Pinwheel Garden Dumpling and Noodle Bar — Restaurant in Jersey City

The food is incredible and since moving to JC, my husband and I have ordered for pick up from here numerous times.

This past weekend we decided to go in person with friends who came to visit. Before we got there, I called to ask that if a party of 4 comes within the next 10 minutes, will there be space for us and I asked if it’s busy. The girl on the phone said yes there would be more than enough space for us. We’re less than a 10 minute walk to Pinwheel, so we walked over and when we walked over, she said that we’d have to wait another 20 minutes. I want to mention (very important detail) that there was a long wooden table with 2 girls seated eating that she offered us to sit at (at first). My husband gave her his number and she said she would call when there was room.

We headed over to Nurish to get some light bites and waited. Time was ticking and eventually we heard from her and she said we would have to wait another 15-20 minutes. At this point, it was getting a little ridiculous and so we decided to walk back over and just sit at the LONG wooden table where 2 girls were seated that we were originally offered to sit at (by the South Asian/Indian hostess/waitress because there was more than enough room).

When we got there, we saw the hostess and told her we’d just sit there but we were a little hesitant. I’m more straightforward and confrontational, so I went over to the 2 girls that were sitting at the long wooden table, explained the situation and asked them if it was okay if we sat there. They were more than okay with it! So, we sat down. We were brought menus and all that. Then, soon after one of the main cooks/chefs (Black man) came over to the table to say he’s going to move us to the more bar seating (not as comfortable) and will move us back once the girls were done eating.

He also called us rude to our faces, which we were taken aback from because there was nothing rude about sitting at this spacious table. Not only that, your hostess literally offered to sit us there in the first place? I told him that well we asked the girls and they’re okay with it and he avoided eye contact and said whatever he said to show that his mind was made up about moving us and said “thank you” in a snarky way and walked off lol. So, I’m not sure what was going on and what the hostess might’ve said to him prior or what he say, but there clearly needs to be better communication over at Pinwheel Garden.

Delicious food but check your heart posture/attitude and maybe better communication amongst the workers could be helpful. Also, it might’ve been more logical to NOT sit 2 people at a big ole table meant for a bigger party. We ended up sitting where he requested and the hostess and another worker cleaned off another table eventually. Thankfully, we were able to sit at a better table because the other seating was uncomfortable with no back support.

Before we were leaving the hostess/waitress did apologize to my husband and asked if we liked the food. He told her they loved the food and that we actually get food here all the time, it’s just that the whole seating thing was just a lot. So we do appreciate that she apologized. I would’ve given Pinewheel Garden 5 stars but the service...

Full disclosure I personally know the owner Steve (and Al). I hope you believe that does not mean my review is any less real. On the contrary, I thought it was important to note to appreciate the review.

When I went to visit on a random Sunday, the restaurant was closed, but he took me there to show me the place and cook something anyway. I know him to be a truly multi-talented guy who takes a lot of pride in his art, whether it be design, fashion, music, architecture, or food. I wasn’t surprised when he told me he designed the restaurant’s logo and built the furniture himself - reclaimed wood and metal benches and tables.

It’s not surprising because I know that when he gets into something, he REALLY gets into it. He’s a perfectionist of sorts, but in the nicest way possible, with the desire to create the most beautiful thing to be enjoyed by other people. He just likes making people happy. I say this because it’s important to understand that this is the EXACT type of person you want creating the food you eat.

He made the coconut curry dish with chicken. It was ridiculous. The noodles and chicken were cooked perfectly and the combination of curry, vegetables, and mushrooms created a deeply rich and complex flavor. The spice level was just right. I wasn’t sweating or anything, but had to take a sip of Taiwanese apple soda after each bite. That’s the way I like it. It’s the kind of thing that if his restaurant delivered and I lived nearby, I would order at least once a week.

I only regret that I couldn’t try more of his dishes that day. I’m confident I would not have been disappointed with anything...

03/24 update: SO Disappointed! The only silver lining to the IKEA trip was that we were going to go to Pinwheel ramen afterwards. I was so excited that I called ahead to make sure they still carried the curry ramen… they did! As soon as the bowl of ramen came, I knew I was going to be disappointed, the presentation was poor, the ramen was missing fresh veggies, eggs, etc… and the broth was so little, that I had to ask for an extra helping (photo includes the extra helping. How did the order go so wrong… the flavor was different, there was no visual excitement… and I walked out paying $33 for this bowl. Seriously!

Old review

I bought the kids Go-karting last week and stumbled on this hidden gem through Yelp... I'm so glad I did. The food was So GOOD that I brought my wife for lunch today. Just to put that in to perspective, I live 54 minutes away. Yep. The food is that good.

Today we had the Curry ramen with braised beef and the Trinity ramen as the main course, and started with the Thai chicken and shrimp dumplings and scallion pancake with a side of curry sauce... the blueberry lemonade and the spiced cold brew were awesome additions.

The flavors are fresh and bursting in every dish, each dish was different and made it's own statement.

I know that's a lot of food for two people, but I drove 54 minutes and wanted to make my drive worth it... it was. I highly recommend this restaurant. The food is authentic and...