Taste of China

Taste of China is a Chinese restaurant located at 612 Albemarle Square in Charlottesville, Virginia. As a Chinese restaurant serving the local community, Taste of China distinguishes itself by offering "very decent northern Chinese cuisine," with a focus on authentic dishes and a notable spiciness. Based on recent customer reviews available online, this detailed introduction aims to provide local users with a comprehensive understanding of what Taste of China has to offer, covering aspects such as food quality, service, and the restaurant's environment.

One of the primary highlights of Taste of China, according to customer feedback, is the authenticity and flavor of its northern Chinese cuisine. One reviewer specifically mentioned getting "some authentic dishes" and described the food as "spicy & nice heat," which suggests that the restaurant caters to those who appreciate genuine regional flavors and a bit of spice in their meals. This focus on authentic northern Chinese cooking could be a significant draw for those seeking a departure from more generalized Chinese-American fare.

The overall quality of the food has also been highly praised, with one customer giving the restaurant a full five-star rating and stating that the food is "authentic, fresh, and delicious." This strong endorsement underscores the restaurant's commitment to using fresh ingredients and preparing dishes that are both genuine in their regional style and pleasing to the palate. The enthusiasm in this review suggests a consistently high standard of culinary execution at Taste of China.

Specific dishes that have garnered exceptional praise include the Calamari and the Wontons in Hot Oil. Both were described as "AMAZING!" by one reviewer, indicating that these appetizers are standout items on the menu and highly recommended. The Calamari, often a test of a restaurant's frying skills, seems to be particularly well-received. The Wontons in Hot Oil, a dish often associated with Sichuan cuisine (which shares some overlap and influence with northern Chinese cooking, particularly in its use of chili oil and numbing spices), also suggests a bold and flavorful offering.

In terms of service, Taste of China has received positive feedback for its attentiveness and efficiency. One reviewer described the waitress as "super nice and attentive" and noted that the "services was also very quick." This combination of friendly and efficient service can significantly enhance the dining experience, making guests feel well-cared for and ensuring that their meal progresses smoothly without unnecessary delays.

The environment of Taste of China is described as "neat, and well decorated" by one customer. This suggests that the restaurant maintains a clean and aesthetically pleasing interior, contributing to a comfortable dining atmosphere. However, this reviewer also offered a suggestion for improvement, noting that "maybe turn on some music, as the silence while eating was a bit weird..." This indicates that while the décor is appreciated, the lack of background music might create an unusual or somewhat uncomfortable silence for some diners. This is a minor point but provides insight into the ambiance of the restaurant.

One notable point of criticism in the otherwise glowing reviews was regarding a specific item on a lunch special plate. One customer mentioned that the "fried rice...was NOT fried, it was steamed rice with Soy Sauce." This suggests a potential discrepancy between the menu description and the actual preparation of this side dish during lunch service. While the customer's overall experience was positive due to the delicious appetizers and authentic main courses, this issue with the rice was a point of disappointment and a deviation from the expectation of fried rice.

Based on the available reviews, Taste of China offers a distinct culinary experience with its focus on northern Chinese cuisine, characterized by authentic flavors and a pleasant spiciness. The food is generally regarded as fresh and delicious, with the Calamari and Wontons in Hot Oil being highly recommended appetizers. The service is noted for being super nice, attentive, and quick. The restaurant itself is neat and well decorated, though some diners might find the lack of background music noticeable. A potential area for improvement seems to be the accurate preparation of side dishes like fried rice, particularly in the context of lunch specials.

The provided information does not contain any specific details about promotional offers, discounts, or special events at Taste of China. Local users interested in learning about any such promotions are encouraged to contact the restaurant directly at (434) 975-6688 or +1 434-975-6688. They may also have information available on local online platforms or their own website, if applicable.

For local residents and visitors in Charlottesville, Virginia, particularly those near Albemarle Square, Taste of China offers a compelling option for those seeking authentic and flavorful northern Chinese cuisine. The positive reviews highlight the delicious and fresh food, the attentive and quick service, and the neat environment. The standout appetizers, Calamari and Wontons in Hot Oil, are worth trying. While the issue with the "fried" rice on the lunch special is something to be aware of, the overall positive sentiment suggests that Taste of China provides a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience for those looking for genuine northern Chinese flavors in Charlottesville.

In conclusion, Taste of China distinguishes itself as a Charlottesville Chinese restaurant offering authentic northern Chinese cuisine with a focus on spicy and flavorful dishes. The excellent reviews for food quality, particularly the appetizers, and the attentive service make it a strong contender for those seeking a genuine taste of this regional Chinese culinary tradition. The neat and well-decorated environment adds to the dining experience, though the potential lack of background music is a minor consideration. Local users looking for a departure from typical Chinese-American fare should consider exploring the unique offerings at Taste of China.