- Chinese Food
- Chinese Restaurant
- California
- Marin County
- Novato
- Chinese Restaurant in Grant Avenue
- Ming Yen
Ming Yen Photos










Hours
Monday, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PMTuesday, Closed
Wednesday, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thursday, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sunday, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
About Ming Yen
Welcome to Ming Yen, a highly esteemed Chinese restaurant located at 1628 Grant Ave in Novato, CA. Operating within the Chinese Restaurant category, Ming Yen has cultivated a strong reputation among local users for its exceptional food quality, outstanding customer service, and welcoming atmosphere. Based on enthusiastic customer reviews, Ming Yen has become a go-to destination for those seeking the best Chinese cuisine in Novato and a place where diners feel genuinely valued and at home.
For many residents of Novato, Ming Yen has become more than just a restaurant; it's a cherished part of their local dining scene. One reviewer explicitly stated that since moving to the area four years ago, Ming Yen has become their "celebration restaurant" and the only place in town where they choose to eat Chinese food. This speaks volumes about the consistent quality and positive experiences that Ming Yen offers, making it a trusted choice for special occasions and regular dining alike.
Recent visits to Ming Yen have only solidified its excellent reputation. One reviewer recounted a particularly delightful experience, noting "wonderful changes" at the restaurant that left them feeling very happy for its continued success and eagerly anticipating future meals there. The food during this visit was described as "all over the top delicious!" with specific praise for the incredibly tender and flavorful beef and an "unexpectedly amazing" green bean dish. These dishes not only met but exceeded the reviewer's already high expectations, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to culinary excellence.
Adding to the exceptional dining experience is the "fantastic customer service" consistently provided at Ming Yen. The same reviewer emphasized feeling "so welcome and at home" every time they dine at the restaurant. This personal touch and genuine hospitality create a warm and inviting environment that encourages repeat visits and fosters a strong sense of community around the establishment. The well wishes for an "awesome 2025" further illustrate the positive connection between the diners and the restaurant.
Another recent dining experience shared by a family further underscores the exceptional quality of both the food and the service at Ming Yen. During their visit, they ordered broccoli beef, salt and pepper chicken wings, and eggplant and string beans, all of which were described as "very delicious." This variety of well-received dishes indicates a broad competence across different menu items.
What truly made this family's first visit memorable was the remarkable hospitality shown by the owner. Despite arriving quite late, around 8 PM, and nearing the restaurant's usual 9 PM closing time, the owner went out of their way to ensure a positive experience. Upon learning it was their first time dining at Ming Yen, the owner personally recommended their pot stickers and generously offered them on the house. These pot stickers were described as "fantastic" and served in a "generous portion," demonstrating both the quality of the dish and the owner's welcoming nature.
The owner's generosity didn't stop there. The family was also not charged for their rice, another thoughtful gesture that contributed to their positive impression. As the evening progressed and closing time approached, the owner's family sat down at a nearby table for their own dinner, creating a sense of a warm, family-run establishment. Before the visiting family departed, the owner surprised them with a whole box of hot and sour soup to take home, again offered free of charge. This extraordinary level of hospitality left a lasting positive impression, leading the reviewer to "definitely recommend this place" for its "great food" and "excellent service."
The consistent praise for both the quality of the food and the exceptional customer service suggests that Ming Yen has successfully created a dining experience that keeps customers coming back. The emphasis on fresh, flavorful dishes, coupled with a warm and welcoming atmosphere cultivated by the attentive staff and the owner's personal touch, makes it a standout Chinese restaurant in Novato.
While the reviews focus primarily on the food and service, they offer a glimpse into the environment of Ming Yen. The fact that it has become a "celebration restaurant" for some suggests a comfortable and perhaps inviting ambiance suitable for special occasions. The owner's presence and interaction with customers create a personal and welcoming feel, likely contributing to the sense of feeling "at home" mentioned by a reviewer. While specific details about the décor or layout are not provided, the overall impression is of a well-regarded local establishment that prioritizes the comfort and satisfaction of its patrons.
The services offered at Ming Yen clearly include dine-in and likely takeout, given its popularity among locals. The exceptional hospitality demonstrated by the owner, such as offering complimentary dishes and accommodating late arrivals, indicates a service-oriented approach that goes beyond simply serving food. The willingness to recommend dishes, especially to first-time visitors, further enhances the dining experience. While delivery services are not explicitly mentioned, it is possible that they are offered or available through third-party platforms. To confirm, it would be best to contact the restaurant directly.
The provided reviews do not contain specific information about ongoing promotions, discounts, or special menus at Ming Yen. However, the generous gestures mentioned, such as complimentary pot stickers, rice, and hot and sour soup for first-time visitors, suggest a potential for pleasant surprises and a focus on creating a positive first impression. To learn about any regular promotions or specials, local users are encouraged to contact Ming Yen directly via phone at (415) 897-5800 or mobile phone at +1 415-897-5800.
In conclusion, Ming Yen Chinese Restaurant in Novato stands out as an exceptional choice for those seeking delicious and high-quality Chinese cuisine served with outstanding hospitality. The consistently positive reviews highlight the tender beef, amazing green beans, and other flavorful dishes, as well as the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by the attentive staff and the generous owner. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply craving excellent Chinese food, Ming Yen comes highly recommended as a local favorite that truly values its customers.
Ming Yen Location
1628 Grant Ave, Novato, CA 94945, USA
Customer Reviews
We absolutely love going to Ming Yen! Since moving here 4 years ago, it has become our celebration restaurant, and the only Chinese food we’ll eat in town. Our latest visit, a couple of days ago, was especially excellent. We learned about some wonderful changes and we’re very happy for the restaurant, and for our future dining tbh. It was all over the top delicious! The beef was so tender and flavorful, and the green bean dish was unexpectedly amazing. All exceeded our already high expectations! Which adds to the fantastic customer service. We always feel so welcome and at home when we dine here. Congrats and blessings for an awesome 2025!!
My family and I dined at this restaurant two nights ago and had a wonderful experience. We ordered broccoli beef, salt and pepper chicken wings, eggplant and string beans. They all were very delicious. We actually arrived quite late around 8 and didn’t realize they normally close at 9. When the owner learned it was our first visit, they recommended their pot stickers and even offered them on the house. And they were fantastic with a generous portion. They also didn’t charge us for the rice. As it was getting closer to 9, the owner’s family sat down at another table for their own dinner, and before we left, they gave us a whole box of hot and sour soup to take home for free again! Definitely recommend this place, food is great, service is excellent!
Went in for the lunch special, which unfortunately you can't order additional sides or add any add ons. Settled for the Mongolian beef with fried rice. The beef was the star of the dish, while the rice left me desiring more. Hot and sour soup was loaded with pepper or salt and made it difficult to eat. Had about half as set it aside. Overall, ok if you're craving chinese for lunch. Would probably try the spot down the street next time for comparison.
Worst customer service. Lady with short black hair has such an attitude (rude as can be). The food is good but not worth the trouble. No air conditioning.
Stopped by Ming Yen on Grant Ave the other day; rather spontaneously, just as they were opening for dinner. Had some pot sticker dumplings and some spring rolls. Delicious! Fresh, crispy, full of flavor. Oh so yummy! The pot stickers were done just right. Was offered a free bowl of hot & sour soup while waiting. Was so delicious and gratifying. I will have to go back and try the orange chicken. Or perhaps will try the Peking Duck. Service was excellent! Located on Grant Ave, on the corner at Seventh St. Plenty of parking. Street parking is available. Yet know that it’s a very busy section of Grant Ave. Also, the 49 Novato Transit bus stops close by.
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