麻小二 Chili Two — Restaurant in Irvine

No spirit of contract in this place. I’ve been living in Irvine for many years, but it’s the first time I went to a place where took our reservation but left no table for us. Unbelievable.

So my friend reserved a large group table, and the receptionist got their name, phone number (confirmed twice), and reservation time. But as we arrived on time, the place was full. We were wondering, was there a balcony or something? However, no. We told a manager-look person, and she pointed at two young waitresses, and was like “talk to them”. The waitresses talked to one another and told us, “we don’t have available table rn, would you like to wait?” We were like “then what’s the point for reservation?” They first used an excuse like “oh the computer was not working” then my friend was like “no, you wrote down my info, I remember clearly cuz you asked me twice. And you didn’t even notify me if the computer wasn’t working.” Then the waitress said “ah, yeah, I remember. But sorry.”

The manager also lack sense of responsibility, who hid behind two young waitresses all the time and did not come out to deal with the issue. All the waitresses could do were “Sorry”.

I thought every business has a baseline which at least follow spirit of contract. But clearly this...

For lovers of spicy and numbing flavors, the “Mamma Fish” is an absolute must-try! The dish features smooth, fresh fish slices combined with fragrant Sichuan peppercorns, making it a true classic of Sichuan cuisine. The balance of heat and numbing spice is perfect, and the fish is incredibly tender. I’m especially impressed by the presentation and the way the dish is thoughtfully designed—definitely something I would order again. The flavors are bold but not overwhelming, creating a memorable dining experience.

Another dish I highly recommend is the pea shoots! I tried this for the first time and was blown away by its unique flavor. The dish features beans that have been crushed and made into a paste, creating a smooth, velvety texture that’s unlike anything I’ve had before. The subtle flavors are rich and satisfying, and it’s a refreshing change from more typical vegetable dishes. I’ve never had anything quite like it, and I’m already planning to order it again.

Overall, this restaurant offers authentic Sichuan flavors with a creative twist. The food is fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented, making it a place I’ll definitely be coming back to. Highly recommend trying these two dishes—truly unique and...

A Hidden Gem with Incredible Flavors 😍 (My opinion). I recently found this Chinese restaurant in my area, and I’m so glad I did. The food exceeded all my expectations, I've ordered several dishes: The twice cooked pork was an absolute standout—perfectly savory, crispy, and packed with flavor. I also tried the chicken + taro, which had a good kick of heat (a little too much for my taste, but still great ). The combination of flavors was unique and satisfying.

The desserttofu was another highlight—so smooth and refreshing, it was the perfect complement to the richer dishes. Every bite felt like a treat! On top of the amazing food, the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. Their warm hospitality made the experience even more enjoyable. If you’re looking for a place with authentic, flavorful Chinese cuisine and great service, this is it. I’ll definitely be coming back to try more dishes! Highly recommended. **The price is acceptable with...