Great fast food lunch... good portion and best value compared to the normal fast food places...

One of those local take out restaurants you just have to like. Not true Chinese but lots of choices and they're tasty and really inexpensive. It's always a staple if I want a quick bite to eat that is not a burger or sandwich which there are a lot around our area (Campbel/SJ border).

The food is delicious and affordable. Even when there is a line to order they move quickly. Love this place.

A small place with fast turnaround and courteous staff. The food is satisfying enough for a price. The only downfall it is a cash only place with the ATM fees if you'd like to use a card.

Fastline never waiting too long. The food amount is more than I can finish. So I always enjoy having a little extra to go

Great size portions for the price, definitely worth it. For a Chinese food restaurant that is listed as fast food, tbey exceeded my expectations. My partner called them a better version of Panda Express because of the ordering style and I would agree that it is way better than Panda Express. Their vegetarian spring rolls are a great price and the best spring rolls I've had in a long time. I honestly can't remember when I had spring rolls that good. I highly recommend them. I know I'll be ordering nothing but those next time I go in. The orange chicken is tender and not hard to bit like some can be and the chow mein was good as well. This will be another go to restaurant in the area for me.

The best Chinese food in the bay. And they really generous when they serving you.

Affordable. I tend to look at what food has been brought out quickly. Adding an extra protein helps if you are doing a lo carb diet. Place is consistent and way above panda for a better value and experince. Don't forget the chili oil.

I've been here seven years and finally bought food there last week. Way better than Panda Express. Great customer service, good food (huge portions) and you can't beat the prices. Double entree and a side for two people for less than $18. Will most definitely be going back!!

I've been eating at this place since I was little, for the last 20 or so years. I don't visit as often anymore, but when I do, the taste of the food brings back nostalgic memories. Although prices have risen (unsurprisingly), the taste and quality of food has not changed and is the same hearty, flavorful food that I remember from my childhood.

Food is great! Service is great too! Price good too!

Good fast chinese food. They keep the prices low and the portions are huge! They are forcing their containers closed.

Great food, the employees need to have a kinder attitude to us the customers tho, if we wait in line for our turn we deserve our turn and should be asked to be skipped. Never had problem until recently. 5 stars is for the good only. The staff needs to have a meeting on treating customers with respect.

Ive been eating at Little Chef for 20 years now and the food is tasty and cheap. It's about 1-2$ dollars less than Panda Express. The service is fast and polite, and they give you lots of food, so getting your money's worth is not a problem. The only thing I would note is they take cash only, they have an atm set up but its going to cost you.

I almost don't want to do a review for this place because it is so good. They have a row of food similar to Mr. Chows but better. The orange chicken is great so is the house chicken, boneless ribs, black bean chicken, mushroom chicken and chicken salad. I don't really do hot but my family likes the hot dishes. You can get fried rice, chow mein or half of each. I pay one dollar extra and get the chicken salad instead. You can get just chicken salad if you want and it is great too. I suggest choosing whatever looks fresh. I get the fried shrimp on the side. If the fried chicken looks fresh I sometimes chose that.

This is by far my favorite Chinese food place. Its been around for years and the quality of food is still good. I love the BBQ spare ribs and house chicken. I also recommend the chicken salad they have a special dressing that goes on it that no one else has.

WARNING! Do not visit place or else you’ll driving long distances or stop by every chance you get when you’re close by because other Chinese food restaurants won’t satisfy your taste, anymore. You’ll be surprised to receive so much yummy Chinese foods for your money! I’ve been so other Chinese fast food or to go food restaurants where they give very little food or old and dried up food under the heat lamp for days. Everything is fresh here because there are customers coming in and out throughout the day unlike other restaurants. All sorts of people eat there. Blue collars, white collars, no collars, and etc... For those who complain about credit card fee. Buy above minimum or bring cash! You should always carry around emergency cash. Your credit card company might refund you nickels and dimes, but they’re charging the restaurants quarters and dollars. To keep the cost down low for everybody, stop complaining about it and start wondering why your credit card balance is so high! :)

House chicken is great! They give you a very big serving and it's cheap. Compared to Panda Express it's an easy choice. Little chef is cheaper for more and has better taste. Although the orange chicken is still better at panda.

This is a little hole on the wall it good food good portions at a great price I believe their orange chicken is better than panda

New discovery of this Chinese fast food place. Serving in bento box. Freshly cook for each dishes straight from open kitchen. Plenty of entrees to select from. Give yourself a try!

Hole in the wall that's been serving the best Chinese food for a couple of decades. The House chicken and spicy ribs are our favorites and no matter how many times I try, I'm just not able to replicate the flavors. These are some hard working people and the lines can be long here. Service as expected, don't take it personally. Order and enjoy 😋

They pack your plate. Food is delicious.

Everything was Delicious, servings were Plentyful.. 👍🏽👍🏽

The food has always been great. The nicest employees. My family has Dined in and take out. Little Chef's is very important part of the Community. please being back the fried prawns. I just wish you could be on Uber Eats that would be great.

The best Chinese fast food since I can remember. Been here since the early 2000s (I was a kid) and it still bomb. Place is clean and ladies are always friendly. In this economy you appreciate amount of food the give. God bless their generosity.

Food is really good and generous serving sizes. Good prices.

Hello from Ontario Canada! Was in the area visiting my brother and thought I'd try this Chinese food place out. The food and layout is similar to what you would find at a fast food Chinese eatery at a big mall. Very Americanized Chinese dishes, nontraditional as like what you would see from a Chinese food restaurant. But all-n-all it's still good. Large portions, only thing I would add is that their labeled Chow Mein is really Lo Mein, not Chow and their house chicken very much resembles Chinese BBQ pork, but made with chicken.

Delicious food hot and fresh! Friendly service and reasonable prices. I wish there was one in Manteca!

I've been going here since I was about 12 and I'm 20 now this place is always super good very affordable and they load it up 13/10 as far as a fast food Chinese place this is the absolute most best spot ever

Not nearly as shabby as it's curb appeal. The food is good !! And the portions are well worth it. Staff is friendly, and fast!! Place is casual and my kid likes to run around all over it,.... but the food is pretty good.

Simple, quick, pretty good food.

The food is good and they give you good portions

I come here because it's inexpensive, close to my work, and good quality food. As a vegetarian, at first I was disappointed by the small selection, but while there's only one combo for me, it's a great one. I get the chow mein or fried rice, the vegetable delight, and 2 egg rolls, sometimes a soda. I think it comes out to about $11 or $13, and they pack enough food in to last me 2 days. The veggie delight isn't anything to write home about only because it tastes like real home cooking I can imagine my dad (who's Chinese) making. The folks behind the counter are really sweet too. The seating is casual, the food is a la carte, kinda Panda Express style but much better. It's not fancy at Little Chef, just good 😋

I personally love Lil Chef. I had cancer 3 years ago and I would always stop by there on my way home from treatments. At the time it wD the only thing I could eat at the time I still love it, its my favorite fast food, hands down. My favorite dish is 5 flavor chicken, my husband and son love the house chicken. Ps: i am now cancer free !

Breanna McAvoy

This little gem is my go to for that chinese food fix. Can't go wrong. Chow main is better than Panda's 1000%. Rice is never dry and food always hot.

Gary Toms

Stop by because of a co-worker. This place is amazing and yes the house salad is 10/10 , definitely worth a try if you don't want noodles or rice. I'll be coming back again when I'm in the area to try the rest, the ladies are amazing and helpful with recommendations

D

The best Chinese take out in the Bay Area! It’s very yummy and affordable.

Anthony Stotesberry

The food is excellent, and priced fairly which is hard to find nowadays. Only thing that sucked is I had to pee like a racehorse and there were no bathrooms.

Becca Boo

For such a small little restaurant. It Delivers! It’s similar to Panda. Only it’s just waaay better! Better flavors. Cooked well and seasoned. The sauces are delicious. Fast service. Big portions and decent prices. Well worth it! I ordered the mushroom chicken, Beijing Chicken half chow mein and rice. I see why everyone orders the chow mein is Soo good! The 5 chicken or house chicken, and beef ribs, and others fly out of the counter. Served still steaming hot! Parking is not, very, big, but everyone seems to be able to park, order, eat or take out. Fairly quickly. Little Chef is now my Goto! When I am in SJ. Near Santana Row.

Nes Adri

Wow! What an amazing meal I just had ✨ the food here is Delicious! Def going to be coming here again. I got 3 egg rolls with this and a drink and the price was 22 bucks! What a delicious deal! 👌🏼 HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

H Lindstrom

truly such a lovely energy in here. came here on my lunch and was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful it was inside. food was delicious and you can see the happy chefs cooking inside. the folks working were nice and seemed happy to be there. The roses outside were so pretty as well

Joshua A.

For what it is, it's actually surprisingly good. Not gourmet, but a goldmine in its overall portion/price/quality value. The orange chicken in particular is about as good as any. A big step up from Mr. Chau's or Panda.

jcwainc “JerrysCanofWhoopAssinc” JerrysCanofWhoopAssinc

Campbell little treasure. It's not the best Chinese food but the service, the amount of food you get and the price is what brings people back. My favorite item here is the spicy ribs (there not hot but look like they are) and the potstickers. Please come and enjoy Campbell's special Chinese fast food restaurant you'll be glad you did 😊

+1

Jennifer Biggerstaff

There are not many places like this left!Where else can you get a choice of Jarritos or Thai iced tea with your Chinese take out? Husband and I have been going here for years! House chicken and mushroom chicken are my fave entrée choices, but there are so many! I also always ask for half fried rice & half chow mein. Portions and price point are definitely worth it.

Jerica XO

I’ve been in love with Little Chef Chinese food FOREVER !! My mom and I would always come here since I was little. They have such flavorful food for a great price and they give you amazing size portions!! Lots of different options, always freshly made. The quality is way above other Chinese food restaurants in San Jose. Ca. This place is a gem in my hometown and I will always be coming back. 10/10

Marlette Palma

In my 20 years eating here, I have never had a problem with my food. It always tastes great!! They put so much food in a plate that you can share. Great food at a good price. If you haven't tried it. Go!!

This is a great fast food Chinese spot. The food is fresh and is always busy. Especially for lunch. Expect a long line during lunch. Dinner time gets busy as well.

Consistent Chinese fast food at reasonable prices. Cooked in house even if there is a line, it may be a quick. Last time I was there post COVID it was take out only. Fine with me because I always take out here.

Loved the variety of dishes and Hospitality.

Spouse loves the chicken salad. The large size is exceedingly generous and the dressing delicious. They should have more vegan/vegetarian options other than just vegtable delight.

Tons of food for $8, honestly enough for 2 people. Lots of choices & their Thai iced tea was great and only $2.75 for a big cup 💟. Definitely better than the usual boring fast food chains.

This place is pretty good for a hole in the wall. Reminds me of Mr. Chaus when they first opened and had great food and quality. I'll be back for sure it's really one of the best Chinese places for the money 💰

Great as always, open usually 15 minutes earlier than listed if they finish their preparations early so that's very nice. The House Chicken and Mushroom Chicken can't be beat when fresh.

Typical buffet style Chinese food. Nothing you will write grandma about but it fills the belly. They have a pretty good assortment of chicken and a few beef dishes along with the standard chow mein, fried rice and white rice. I tried the five flavor chicken and orange chicken. They have a decent flavor to them. The vegetables were crisp yet cooked well. The chow mein is made with a thicker style noodle. It is moist and has great flavor. The fried rice has a decent flavor but leaned toward the dry side. The service was pretty quick.

Way better than Panda and not overpriced like Panda Express. They stack the food like they should anywhere else should. Great price for a great amount of food. You'll get full forsure. Good food. If I've lived closer I'd come here more often. My brother live near here... a little jealous. I recommend for a great deal on Chinese food.

I love this place. The food is really good and it comes at a good price. The only problem is if you come just before they close, chances are they will have run out of a bunch of the things you would order. So come with plenty of time before closing. If you have to choose between little chef and other Chinese fast food places, definitely choose little chef.

The food is great, but if you plan on using a credit/debit card look elsewhere. Their card policy makes little sense. They charge you for using a card and give you physical change after withdrawing a cash amount. This can add up to an extra $3.50 altogether if you have cash withdrawal fees.

Get the House Chicken - just do it. That is the sole reason I come back to this place. The restaurant isn't super nice, the service is usually bad, it isn't particularly a healthy option, but that dang House Chicken is so good I'm tempted to stop by every time I pass by. Plus, they give you a LOT of food. I mean, it's gotta be close to two servings. My favorite combination so far is a House Chicken + Honey BBQ Ribs and Half chow mein and fried rice. That's a good meal right there. It beats Panda Express by miles for me so go here instead of that.

I was surprised at such generous portions. Really good food. I dined in

A little coner shop with good Chinese food. Prices have gone up like with all things, but remains reasonable. Lines go quick since service is fast.

I absolutely love the food here HOWEVER the customer service definitely needs improvement!

I was talking to one of my boys at work and he was telling me a story about this place. “ the portions are huge bruh” “ hella cheap homie” “ one of my local faves” he had me sold as soon as he compared it to being along the lines of authentic homemade panda. I got me some delicious orange chicken, Szechuan chicken, spicy ribs. When I saw my total, I said run it. Throw in the 3 egg roll special and some sodas on the side. For a bargain price, I’m definitely coming back.

Food is always ready to be served when one arrives. As soon as they're out, they place a new fresh tray. Before COVID one could dine and enjoy your meal there. Quality of food is better than any other Chinese fast food in area. I would recommend bringing cash because there is a minimum for credit card payment.

Fast and friendly service. Food is great and big portions. Would be Five stars, but they always seem to be out of their best dish, House Chicken.

Decent food, large portions. I definitely DO recommend their Mushroom Chicken and the Broccoli Beef, both are very good. I do NOT recommend their Orange Chicken anymore. It used to be very good but the quality has sunk over the last year or so. Now it is usually very dry, tough and gristly-like. It's over cooked, I think. Their fried rice is great if you can catch it when it first comes out of the kitchen. If they have a lull in customers and it sits under the heat lamps too long it'll be dry and kinda crunchy. The Chow Mein or even steamed white rice are a better bet over their fried rice (unless it's fresh). Most of their stir-fry type entrees are good. The dishes that are breaded and fried and have sauce on them aren't very good anymore (see above example [Orange Chicken]), which is sad because it was my favorite. One last nit pick, they used to have large MEAT filled egg rolls (6" x 2") and VEGGIE spring rolls (4" x 1"). Now they only have the veggie spring rolls but they call them "Egg Rolls" (which they're not) and they sell those tiny rolls for more than what the larger egg rolls used to cost. A total misrepresentation and a rip-off, to boot! It's it so hard to just be honest???

Overall I will always come back for the house chicken. However sometimes the steam rice is a big block of mush and the hot and sour soup is hit or miss. Sometimes they forget to put the corn starch, it’s been overly salty and other times not spicy at all. The. Hi Ken salad is pretty simple but the dressing is the best. The spicy ribs are good too. But not a fan of their noodles as they are too thick and greasy.

Best Chinese fast food in the area. Good service. Sesame balls are must to have. Very affordable for the amount of foods you get. You have to understand it is fast food so enter with that mindset.

+1

Christina

I stopped here for lunch while I was working in the area. The food was fresh, hot, and tasted decent for Chinese fast food, which there aren’t that many of anymore. The portions were great for the price. I got a 2-entrees plate and small hot & sour soup for about $13 which is a steal! The ladies there were nice to me and as I was eating in the restaurant, I watched in amazement as they fulfilled a huge order for a corporate lunch in less than 10 minutes during the lunch rush! Really impressive!

Sherene Saenz

First time at Little Chef in San Jose. Reviews seemed good, so we gave it a try. My plate was Chow mein, house chicken and BBQ ribs. Also got chicken salad with a good sauce on the side. My mom got half rice / chow mein with fried chicken and orange chicken. Over all, the food served was a lot. It all tasted warm and overall good. We both really liked the salad, chow mein and the house chicken was super delicious. Other entrees were just ok, but to each their own. The prices were reasonable. We paid about 27 dollars for the 2 plates and salad side. We had a lot of leftovers. We will be back to try other items on the menu. Good brand soy sauce too, which says a lot.

+3

Henry Martin

For those of us in the know this place originally was Taco Bell way back in the day. Little Chef has been going strong now for 19 years now, honestly I can’t believe I have never stopped in as I drive by nearly everyday. The interior is clean and still has what looks like the original Taco Bell tables “so cool” As I walked in there’s a menu board over your head. I got the 3 item special “comes with you choice of fried rice, steamed rice or chow mein. Then you pick two mains of your choice “I picked the Orange chicken, the beef and broccoli. And a drink, all for $10 They have a great variety of pickens, as well as packets of sweet and sour, sides of chili sauce and soy sauce on the tables. When the nice lady was putting the food in my box, I was in shock as to how much she was putting in there. seriously I thought, she thought I ordered a double by mistake. Now for the quality and flavor. The fried rice was in my opinion a little bland but after I put the sweet and sour with some soy sauce it was quite good. The beef and broccoli was cooked well and the broccoli was perfectly Al dente. The orange chicken was really good also. For a place where you can get good food “and a lot of it” for not a lot of money, this place is aces in my book. I highly recommend them and yes “I’ll be back c:” Side note they do party trays also

+6

This is a decent Sysco Chinese place. Food is good, nothing special, it's panda Express quality. Service is fast and efficient, and they have a good variety of options. Chowmein was ok, the fried rice was a little disappointing. It's cash only, or fee-charging ATM only, knocked a star off a 4 star review for that.

I like the food, But I do sometimes feel Judge sometimes not sure why, But overall it is fast and Good food!

The food is good, although the staff is not that helpfull. The owner is very rude and charge for everything. Even for extra spoons or forks.She is too limited with the customers. She is not generous, all the opposite ! When a customer is not well treated there's a big chance that he/ she won't return to that place. When we carry a food business a little generosity to the customers is like a good inversion, because that customer will bring more customers to that business. Besides, the food price could also include already the little extras, if not, that should be done, and everybody happy !!!

This place used to be the PLACE to go every time I traveled to the Bay area But this last time I went to this Establishment the New employees man they treat you like they could care less about giving you a good meal. I do not think I will be going back after this visit . I HAD Been a Customer for over 25 years but poor service is Poor Service

You know what you're getting at this type of place. It's a typical "scooper" Chinese fast food place that has low prices and okay food. It's always busy, so consider leaving a tip for the line workers.

Food was great however the service was not. The lady that made my plates was very unprofessional, I ordered 2 drinks at the end, I was asking my daughter that was next to me which drink she wanted when she yells at me and with such a bad attitude “ what drink do you want ?!!!!” I was shocked. I don’t think I will be back, lady was so rude . Food was great…

Is my first time here and the food look great however for me is more of customer service and the Asian woman who help me today was very rude my mother ask the name of a tray and she responded can you read! And no my mother lost her vision she can’t read however the other employees were very nice so little chef training in customer service is needed for some of your employees:(

Pretty sure the restaurant took over an old Taco Bell building. Anyhow the lady hooked it up with some chow mein, orange chicken, and BBQ boneless ribs. Got these per the many reviewers here and I'm sorry they were underwhelming. The chicken in the orange chicken was a lil dry but the flavor was good. The ribs were a lil dry as well. And the chow mein was unseasoned and bland. The customers I saw were mostly non-Asians and definitely this place caters to the typical American palate which is sugar on everything. Think of Panda Express.

Erika Mendoza

First time trying, didn’t expect to get attitude from the lady wearing glasses serving the food behind the counter. Walked in and patiently waited in line to order only for her to be fed up with us when we were about to order. Still ordered, just now tried a bite of the orange chicken and fried rice. It is pretty yummy and the portions served are perfect for the price. I don’t know what happened to the lady prior to taking our order and can understand if maybe something happened before we had arrived but it was a very unsolicited situation. Would go again for the food, but maybe not due to the service. Edit: To answer reply, the lady we interacted with was asian. Edit a year later: I have not returned to this establishment nor will I return.

Vishruth

The food is fresh and freshly cooked, offering lunch portions that are definitely better than those at Panda Express. However, I found the sauces on the chicken, particularly the glaze, to be a bit too sweet—almost like there was too much corn syrup used as a sweetener. That said, the portion sizes are generous, and I really enjoyed the food. This isn’t a complaint; I think it’s a great option for good food at an affordable price.

+8

This place is not the greatest, but it ain't the worst if you don't mind an MSG overload. Food is decent, price is fair (2 dollar charge for using your card), service is lacking and rude. Facility is semi clean. Very bad neighborhood, there is literally shootings there all the time.

It just didn't have the authentic taste of Chinese food.

Not very good, panda express is more authentic tbh

Nick

At first, I was really disappointed with the service. It took a few minutes for them to even acknowledge my existence when I was standing there waiting at the front even though they’re right in front of me I was just being blatantly ignored. I then was greeted afterward awkwardly standing there, waiting for them to take my order. The prices are very good, and the portions are very generous, which is the only plus to this establishment. The food is really mediocre and I noticed a lot of the chicken had hard pieces in there for some reason. I noticed a dark spot on one of the chickens, and this looked very unusual compared to when chickens have darker spots. It was extremely disgusting. I will definitely not be returning or recommending this place. Also the inside is super stuffy, so we took it to-go.

+17

Good food but cheap people running it! I asked for extra potsticker sauce and they wanted to charge me I said fine and there was a big dilemma about it! They are just really cheap people running the place!

It's a dive, only 4 or 5 drivebys (shots fired) a year 1/2 a block away. 1 outside door on 7-11 side ..nice. only takes cash house chicken is stale dry chicken from previous days unsold dishes. Stale dried tasteless breaded glazed in sugar sauce.. no. Fried rice . Not fried just colored with some soy sauce damn fools. Nasty Panda is $1. more and worth it

I GOT SICK FROM THEIR FOOD. Pretty sure food poisoning, I had all the symptoms. I had their beef and broccoli, orange chicken, and the noodles. Probably was the meat. Never going to eat there again.

Seen this place for years, stopped in today to give it a try. Definitely will not both again. Food was barely warm, and almost flavorless. To my thinking, things like Sichuan chicken and Mongolian beef are supposed to be spicy. Neither of these had any spice what-so-ever. If you are looking for Chinese fast food, I'd suggest looking elsewhere.

Jesus Rodriguez

man it hurts to make this, but here it is. i’ve came here to heat a bunch of times and i love the food it’s actually really good. TODAY THO WAS NOT COOL… asked for some mongolian beef, she starts serving my plate, i look at it and it’s literally ALL VEGETABLES…. i tell the asian lady (she’s usually really nice) and she says this is what we have this is what you get like WHAT????? asked her when the new one is coming out she says until this one finishes… brooo there is nothing in there but vegetables. it’s called mongolian BEEF not mongolian VEGGIES… Yall know we all only eat the damn meat ain’t no one a vegetarian. super disappointed how today went. probably won’t ever return after today.

Charlotte Johnson brown

Hello colleagues I have years eating in this restaurant is a pleasant atmosphere to eat, I always go with my family and friends I recommend them for many years I go there. But I have a displeasure there is a lady there who says anti-sounding words she starts playing with those in the kitchen every time I arrive and I have to ask her she ignores me she is a lady who always wears mask and glasses, I prefer not to arrive while she is there because she ignores me when I speak to her.