The Good Earth — Restaurant in Elmbridge

Recommended this place, Good Earth Esher, from family, and always wanted to go but fully booked. We struck luck last night and had a booking for 830, came early and they were able to accommodate us 3 half hour early (travelled from Wimbledon) which was great for us. We ordered a selection of starters- the dragon whisker prawns, lamb sticks, and seaweed- all delicious. The crab and corn soup, which is probably the best we have tasted anywhere, so fresh and hot and warming for a cold night. And then for mains we had a selection of egg fried rice, singapore noodles, spicy chicken with lemograss on mushrooms (so delicious and freshly prepared) and the sweet and sour lamb- all exquisite!! Me and my husband commented how fresh and non-stodgy the food was compared to standard chinese food, it definitely rates very highly compared to others, hence their impeccible reputation in Surrey- I now know why! Yes the prices are higher, but do you know what- its 100% worth paying it as you can see the standard and the taste of the food, it speaks for itself. We noticed there were so many takeaway order collections going as well- proving very popular in the area!! We finished off the evening with coconut icecream which was beautiful, rich and creamy, and the complimentary fortune cookies, it was the perfect way to end a brilliant birthday meal. The staff were also so so friendly with all of us, brilliant timely table service and the front of house staff were excellant- especially with our toddler! Really felt at ease in their restaurant. 5 star recommendation all the way! We will be...

I and my 7 years old son waited for the restaurant to open at 6pm as we were guests in Esher. We waited outside for around 1 hour before restaurant opened as my son wanted to have chinese. Even though, i called to book a table no one picked up my phone call. Anyway, the restaurant opened, hungry father and son enters to the restaurant and guess what, rude restaurant manager and his staff told us that the restaurant is fully booked and the quests will arrive in 45 minutes! No table available. Even though i told them that we can eat in 30 minutes and leave but it seems that they were not interested to accomodate their potential client! Very very disappointed and left the restaurant. We went to their competitor (la Orient), their manager and staff were very helpful. Even though we did not book a table but they gave us a table. In 30 minutes the restaurant was full. Happily son and father had nice dinner.

Avoid this snobby and selfish restaurant and go...

I ate there alone (my company 365-drills is exhibiting at Sandown) I came out of my hotel room Sandown Lodge and it was the first Chinese I went into. Food OK but expensive. But one look at the clientel I can see why! Here I was sitting in my scruffy jeans reading the paper and surrounded by Sloanes and posh people. Even the kids were designer dressed. So the price of £45 for one person (with compulsory tip) was expensive. I had starters of spring rolls £6.60 and for a main course of Spicy Chicken £12.50 with egg rice £5 and three bottles of beer for £10. Other reviews said its tiny portions so I had an extra starter of Satay Chicken skewers at £5. Anyway the food was well cooked so they win on that score. Made a nice night out and I knew what I was getting myself into! As an outsider would I go back? No. I will leave it to the locals who certainly have plenty of money down here in Surrey. Yah...