Beijing On Grove — Restaurant in Richmond

One Star: A Disappointing First and Last Visit

Reservation Details: Party of 2, Reservation for Michael Date: 12/27/2024, Time: 7:00 PM Seated at Table #2

We were excited to try Beijing on Grove for the first time, but sadly, the experience was a disaster from start to finish.

Arriving 30 minutes early, we planned to enjoy an adult beverage at the bar before being seated. The hostess informed us our table was ready early, which was surprising, as we were told seating at this time was impossible. Seizing the auspicious moment, we agreed to review the menu while having a drink at the table .

Our waitress, though pleasant and knowledgeable, warned us the bar was "backed up"—a confusing statement since neither the bar nor restaurant appeared particularly busy. Despite this, our first round of drinks took 15 minutes to arrive, with no follow-up from our waitress in the meantime.

For appetizers, we ordered the Peking Spring Rolls and Ginger Salad, along with another round of drinks. The appetizers arrived, but the second round of drinks did not. We had to reorder, and the drinks took another 15 minutes to reach our table, again without any interim contact from our server.

For mains, I ordered the Kung Pao Tofu with sides of kimchi and fried rice, while my dining companion opted for Kimchi Fried Rice with tofu. These dishes took 15-20 minutes to arrive. The Kung Pao Tofu was excellent, but unfortunately, all three rice dishes were inedible. They carried the distinct taste and smell of burnt rice—likely from scorched oil or an overheated pot. If you’ve ever burned oil, you know the smell/taste.

When we flagged down the manager to share our concerns, his response was astonishing. After smelling the rice himself, he claimed the "smokey" taste was intentional, describing it as a "delicious char flavor" from the wok. Having burned rice ourselves, we knew better—this was not intentional. Still, we gave the rice another try, but the acrid, burnt flavor made it impossible to eat.

To further validate our experience, we spoke with the party seated next to us at Table 3, who had also ordered rice dishes. When we asked if they had noticed the "delicious char flavor," they laughed and emphatically said "no."

Our waitress, finally checking in after another 15-minute gap, handled the situation appropriately by offering to remove the rice dishes from our bill. Unfortunately, the manager apparently refused to honor this and declined to return to our table to discuss the matter further.

Mistakes happen—burnt rice and delayed service could have been forgiven with proper acknowledgment and recovery. However, the mishandling of the situation, especially from management, turned this visit into an irredeemable failure.

We won’t be returning and are deeply disappointed to cancel premature plans to bring family, friends, and colleagues here. Beijing on Grove has lost not just one customer, but many...

Beijing on Grove is a true gem, a restaurant that consistently delivers on its promise of delicious food and outstanding service. If you're craving authentic and flavorful Chinese cuisine, look no further – this is the place to be. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with warmth and efficiency. The staff at Beijing on Grove are a testament to excellent service. They are attentive, friendly, and genuinely seem to care about your dining experience. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, you're made to feel welcome and valued. Your water is refilled promptly, your questions are answered with a smile, and your food arrives in a timely manner. Their knowledge of the menu is impressive, and they're always happy to offer recommendations or accommodate dietary needs. This level of service truly elevates the entire meal. Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the food! Beijing on Grove's kitchen is a culinary powerhouse. Every dish I've tried has been a symphony of flavors and textures, clearly made with fresh ingredients and a passion for authentic Chinese cooking. The menu offers a fantastic variety, from classic favorites to more unique options, ensuring there's something to tantalize every palate. I've been consistently impressed by the quality and consistency of their dishes. Whether it's the fragrant and tender Peking duck, the flaky fish, the fei-lone beef, or the flavorful stir-fries, each bite is a delight. The sauces are rich and well-balanced, never overpowering the main ingredients. Even the simplest dishes, like their fried rice or lo mein, are elevated to something special. You can taste the freshness of the vegetables and the quality of the meats. What truly sets Beijing on Grove apart is the consistently delicious nature of their food. You know you're going to have a fantastic meal every single time you visit. There's no guesswork involved, just the anticipation of another delightful culinary experience. In summary, Beijing on Grove is more than just a restaurant; it's a truly satisfying dining destination. The combination of consistently delicious food and exceptional service creates an experience that keeps you coming back for more. If you're in the mood for incredible Chinese food served with a smile, do yourself a favor and visit Beijing on Grove. You won't be disappointed! Highly...

Here are a few dishes that I would recommend. I apologize for the quality of my photos. Fei-Long (Fat Dragon) Beef - is my favorite. The Filet Mignon was so tender and flavorful. Tempura Golden Prawns - the prawns with creamy citrus flavor will melt in your mouth. It is my second favorite. Ribeye - not sure if it is on the menu, but you should definitely give it a try. Big and juicy Ribeye covered in butter served over a bed of Fried Rice and Sautéed Green Beans. Crispy Asian Five Spice Ribs - it was my whole family’s favorite. They kept talking about how good it was days afterwards. Chef Zhao’s Chicken - puts General Tso to shame. Hot Chick - I might of got a modified version. It was a plateful of chicken breast meat sautéed with sliced jalapeño peppers. The dish had perfect amount of heat and it was so tasty. Mushu Pork - is a traditional Chinese comfort dish. Pork slices cooked with shredded cabbage, egg, and mushrooms wrapped in Chinese Pancake drizzled with hoisin sauce. It is a perfect version of Chinese burrito. Chinese Eggplant Chicken and Broccoli Chicken Lettuce Wrap

My new fav Chinese restaurant in Richmond. The ambiance is trendy, has an upscale feeling with private dining room and wall of wines. My husband didn’t think that he was eating at a Chinese restaurant. The best thing about Beijing on Grove is quality of their food. Every dish I had was well prepared and flavorful. I am Chinese, so if I say it is good, you should trust me. Besides the food, they have a well thought after wine and beer list. I had their drink special Dragon Punch, I loved the spicy after taste. The cocktail wasn’t watered down like some of the restaurants. I really enjoyed my drink. After dinner, both my husband and I felt as we had a VIP experience, thanks to the staffing team. This place also has a full bar with two TVs behind the bar. It would be a great place to grab a drink and...