Once More Restaurant （老地方） — Restaurant in Richmond

Once More Restaurant Traditional Chinese Cuisine 8231 Ackroyd Road, Richmond, BC V6X 3K8

Once More Restaurant is a small establishment in Richmond that serves up classic Chinese dishes. While the food offers reasonable quality and flavors, the dining experience is marred by dismal service and a lack of attention to customer care.

Food

Yangzhou Fried Rice The Yangzhou Fried Rice featured a reasonable portion size and was well-prepared, with the familiar combination of flavors you’d expect from this classic dish. However, it didn’t stand out in any significant way compared to similar offerings at other Chinese restaurants.

Rating: 7/10

Braised Tenderloin with Sea Cucumber This dish was one of the highlights. The braised tenderloin was tender and flavorful, complemented by the delicate texture of the sea cucumber and the freshness of the accompanying broccoli. The rich flavors were well-balanced, making this a satisfying dish for those seeking a comforting entrée.

Rating: 8/10

Lamb Dumplings

The lamb dumplings were passable but far from remarkable. They lacked a unique flavor profile and felt fairly standard, blending into the background compared to other options on the menu.

Rating: 6/10

Steamed Cod Fish with Diced Pepper The steamed cod was a strong contender for the best dish of the evening. Generously portioned and nicely cooked, the fish was tender and flavorful, enhanced by the subtle heat of the diced peppers. This dish exemplified the potential of the kitchen to deliver high-quality fare.

Rating: 8/10

Service

The service at Once More Restaurant was alarmingly poor, overshadowing any positives of the meal. The restaurant uses a call-button system to request attention, but even after pressing the button several times, service was exceedingly slow and unresponsive. A simple request for a teapot refill was ignored, and the staff appeared indifferent, if not outright dismissive. When settling the bill, there was no acknowledgment or gratitude from the server, leaving a sour final impression.

Rating: 0

Ambiance

The interior of the restaurant is cozy and features charming wall decorations that add a touch of character. However, the seating arrangement detracted from the experience, as being placed near the patio door resulted in frequent disruptions from customers entering and exiting. While the ambiance had potential, small details like this impacted the overall comfort.

Rating: 2/10

Price

The pricing is reasonable and reflective of the portion sizes and food quality. While not a bargain, it aligns with expectations for Chinese cuisine in Richmond.

Verdict

Once More Restaurant delivers a few solid dishes, such as the Braised Tenderloin with Sea Cucumber and Steamed Cod Fish, that showcase the kitchen’s capabilities. Unfortunately, these highlights are overshadowed by the ABYSMAL service, which undermines the entire dining experience. Richmond boasts a wealth of excellent Chinese restaurants that provide both quality food and attentive service, making it hard to recommend this establishment in its...

I give one star because of their reservation system, service and environment. Food is an average level, not an experience that I would want to try again, spending $200 for a bad dinning experience is not worthy at all!

I tended to book at 6:30pm, and they told me to try coming earlier, well 3 of us did came earlier, and ordered small a dish first, we ordered main courses probably at 6:45pm. They served food around 30 mins later, and last two dishes was served at almost 8pm. We were told that next group has been waiting for our table and asked us to pack unfinished food and leave. Two dishes was barely touched as they just served 5 mins ago. What kind of restaurant would do this? Serve food and ask people pack and leave right after?!

Also, I told them in the phone and when we presented there that we need two high chairs, we didn’t get any. Two toddles ate on the table with difficulties of siting, they didn’t end up eating too much. I wouldn’t recommend family with kids come here for dinning.

We asked why a table sat in front of us can stay longer? They were here before us, and we were asked to leave. They said they are owner and owner’s friends. We were like, oh, that’s why they can smoke in the dinning patio just by the dinning tables? Not outside the restaurant. We (including kids) were sitting like within 2 meters away.

They probably wouldn’t care customers too much as this restaurant may be just opened for owners or owners...

Tell that young boy with glasses that I will come again to this restaurant. For your information, if he continues to act disrespectfully like this again, I will beat that kid and destroy your shop. This is not a threat or anything and I will definitely do what I say. As a result, I will pay whatever the price is. In a country where English is his native language, he does not speak almost a word of English, and he is disrespectful and cowardly. Since I had my girlfriend with me, I told him that he should just be careful and he chose to apologize like a cowardly dog. But I'm not sure you understand my words. But if that young boy with glasses is not the owner of the restaurant, I am warning the restaurant owner from here. It would be a shame if you have a business and all your hard work. I will come again, I will come alone, and if this child exhibits the same behavior, we will all be the subject of news bulletins. I hope you will take this into consideration. I'm leaving the this comment here just in case, so that if this idiot employee does the same thing again,...