Joy Square — Restaurant in Cupertino

I seldom rate restaurant online, but this one miss the mark.

The first waiter serving us was a young guy who was not very familiar with the menu, but polite and patient. We were first time there so we asked a couple of questions on what they have to offer. The younger waiter had to go back and ask. Then an older guy, whom I found out later to be the owner of the restaurant, came out and continued to take our order. He was derogatory to young waiter’s job performance. Later on I heard guests in another table asked that the owner should share some tips with the new waiter because he is still learning. I assume other guests also noticed that the owner was mean and impatient to the young guy.

The owner was also impatient to our questions. When we asked if the steamed fish is very fresh, he answered NO. He said the fresh fish cost him $60 per pound to buy. I have been in many Chinese restaurants numerous times and frequently have fresh steamed fish. But I have never heard it costs restaurant that much to purchase the fresh fish. Our first order was lamb soup. When it was brought to our table, the soup was splashed outside bowl and some was is the plate under the bowl. It looked dirty which made me wonder the condition of their kitchen. The lamb was hard to chew for some reason. When we told the owner about this, his reaction was: “That’s impossible, our lamb is the best.” I was wondering how much he paid for the lamb in consideration of his hyperbole about fresh fish. Only when he noticed that we left complete lamb order on the table when we were ready to leave, he started to believe our comment on lamb.

When the owner was passing our table, we asked for some rice, he kept walking. We thought he didn’t hear us. But a few minutes later, he returned with next course and asked what we just said we need. So he heard us but choose to ignore it. Only 3 tables with guests at the moment and he was far from busy.

I would not return to this restaurant and would not recommend it to anyone. I would rate “F” on service and “F” on food. 95% of other Chinese restaurants should have much better food. Meanwhile I also felt uncomfortable when I noticed restaurant owner was mean to his staff while...

I'm giving five stars for authentic cuisine from the area that was once called Manchuria by westerners. I was very happy to have food that represented that region of China.

It was quite and uncrowded when I went. I strongly suspect it's more popular with immigrants from China, and those who speak a common language with them. Whatever the situation, everything in the menu had an image for the dish.

They even serve uncommon things that may include frog or something else that you may find exotic.

Some people may complain because their taste buds are unfamiliar with lesser known Chinese foods, or because authentic dishes may have bones in them, or even just complaining that the wait staff don't speak English well.

I give five stars because everything was prompt, the dining area wasn't full, and these people truly deserve business.

If you can imagine moving to China and opening a restaurant there that is staffed with your English speaking family who are trying to present great service and food then you'll come closer to enjoying the entire experience here.

There were lots of quirky things I could imagine would annoy people who are accustomed to having everything just so and right when they want it and how they want it, but this truly was a wonderful date night for me.

Try not to be annoyed if a server checks their mobile phone while on the floor, or otherwise does something unlike a ritzy CA store employee.

As a cultural and culinary contact experience, it was great. They truly, truly deserve...

Reasonably priced authentic northern chinese food with HUGE portions. This is a great place for groups in a very casual, homestyle atmosphere. They have the best eggplant I've ever tasted. This is the one dish that keeps me coming back here-- battered and deep fried eggplant served with bell peppers. make sure you ask for the crispy eggplant since there are multiple eggplant dishes on the menu The dong po pig foot and back pepper fish are also tasty -- love the bold flavors. The last time I was there they had a thinly sliced spicy pork stir fry special that was absolutely delicious. My boyfriend loves their spicy seafood soup.

Some dishes are really hit or miss (my family found all the good dishes by looking at other peoples tables). If you are thinking of trying a new dish, always ask the waiters opinion of it and see what they recommend. This place does not have the cleanest bathroom so if you are picky about that here is an...