East Garden - Charlottesville

I had some really delicious lo-mein and rice! However, I wasn't a fan of the Kung Pao chicken; it was more sweet than spicy for my taste. My husband enjoyed everything else on the menu, though!

The waitress seemed too preoccupied with her phone, either playing a game or watching a video. I never received a water refill, even though she was walking around with a pitcher. If I were the manager, I would have let her go. In the first picture, you can see her preparing drinks while still focused on her video.

Save your money; this isn't the place for good Chinese food. With so many delicious Chinese restaurants in C'ville, I had high hopes for this one. I ordered Kung Pao chicken, orange chicken, steamed dumplings, and chow mein, expecting a flavorful variety to mix and match. Instead, I was left disappointed and regretting my choice. The food had no taste— it seemed like they only used salt to season it. The Kung Pao chicken was completely lacking spice and flavor, and the dumplings were extremely salty, though I suppose they were my least disliked option. The orange chicken missed the sweet and tangy flavor I anticipated, and even the chili sauce I requested on the side didn’t add any heat. Even if it had been spicy, I would still have been disappointed, as none of the dishes came close to meeting my expectations. Considering how much I paid, I felt even more let down by my choice. Also, be aware that their chow mein isn't made with noodles— if you want noodles, go for the lo mein instead. The chicken chow mein only included chicken and vegetables. I wouldn’t recommend this place, and I won’t be returning. But hey, to each their own. #shameless

To my surprise, the sushi was really good for a Chinese buffet; in fact, it was better than some sushi-specific places in Charlottesville. The place was also very clean. While it may not be a fancy spot, everything was executed well and to a high standard. The only downside to my experience was the presence of some other patrons, but low prices tend to attract that kind of crowd. Regardless, I'll definitely be back for a cheat day feast. Keep up the great work, everyone!

Absolutely delicious! I really enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. It's a charming buffet-style Asian restaurant that is very clean. They have gloves and sanitizer available at both ends of the buffet lines. The restrooms are conveniently accessible. I always look forward to coming back!