Lai Lai Restaurant — Restaurant in Millbrae

I didn't make a reservation for dinner on Valentine's, we said we weren't going to go out. The she wanted to go out. We were aiming for an Italian place nearby, but they were too crowded, so we walked around a bit and settled on Lai Lai. Overall, it was good. A bit pricier than I would have liked, but that's how it can go when you hit up a family-style dining experience with a party of two. I'm no connoisseur of Chinese food, but I've had some that's been really good and some that's been really, REALLY bad and I'd say this place was pretty middle-of-the-road, more on the good side. The food was fine, the portions were very generous. I really liked the service. They provided free tea at the table. When the server brought the food, he also plated it, which surprised me and I thought it was a clever touch to make the experience feel more upscale. He also boxed our leftovers at the table for us. While he was doing so, he mused that we hadn't eaten very much, considered for a good minute, and then said "perhaps you ate too much soup" and I about died. I think it was one of the funniest and most fatherly things a server has ever said to me - and completely accurate. We did overindulge on the soup and on the tea, as well. I also liked their collection of model planes in back by the kitchen. Fortune cookies were provided with the bill, which came out very quickly after we asked for it. Speed of service overall was good. Restrooms were unacceptable and I was really surprised, given the level of service we had enjoyed during dinner. Women's restroom had a loud fan and was partly being used as storage. The stalls looked like they had been pieced together with panels that had originally been intended for some other use. I'm 5'7" and the stalls ran from about my mid-calf to maybe 6" above my shoulder. It was possible for me to see into the other stall while standing, which was obviously very uncomfortable. Lock was broken on one of the stalls. It was so bad, I took a peek into the men's after, just to see if they were being presented with the same experience....

This place is a hidden gem, I had lived in Millbrae for like 10 years and have never been here before. The place definitely looks like it's been here a while. Interior is simple and very clean. I love the display of airplanes. Our waiter was super helpful and attentive.

All of the items we had were delicious and I highly recommend.

Calamari - Crispy and lightly salted. Jalapeños definitely give it that extra kick.

Schezuan style fried chicken wings - This is spicy yet once you start eating it you can't get enough. Clears your nose right up.

Salt and pepper pork chop - I was blown away by this one, it was boneless and tasty, not greasy. This felt like something I can snack on all day while vegging out in front of the tv.

Dry Braised beef chow fun - This was delicious, the noodles were perfectly cooked and didn't give you that greasy kind of slimy after taste. This was a clean and not greasy. Not sure if you understand what I'm trying to say but if you've had your share of chow fun you get what I'm trying to explain.

Honey walnut prawns - not going to lie this by far is the best one we've ever had. It was crispy and crunchy. I definitely loved that it wasn't overly drenched in the sauce. Walnuts were addicting to eat at well.

Fried rice yang chow style - It's like a house special fried rice but with a perfect mix of meat and veggies.

I definitely, can't wait to come back here again. The dishes were simple yet tasty. Portions are huge, which is rare now a days and definitely reasonably priced.

Parking can be a challenge depending on the...

Some of the worst Chinese food we’ve ever eaten! And, I cook fabulous Chinese food at home 5-6 times/month after taking all of Chef Chu’s cooking classes decades ago. I’ve even morphed many of Martin Yan’s and Chef Chu’s recipes with my own improvements.

The fried shrimp appetizer at Lai Lai had battered crust as thick and about the same consistency as an Amazon cardboard delivery box! Same for the shrimp and other fried dishes our group had. Most of the food was pretty tasteless and not very appetizing. I was told it’s Cantonese vs Young Can Wok, Burlingame, which is Mandarin and fantastic and just 2 miles away!

Service was good, but restaurant didn’t feel “clean.” No idea why this restaurant is rated 4.3*’s unless they paid friends & family to shower their site with reviews. The most disappointing Chinese food we’ve had since trying Wonderful, Royal Feast, Minglabe (Burmese/Burlingame), Young Can Wok & even Panda Express! Sad that I’d rate Panda Express food as better than Lai Lai. I can’t even make this stuff up. This review comes after trying a raft of other non-memorable places in San Mateo, Foster City,...