Li Jiang — Restaurant in Abu Dhabi

We visited Li Jiang at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi on February 14th and opted for the Valentine’s Day set menu, which was priced at 600 AED for two (approximately 163 USD). Unfortunately, the experience fell far short of expectations.

From the start, the welcome felt inconsistent - every other table received warm towels except for us, which was an odd way to begin the evening. The set menu included five courses, but it took us an exhausting three hours to complete due to extremely slow service. After finishing the appetizers, we waited over 30 minutes for the salad, which turned out to be nothing more than shredded cucumbers and carrots with a few small pieces of seafood. When implementing a set menu for a special occasion, dishes should be well-prepared in advance, yet this was clearly not the case. The gap between each course was 30-40 minutes, and the portions were so tiny that we finished each dish in under five minutes - only to then sit and wait for the next one.

Service-wise, we had mixed feelings. The set menu included soft beverages, but no one asked us what we wanted until we specifically requested it after our first starter. It became increasingly clear that the restaurant was not prepared for the evening, as we saw waiters rushing around in a half-empty restaurant. We shared our feedback, and while the staff apologized, the experience had already been ruined.

The final frustration came when settling the bill. After handing over 500 AED to pay 300 AED, we waited 15 minutes for the change. When I finally asked about it, the waitress replied that she assumed I didn’t need change since I hadn’t explicitly asked for it. In a restaurant of this level, should guests really have to remind the staff to bring back their own money? That’s absolutely ridiculous. Even after sharing our disappointment, they still presumed the change was a tip - which left a...

I had the pleasure of dining at Li Jiang and I must say it was an exquisite culinary experience that exceeded my expectations.

From the moment I stepped into Li Jiang, I was captivated by its elegant ambiance. The restaurant's tasteful decor, featuring traditional Chinese elements blended harmoniously with modern touches, created a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere. The dim lighting added a touch of intimacy, making it perfect for both romantic dinners and casual gatherings.

Li Jiang's menu is a true testament to the culinary mastery of Chinese cuisine. The extensive selection of dishes, prepared by skilled chefs, showcases the diverse flavors and regional specialties of China. Whether you're a fan of Sichuan, Cantonese, or Hunan cuisine, you'll find a variety of delectable options to suit your taste.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of savoring several dishes that left me craving for more. The fried rice, the sushi rolls, the variety of appetizers and the tastiest beef I have ever had.

The service at Li Jiang was exceptional. The staff members were attentive, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. They were happy to provide recommendations, explain the dishes in detail, and cater to specific dietary preferences.

Apart from the remarkable food and service, the restaurant boasts stunning views of the Grand Canal. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a breathtaking backdrop while you indulge in your meal, creating a truly memorable dining setting.

Overall, Li Jiang is a culinary gem that impresses on all fronts. Whether you're a connoisseur of Chinese cuisine or simply looking for an unforgettable dining experience, this restaurant is a must-visit. I wholeheartedly recommend Li Jiang for its authentic flavors, exquisite ambiance, and...

Disappointing Hospitality – Left Without Even Trying the Food

We stayed at the Ritz-Carlton for three days and had the pleasure of trying all the restaurants on-site. Every one of them was excellent—except for Li Jiang, where we had a very disappointing experience, and unfortunately, we didn’t even make it to the food.

On June 6th, 2025, at around 9:30 PM, we visited Li Jiang. There was no host at the entrance, and we had to walk ourselves to a table. The restaurant was not busy—many tables inside and outside were empty—so it wasn't a matter of being overwhelmed on a busy Friday night.

We sat outside and waited more than 10 minutes for someone to welcome us, hand us a menu, or even acknowledge our presence. Despite repeatedly waving and trying to get the attention of the staff (even standing up to do so), no one approached us. We could see staff serving other tables nearby, yet we were completely ignored.

Eventually, a waiter came over. When we expressed our frustration about the long wait, he asked if we had a reservation—as if that justified the lack of basic hospitality in a nearly empty restaurant. We found the response dismissive and unprofessional, so we decided to leave. As we were walking out, he offered to give us the menu and said we could stay, but by then it was too late.

In the way out we asked one of the other waitress to speak with a supervisor or manager, but seems none of them there.

We ended up going to The Forge next door, where we were warmly welcomed and received fantastic hospitality, which was a stark contrast to our experience...