South China Island Inn 2 — Restaurant in Saint Paul

I decided to order take out when I was about 15-20 minutes away. I drove to the place for pick up- and wow what a strange customer experience. As soon as you walk in you’re greeted with a long table, several signs with very direct and almost rude instructions, a locked door leading to the actual restaurant and what looks to be a prison camera directly facing you. I was honestly stunned to see this, it was as if you were in trouble when in fact you’re just picking up food. The man greeted me and was friendly, I told him I was picking up my order, and even though online it said it would be done in 10 minutes (20 minutes had passed) he claimed it wasn’t done and to give them five more minutes. I live down the street so it’s not that much of a hassle for me- but I had only ordered an appetizer and some fried rice. I returned 15 minutes later just for safe measure, and it was ready. The man handing me my food was fairly friendly, was in and out very fast. Food was fine, wontons could have been fried longer. Unfortunately Covid-19 has given opportunities for businesses to do customer service this way, even though we’re almost 2 years into the pandemic. If a business isn’t willing to even let customers place orders at the restaurant, speak to customers through a speaker and camera , and pay in cash, it should be time to shut the doors/sell. If you’re really that worried, get vaccinated or move on in your life. The food wasn’t that good to make up for the prison...

Hello and good afternoon,

About a year and a half ago, I stumbled across this restaurant. I've been a resident of St. Paul now going on I'd say three to four years. I'll always drive up and down rice street, I'd see the BP Gas station but never too much noticed China Island. My husband and I decided to give it a try and the very first time was absolutely amazing! The young man who took our order was very good at doing his part. We waited about 10-15 minutes. Which wasn't bad at all. The food was extremely fresh and out of this world. I don't really know if I had any expectations going in but if I did, let me tell you China Island went above and beyond.

Oh and you all have to try the wontons, they're sweet. But not too sweet, try it. What are you waiting for?

One more thing, everyone who's on here talking about the decor, when's the first time you've tried decor?! To be honest, I like the small and cozy, mismatching dinner tables and chairs that kind of reminds me of grandma's. That's when you know the food is...

I used to like this place but now when you walk in they except no cash and treat you like you have the plague. The lady stood behind the door like a shield when she handed my food to me. Nothing like feeling like you’re infected with something from a Chinese restaurant you’re trying to eat lunch with. I think they should maybe tone down the pandemic precautions a bit at least except cash from us simple people were not all infected people. And last time my gf ordered here we ordered chicken fried rice and got shrimp fried and we call and complain to let them know and the lady was rude and told us that’s what we ordered. My gf is allergic to sea food so explain how that’s what we ordered. Last time I go here good luck in your...