Don't let appearances fool you, in this case, Le Chinois appears to be an upscale Chinese fine dining restaurant - with food quality so poor that a Chinese bodega could steam better quality Hakaw and serve up a better seasoned Pad See Ew (beef & flat rice noodles).
Asides from the egregious prices set on the menu, 18 euros for 4 pieces of dumplings. One would think that the dimsum would be sublime, scrumptious, and well-made. You would be wrong. The Ha Kao (shrimp dumpling in crystal wrap) came out luke-warm, horribly thick and gelatinous wrap that was pink, and terrible tasting shrimp inside. Clearly the Le Chinois chefs had never tried real Hakaw. This was a poor imitation of the real thing.
The Beef flat noodles came next, essentially a Thai Pad See Ew, and that was equally disappointing, with little to no seasoning and beef that was as rubbery as it was tough. A thorough disappointment.
Lastly, we had the Beef Ribs, which I must admit were surprisingly delicious, soft, and well-cooked paired with a bowl of simple white rice.
Unfortunately, the appetizers had made their mark on our meal, we decided to skip desserts and get the check. The service was decent with attentive waiters, but then again, it was a Tuesday evening and there were only a dozen customers dining inside. All in all, our experience at Le Chinois was a thoroughly underwhelming and irreparably lackluster - lacking genuine knowledge of Chinese and East Asian cuisine.
Also, the atmosphere was so dated. A Chinese dragon and stuffed peacocks. Pretentious chopsticks that needed little wooden poles attached at the end of it to be useful. There are FAR BETTER Chinese fine dining restaurants in Madrid - Le Chinois is NOT...
Read moreTried the executive lunch menu here with 2 others on a Tuesday. Food is fine - good portion sizes, good variety and delicious for the price. A bit oily even for vegetables so that can be improved. Another recommendation - the order of service should be more attentive to the guests. From the lunch set menu we each had to choose 3 dishes. For the first 10 mins, 2 persons got served 2 plates while the 3rd person is just waiting hungrily. Furthermore, the menu has some small dishes/ appetisers, some meat dishes and finally some rice/ noodle dishes. I will not play the Asian card and say it is not authentic because it should be universally understood that appetisers are served before the main courses. Both my companions got served the rice before the smaller dishes, so they are too full from the carbs to enjoy them. Finally, I don’t know if it is an attempt to make Chinese dim sum culture more accessible to Spaniards, but everything on the table in a Chinese dim sum restaurant is meant for sharing. I ordered the Xiaolongbao but there were only 2, so I was a bit disappointed (on that note, Xiaolongbaos are supposed to be juicy with broth, the ones here are not). Last but not least, the toilet lighting is automatic (off when there is no movement). With the dark decor, if you have vision issues or are a bit older, it may be a small struggle. That said, 50€ for 3 people with 3 dishes each + dessert in Serrano - it is amazing...
Read moreIf you're looking for an exceptional Chinese dining experience, this restaurant is a must-visit. From the moment you step inside, you're captivated by the stunning interior décor that reflects true Chinese elegance and tradition. The use of bold reds, gold accents, and traditional motifs immediately sets the mood, transporting you into a rich cultural atmosphere. The centerpiece—a magnificent dragon suspended from the ceiling—is nothing short of breathtaking, and it instantly draws your attention.
The food is truly outstanding, with every dish prepared with care, authentic flavor, and fresh ingredients. Whether you're a fan of classic Chinese staples or looking to explore something new, the menu delivers on both quality and variety. While the service is generally good, there’s slight room for improvement, particularly considering the upscale ambiance. However, this is something well within the manager’s ability to refine.
The restaurant also features a beautifully designed second floor that serves as an ideal venue for private events or intimate gatherings. It’s a thoughtful addition that enhances the overall experience. We absolutely loved our visit. If you're in search of great Chinese cuisine in an unforgettable setting, this restaurant will not disappoint. I...
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