Lotus Chinese Kitchen — Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale

Altho I have considered myself a Floridian for 28 years, I was a native New Yorker and lived in Manhattan for my entire adult life, until moving to Ft. Lauderdale. I mention this because one of the many advantages of living in NYC is that there is literally a whole new neighborhood every 6 to 8 blocks (that is a fact), and each neighborhood has its own array of ethnic cuisines, most essentially Chinese & Italian/pizza restaurants, and everyone has their favorite neighborhood-type Italian and Chinese eatery, each vying for the distinction of being the very best example found anywhere.

Once you move away, no matter where, you always look for a suitable substitute, not always finding one. I was lucky when it came to finding a "neighborhood" Chinese restaurant when, very shortly after moving here, I found Lotus Chinese Restaurant, located just east of the 5 Points intersection in Wilton Manors on NE 26th Street, in the same strip mall as what used to be the Brian C. Smith 26th Street Theater and the old Old Florida Seafood Restaurant.

What I just took so long to get to is that, IMO, Lotus is, by far and away, the best local, neighborhood-style Chinese restaurant in all of Ft. Lauderdale. The atmosphere is comfortably and predictably "neighborhood Chinese," but definitely bigger than the usual "hole-in-the-wall" type establishment. It is family-owned and operated, and the service is friendly and prompt, even more so when they get to recognize you as a regular.

But the real test is the food itself, and this is where they have consistently excelled for the 28 years I have been going there. There is literally not a single dish you can order, especially all the traditional Chinese-style dishes, from chow mein to General Tso's Chicken, to Egg Foo Young, to any of their in-house specials, that doesn't demonstrate how much they leave all competitors behind. Their egg rolls are superior, as are their soups, their fried wanton, shrimp in lobster sauce, sweet and sour dishes; you literally cannot go wrong. There's even a dish that is not on their menu, cold noodles with sesame sauce, that is a match to any found in Manhattan, where the dish is very commonly found on the menu. Anything that is deep-fried, you can count on it being perfectly light with just the right crunch. They also have an array of vegetarian dishes, and you can ask for "no MSG," and it will indeed be no MSG. They also have combination specials for both lunch and dinner. What's more, if it's not on the printed menu, you can order most any dish and ask them to make it a combination.

In other words, if you have not yet tried Lotus, you have been missing out and must try it. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed.

The prices are generally quite reasonable, and the portions often enough to have leftovers.

They do not deliver, but there is pick-up. I think they are open 7 days for lunch and dinner, but may be closed Mondays. Check to be sure. Also, reservations are accepted for larger parties only.

If I sound like "family," that's because I feel like, and am treated as, family. It is a very...

This location replaces their restaurant that was located on 26th St. I always enjoyed the food at their previous location and this is no different. The food is consistently good and the service is friendly and efficient. Everything on the menu seems to be good. I regularly order my favorite of Shrimp with Lobster Sauce. I prefer the brown sauce that's made up in the northeast(Massachusetts), but I have gotten used to the semi clear version that's served in this region just as much. Their lemon chicken is great and they have killer wings. I usually go with a group and we sample each other's dishes. None of us is ever disappointed. Sometimes I wish my stomach could accommodate more food, but we all have our limits.

The atmosphere is nice, but the place is small. It's more of a "quick" place to eat a full service meal. You're in and you're out. It's not a place for romantic dinners 😂 or long chats. It's not like going to PF Chang's. The two are totally different in atmosphere although the food at Lotus is just as good.

The friendly owner, who I believe to be the son of the original founders, makes his rounds and always says hello. He sees after every detail. He ran the previous location after graduating from college. They work really hard here and very efficiently... The prep area is open to view and a bit tight, but they make the most of every inch and there's never a wait for your food. The food is ALWAYS piping hot. I would say that the prep area is carefully organized and choreographed chaos. Everyone works as a team and that's what makes such a small space work so well.

The only two issues I have are very small and may actually be a GOOD thing.

ONE: The place is simply too small. I think they may have outgrown it due to their ever increasing popularity. It's a great location, however, I think the square footage is less than their previous location, but I could be wrong.

SECOND: While the restaurant is always impeccably clean, due to space limitations, I have noticed that they commonly keep some supplies out in plain sight. The clutter is organized, but unattractive, especially given that the space is so tastefully decorated. I'm not sure if other, more attractive storage solutions exist. I think they may simply have run out of space. Again, those are just minor issues at present.

Wait times for tables have been fairly short at the times I have been there, but then I don't really know what their peak hours are and I am pretty sure my visits have been off peak. Unfortunately, they are not open until later in the afternoon on Sundays (4:30?), so despite the fact that my church is in very easy walking distance (across the street from the back of the plaza), they are not open for lunchtime on Sundays. It pains me to no end when I'm in the mood for Chinese food.

For good Chinese food at reasonable prices, this is a great place to go. It's quick and easy. They are located in a business/shopping plaza that has ample parking. The restaurant is easy to find and is clearly visible from Federal Highway. They have a website, so check...

Lotus Chinese Kitchen stands out as a delightful upgrade from your typical American-style Chinese takeout. Located just outside of Wilton Manors, the restaurant offers both takeout and delivery through third-party services, but the real charm lies in the sit-down experience. The interior is quaint and cute, with a cozy atmosphere that makes dining in a pleasure. I visited during golden hour, and the natural light streaming in through the windows created a perfect setting for some impromptu selfies from my booth.

As soon as we were seated, we were welcomed with complimentary wonton strips. These crispy treats were a delightful start to the meal and were generously replenished throughout our dining experience, a nice touch that added to the overall hospitality.

For appetizers, my party of three decided to share an order of crab Rangoon. It was a fantastic choice—crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, with a perfect balance of flavors. Having tried crab Rangoon at numerous places across South Florida, I can confidently say that Lotus Chinese Kitchen serves the best version I've had.

The menu offers a variety of combination meals that are both convenient and satisfying. Each combination comes with your choice of soup or egg rolls and a selection of white, brown, or fried rice (with chicken or pork). Our group sampled several dishes:

-Honey Garlic Chicken with Pork Fried Rice and Combination Wonton Egg Drop Soup: The chicken was tender and flavorful, coated in a deliciously sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. The pork fried rice complemented the dish well, and the combination wonton egg drop soup was a comforting starter with a rich, savory broth.

-Beef Chow Fun with Deluxe Wonton Soup: This dish featured tender strips of beef mixed with broad, chewy noodles and fresh vegetables. The deluxe wonton soup was hearty and filled with well-seasoned wontons, making it a delightful accompaniment.

-Spicy Kung Pao Shrimp with Deluxe Wonton Soup: The kung pao shrimp was a highlight, offering a bold and spicy flavor profile. The shrimp were cooked perfectly and paired excellently with the vegetables and spicy sauce. However, be warned—the dish is very spicy, even for those with a high tolerance for heat.

Every dish we ordered was delicious, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor. Despite the spiciness of the kung pao shrimp, each bite was enjoyable and well-prepared.

One of the best aspects of Lotus Chinese Kitchen is its affordability, especially considering its proximity to Wilton Manors, an area known for its higher prices. The reasonable prices combined with the high quality of food make this restaurant a standout choice for both locals and visitors.

In conclusion, Lotus Chinese Kitchen is a must-visit for anyone in the area looking for a superior Chinese dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for takeout or a sit-down meal, this restaurant delivers on all fronts. From the welcoming atmosphere and excellent service to the delicious and reasonably priced dishes, Lotus Chinese Kitchen is a gem worth...