Chef Li

Chef Li Chinese Restaurant, located at 2033 Camden Ave # F3 in San Jose, California (95124, USA), has been a part of the local dining scene for over two decades, offering a variety of Chinese dishes and a unique, unexpected offering of orchids. Based on the available customer reviews, Chef Li has been appreciated for its flavorful food, generous portions of certain dishes, an impressive dessert menu, and a gracious owner. However, it is with a touch of melancholy that we must also acknowledge the significant piece of information conveyed in one of the reviews: Chef Li is sadly closing its doors on May 16, 2025.

For those who have had the pleasure of dining at Chef Li, the memories seem to be fond. One reviewer recounted their recent dinner experience, highlighting the "seafood combo" and "fried tofu clay pot." They specifically praised the seafood combo for its "generous" amount and variety of seafood, noting that the taste was "good without being too salty." This suggests that Chef Li takes pride in the quality and preparation of their seafood dishes, ensuring a satisfying and flavorful experience for seafood lovers. The fried tofu clay pot also received positive mention, indicating that their vegetarian options are also noteworthy.

Beyond the main courses, Chef Li also boasts an "impressive dessert menu," as mentioned by the same reviewer. This is a unique feature for a Chinese restaurant and suggests that Chef Li goes the extra mile to provide a complete dining experience, catering to those with a sweet tooth. While the specific offerings on the dessert menu are not detailed, the positive remark indicates a selection worth exploring.

Adding an unexpected and charming dimension to Chef Li is the fact that they also offered "lovely orchids" for sale, as mentioned by a long-time patron. This unique combination of a Chinese restaurant and a source for beautiful orchids made Chef Li a memorable and perhaps even a go-to place for special occasions, combining a delightful meal with the opportunity to purchase a thoughtful gift. The fact that this customer had "bought many lovely orchids here for special occasions" speaks to the quality and appeal of this unusual offering.

The sentiment expressed by the long-time customer, who had been dining at Chef Li for over twenty years, underscores the restaurant's enduring appeal and the strong connection it had with its patrons. Their statement, "Love their food and gracious owner," highlights two key aspects of Chef Li's success: delicious cuisine and welcoming hospitality. The mention of a "gracious owner" suggests a personal touch and a commitment to customer satisfaction that likely contributed to the restaurant's longevity and the loyalty of its clientele.

However, the most significant piece of information from this review is the announcement of Chef Li's impending closure on May 16, 2025. This news will undoubtedly be disheartening for the restaurant's regular customers and the local community who have enjoyed its offerings for so many years. The reasons for the closure are not provided in the reviews, but the sadness expressed by the long-time patron indicates a genuine loss for the neighborhood's dining options.

Given the impending closure, any discussion of the current environment, ongoing services, or future promotional information becomes somewhat bittersweet. For those who have frequented Chef Li, the environment was likely familiar and comforting, contributing to their long-term patronage. The services presumably included standard Chinese restaurant offerings such as dine-in and possibly takeout, although specific details are not provided. With the closure date so near, it is unlikely that there are any new or ongoing promotions. Instead, the focus shifts to the remaining days of operation for those who wish to visit one last time.

For local users who are just discovering Chef Li through this introduction, the timing is crucial. If you are intrigued by the positive reviews regarding the seafood combo, fried tofu clay pot, impressive dessert menu, or the unique aspect of purchasing orchids, you have a limited window of opportunity to experience Chef Li before its closure on May 16, 2025. It would be advisable to contact them soon at (408) 377-1168 or +1 408-377-1168 to inquire about their operating hours and make a reservation if you wish to dine in these final days.

In conclusion, Chef Li Chinese Restaurant in San Jose has been a cherished local establishment for over two decades, known for its flavorful Chinese cuisine, particularly the seafood combo and fried tofu clay pot, an impressive dessert selection, and the unique addition of selling orchids. The gracious owner and the quality of the food have fostered a loyal customer base. However, it is with regret that we must inform local users of Chef Li's impending closure on May 16, 2025. For those who have enjoyed Chef Li over the years, or for those who are now curious to experience it based on these positive reviews, time is of the essence to visit before this long-standing restaurant bids farewell to the San Jose community.