MŌLÌ — Restaurant in Greenwich

Disappointing Experience at Moli – Overpriced and Overhyped

I found Moli in Connecticut while searching for a nice restaurant to celebrate my mom’s birthday, which happened to be on St. Patrick’s Day. I saw a TikTok video featuring the restaurant, and it looked aesthetically pleasing, upscale, and had excellent reviews. I checked Google, Yelp, and even the TikTok comments—everything seemed promising.

Excited, my family and I drove 1 hour and 6 minutes from New Jersey to get there. I even left work early to surprise my mom with a road trip, which she loves, along with good food and a beautiful restaurant. Unfortunately, our experience did not live up to expectations.

Ambiance & Service (8/10)

Upon arrival, the restaurant looked much smaller than expected from the outside. However, once inside, the decor was impressive. The huge chandelier was one of the reasons I chose this place. The atmosphere was upscale and well-designed.

However, the lighting was extremely dim, making it difficult to read the menu. My mom actually had to use her phone flashlight just to see the menu properly, which was frustrating.

The service was excellent—attentive, friendly, and professional. However, I was surprised that despite the restaurant being relatively busy, there was only one main waiter taking orders, with others assisting.

One important note: reservations require a credit card, and they charge $10 per person if you’re late. You only get a 15-minute grace period before your reservation is canceled. Luckily, we arrived on time and were seated right away.

Drinks (10/10)

Moli’s drink menu was impressive. The cocktails were well-crafted, delicious, and visually appealing. However, they are pricey—$20 per cocktail and even a simple Coke or ginger ale costs $4.

Food (2/10) – The Biggest Disappointment

This is where everything fell apart. We ordered four appetizers and a couple of entrées, expecting a fine-dining Chinese cuisine experience. Instead, we got overpriced, bland, and uninspired food.

Appetizers:

Braised short rib – Tender, but completely unseasoned.

Duck rolls – Neither my mom nor I liked these. The taste was so off that my mom actually spit it out.

Sweet and sour tofu – One of the only good dishes.

Vegetable stir-fried rice – Also delicious, but nothing special.

Pork bao buns – Good. Soft, flavorful, and enjoyable.

Shrimp & pork dumplings/wontons – Tasty, but they came with a "spicy" sauce that had zero spice. We asked for chili oil, but it was also not spicy at all.

Entrées:

Grilled fish dish – A complete failure. The two pieces of fish were cooked well but had no seasoning whatsoever. No salt, no pepper—nothing. The sauce it was served with was a tangy yellow sauce that did not complement the fish. To top it off, they placed a pile of raw greens on top that felt completely out of place.

Overpriced & Lacking Value

For the $250 bill (after removing the duck rolls), the food was not worth it. We still tipped $46 because the service was great, but we left incredibly disappointed.

No complimentary bread or soup – For such a high-end restaurant, I was surprised they offered nothing while waiting. Most fine dining places at least offer bread or a small appetizer.

No kids’ menu – A huge issue. My nephew had nothing to eat because they only had plain rice—no pizza, no fries, nothing kid-friendly.

Dessert (7/10) – One of the few highlights. The dessert was actually delicious, but it wasn't enough to redeem the overall meal.

Final Verdict: 3/10

Ambiance & decor: 8/10 (docked a point for the dim lighting)

Service: 10/10

Drinks: 10/10

Food: 2/10

Value for money: 1/10

Would I return? Absolutely not. The food was bland, overpriced, and not authentic Chinese cuisine. I regret bringing my mom here for her birthday, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone traveling a long distance. It might be Instagram-worthy, but if the food isn’t good, it’s...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at a 5 star restaurant and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I was greeted at the door, I felt like I was royalty. The ambiance was elegant and inviting, with dim lighting and uplifting music in the background that always draws a good crowd.

To start, I opted for the the Satay Beef Skewers. This dish comes with a tamarind peanut sauce on the side, and the grilled Wagyu Flank skewers are pre marinated overnight in brown sugar, fennel, cumin, lemongrass, and coriander. It was savory and delightful. For my entrée, I chose the a beautiful presentation of a pound and a half wok tossed tempura lobster meat served with crispy panko, fried garlic, dried chilis, and scallions. I completely wiped my plate clean! The sides were equally impressive, with grilled maitaki mushrooms finished on a sauté pan and the Shanghai Bokchoy which is poached Chinese baby bokchoy in miso butter sauce but water heavy so it served good a balance for our table!

But what really set this restaurant apart was the impeccable service. Our waiter was knowledgeable and attentive, guiding us through the menu and making excellent wine recommendations. The sommelier even came over to our table to discuss his favorite selections and we ended up trying a delicious bottle of red. Besides the bottle of wine, the cocktails we chose off the extensive menu were the best I’ve had in Fairfield County. These cocktails are crafted with precision and care, and you can clearly tell they are using fresh and high-quality ingredients. The presentation of the cocktails, especially the Red Lantern and Moli Moli, were outstanding from glassware, to garnishes. It really gave an aesthetic appeal to my eyes.

To cap off the evening, we indulged in a decadent dessert trio, featuring the infamous Moli tiramisu topped with shaved chocolate, their homemade jasmine gelato, and a creamy jasmine moose cake.

Overall, I can confidently say this was one of the best dining experiences of my life. If you're looking for a special night out, I highly recommend this 5...

Step into MŌLÌ, and prepare to be whisked away on an enchanting journey to the glamorous era of 1940s Shanghai. This new establishment offers not only a modern and creative Chinese dining experience but also a speakeasy-style bar and a white-tablecloth dining room, each providing its own distinct ambiance. From the moment I stepped foot into the beautifully designed building, adorned with mesmerizing murals, silk furnishings, and a vibrant energy, I knew I was in for a truly exceptional culinary adventure.

The team at MŌLÌ goes above and beyond in their quest to transport guests to a world of timeless sophistication and elegance. The menu is a delightful fusion of traditional Chinese flavors and innovative culinary techniques, resulting in dishes that are both visually stunning and bursting with exquisite taste. The attention to detail in each plate is remarkable, showcasing the culinary expertise of the chefs. From the tender Peking duck with perfectly crispy skin to the delicate handmade dumplings filled with tantalizing flavors, every bite was a harmonious symphony of flavors that delighted my palate.

But MŌLÌ offers more than just exceptional food; it creates an immersive dining experience that lingers in your memory long after the meal is over. The ambiance of the dining room, with its glamorous decor and energetic atmosphere, adds a touch of excitement to the evening. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate, effortlessly guiding you through the menu and ensuring that your every need is met.

In conclusion, MŌLÌ is a true gem among Chinese dining establishments. With its captivating 1940s Shanghai theme, meticulous attention to detail, and a menu that tantalizes the senses, it offers an unparalleled dining experience. Whether you're seeking a romantic evening for two or a memorable gathering with friends, MŌLÌ will transport you to a bygone era while delivering modern and creative culinary delights. I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough, and I eagerly await my next visit to MŌLÌ for another extraordinary...