尚品 Shine Kitchen — Restaurant in Toronto

Craving for Peking Duck over Thanksgiving weekend. We usually ordered from Mr. Congee (at Bridlewood Mall), but I was hoping to try some other restaurants for a change. That's how we came across Shine Kitchen.

Their menu is very much similar to Mr. Congee. Peking Duck is about the same price, also with same option (Peking Duck set + duck soup OR stir fried duck meat). We ordered a Peking Duck combo, crab with ginger & green onion and boiled shrimps. Not only the menu, even the tastes are about the same. The crab was just a tiny bit smaller than Mr. Congee's. But for Peking Duck combo they included 3 containers of duck soup (!!!) while Mr. Congee only included 2. Very impressive.

While the food itself was great, I had problem with their service. I ordered on their website. First, there's no option to choose from regarding duck soup OR stir fried duck meat, so I thought it's a fixed set of combo (I'm happy with either one anyway). Also, they didn't let me know when my order will be ready. When I was there at the restaurant (approx. 30 mins after placing the order), I was asked to choose from duck soup or stir fried duck meat. I was shocked. I told them I didn't see any option online. Their replied was, " You shouldn't order from the website. You should call us." Okay... so it's my fault (!?) But they had my phone number. When they noticed I didn't pick any option, shouldn't they call me to confirm first? I ended up having to wait an extra 20 - 30 mins for my order to be ready. And when my order was ready, the staff brought everything and just dropped it on the seat at the entrance, then left. It was 3 bags and one tin foil tray. She didn't even bother to ask me if I was ok carrying them all. I was there by myself. I walked out with my hands full. Thanks to the nice people who helped opening the doors and made ways for me on the way, I managed to reach my car safely. The service alone is the reason I would not visit Shine Kitchen again. I can find the same food else where.

Shine Kitchen is not the only restaurant. I came across many restaurants that claim to have online order available on their website, but actually unusable or lack of certain options that caused confusion. To all restaurants: Please don't offer online order if it's not fully functional. Please don't offer online order only because it looks good on...

Update: (Dec4.2024) Lina is the best server, her service made me change my thoughts for this place. This time service is excellent and food is as great as usual, they are also having great lunch special with only $9.99!!

Food: Came here for the first time to try their Peking Duck, coz their price is unbeatable overall in Toronto. The portion is good, and there is no additional charge for the second duck course, we had the lettuce wrap and they were so generous on the lettuce, they gave the whole half of it (unlike the usual only about 10 lettuce leaves). (5/5) I also tried the Fried Oyster with Duck Egg Yolk, the egg yolk is less, can’t really taste it BUT the oysters are fresh and big!! (4.5/5) Other Chow Mein and Fried Rice is above average, I think they do hVe a bit msg but I guess that’s quite normal in Chinese restaurants. Hot & Sour Soup is just so so, not sour enough but big portion. I tried their Fried Tofu once, it was a take out and so I don’t have a photo of it, that was SO GOOD!! (10/5)!!

Service: The service was a bit awkward at the beginning, coz it was a bit busy and we were brought to a large round table that looks unprepared (like no table cloth covered and you can see the dirt on the surface) So we asked if we can have a table cloth since I noticed that all other large round tables are covered with it; and we waited quite awhile as if we got forgotten in the corner. But the service gets better after we all settled down, the server pot down the curtains for us to block the sunlight, and they are very attentive to give us water, refill tea and stuff with smile. So I would rate them 4.5/5 coz there was still one server that wasn’t too enthusiastic, don’t know if it’s because I didn’t order the stuff that she tried to up sale to me. Atmosphere: It is a crowded place and quite busy, not sure if it’s because I came here on a weekend lunch hour. The utensils are not perfectly clean, it’s more like food stall grade of cleanness. Don’t expect they are like high grade restaurant standard even they sell fancy food like Lobster and...

Updated review (April 2025) Bottom line, if you're looking for decently priced authentic food, this is a place you may want to go but in terms of service it's a smidgen better than a year ago. The 2nd lady who took care of our table was incredibly patient and kind. Those who set our table and removed our dishes were just about getting the job done and weren't interested in small talk or answering our questions. We were told it wasn't their job and they couldn't help us. I will recommend their beef tendon noodles. Portions are reasonably priced.

(2024 review) The food is edible. I will say that there is only 1 server who seems to care or make an attempt to make the customer's experience positive. This is the second time we have driven in from Hamilton to dine. Because of our horrific experience with them seating us by the front door, specifically called in advance requesting a table near the back to celebrate a 70th birthday. Not only did they try to see this near the door again, they didn't even have a reservation written down. All of this traveling and planning for this big birthday and the host was absolutely rude about it when my father got upset (rightly so).

We were incredibly shocked when only four the seven dishes we ordered were available. We dined at 5:00 p.m. so we were not expecting them to run short of chicken and a specific type of fish.

The dining area is super tight. Be aware of this if you are uncomfortable with small spaces

My question is what is the point of being able to make reservations if you are not going to honor our request? Hopefully this review will kick them in the pants enough to...