Golden Harbor Authentic Chinese Cuisine — Restaurant in Champaign

The best Chinese in town. Scratch that- the best Chinese in the state, dare I say, the country? I haven't been to every Chinese restaurant in the US though so I'll just stick to state. But of all the hundreds of Chinese restaurants I've been to within both China and in the US as well as throughout Europe, this restaurant lies on one of the Top 3 of my list of all time favorite Chinese restaurants.

Though they haven't been in the same location, I know they've been open for at least 20 years throughout the Champaign-Urbana area. They had to move out for 5 years cause of a contract problem but they're back because the students at UIUC would drive over an hour to get to the restaurant in order to eat their food.

The owner is the nicest person I have ever met in my life- she really has a big heart for everyone. Her husband is in the kitchen, cooking the over 800-dish long menu. He knows all the recipes by heart.

I had the Mapo Tofu, the classic Beef with Broccoli, the Sichuan Fish Fillets, and the Hot and Sour soup. Each of them were extraordinary, and I mean that with all my heart. The chef understands Chinese food for what it is. When cooking Mapo Tofu, he didn't forget that the spicy flavor is important without neglecting the essence of the dish itself - its numbing flavor. Both were wonderfully balanced. When cooking the hot and sour soup, he made sure again to balance those flavors. Most restaurants are either too sour or too hot- this restaurant made it both in a good way. The soup also never lost its slightly gelatinous consistency, which most soups do. When cooking the fish, he did not neglect the flavor behind the catfish from the fish fillet. The beef broccoli was a classic dish he completely nailed.

The rice is unlimited, and they don't take tips. That's cause there's no server- you have to order at the counter and put up a sign with a number on it. They bring you the food and voila. You can get some tea and water self-service, also free. Drinks are an extra fee.

Though I'm sure all the food has its qualities, make sure you try to order more Taiwanese food.

If you're ever around, make sure you come. You won't be disappointed, and if you are, go back again. Either you are wrong about your disappointments, or they...

Golden Harbor Authentic Chinese Food Restaurant is a hidden gem that offers an incredible dining experience. From the moment you step foot inside, you are greeted with warm hospitality and a charming atmosphere. This restaurant truly captures the essence of authentic Chinese cuisine, and it is a place where food lovers can indulge in a delightful culinary journey.

The menu at Golden Harbor is a treasure trove of Chinese delicacies, with a wide variety of dishes that cater to all tastes and preferences. Whether you are a fan of traditional favorites like General Tso's chicken or you prefer exploring lesser-known dishes, this restaurant has something to satisfy every craving. The ingredients are always fresh, and the flavors are expertly balanced, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience.

One of the highlights of Golden Harbor is the extensive seafood selection. From succulent lobster to mouthwatering shrimp dishes, the seafood here is simply divine. The chefs masterfully prepare each dish, showcasing their expertise in handling delicate flavors and textures. The Sichuan-style dishes are particularly noteworthy, with a perfect blend of spice and numbing sensations that take your taste buds on a thrilling adventure.

The service at Golden Harbor is top-notch. The staff members are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They are always ready to offer recommendations and accommodate any special requests. The waitstaff ensures that you are well taken care of throughout your visit, making sure that your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional.

The ambiance of Golden Harbor is inviting and comfortable. The traditional Chinese decor, complete with beautiful lanterns and elegant furniture, creates a pleasant and soothing atmosphere. Whether you're enjoying a romantic dinner for two or gathering with friends and family, this restaurant provides a cozy setting that enhances your overall dining experience.

In terms of value, Golden Harbor offers generous portion sizes without compromising on quality. The prices are reasonable, considering the quality of the ingredients and the skillful execution of each dish. You'll leave feeling satisfied and content, knowing that you've enjoyed a fantastic meal at an...

We were in Champaign checking out the University. We wanted some authentic Chinese food for dinner after a long day of driving and picked this restaurant based on the fantastic rating from Google. Well, I can guarantee you that all those 5-star reviews came either from (a) non-Chinese customers who don't really know much about authentic Chinese food, or most likely (b) fake people/bot paid by the restaurant.

The moment we sat down at the table and opened up the menu, we became suspicious: The menu was extremely long, containing probably 400+ dishes. The texts were small and mostly in English even though that was supposed to be the "authentic Chinese food menu". Despite our reservation, we decided to give it a try. All 3 dishes we ordered were brought to our table within 5 minutes. Typically you would think this is a good thing, but given the number of menu choices, they would either have an army of chefs hiding in the back, or they were leftovers from who knows how many days and they just heated them.

The food itself was far from authentic. Even worse than the Panda Expresses you found at airports. Like many other reviews said, there was zero customer service and you had to do pretty much everything yourself. Even a typical Chinese buffet provides you more service than this restaurant. True, they don't ask for tips, but they marked up their prices by at least 30%, more than enough to cover the tip. For example, a Ma Po Tofu that costs $12 in Boston was priced at $20 here, and it was not even good--it was salty and tasted like someone poured it out of a can from a supermarket.

If I had the patience, I could write a thesis here to tell you how bad this restaurant is. STAY...