Extremely bad service. Restaurant borderline fraudulent. They were writing down the tip and total charge amt on the final bill without my authorization. Check your credit card charges.
I arrived around 1:20pm (Sunday), mostly to avoid the peak dim sum crowd, but also way before closing time at 3pm. Stood in line to get a number for a table of 2. My number was #89. I was standing relatively close and waited patiently for my number to be called, but it was skipped over. The waiter who is in charge of tables skipped over it in favor of possibly frequent customers who were given priority in getting a table. There was a guy with #93, and kept asking and got their table before mine. I think he also knew the employee assigning seats. When I asked about my table, waiter claimed he called #89 and I never came up so I gave up my turn.
Eventually when I was seated at a table, another employee came to ask for tea. We didn't even reply if we wanted tea or what tea. The employee annoyingly told us to just write our orders on the sheet about what dim sum we wanted. He took off and eventually came back with some tea, which we didn't know what it was.
By 2:30pm, when all of our food didn't even come yet, (this was about 20 minutes after we sat down), another waiter came and gave us the bill. Without even giving me a chance to look at the bill, they hurried me to put my credit card down to pay. They asked if I could pay now because they close at 3pm. I was so rushed and flustered, I wasn't even sure what I was putting down a payment for. That's my mistake, so don't let the waiters rush you.
When they came back with my credit card and bill I was very very surprised that the tip and final amount was already written. I've never seen this behavior before and was very confused and thought they gave me the wrong check. At this point, they are one step away from forging my signature. It turns out, they wrote the tip and total amount that they wanted me to pay and was just waiting for me to just sign away. They slapped on a 18% service tip charge. There is no mention on any menu that there's an automatic 18% charge. Most restaurants that have this only does it for large parties. For a table of 2, that is not a large party. Also, had they not done this, I would have been fine putting this amount of tip myself despite their poor service. I crossed out their writing and wrote my own tip down. This amount of dishonesty is unacceptable and worries me what other charge amount they may have put on my card. I have taken a picture of what I agreed to pay, so if this restaurant has the audacity to charge what they want, I will be raising an issue with the bank that this restaurant is making fraudulent charges.
In sum, this restaurant isn't worth going to. Take your business elsewhere and don't support such bad behavior. I can ignore every other bad service aspect that I received today, but writing in the tip I'm supposed to pay is an...
Read moreI recently visited Lei Garden on a Sunday morning for dim sum, hoping for a delightful culinary experience. Unfortunately, my overall impression of the establishment was rather disappointing. While the food was passable, there were some significant drawbacks that left a sour taste in my mouth.
Let's start with the positive aspects. The dim sum dishes I sampled were decent, although nothing extraordinary. The flavors were acceptable, but I noticed an excessive amount of salt in several dishes, which detracted from the overall enjoyment. While personal preferences can vary, it was disappointing that the flavors were not well-balanced and tended to lean towards the salty side.
Regrettably, the real downfall of my experience was the abysmal service. The waiter assigned to my table was not only impolite but also physically aggressive. I felt uncomfortable and disrespected throughout the meal, as I was pushed around instead of being treated with basic courtesy. Such behavior is unacceptable and reflects poorly on the establishment as a whole.
To address my concerns, I approached the manager and expressed my dissatisfaction with the service. However, I was met with indifference and a lack of concern. It was disheartening to see the manager dismiss my feedback, as it indicated a lack of accountability and a disregard for customer satisfaction.
Based on my experience, I cannot in good conscience recommend this dim sum restaurant. While the food was passable despite the excess saltiness, the abhorrent service overshadowed any positives. The rude and aggressive behavior from the waiter, coupled with the manager's lack of responsiveness, created an unwelcoming atmosphere that I will not subject myself to again.
It is my hope that the restaurant takes customer feedback seriously, addresses the shortcomings in their service, and strives for improvement. Until then, I would advise seeking alternative dining options to ensure a more pleasant and...
Read moreMy return home was made exceptionally special, thanks to a surprise lunch date at Lei Garden, orchestrated by my thoughtful husband right after picking me up from the airport. This gesture, combined with the joy of seeing my beloved dog and spouse again, was wonderfully augmented by the promise of indulging in Lei Garden’s unparalleled dim sum - a culinary highlight we always look forward to.
Lei Garden has cemented its place in our hearts as the ultimate destination for quality dim sum. The restaurant’s commitment to excellence is evident in every dish served. Our favorites were presented steaming hot, a testament to their freshness and the kitchen’s dedication to delivering the best dining experience. The flavors were as comforting and delightful as ever, making each bite a reminder of why we keep coming back.
The staff at Lei Garden deserves special mention for their exceptional service. Their long-standing presence suggests a loyalty and consistency that’s rare to find. Their attentiveness is remarkable; a quick glance their way guarantees immediate assistance, making us feel valued and well-cared for throughout our meal.
A noteworthy instance of their exemplary service occurred when, in my jet-lagged state, I mistakenly wrote a $200 tip on the bill. Demonstrating honesty and integrity, the staff promptly found us at the door to verify the amount. This act of kindness and honesty was deeply appreciated and speaks volumes about the character of Lei Garden’s team.
Lei Garden is not just a restaurant; it’s a haven of delightful culinary experiences, underscored by genuine hospitality and a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s our preferred spot for celebrating the simple joys of life with good food and great company. Our latest visit was a reminder of the many reasons we cherish this place. Heartfelt thanks to Lei Garden for another unforgettable dining experience and for upholding the highest standards of food quality and service. Five stars...
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