Chef Kwan's

For over two decades, Chef Kwan's has been a fixture in the Menlo Park dining scene, offering a taste of classic Chinese cuisine. Long-time patrons consistently praise the restaurant for its enduring quality, with popular dishes like the combo fried rice and garlic chicken frequently mentioned as reliable favorites. If you're seeking familiar and well-loved Chinese flavors in Menlo Park, Chef Kwan's might be worth a visit.

One of the often-cited advantages of Chef Kwan's is the convenient parking available near Trader Joe's in the back, making it easily accessible for diners. Additionally, the staff is consistently described as super friendly, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere for guests.

However, it's important to note a recent experience shared by a first-time customer. While the vegetable chow mein was described as "all right" but peppery, there was a significant issue regarding a vegetarian order of cream cheese wontons. Despite specifically inquiring about vegetarian ingredients and being informed they contained only egg, the customer later discovered they also contained crab, which is not vegetarian. This highlights the importance for customers with dietary restrictions, particularly vegetarian or allergies, to exercise caution and perhaps double-check the ingredients of their chosen dishes directly with the restaurant to ensure accuracy.

Chef Kwan's offers a few small tables for on-site dining and maintains social distancing protocols in the lobby. While the consistent quality of some dishes and the friendly service are positives, potential diners with specific dietary needs should be aware of the reported issue with ingredient information. If you're looking for classic Chinese-American fare and appreciate a long-established restaurant with convenient parking and friendly staff, Chef Kwan's could be an option, keeping in mind the need for careful verification regarding dietary restrictions.