The service and the ambience were the best parts of the night. Our waited accommodated whatever we needed and routinely checked in on our table. The food, however, was underwhelming. The menu looked delicious but my roasted sea bass lacked depth and flavor. The piece of fish was very good, but the miso glaze lacked depth in flavor and almost tasted like a cheap canned tomato sauce. Our other items, like the small dumplings and the baked oysters were okay, but my favorite dish of the evening was the egg noodles with vegetables, which is a side. It's a shame that the food lacked flavor because the service and ambience were great.
Maria Flores
It's always a favorite. 3 of us split the Chinois Chicken Salad, cat fish, and duck fried rice. They were all delicious.
Tony
Great food everything we tried was good definitely a must try place good drinks great food great service
Tiana
Every dish we had was amazing. My personal favorites were the ahi with uni sauce and the scallops with pad Thai. Will definitely be coming back.
Matan Dortal
Can’t think of anything that I would have like to be different
Charlie Candelas
Quality Asian experience
Diana Poulos
This spot feels like walking into a warm welcoming home. A gem in the neighborhood and a staple, one of those places where you're always greeted with a smile and the food tastes like it was made with love. The chicken salad is so fresh and flavorful, with the perfect crunch. I also had the chicken potstickers and the Maine lobster spring rolls. Absolutely delicious and everything had just the perfect amount of spice. The service/staff here are so kind and amazing. I felt like I'd been going there for ages. The ambiance is very cozy and romantic. The artwork and tile work everywhere adds a lot of character as well. Great place to go for family style meals and you will be sure to leave satisfied. Can't wait to come back! Special thank you to Bella for her warm hospitality.
Jess Ontiveros
They assured us they could accommodate allergies when we called ahead, but upon arrival, they were unable to do anything. It’s really disappointing.
Christos Efthymiou
We came to this restaurant for a birthday party. We have allergies to onion and garlic, so we called ahead of time to ensure we would be able to have a meal here. We actually called two separate days leading up to the reservation to confirm they would be able to accommodate. When we arrived, they again assured us we would be able to eat various items. We placed our order, and shortly after the waiter returned multiple times and informed us that almost all of the items could not have the garlic and onion removed, and that the ones that could would be “cross contaminated” which meant cooked in the same oil and pots as the onion and garlic dishes. The waiter became agitated and annoyed with us, for our allergies. This was an unacceptable experience that lasted an hour at which point we decided to leave since no food was ordered and nothing could be made. Horrible staff, horrible experience.
charlie
Bella is an exceptional host Her staff are “family” - knows all the diners always a special treat
Another delicious meal & great service. Classic Wolfgang Chinese Chicken salad, potstickers, vegie rice, eggplant, sautéed mushrooms, curry lobster with crispy spinach, and the halibut special.
Frank
One of my favorite restaurants in Santa Monica. The service is good, and the food is outstanding. I had a spot at the kitchen bar, where I saw the amazing chefs at work.
Apryl
My mother has fond memories of dining here with her work colleagues years ago. Chinois then became she and my deceased father's favorite place to share with their friends. My adult offspring and I were overjoyed to bring her here to celebrate her 85th birthday. Happily she was able to have halibut, her favorite dish. She truly had a memorable experience and we are grateful.
Geoff
So glad this venerable restaurant is still around. Unpretentious food, professional wait staff, no one taking photos of the food.
Grethel Bayro
I loved my dining experience there! The decor is warm and special; the service, impeccable, and the food is beautifully presented and delicious. I recommend the lobster spring rolls, the calamari and shrimp salad, and the duck fried rice. If you really like lemongrass, then try the seared scallops!
The service and the ambience were the best parts of the night. Our waited accommodated whatever we needed and routinely checked in on our table. The food, however, was underwhelming. The menu looked delicious but my roasted sea bass lacked depth and flavor. The piece of fish was very good, but the miso glaze lacked depth in flavor and almost tasted like a cheap canned tomato sauce. Our other items, like the small dumplings and the baked oysters were okay, but my favorite dish of the evening was the egg noodles with vegetables, which is a side. It's a shame that the food lacked flavor because the service and ambience were great.
It's always a favorite. 3 of us split the Chinois Chicken Salad, cat fish, and duck fried rice. They were all delicious.
Great food everything we tried was good definitely a must try place good drinks great food great service
Every dish we had was amazing. My personal favorites were the ahi with uni sauce and the scallops with pad Thai. Will definitely be coming back.
Can’t think of anything that I would have like to be different
Quality Asian experience
This spot feels like walking into a warm welcoming home. A gem in the neighborhood and a staple, one of those places where you're always greeted with a smile and the food tastes like it was made with love. The chicken salad is so fresh and flavorful, with the perfect crunch. I also had the chicken potstickers and the Maine lobster spring rolls. Absolutely delicious and everything had just the perfect amount of spice. The service/staff here are so kind and amazing. I felt like I'd been going there for ages. The ambiance is very cozy and romantic. The artwork and tile work everywhere adds a lot of character as well. Great place to go for family style meals and you will be sure to leave satisfied. Can't wait to come back! Special thank you to Bella for her warm hospitality.
They assured us they could accommodate allergies when we called ahead, but upon arrival, they were unable to do anything. It’s really disappointing.
We came to this restaurant for a birthday party. We have allergies to onion and garlic, so we called ahead of time to ensure we would be able to have a meal here. We actually called two separate days leading up to the reservation to confirm they would be able to accommodate. When we arrived, they again assured us we would be able to eat various items. We placed our order, and shortly after the waiter returned multiple times and informed us that almost all of the items could not have the garlic and onion removed, and that the ones that could would be “cross contaminated” which meant cooked in the same oil and pots as the onion and garlic dishes. The waiter became agitated and annoyed with us, for our allergies. This was an unacceptable experience that lasted an hour at which point we decided to leave since no food was ordered and nothing could be made. Horrible staff, horrible experience.
Bella is an exceptional host Her staff are “family” - knows all the diners always a special treat
Restaurantji Recommends
Another delicious meal & great service. Classic Wolfgang Chinese Chicken salad, potstickers, vegie rice, eggplant, sautéed mushrooms, curry lobster with crispy spinach, and the halibut special.
One of my favorite restaurants in Santa Monica. The service is good, and the food is outstanding. I had a spot at the kitchen bar, where I saw the amazing chefs at work.
My mother has fond memories of dining here with her work colleagues years ago. Chinois then became she and my deceased father's favorite place to share with their friends. My adult offspring and I were overjoyed to bring her here to celebrate her 85th birthday. Happily she was able to have halibut, her favorite dish. She truly had a memorable experience and we are grateful.
So glad this venerable restaurant is still around. Unpretentious food, professional wait staff, no one taking photos of the food.
I loved my dining experience there! The decor is warm and special; the service, impeccable, and the food is beautifully presented and delicious. I recommend the lobster spring rolls, the calamari and shrimp salad, and the duck fried rice. If you really like lemongrass, then try the seared scallops!
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