I’ve never felt more unwelcome at a restaurant. From the moment we were seated, the service was shockingly poor and clearly discriminatory. It took an unusually long time for our server to even acknowledge us—while she checked on and served other tables that arrived after us. We waited 45 minutes for the first item of our simple 3-item order, and one of us had to wait an additional 20 minutes after that. Meanwhile, other tables around us were served promptly even though we placed the order before they arrived.
The server never checked in on us after taking our order (which she took while getting us water—then disappeared). We had to call her over just to get the check, and she even questioned why the tip was low—despite the fact that we received virtually no service. Basically blamed on kitchen that they are slow.
On top of the appalling treatment, the food was just average at best. The restaurant has a sanitation score of 91%, which says enough. Also, if you have food allergies, avoid this place entirely—there was no clear understanding or effort to accommodate even basic allergy questions.
Absolutely unacceptable behavior and service. I would never recommend this place to anyone.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Anthony Battaglia
Best Chinese I’ve had in Charlotte area!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Hot Cheeto
Does it get better than this? Authentic cuisine. Must must try!!!
Nick Vardalos
We usually dine in and the portions are large enough to justify the prices. Last night we ordered To-Go and the portions were upsettingly small and not even full. I’d say they were less than half of what you get dining in. If you want to grow your take-out business get larger containers and fill them up!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Heung Lee
Most of the food was delicious. The white rice seemed a little under done
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Ron Plunkett
Best wontons I've ever tasted. Had the lobster Cantonese and it was amazing. Can't wait to go back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hiya T
Loved Sommaya as our service!
Paul Tran
We ordered 5 dishes and they were all delicious. Will make more trips here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scott Hollingsworth
Best Chinese in Charlotte, and most other places as well.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Shania
Got an attitude because lady wanted tip on top of gratuity that was on check…. Service was terrible
We’ve been loyal customers at Lam's Kitchen for quite some time now. Every visit, we’ve spent upwards of $80+ , always left a fair tip (typically 18% in cash, sometimes even a little extra on card), and treated the staff with nothing but respect. We genuinely enjoyed the food and atmosphere, and even made a point to greet the team each time we came in.
However, our most recent visit left us shocked and disappointed — so much so that we’ll never be returning.
During this visit, everything seemed normal at first. The staff was friendly, and they were chatting with us and even peeking under the blanket to look at our newborn, who isn’t even a month old yet. But when it came time to pay, my friend noticed a 20% gratuity had been automatically added to the bill. Normally, that’s applied to parties of 6 or more — we were 3 adults, 2 kids, and an infant.
When we asked about it, the staff told us they were charging us for the infant. Then, out of nowhere, one of them claimed that “every time we come, we only leave a $5 tip” — which is simply not true. We’ve always tipped fairly, and often more than expected.
That comment, combined with the automatic gratuity and lack of appreciation for our consistent business, made it clear: there's no loyalty or respect from their side. We’ve never caused a problem, and always supported them — yet we were treated like we didn’t matter.
We won’t be back, and we want others to know what kind of treatment they might expect if they choose to become regulars here.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 1
Anna Twig
The food was good, but service was bad and the waitress hovered when we paid.
We went out for a family reunion. No one came to check in on us or refill our drinks. The waitress looked over my shoulder when paying, and she threw the check aggressively on the table.
Her attitude ruined our dining experience. I hope the chef gets that tip and not the vulgar waitress.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 1
BHC
Authentic Chinese food Hong Kong style. Best in Charlotte!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nu Dub (indipride)
This place has a unique Live Fish option. The food was good, and the cocktails were okay. Nothing outstanding, though. They also have private rooms for large groups, which is great with kids.
I’ve never felt more unwelcome at a restaurant. From the moment we were seated, the service was shockingly poor and clearly discriminatory. It took an unusually long time for our server to even acknowledge us—while she checked on and served other tables that arrived after us. We waited 45 minutes for the first item of our simple 3-item order, and one of us had to wait an additional 20 minutes after that. Meanwhile, other tables around us were served promptly even though we placed the order before they arrived.
The server never checked in on us after taking our order (which she took while getting us water—then disappeared). We had to call her over just to get the check, and she even questioned why the tip was low—despite the fact that we received virtually no service. Basically blamed on kitchen that they are slow.
On top of the appalling treatment, the food was just average at best. The restaurant has a sanitation score of 91%, which says enough. Also, if you have food allergies, avoid this place entirely—there was no clear understanding or effort to accommodate even basic allergy questions.
Absolutely unacceptable behavior and service. I would never recommend this place to anyone.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Best Chinese I’ve had in Charlotte area!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Does it get better than this? Authentic cuisine. Must must try!!!
We usually dine in and the portions are large enough to justify the prices. Last night we ordered To-Go and the portions were upsettingly small and not even full. I’d say they were less than half of what you get dining in. If you want to grow your take-out business get larger containers and fill them up!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Most of the food was delicious. The white rice seemed a little under done
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Best wontons I've ever tasted. Had the lobster Cantonese and it was amazing. Can't wait to go back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loved Sommaya as our service!
We ordered 5 dishes and they were all delicious. Will make more trips here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best Chinese in Charlotte, and most other places as well.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Got an attitude because lady wanted tip on top of gratuity that was on check…. Service was terrible
Restaurantji Recommends
We’ve been loyal customers at Lam's Kitchen for quite some time now. Every visit, we’ve spent upwards of $80+ , always left a fair tip (typically 18% in cash, sometimes even a little extra on card), and treated the staff with nothing but respect. We genuinely enjoyed the food and atmosphere, and even made a point to greet the team each time we came in.
However, our most recent visit left us shocked and disappointed — so much so that we’ll never be returning.
During this visit, everything seemed normal at first. The staff was friendly, and they were chatting with us and even peeking under the blanket to look at our newborn, who isn’t even a month old yet. But when it came time to pay, my friend noticed a 20% gratuity had been automatically added to the bill. Normally, that’s applied to parties of 6 or more — we were 3 adults, 2 kids, and an infant.
When we asked about it, the staff told us they were charging us for the infant. Then, out of nowhere, one of them claimed that “every time we come, we only leave a $5 tip” — which is simply not true. We’ve always tipped fairly, and often more than expected.
That comment, combined with the automatic gratuity and lack of appreciation for our consistent business, made it clear: there's no loyalty or respect from their side. We’ve never caused a problem, and always supported them — yet we were treated like we didn’t matter.
We won’t be back, and we want others to know what kind of treatment they might expect if they choose to become regulars here.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 1
The food was good, but service was bad and the waitress hovered when we paid.
We went out for a family reunion. No one came to check in on us or refill our drinks. The waitress looked over my shoulder when paying, and she threw the check aggressively on the table.
Her attitude ruined our dining experience. I hope the chef gets that tip and not the vulgar waitress.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 1
Authentic Chinese food Hong Kong style. Best in Charlotte!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place has a unique Live Fish option. The food was good, and the cocktails were okay. Nothing outstanding, though. They also have private rooms for large groups, which is great with kids.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Food was just alright!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
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