Lai-Lai Chinese Cuisine & Sushi bar — Restaurant in Oak Ridge

NO BUFFET! Please note there are OLD PHOTOS on Google showing photos from years ago when Lai-Lai used to have a buffet. Since the pandemic sadly, they have not been able to re-open their buffet - and DO NOT PLAN TO OPEN IT IN THE FUTURE. They still have the empty buffet tables in the restaurant (as they are very large units and have not been removed yet) - so if you dine in - you didn't miss the buffet - they do not serve the buffet anymore. I've noticed a few reviews mentioning the buffet so I don't want anyone else to come to Lai-Lai under false pretenses expecting to eat at a buffet. Also - Google shows "all you can eat" and I do not see anywhere to suggest an edit for that - so be aware - it is NOT all you can eat, as the buffet is no longer in existence.

IF you want delicious, authentic Asian Cuisine and incredibly fresh, delicious tasting Sushi - this is your place! We've been eating here since 2002 (when we found the restaurant) and have been eating here faithfully monthly all that time. The restaurant is family owned and they treat you like family. I once sat at the sushi bar next to a man telling one of the owners that he lived in Japan when his dad was stationed there in the service and he said that Lai-Lai's sushi is the same as the quality they serve in Japan at the best sushi restaurants. I haven't been to Japan but I know Lai-Lai's sushi blows away other restaurants. They don't cover their sushi in heavy overdone sauces, they season the fish lovingly with wasabi, lemon, etc. - to bring out the true flavor of the fresh fish. The atmosphere is always clean and quiet. It's a perfect place for a large family party or date night. NOTE: Make sure to CALL them first before stopping out to make sure they are open as they have been hosting a lot of private parties. I assure you though - they are well worth the trip! Try them! You won't be...

My husband and I were out for a day at the mall. I was craving Chinese. We saw this restaurant had 4 stars, not bad considering the location and limited good Chinese food close by. We were greated by a gentleman who welcomed us to.sit by the TV/bar area. As we walked in, there were empty buffet stations. The gentleman said "no more buffet, not enough people." We sat down and order water and a sweet tea. The tea definitely wasn't Lipton, and it tasted old. My husband decided on a water. The sushi was good, tasted fresh, and rolled by an older lady who had also greeted us. I ordered Curry Chicken. It comes mild or spicy, with various vegetables and white rice. The flavors of the curry and veggies together came together nicely. The chicken was tender but not very flavorful. Probably just boiled without spices. My husband ordered Spicy Sesame chicken. It came with a round circle broccoli and rice as well. The breading on the chicken was PERFECT, the broccoli steamed but crunchy, and the Sesame seeds had a good flavor. The spiciness of the chicken was mild, which we were expecting hotter considering the amount of pepper flakes, but alas, it was not. Our meal total was just under $50. The meals, as you can see were larger enough to feed more than 2 people. Each was around $13.95 to 16.95 with the seafood dishes more expensive. As we left, I asked why there wasn't a buffet and he said "no people." I asked if it was because of Covid and he nodded. While the food was phenomenal it is a nice place and great service. Parking is ok considering they are at the end of a busy plaza and have several.catering vehicles taking up spots. I would recommend thos.place for a nice Chinese dinner and perhaps a...

Just the place looks pretty but you don't eat pretty. Walk in, no greeters we just sat down. Then someone did notice us sitting after a few minutes. The buffets line is entrance made me think we walk in th back? Way. The buffet was short of food and the food that was sitting must had been sitting long because it was cold. Meat! should not!!! Be sitting cold! We then decide to order from the back thinking the food would be cooked fresh and ready. But that was not the case! We order the shrimp and lobster sauce. Its was cooked correctly. We got cold plate. The sauce was not cooked. Lobster suace you are to mix the egg white into the boiling water of seasoning and cornstarch. NO!! They just dropped the egg white on the shrimp. So we got a plate of mess! Please watch what you eat here. We never coming again. Don't judge the book by it cover. This...