China Palace Restaurant — Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Both times I went it was dimly lit with tables that hadn't been cleaned yet or with random items sitting on top of them. Just use warm-colored LED lights if you're trying to save money. Also consider playing some music at a low volume. The combination of darkness and silence makes the experience a bit depressing.

The waiter is friendly but might be a bit overworked dealing with in-person customers and food delivery. The restaurant closes for an hour in the afternoon. It's not uncommon for East Asian restaurants to close temporarily in the afternoon at random hours, but if a customer arrives at a time that is approaching the closing time, let them know so they can decide whether or not to dine in; don't make them feel like you're rushing them out. Please listen to certain cues so suggestions/substitutions can be offered. If I say "I don't want rice because I'm avoiding too many carbs", that might be a good time to mention that the entree is sweet. I ordered sesame spare ribs and they tasted like they were made by Willy Wonka.

Also if I order sesame anything I expect the taste of sesame to be salient (perhaps by using sesame paste), not just untoasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top of, apparently,...

We’ve been dining here since it opened. Prior to our last visit, everything has been wonderful. Now, I am only guessing that the owners may have changed because the food is not at all like it was before. Every single dish we ordered was BLAND AND EXTREMELY SALTY. The hot and sour soup was neither hot nor sour. It just tasted like it had zero seasonings with about a cup of sodium! It made me gag. The other dishes were just as bad! Zero flavor and unbearably salty. ALL of it went straight into the garbage. WASTED MONEY. I have never had Chinese food that was this inedible in my entire life. If you want better Chinese food, get a frozen dinner from any...

First time being there so this is based on one experience. Had the Kuang Pao Chicken. It was delicious. Clean atmosphere and good service. It seemed like the server was aware that I did not want to be bothered and was not coming around asking if I needed anything but when he noticed my glass of water was empty he did come over prepared with a pitcher of water to see if I wanted a refill. When I was done he was there to pick up the dirty dishes. Very attentive and respectful. Great place and price was reasonable. Parking is limited though. Or I may have parked in the employee parking because there was very few spots. But it's a small...