best)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crispy Beef
julisvideo
went to have lunch with a friend, was really
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Egg Drop Soup, Orange Chicken and Fried Rice
Dorothy Pflug
I was going to write a review on the nasty owner. However, after reading how she responded to all the complaints most people can get an idea of what a nasty entitled person she is. No class, no manners, and arrogant. You hate your customers ans business so much? Close it or sell it. Your parents worked hard to build this business from the bottom up just for you to run it into the grownd. What an embarrassment to your family you must be. I hope your parent’s read what you have done to their hard work
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Julian P.
Came here to eat with my dad, and the food was astonishingly good! The hidden gem of El Cajon that excels in both its exceptional staff and delectable food. With warm and welcoming atmosphere, combined with the culinary masterpieces served, this place is beyond exceptional. I highly recommend giving this place a try. You won't be disappointed.
Catari M.
It is very disappointing, after years of supporting a local business, to find out the owner's daughter has no pride in the restaurant her parents worked so hard to establish. Many of you probably already guessed I am talking about China Panda Garden. 1788 E Main St El Cajon, CA 92021 +1 (619) 588-8098 The daughter acts like she dislikes customers, either she doesn't care anymore as it wasn't her effort, or she has gotten to big for her britches and things she doesn't need to EARN people's business anymore. Almost sent me to the hospital last week by putting PEANUTS in our cashew chicken and I am allergic to peanuts. I called and she offered to replace the entree on another order. So far so good, right? We order from them today and I reminded the person taking the order we had a credit for an order of cashew chicken. We ordered Beef and snow peas as well. Because they were replacing the item due to their previous mistake, I wasn't assuming they would include rice like they always due, I asked if BOTH entrees came with rice. I was prepared to pay for an order of rice so wanted to make sure as we are a family of 3. The lady said YES. My husband picked up and for the very first time since we have been their customers, the boxes had been put in a paper bag and leaked all over the car seat (see photo). They send only ONE order of rice even though I asked. It felt like they weren't replacing the order in good faith. It's not like we weren't paying for another entree to give them at least sale for rectifying what could have been a serious and costly mistake. I called and asked to speak to the owner. At first they didn't want to put her on the phone. Finally she came to the phone with a very hostile attitude. I explained they shorted us the rice and the white car seat was really messed up. She turned around and asked the person who took the order I had asked if each entree came with rice. She blatantly lied and said I only ordered fried rice. She then said "you heard her" you didn't ask. I can't tell you how wrong and at so many levels that is. Basically she called me a liar. If I was prepared to pay for rice knowing the entree was a replacement, why would I NOT ask, and why would I be taking the time to call dissatisfied instead of enjoying our dinner? She then said she is my niece. I told her, "the more reason NOT to lie to you". My husband and my mother were sitting here when I SPECIFICALLY ASKED. I remind you, all this nasty interaction with her loyal customer over a measly order of rice I was happy to pay for! Petty. She told me "you need to find another restaurant". That's when I knew this person doesn't have the least understanding of running a business and thinks she doesn't need customers. The quality of the food has also gone down quite a bit. They really just don't care anymore. Just read owner's response. Not surprised she would lie, apparently it's the norm for her. As I stated BECAUSE I wasn't expecting them to also comp the rice I ASKED so I could order some and PAY for it. But she preferred to call me a liar. The responses she gives all the negative reviews speak for themselves. Also the uncountable comments on Facebook relating similar experiences also speak volumes about how rude she is and the horrible reputation she has in the community. When you have to go as far as to put words in my mouth, you really have no defense to your lack of class and manners.
JerriB5
The egg drop soup was fantastic and I've never been able to choose my spice level for orange chicken, which was a welcome surprise. I would definitely go again.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Egg Drop Soup, Orange Chicken and Fried Rice
My family has been coming here for years and we LOVE this restaurant. Always welcoming, they remember my moms order and the food is the best!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
MamaTime
Always amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef and Broccoli, Hot and Sour Soup
Penny B.
I have never left a review before, but I feel compelled in this case. 2 reasons I will not give them any more of my hard earned money. 1 to order egg foo young you must call 24 hours in advance. Why put an item on the menu if you're not willing to make it, not often do I know where I'm gunna have lunch 24 hours in advance. 2 asked them to add shrimp to mixed veggies. Was asked how many shrimp I wanted? They charged me 1 dollar per shrimp. I just feel that they have a bad attitude and will not return.
Joe Slimowicz
We have been coming to China Panda Garden (we call it Cindy's!). The owner Cindy is so warm and welcoming and it is always a joy to see her when picking up or dining in. The Chinese food can't be beat. It tastes like the good kind of east Coast / NYC chinese that I would get back home. We have tried other places when they are closed and now we don't bother because no one will be Cindy's food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Erica Bayles
Been coming here several years now and food quality has stayed consistently excellent. Owners are friendly. They are always busy foe good reason. Worth the wait!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Egg Drop Soup, Beef and Broccoli, Egg Roll, Chicken Fried Rice, Fried Rice, Wonton Soup, Soup
We ate there and were served A LOT of food! Wonton soup was very tasty and wontons were quite good. The main course was just warm and under seasoned. With a few additions when reheated at home it was quite good the next day. Service tended to focus on the carryout business and they sure had a lot of that. It's a small restaurant but clean and comfortable.
Wouldn't serve my family because there were "too many people" with a family of 5 and only half full.
Service: 1
This has to be one of the best Chinese restaurants in all of San Diego. The food is absolutely fantastic. And the service is just as great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Service is quick an friendly An there salt pepper shrimp an fried rice is my go too i have had party tray an the whole family loved it will be a repeat customer
My boyfriend and I have been coming here for years. It always feels like home when we come, very welcoming. They remember our order every time. (Spicy crispy beef and fried rice is the best)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crispy Beef
went to have lunch with a friend, was really
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Egg Drop Soup, Orange Chicken and Fried Rice
I was going to write a review on the nasty owner. However, after reading how she responded to all the complaints most people can get an idea of what a nasty entitled person she is. No class, no manners, and arrogant. You hate your customers ans business so much? Close it or sell it. Your parents worked hard to build this business from the bottom up just for you to run it into the grownd. What an embarrassment to your family you must be. I hope your parent’s read what you have done to their hard work
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Came here to eat with my dad, and the food was astonishingly good! The hidden gem of El Cajon that excels in both its exceptional staff and delectable food. With warm and welcoming atmosphere, combined with the culinary masterpieces served, this place is beyond exceptional. I highly recommend giving this place a try. You won't be disappointed.
It is very disappointing, after years of supporting a local business, to find out the owner's daughter has no pride in the restaurant her parents worked so hard to establish. Many of you probably already guessed I am talking about China Panda Garden. 1788 E Main St El Cajon, CA 92021 +1 (619) 588-8098 The daughter acts like she dislikes customers, either she doesn't care anymore as it wasn't her effort, or she has gotten to big for her britches and things she doesn't need to EARN people's business anymore. Almost sent me to the hospital last week by putting PEANUTS in our cashew chicken and I am allergic to peanuts. I called and she offered to replace the entree on another order. So far so good, right? We order from them today and I reminded the person taking the order we had a credit for an order of cashew chicken. We ordered Beef and snow peas as well. Because they were replacing the item due to their previous mistake, I wasn't assuming they would include rice like they always due, I asked if BOTH entrees came with rice. I was prepared to pay for an order of rice so wanted to make sure as we are a family of 3. The lady said YES. My husband picked up and for the very first time since we have been their customers, the boxes had been put in a paper bag and leaked all over the car seat (see photo). They send only ONE order of rice even though I asked. It felt like they weren't replacing the order in good faith. It's not like we weren't paying for another entree to give them at least sale for rectifying what could have been a serious and costly mistake. I called and asked to speak to the owner. At first they didn't want to put her on the phone. Finally she came to the phone with a very hostile attitude. I explained they shorted us the rice and the white car seat was really messed up. She turned around and asked the person who took the order I had asked if each entree came with rice. She blatantly lied and said I only ordered fried rice. She then said "you heard her" you didn't ask. I can't tell you how wrong and at so many levels that is. Basically she called me a liar. If I was prepared to pay for rice knowing the entree was a replacement, why would I NOT ask, and why would I be taking the time to call dissatisfied instead of enjoying our dinner? She then said she is my niece. I told her, "the more reason NOT to lie to you". My husband and my mother were sitting here when I SPECIFICALLY ASKED. I remind you, all this nasty interaction with her loyal customer over a measly order of rice I was happy to pay for! Petty. She told me "you need to find another restaurant". That's when I knew this person doesn't have the least understanding of running a business and thinks she doesn't need customers. The quality of the food has also gone down quite a bit. They really just don't care anymore. Just read owner's response. Not surprised she would lie, apparently it's the norm for her. As I stated BECAUSE I wasn't expecting them to also comp the rice I ASKED so I could order some and PAY for it. But she preferred to call me a liar. The responses she gives all the negative reviews speak for themselves. Also the uncountable comments on Facebook relating similar experiences also speak volumes about how rude she is and the horrible reputation she has in the community. When you have to go as far as to put words in my mouth, you really have no defense to your lack of class and manners.
The egg drop soup was fantastic and I've never been able to choose my spice level for orange chicken, which was a welcome surprise. I would definitely go again.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Egg Drop Soup, Orange Chicken and Fried Rice
Restaurantji Recommends
My family has been coming here for years and we LOVE this restaurant. Always welcoming, they remember my moms order and the food is the best!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef and Broccoli, Hot and Sour Soup
I have never left a review before, but I feel compelled in this case. 2 reasons I will not give them any more of my hard earned money. 1 to order egg foo young you must call 24 hours in advance. Why put an item on the menu if you're not willing to make it, not often do I know where I'm gunna have lunch 24 hours in advance. 2 asked them to add shrimp to mixed veggies. Was asked how many shrimp I wanted? They charged me 1 dollar per shrimp. I just feel that they have a bad attitude and will not return.
We have been coming to China Panda Garden (we call it Cindy's!). The owner Cindy is so warm and welcoming and it is always a joy to see her when picking up or dining in. The Chinese food can't be beat. It tastes like the good kind of east Coast / NYC chinese that I would get back home. We have tried other places when they are closed and now we don't bother because no one will be Cindy's food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Been coming here several years now and food quality has stayed consistently excellent. Owners are friendly. They are always busy foe good reason. Worth the wait!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Egg Drop Soup, Beef and Broccoli, Egg Roll, Chicken Fried Rice, Fried Rice, Wonton Soup, Soup