Alton Chinese Restaurant — Restaurant in Toronto

Food: Excellent food with amazingly generous portions. They always have fresh items and I'm never disappointed. Once in a rare moment their dishes may not meet expectations (e.g. regular cook is not there, their produce wasn't the best, something is over/under cooked) but consistently they've been able to deliver. Consistency is key at this restaurant. And if the food isn't to your liking, you can tell them and they'll fix it right away. Rice is "unlimited" and they'll give you refills in a large generous family sized bowl for all to share. But we rarely need to refill when the portion sizes of their main dishes are already so filling and there's always left overs for another day. If you want to do take out instead? They pack generous amounts of rice and their service is quick and efficient. Food arrives within 20-30 minutes of ordering.

Price range: Affordable and with large portions to boot.

Service: The staff there are incredibly hard working. And as mentioned previously, they're problem solvers. So if you have a problem with a dish, they're on it right away. Their English is minimal so Cantonese or Mandarin is preferred when visiting but don't let that keep you away from trying some authentic Chinese food. They have a friendly, casual, and welcoming attitude and you'll feel like you're at a Chinese household having dinner. Menu items are all in Chinese (Traditional) so if you can't read, you may not be able to know what their special of the day is. But ask the staff for some recommendations and you'll be set.

Atmosphere: This is a no-frills type of restaurant. I imagine back in their earlier days when they first opened it was elaborate and well adorned. Nowadays, they could use a new coat of paint on their walls, perhaps new carpets and furniture to bring them out of the 90s. So if you're planning to come here for an Instagram worthy experience, look away. But if you want to really enjoy some authentic Chinese restaurant cooking and have your bellies filled, then this is the place to go. They open late and is the best place to go to after a drink and you need some warm food on a cold night.

Accessibility: Parking lot with accessibility parking nearby. No steps to the entrance to worry about. Double opened doors so you may need someone to assist with opening doors. No automatic doors. There are chairs in the front waiting area to sit while you wait for a table if needed.

Overall: It's not about the looks of the restaurant, it's about the food. Don't feel intimidated if you can't speak Chinese, but expect some barriers. You'll leave feeling full and your...

For over ten years, my family and I have been loyal patrons of a local restaurant that was once a beacon of comfort food at affordable prices. However, our recent experiences compel me to share the unfortunate downturn in both service and culinary standards that have led us to decide never to return.

The primary issue lies with the front-of-house service, particularly the conduct of the woman who seems to oversee the establishment. Her manner is not just unprofessional; it's shockingly unpleasant. The warmth and friendliness one expects in a neighborhood spot are entirely absent. Instead, there's a palpable tension every time we place an order, as if we're an inconvenience rather than valued customers.

One incident that stands out occurred while my daughter and I waited for our takeout. The 'boss' loudly chastised an elderly couple for a reason unbeknownst to us. The couple's discomfort was evident, and it was a deeply uncomfortable moment that left a lasting impression on us both. My daughter, young and empathetic, was particularly shaken – questioning why someone in charge would act so unkindly.

The lack of civility extends to phone interactions as well, where she is often heard yelling and displaying a level of impatience that is simply unacceptable. This aggressive and rushed behavior has become synonymous with the place, overshadowing any positive aspects it once had.

Turning to the food, which was once the saving grace, it too has deteriorated. While the prices remain on the lower end, signaling value, the dishes we once enjoyed now lack the taste and quality we had come to expect. The flavors are inconsistent, and the presentation often appears as if it's been hastily thrown together, further diminishing the overall dining experience.

Moreover, it's important for potential customers to be aware that the restaurant operates on a cash-only basis. This can be a significant inconvenience in our increasingly cashless society, necessitating an extra trip to the ATM.

The area around the restaurant is rich with other culinary establishments that have managed to strike a balance between quality, price, and service. These places demonstrate what it means to value customer satisfaction and the art of hospitality.

In conclusion, while it's disheartening to abandon a place that's been part of our routine for so long, the decline in the standard of service and food quality leaves us no choice. The 'boss' of this establishment would greatly benefit from training in customer service and etiquette to perhaps one day restore the...

I rarely leave negative reviews, but after multiple unacceptable experiences at this restaurant, I feel a responsibility to share my concerns.

The most troubling issue is the owner’s extremely hostile behavior. She frequently lashes out—yelling at both staff and customers without provocation. Her aggressive attitude creates an uncomfortable, even stressful, environment for everyone. It’s clear that she would benefit greatly from anger management training. Running a business—especially one that relies on customer service—requires patience, professionalism, and emotional control, all of which are severely lacking here.

As someone who speaks Chinese, I’ve never been directly mistreated—but I’ve witnessed others who don’t speak the language being ignored, dismissed, or treated with coldness. In a multicultural country like Canada, this kind of behavior is incredibly disheartening. Everyone deserves to be treated with equal respect, regardless of their language or background.

There have also been moments that bordered on casual racism, which only added to my discomfort. No customer should ever walk away feeling judged for simply existing or trying to order in English.

Although we used to be regular takeout customers, we eventually stopped. The so-called loyalty program is poorly thought out—after ten visits, the “reward” is a random item like almond cookies or even toilet paper. It honestly felt like an insult rather than a thank-you.

Food safety is another major concern. I’ve found hair and even bugs in my meals on more than one occasion. When I brought this up respectfully, the owner not only refused to apologize but blamed me instead. That kind of response is not only unprofessional—it’s shocking.

The physical state of the restaurant also leaves a lot to be desired. The dining area feels neglected, and the washrooms are absolutely filthy. I’m surprised this establishment hasn’t been investigated by health inspectors yet—and I fully intend to file a formal complaint.

While the food is cheap, the experience is not worth the emotional and hygienic cost. I’d rather spend a few extra dollars for clean surroundings, respectful service, and decent food—even at a fast-food chain.

This restaurant does not value its customers, its staff, or its place in the community. Until serious changes are made, I strongly recommend...