House of Chan — Restaurant in Toronto

Many new customers probably go to house of chan expecting different things. This isn’t a traditional steak house, and it’s not a Chinese restaurant. People who have been going here for 20+ years understand its more nuanced. It’s both somewhere in between and neither of the two. They do a few things really really right, some things OK, but the atmosphere is homey and nostalgic for many, and the service and hospitality is incredible, and the little fix ins and accoutrements complete the experience.

Its not fine dining, though its not cheap. it’s a high end - casual hybrid, much like the cuisine.

I feel like most newcomers order wrong - usually they get too much, and order a steak each, lobster, and treat the menu like a western steakhouse and ignore the Chinese. Or they do the opposite and go solely on the Chinese dishes.

IMO, this is wrong, and a waste of what is supposed to be a collaborative meal of two cultures. The joy here is sharing dishes - dishes that normally aren’t had at the same meal. Sliced steaks to share - the king rib eye is a winner every time. Start with a wonton soup as an app, egg rolls, chan ribs, a couple Chinese dishes and then a few steaks to share is how a group table might get the best experience. Occasionally stone crab or lobster add on. But not every time.

I don’t particularly love Chans Chinese dishes on a Chinese food standard, and I do love Chinese food. Rather, you should understand it as Canadian-Chinese comfort food, and they make excellent sides to a steak main, and the food is consistent. Nothing is likely going to wow you, except maybe the chan ribs, but no surprises either. The steaks are reliably great, but basic. The plum sauce and dry noodles is easily the best welcome present of all time, and that plum sauce comes in handy for a ton of other uses - wonton soup pork slices are next level with it. Same with the hot mustard on the ribs.

Everyone has their own style here, their own order, balance. But for it to be a great meal, you need that balance. Oh, and the martinis, while ‘basic’ are strong as hell...

The House of Chan is probably one of the best steakhouses in Toronto yet is simultaneously one of the best Chinese restaurants in Toronto. It is definitely worth a visit. No reservations though!

The first thing you're thinking when you see this restaurant is "what cuisine is this? Is this Chinese food or a steakhouse or some fusion stuff?" The answer is that the House of Chan is both. This family-run place serves amazing steaks much like any other upscale steakhouse (pricy!) as far as I can tell. It also serves extraordinary Chinese food that you can get with or instead of the steaks. It's a great restaurant to go with vegetarians for this reason.

In terms of my actual enjoyment of the food, I got the prime rib steak with a side of potatoes and (fried?) onions. The steak was one of the best steaks I've ever had and the potatoes were also very good. I'll let the photos of the other food speak for themselves since I didn't eat all of those, but according to the people I was with the food was also great.

The service was also terrific, and I constantly was getting refills whenever I needed more water or whatever else. Great staff.

The reason why this place doesn't have many reviews on Google Maps already is because it has a primarily older customer base. This isn't that surprising given that the restaurant looks like it's from a 50s movie, is somewhat dark, and has a bar. But hey, it's got amazing food and I'm not going to give it a 4 because the decor isn't trendy. The people who run the House of Chan have been here for decades and know what they have. This place was packed on the Tuesday night where we went there for a reason. Go here if you want to eat at one of the last authentic Toronto restaurants and don't mind paying $60 for a really good steak (the Chinese food...

Below average taste, exorbitant price - even the stellar service could not make up for the shortcomings of the food.

House of Chan has retro Chinese Canadian vibes. A lot of potential for a really interesting throwback to high-quality Chinese Canadian food.

Unfortunately, all of the food falls far short of any expectations, regardless of price point, even a run of the mill Chinatown restaurant open it at 2 AM has better execution.

Steak: ordered the 24oz porterhouse, was under seasoned and lackluster, at a high price point of nearly $100. You can get far better at any steakhouse for a more reasonable price. There was nothing Chinese or fusion about the steak, no need to brave this restaurant to look for a decent steak.

Lobster: the lobster was live and cooked well, but the price point was extra extraordinarily high - 100$ for 2 pound lobster. At the average Chinese restaurant you can expect something more like $70 for two of the 2 pound lobsters.

Sweet and sour pork: I’ve had better at a food court. Vegetables were still raw and not cooked enough.

Chow mein: better at a food court, underseasoned.

Overall, the bill for 2 was over $300, quite possibly the worst value for money I have experienced than last five years of restaurants.

The service was fantastic, and everyone was friendly, which unfortunately could not make up for the lacklustre meal.

You can get a better experience closing your eyes and picking any random Chinese restaurant: there is no...