China-Restaurant Zhong Xin — Restaurant in Vienna

During a recent vacation in Vienna with two friends, we had one of the most unpleasant experiences we've ever had at a restaurant. After spending the day visiting museums, monuments, and strolling through the city center, we were hungry and eager to try something different from the usual local cuisine. While walking near the neighborhood where we were staying, we came across China Restaurant Zhong Xin.

From the outside, the place looked welcoming and well-kept. There weren’t many people around, and we hoped to sit down and enjoy a quiet dinner in an oriental setting. Unfortunately, what was supposed to be a simple moment of refreshment turned into a real disappointment.

As soon as we entered, we were stopped at the entrance by a staff member. We politely asked if it was possible to have dinner there, but we were immediately told—bluntly and extremely rudely—that they only accept customers with reservations. What truly shocked us was that the restaurant was completely empty: no customers seated, no reservations in progress, no sign of a “fully booked” atmosphere. It was clear that all tables were available.

We tried to explain that we were tourists, had just arrived, and simply wanted to eat something before returning to the hotel, but the response was even more hostile. Not only were we denied entry, but the person at the door also had the audacity to shut the door in our faces, without even a “sorry” or a hint of courtesy. The attitude bordered on outright rudeness.

I fully understand that a restaurant may choose to operate by reservation only. However, there is a way and tone in which people should be treated—especially visitors who are exploring a city and expect to be welcomed with at least a minimum of respect. In this case, we felt treated as unwelcome guests, with a coldness that had nothing to do with hospitality or even basic manners.

This experience left a truly bitter taste. Vienna is a wonderful city, rich in culture and civility, but unfortunately it also includes places like this, which risk tarnishing the city’s image in the eyes of visitors. It’s sad to think that someone working in a public-facing role, dealing with customers and tourists, can behave with such arrogance and lack of respect.

I sincerely hope that the relevant authorities or those in charge take note of these incidents. It’s unacceptable for certain individuals to represent Vienna in the worst possible way. Anyone running a restaurant should know that every customer—even without a reservation—deserves at least kindness and a civil explanation, not doors slammed in their face.

I absolutely do not recommend this restaurant. Not because of the food, which we didn’t even get to try, but because of the disrespectful attitude and complete lack of hospitality. A...

Food was okay, decor was nice, but the wait staff was brainless and inattentive to say the least. Maybe they had more important things to do. Never have I been in such a place where I had to ask for a side of rice and to be told it cost extra. I was given an entree and a second plate on which to transfer it without apparently any reason to have it. When I paid they kept my...

We went there without a reservation and find the place quite packed. The owner managed to find us a place for two of us. The food was good but nothing extraordinary. The portions were enough for one person. The interior is quite nice and you will get a good value of your money. The good thing is the place is open on Sunday when most of the...