Chef's Garden

:3 UwU

Food was amazing. The best Chinese food I have ever tasted in the area. It is a great spot to go to grab a quick bite to eat. The customer service is great, as they are extremely friendly and nice. Overall, I had a great experience with this restaurant and I certainly recommend this to others looking for a quick bite to eat.

Grace Tan

Favorite Chinese take out restaurant ever!! Woman on the phone is extremely friendly and the portion is very generous. I can’t help but help but realize that this is a family owned business which I support 100%. It’s nice to know that I am supporting their family. My favorite is the general tso and chicken and broccoli. Also, the Thai angel bomb. Their dumplings also amazing, especially with the dumpling sauce!! I received catering from them before and everyone loves their dumplings. Everything was there, plates, napkins forks everything (and a lot of dumpling sauce). I can tell they work very hard. I advice everyone to give this place a try!! P.s. while you wait for the food, they have a fish tank in which you can stare at.

I come here about once a month and usually sit at the bar. The bartender girl is always nice and also my favorite waitress greets me warmly. My favorite seat is at the bar because there's no privacy in the dining area except the side booths where you sit low and take your shoes off. The drinks and the sushi is why I come here. The lychee martinis and mermaid sushi rolls are excellent!! Sometimes I take the shrimp fried rice to go because the portion is large.

We returned to the garden after moving away and asked if they could sell us a dozen of their veggie rolls (sooo good). They did with a smile. Brought them home and stocked them in our freezer for that occasional fix for good NYC chinese takeout rolls. They were a favorite of ours when we lived in Queens. Their food is tops and the lady behind the counter always had a ni,e smile. Go get some!! You won't be disappointed.

Angel Rodriguez (BigPoppDontStop)

We returned to the garden after moving away and asked if they could sell us a dozen of their veggie rolls (sooo good). They did with a smile. Brought them home and stocked them in our freezer for that occasional fix for good NYC chinese takeout rolls. They were a favorite of ours when we lived in Queens. Their food is tops and the lady behind the counter always had a ni,e smile. Go get some!! You won't be disappointed.

Lynn Lan

I come here about once a month and usually sit at the bar. The bartender girl is always nice and also my favorite waitress greets me warmly. My favorite seat is at the bar because there's no privacy in the dining area except the side booths where you sit low and take your shoes off. The drinks and the sushi is why I come here. The lychee martinis and mermaid sushi rolls are excellent!! Sometimes I take the shrimp fried rice to go because the portion is large.

If that's the chief parameter we consider when reviewing Chinese take-out restaurants then Chef's Garden is successful. They have lunch and dinner combo specials that give you ample food at a reasonable cost - say $5-$7 dollars - and your standard array of Chinese take-out cuisine. Personally, the teriyaki chicken appetizer is good, though I am a sucker for food on a stick. Yes, I like corn-dogs a bunch. Is it that distinguishable from other places? Most likely not. Is there much more to elaborate on? Not really. Regardless, my experience was positive and I am sure yours would be also.

Chris Lee

If that's the chief parameter we consider when reviewing Chinese take-out restaurants then Chef's Garden is successful. They have lunch and dinner combo specials that give you ample food at a reasonable cost - say $5-$7 dollars - and your standard array of Chinese take-out cuisine. Personally, the teriyaki chicken appetizer is good, though I am a sucker for food on a stick. Yes, I like corn-dogs a bunch. Is it that distinguishable from other places? Most likely not. Is there much more to elaborate on? Not really. Regardless, my experience was positive and I am sure yours would be also.

This place has pretty good food, but has the WORST DELIVERY DRIVER I HAVE EVER MET. I usually order from here because it’s close to my school meaning that when I order I have to walk to pick it up form my dorm room. From the initial time when the food has arrived takes me about three minutes to walk to the gate to pick it up within the three minutes the driver calls you at least three times because he’s extremely impatient. When you get to the gate to pick up the food he doesn’t even get out of the car to bring it to you he stares you down until you decide to walk to him and pick it up it’s not like you paid for your food to be delivered or anything. He is extremely rude and provides minimal service but always expects a tip on top of the delivery charge of the restaurant already charges. This man has no business interacting with the public!

I don't think this is a real Chinese restaurant, the food doesn't taste like real chinese food. I bought a chicken broccoli one day, and it was sooooo disgusting. It taste nothing like chicken/broccoli. I had to throw it away, and there goes my lunch. They make immitation chinese food. If u are okay with immitation chinese food, then this restaurants food would be acceptable, but am used to eating food that taste original. Dont buy from this place..the food is not tasty.

Food is good but when you order delivery there is a lot of hidden charges. Fee for delivery, fee for using credit card, brown rice fee and it all adds up on the bill. Got one dish and chicken wings and my total was $26 with all the fees included. Not worth all that extra fees for regular Chinese food.

Mel link tv

I don't think this is a real Chinese restaurant, the food doesn't taste like real chinese food. I bought a chicken broccoli one day, and it was sooooo disgusting. It taste nothing like chicken/broccoli. I had to throw it away, and there goes my lunch. They make immitation chinese food. If u are okay with immitation chinese food, then this restaurants food would be acceptable, but am used to eating food that taste original. Dont buy from this place..the food is not tasty.

Marlie Bienaime

This place has pretty good food, but has the WORST DELIVERY DRIVER I HAVE EVER MET. I usually order from here because it’s close to my school meaning that when I order I have to walk to pick it up form my dorm room. From the initial time when the food has arrived takes me about three minutes to walk to the gate to pick it up within the three minutes the driver calls you at least three times because he’s extremely impatient. When you get to the gate to pick up the food he doesn’t even get out of the car to bring it to you he stares you down until you decide to walk to him and pick it up it’s not like you paid for your food to be delivered or anything. He is extremely rude and provides minimal service but always expects a tip on top of the delivery charge of the restaurant already charges. This man has no business interacting with the public!

Salil Mathew

Food is good but when you order delivery there is a lot of hidden charges. Fee for delivery, fee for using credit card, brown rice fee and it all adds up on the bill. Got one dish and chicken wings and my total was $26 with all the fees included. Not worth all that extra fees for regular Chinese food.

ST. JOHNS STUDENTS - DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM HERE. If I could rate this restaurant 0 stars, I would. The delivery driver is the most inconsiderate and impatient employee I have ever met. He has no regard for the rights of the customer and throws caution into the wind when it comes to achieving the purpose of his role at this restaurant, DELIVERING THE FOOD ON TIME. He routinely leaves the delivery point the second you express any need for time to meet him and is extremely rude and has made me wait outside in the cold on multiple occasions. There is 0 communication from the delivery driver as he routinely sends calls to voicemail while making you wait upwards of an hour to receive your food. This place should never get business again, I know it will never get mine.

To establish why 1 star-- I have been in the food industry for over 30 years(starting as a child volunteer), I've seen a lot and worked with many different cultures... I eat everything and everywhere- street food carts, stalls, "hole in the walls", and Mich star joints. Being open minded and understanding that restaurants can have bad days, I have ordered from this place a few times over the last 10 years. Unfortunately, the food has not progressed. From my experience poor suppliers or staffing issues may cause food to vary. However, over my multiple visits, it has not changed. Food is prepared as if there was a shortage on ingredients and I specifically noted the owners rationing every ingredient--down to the number of sauce packets and napkins as they packed take out and delivery orders. I've also noticed they get their condiments from the cheaper/lower quality distributor. They did not know I understood their dialect of Chinese as they packed various orders, including mine. Foodwise-Fried rice has no onions, bean sprouts or scallions. Food is flavorless. Even soups and other appetizer items are bland. Main course dishes are bland as well. Even the condiment sauces don't help. I'm sorry for being so specific about what I have seen. But I feel I should speak up for the fact that they seem to be a family business. I worked for a similar family. And I would think that they would work hard to preserve their livelyhood. However, it's not fair that I and everyone else spends money they work hard for and not receive the same type of courtesy. Sweet Garden 2 blocks away is WAY better and they remember you years later. I'm especially vocal tonight because it's Christmas and I was hoping to give this place a chance to have become better since my last visit. Avoid this joint. Head over to sweet Garden on Parsons Blvd and Union Tpke. Fyi- 7 stars by St John's is ok for take out . But they suck at delivery. Woman on the phone argued with me that they delivered missing items and accused me of trying to cheat them. Even after I explained how my order wouldn't fit in one bag...which only resulted in having the same driver drop off the second bag containing the rest of my order- no explanation or apology.

Price : High Taste : Poor Quality : Poor Was in the neighborhood so thought I’d give this place a benefit of the doubt after reading the reviews and tbh this was Worst general Tso chicken I’ve ever had. Fried rice was really dry. Homemade iced tea was decent. Very stingy about sauces. Asked for hot sauce and the lady handed me two packets after stating that there are more inside which was a lie. I wonder why they cry over sauces, they cost less than a nickel. Won’t be going back.

I’ve ordered several times from this place and I called to complain that I asked for sesame shrimp and told her I got a sweet-and-sour shrimp with sesame sauce. It was full of breading. It was disgraceful. . I told her I would like to have something else that it was really bad, owner said no ! I said I’ve been ordering for years. Don’t you care that you will lose a customer if you don’t satisfy the customer and she said we simply just don’t care, I was appalled she said we’ve been here 25 years. We just don’t care!!!. I can’t believe a business owner said that. do not order from this place.

Firstly, the service was extremely lackluster. The staff appeared disinterested and inattentive, taking an eternity to even acknowledge our presence. It felt like we were invisible, waiting ages for someone to take our orders and then again for the food to arrive. The food quality was a major letdown. Despite the appealing descriptions on the menu, the dishes were underwhelming. The flavors seemed dull and uninspired, almost as if they were prepared hours before serving. The presentation lacked finesse, and it was evident that attention to detail was sorely lacking in the kitchen. Cleanliness was another issue. The tables weren't properly cleaned before seating guests, and the overall tidiness of the place left much to be desired. It's disappointing when the beauty of a garden setting is marred by unkempt surroundings. Lastly, the pricing seemed exorbitant for the subpar experience. I wouldn't have minded paying a premium for quality, but the value for money here was far from justifiable. Overall, my visit to Chef Garden was a letdown. With poor service, lackluster food, cleanliness issues, and inflated pricing, I'd hesitate to recommend this place to anyone seeking a delightful dining experience amidst nature.

Check your receipt and compare it to the menu. If your order takeout and delivery, they will automatically add in an extra $2 to any takeout delivery order. They will NOT mention this to you and assume you do not check prices. I was fooled several times with calling takeout orders until one day I called in the order but to pick up. Once I was present the woman assumed it was delivery but lowered the price by $2 accidentally letting slip the scam when I asked for the total. Since I usually ordered for delivery I noticed it was $2 cheaper. Only because there was no delivery charge. very sneaky and deceptive of them. They like to steal an extra $2 from loyal customers as I ordered from this place for years. After I found out what they do I never ordered again! A family of crooks.

The food overprice and fell short of expectations. Despite the enticing menu descriptions, the dishes lacked vibrancy and taste. They seemed lackluster, almost as if they had been prepared well in advance. Additionally, the presentation lacked finesse, indicating a noticeable absence of attention to detail in the kitchen.

ZERO STARS!!!! It seems that the few good reviews are from 7-8 years ago. Worst Chinese food I have ever experienced and very poor customer service! The pork in the Fried Wontons tasted weird; it was kind of a "sour" taste. I called to inform them, and the woman kept saying they just made them last night and put them in the freezer. I kept insisting that there must have been something wrong with the pork used. She said they were too busy to bring me another order... which I did not want anyway!!!! Finally, she said she would give me credit for next time. Ummm... there will be no next time!!! Ok, moving along... when I was serving, I noticed that the white rice for the Chicken Chow Mein was missing! I called again to inform them. She said she will send it over! It's already been two hours... and no rice was delivered! Also ordered Boneless spare ribs lunch special. The "boneless spare ribs" look like tiny, minced pieces of pork sitting on top of a huge mound of yellow fried rice! I've never seen such tiny pieces of pork when I've ordered this dish anywhere else!!! The Hot & Sour Soup was terrible; we didn't eat it! The shrimp rolls were dripping with GREASE when taking a bite! The Chicken Chow Mein has a strange dark color (maybe too much soy sauce used??) and there was hardly any "chicken" in it, and I am questioning if it's actually chicken, because the texture was not like chicken!!! Oh! And surprise!!! I almost forgot to mention... When I looked at the receipt that was stapled to the menu, I saw that there was a $2.00 service charge added to my bill, and tax was calculated on the service charge as well! No mention of a service charge was printed on the menu nor was it mentioned when I placed the order! $34 down the drain! Oh well, Needless to say I will never be ordering from them again! UPDATE: 6 hours later....NO white rice was delivered!

Hans Kapoor

Price : High Taste : Poor Quality : Poor Was in the neighborhood so thought I’d give this place a benefit of the doubt after reading the reviews and tbh this was Worst general Tso chicken I’ve ever had. Fried rice was really dry. Homemade iced tea was decent. Very stingy about sauces. Asked for hot sauce and the lady handed me two packets after stating that there are more inside which was a lie. I wonder why they cry over sauces, they cost less than a nickel. Won’t be going back.

Nathaly Velilla

I’ve ordered several times from this place and I called to complain that I asked for sesame shrimp and told her I got a sweet-and-sour shrimp with sesame sauce. It was full of breading. It was disgraceful. . I told her I would like to have something else that it was really bad, owner said no ! I said I’ve been ordering for years. Don’t you care that you will lose a customer if you don’t satisfy the customer and she said we simply just don’t care, I was appalled she said we’ve been here 25 years. We just don’t care!!!. I can’t believe a business owner said that. do not order from this place.

Abdullah Shah

The food overprice and fell short of expectations. Despite the enticing menu descriptions, the dishes lacked vibrancy and taste. They seemed lackluster, almost as if they had been prepared well in advance. Additionally, the presentation lacked finesse, indicating a noticeable absence of attention to detail in the kitchen.

Anthony Dean

Firstly, the service was extremely lackluster. The staff appeared disinterested and inattentive, taking an eternity to even acknowledge our presence. It felt like we were invisible, waiting ages for someone to take our orders and then again for the food to arrive. The food quality was a major letdown. Despite the appealing descriptions on the menu, the dishes were underwhelming. The flavors seemed dull and uninspired, almost as if they were prepared hours before serving. The presentation lacked finesse, and it was evident that attention to detail was sorely lacking in the kitchen. Cleanliness was another issue. The tables weren't properly cleaned before seating guests, and the overall tidiness of the place left much to be desired. It's disappointing when the beauty of a garden setting is marred by unkempt surroundings. Lastly, the pricing seemed exorbitant for the subpar experience. I wouldn't have minded paying a premium for quality, but the value for money here was far from justifiable. Overall, my visit to Chef Garden was a letdown. With poor service, lackluster food, cleanliness issues, and inflated pricing, I'd hesitate to recommend this place to anyone seeking a delightful dining experience amidst nature.

NYC

Check your receipt and compare it to the menu. If your order takeout and delivery, they will automatically add in an extra $2 to any takeout delivery order. They will NOT mention this to you and assume you do not check prices. I was fooled several times with calling takeout orders until one day I called in the order but to pick up. Once I was present the woman assumed it was delivery but lowered the price by $2 accidentally letting slip the scam when I asked for the total. Since I usually ordered for delivery I noticed it was $2 cheaper. Only because there was no delivery charge. very sneaky and deceptive of them. They like to steal an extra $2 from loyal customers as I ordered from this place for years. After I found out what they do I never ordered again! A family of crooks.

Andie R.

ZERO STARS!!!! It seems that the few good reviews are from 7-8 years ago. Worst Chinese food I have ever experienced and very poor customer service! The pork in the Fried Wontons tasted weird; it was kind of a "sour" taste. I called to inform them, and the woman kept saying they just made them last night and put them in the freezer. I kept insisting that there must have been something wrong with the pork used. She said they were too busy to bring me another order... which I did not want anyway!!!! Finally, she said she would give me credit for next time. Ummm... there will be no next time!!! Ok, moving along... when I was serving, I noticed that the white rice for the Chicken Chow Mein was missing! I called again to inform them. She said she will send it over! It's already been two hours... and no rice was delivered! Also ordered Boneless spare ribs lunch special. The "boneless spare ribs" look like tiny, minced pieces of pork sitting on top of a huge mound of yellow fried rice! I've never seen such tiny pieces of pork when I've ordered this dish anywhere else!!! The Hot & Sour Soup was terrible; we didn't eat it! The shrimp rolls were dripping with GREASE when taking a bite! The Chicken Chow Mein has a strange dark color (maybe too much soy sauce used??) and there was hardly any "chicken" in it, and I am questioning if it's actually chicken, because the texture was not like chicken!!! Oh! And surprise!!! I almost forgot to mention... When I looked at the receipt that was stapled to the menu, I saw that there was a $2.00 service charge added to my bill, and tax was calculated on the service charge as well! No mention of a service charge was printed on the menu nor was it mentioned when I placed the order! $34 down the drain! Oh well, Needless to say I will never be ordering from them again! UPDATE: 6 hours later....NO white rice was delivered!

Jason Golembeski

ST. JOHNS STUDENTS - DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM HERE. If I could rate this restaurant 0 stars, I would. The delivery driver is the most inconsiderate and impatient employee I have ever met. He has no regard for the rights of the customer and throws caution into the wind when it comes to achieving the purpose of his role at this restaurant, DELIVERING THE FOOD ON TIME. He routinely leaves the delivery point the second you express any need for time to meet him and is extremely rude and has made me wait outside in the cold on multiple occasions. There is 0 communication from the delivery driver as he routinely sends calls to voicemail while making you wait upwards of an hour to receive your food. This place should never get business again, I know it will never get mine.

Not suitable for all ages

To establish why 1 star-- I have been in the food industry for over 30 years(starting as a child volunteer), I've seen a lot and worked with many different cultures... I eat everything and everywhere- street food carts, stalls, "hole in the walls", and Mich star joints. Being open minded and understanding that restaurants can have bad days, I have ordered from this place a few times over the last 10 years. Unfortunately, the food has not progressed. From my experience poor suppliers or staffing issues may cause food to vary. However, over my multiple visits, it has not changed. Food is prepared as if there was a shortage on ingredients and I specifically noted the owners rationing every ingredient--down to the number of sauce packets and napkins as they packed take out and delivery orders. I've also noticed they get their condiments from the cheaper/lower quality distributor. They did not know I understood their dialect of Chinese as they packed various orders, including mine. Foodwise-Fried rice has no onions, bean sprouts or scallions. Food is flavorless. Even soups and other appetizer items are bland. Main course dishes are bland as well. Even the condiment sauces don't help. I'm sorry for being so specific about what I have seen. But I feel I should speak up for the fact that they seem to be a family business. I worked for a similar family. And I would think that they would work hard to preserve their livelyhood. However, it's not fair that I and everyone else spends money they work hard for and not receive the same type of courtesy. Sweet Garden 2 blocks away is WAY better and they remember you years later. I'm especially vocal tonight because it's Christmas and I was hoping to give this place a chance to have become better since my last visit. Avoid this joint. Head over to sweet Garden on Parsons Blvd and Union Tpke. Fyi- 7 stars by St John's is ok for take out . But they suck at delivery. Woman on the phone argued with me that they delivered missing items and accused me of trying to cheat them. Even after I explained how my order wouldn't fit in one bag...which only resulted in having the same driver drop off the second bag containing the rest of my order- no explanation or apology.