If you want authentic, high-quality Chinese food in Ventura County, Sesame Garden is the place to go. My Beijing-born family and I discovered this wonderful little place not long after moving back from China in 2013, and rarely does a week go by when we are not coming in for our favorites.
Our list of favorites is long and varied. Their mu-shu dishes are superior, the right amounts of sauces and flavors. The Kung Pao - we order either the Kung Pao Chicken or Kung Pao Tofu - is out of this world, and they'll dial the spiciness up or down based on your preferences.
They have a pepper-salt fish with sliced jalapenos that is so light and tasty you could eat the whole dish without stopping. They do eggplant like nobody else we have found. And the Beef Noodle Soup? Oh, my Lord - the best winter day warm-up ever.
Some things to know that make them extra special: They do not use msg that we have been able to detect. My wife is very sensitive to it and has walked out of many other Chinese restaurants in the area with a headache as a result. Never at Sesame Garden. Many Chinese restaurants are unimaginative with sauces, so nearly every dish tastes the same. Sesame Garden makes their own sauces for each dish, and each dish is a labor of love for the chef. Ask for their spicy mustard sauce to dip an egg roll into. WOW! This is literally a mom-and-pop operation. She handles the front, he oversees the kitchen. As authentic as this place is, the chef does like to experiment with local flavors, hence the jalapenos in the pepper-salt fish. The inclusions are creative, not pandering, and you will love it.
We cook Chinese food at home, but coming here is such a treat we just can't resist. We like a lot of restaurants, but only a 4-5 get marked as our "happy places." This is one of our...
Read moreI recently dined at Sesame Garden Restaurant, and it was a delightful experience. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant's decor was tastefully done, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance.
The menu at Sesame Garden offers a diverse range of dishes, and I was impressed by the quality of the food. The flavors were rich and authentic, showcasing a genuine passion for Asian cuisine. The sesame chicken I ordered was particularly outstanding, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The service was impeccable; the staff was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu, offering excellent recommendations. They made sure that my dining experience was enjoyable from start to finish.
Additionally, the pricing was reasonable, making it an excellent value for the quality of food and service provided. Whether you're a fan of Chinese, Japanese, or other Asian cuisines, Sesame Garden Restaurant is definitely worth a visit.
Overall, I highly recommend Sesame Garden Restaurant to anyone seeking a memorable dining experience with delicious Asian cuisine in a welcoming...
Read moreI have dined in on several visits at Sesame Garden in 2024 and "Walked In" to Dine In on Saturday January 4, 2025. On each visit I was ignored/not acknowledged by the "Only Employee" who was the Server (possibly owner or family member) on each occasion. She would Not acknowledge my presence or come to my table to take my order, while assisting other customers. I did voice my displeasure out loud while sitting patiently to have my order taken while dining there on different occasions. Other issues, If I didn't order a drink, she became irritated. If I asked for additional "Sweet & Sour Sauce", she would become irritated. If I asked for extra napkins, she would become irritated. She catered to those speaking her native language which I presume made her most confortable. I patronized the restaurant because I enjoyed eating their food. Unfortunately the service was mediocre so I will venture out for other "Chinese Restaurants" in Camarillo who can make "Spicy/Hot" Chinese food which is hard to find...
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