Forbidden City Restaurant

Welcome to Forbidden City Restaurant, a Chinese restaurant located at 2273 Gunbarrel Rd #103 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. As a prominent establishment in the Chinese restaurant category within the Chattanooga area, Forbidden City Restaurant distinguishes itself by offering a Chinese buffet experience. You can contact them at (423) 305-1087 or via their mobile number +1 423-305-1087 for any inquiries. While the primary service model appears to be a buffet, it is possible that they may also offer takeout options; direct contact with the restaurant can confirm this. Forbidden City Restaurant aims to provide a wide array of Chinese dishes in an all-you-can-eat format, catering to a diverse range of tastes and preferences.

One of the immediately striking features of Forbidden City Restaurant, as highlighted by customer reviews, is its unique and elaborate environment. One patron described it as "the most decked out Chinese buffet I've ever seen before," noting that "All the decoration is definitely over the top which is super cute." This suggests that the restaurant has invested significantly in its interior design, aiming to create a visually appealing and perhaps even thematic dining atmosphere. The "super cute" descriptor implies a décor that is both elaborate and charming, potentially offering a more immersive and visually interesting dining experience compared to typical Chinese buffets. This focus on aesthetics could be a significant draw for customers looking for more than just a meal.

As a buffet-style restaurant, the primary service offered by Forbidden City Restaurant is an all-you-can-eat format. This allows customers to sample a wide variety of dishes at a fixed price. Based on the reviews, the buffet includes a diverse selection, ranging from traditional Chinese dishes to seafood options and even sushi. The service also includes drink refills, as mentioned by one reviewer who noted that their waitress was very attentive in this regard. The core offering is the self-serve buffet, allowing diners to choose and portion their food according to their preferences and appetite. The speed and convenience of a buffet are often attractive to those looking for a quick and varied meal.

The features of Forbidden City Restaurant seem to center around the variety and presentation of its buffet. The inclusion of a "seafood bake" and sushi alongside traditional Chinese dishes like fried rice, pork egg rolls, and cheese wontons indicates a broader culinary offering than some standard Chinese buffets. The "over the top" decoration also stands out as a unique feature, suggesting an attempt to create a memorable and visually engaging dining environment. However, the reviews also highlight some potential drawbacks in terms of food quality and suitability for certain dietary restrictions.

Several customers expressed concerns about the food quality. One reviewer with celiac disease noted a significant lack of non-fried options, which was a "let down" for them. Another customer pointed out that "almost all the options for the most part fried" and that "some of the food was cold," a common issue in buffets if not managed properly. This same reviewer suggested that the buffet might be worthwhile for those primarily interested in eating shrimp as a cheap lunch but would not personally return otherwise. A third reviewer had mixed feelings, finding the "seafood bake" and sushi to be good, and the cheese wontons delicious, but noted that some items like the "bbq chicken was a little cold" and the "pork egg roll had a funny taste." These comments suggest inconsistencies in food temperature and flavor across different dishes.

The contrasting experiences highlight the inherent challenges of maintaining consistent quality and temperature in a large buffet setting. While the variety and the visual appeal of the buffet might be initial draws, the actual food quality appears to be a point of concern for some patrons. The inclusion of seafood and sushi suggests an attempt to offer higher-value items, but the execution seems to be inconsistent according to the feedback.

Promotional information is not explicitly provided in the reviews. However, the mention of a "cheap lunch" by one reviewer implies that Forbidden City Restaurant may offer competitive pricing, particularly for their lunchtime buffet. Buffets, in general, can be seen as a promotional offering in themselves, providing a wide variety of food for a single price. The visual appeal of the "decked out" decoration could also be considered a form of promotion, aiming to attract customers looking for a unique dining experience. To get specific details on any current promotions, discounts, or special offers, it would be best to contact the restaurant directly.

In summary, Forbidden City Restaurant in Chattanooga, TN, offers a unique Chinese buffet experience with an elaborate and visually appealing decor. The buffet features a wide variety of dishes, including traditional Chinese fare, seafood options, and sushi. While the ambiance seems to be a strong point, customer reviews indicate potential inconsistencies in food quality, temperature, and the availability of non-fried options. The restaurant may offer a reasonably priced lunch buffet, making it an option for those seeking a large quantity of food at a lower cost, particularly if they are interested in specific items like shrimp. However, potential customers should be aware of the mixed feedback regarding the overall food quality and consider their own preferences and dietary needs before visiting.

For local users in Chattanooga, TN, who are considering a Chinese buffet, Forbidden City Restaurant offers a visually distinctive option with a broad selection of dishes. However, it is important to weigh the positive comments about the decor and some specific food items against the concerns raised about the consistency and temperature of other dishes, as well as the limited non-fried options. If you prioritize variety and a unique atmosphere and are less concerned about potential inconsistencies in food quality, Forbidden City Restaurant might be worth a visit. However, those with specific dietary restrictions or higher expectations for food quality in every dish might want to consider other options.