China Red — Restaurant in St Peter Port

Food was average.

Service and atmosphere was peculiar to be honest.

We booked a table and arrived on time. Upon arriving, they sat us with another group and it was only until we queried this that they noted that this was for drinks only. Whilst we waited for the table (which was empty), we were then asked to pick our food and was provided with some stale prawn crackers. A little perplexed, I asked when we were likely to be seated as I could see other customers noting the awkwardness of the whole arrangement.

The waiter was quite surley, but assured us that we would be seated, however that we should order now and then be seated.

We ordered and were seated. We had mixed waiters and waitresses and none really ever spoke, so we didn't really have a clue what was happening. I had my jacket over the chair and the waiter came along and placed a covering over it, which is fine - and probably for good reason- but again, zero communication.

Food was average. The starters weren't great to be honest, but edible. The fried vegetables were nice though.

The whole experience was uncomfortable and the food did not...

It was our first time dining at China Red and we absolutely loved our experience here. The food and drinks were excellent. Some of our party had the set menu, and others chose their own dishes. They were happy to substitute pancakes instead of lettuce for the crispy lamb, which was appreciated.

Our set menu starters were absolutely amazing. The smoked chicken was the star of the show, but the duck pancakes and scallops were also spectacular. Dim sum basket was small but great. Couldn’t fault any of the starters. We loved the mains too - we had rib eye beef with green beans, sea bass, egg fried rice, and sugar snap & water chestnuts. Our favourite was probably the sea bass which was done perfectly. Another of our party had beef in black bean, the beef was not great quality but that is our only complaint. Drinks were great, my banana cocktail was lovely. I had custard buns for dessert.

Overall, excellent tasty food and will certainly be back to try another set menu! They are reasonable value when you think about everything you’re getting, and it takes the thought process out...

We ended up here on a Sunday night at about 9pm, a last-minute option due to a series of random mistakes on our part & no other options.

I've had a few stand-out meals in various different places, born of last-minute decisions & impulsive planning - this meal now sits highest among them.

The staff were genuinely friendly, attentive but not overbearingly so, & whilst they seemed busy there was neither a moment where I thought we'd been left too long nor rushed through.

We had three plates to share & the food was perfect. Delicate flavours, perfectly balanced. Filling yet not one of those meals where you wished you'd stopped three mouthfuls before.

As someone with a frankly stupid, grumpy digestive system that has left me not usually caring about eating out, I'd return here not just happily but enthusiastically, probably dragging everyone I know along. Honestly, I'm blown away by this random find which turned out to be one of my best meals out ever. Kudos to the wait & kitchen staff, you...