Chef Zhao Bistro

Chef Zhao Bistro, nestled in the heart of Mountain View, California, is quickly emerging as the go-to destination for authentic Szechuan cuisine. Guests rave about the bold flavors and generous portions that dominate the menu, which features tantalizing options like Chicken Corn Soup and Crispy Sichuan Chicken Wings. Patrons frequently note the restaurant’s bustling atmosphere, often waiting up to half an hour for a table, especially on weekends—an indication of its popularity. Diners emphasize the delightful spiciness that characterizes dishes like the stir-fried green beans and the spicy pork with rice flour, boldly reflecting traditional Szechuan cooking. For those uncertain about the heat, the friendly staff is more than willing to guide you through the menu, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone. Highlighting a standout dish, the General Tso's chicken offers a perfectly crisp texture beneath a balanced sauce, making it a must-try. The ambiance is humble yet inviting, echoing the sentiment shared by many guests that, although this is not a luxury establishment, the culinary experience is truly worth it. For anyone craving robust, authentic Chinese cuisine in a welcoming setting, Chef Zhao Bistro is an unmissable gem.

May 31,2025

This is IMHO the most authentic Chinese restaurant around Mountain View area. Usually you'll have to wait for half hour during dinner time to be seated, especially on Friday and Saturday night. There's a parking lot just outside the restaurant, but sometimes it's hard to find a spot due to its popularity. Remember that this is a Szechuan-style Chinese restaurant so the dishes tends to be spicy. Confirm each dish with the waiter if you don't like hot food.

Alex Henderson

May 12,2025

First and foremost the food here is very tasty indeed. Secondly it's very spicy. Lastly don't be daunted if you don't speak Chinese: they do have an English menu. :-) Inexpensive, and with very generous portions, too!

Audrey Kim

Apr 22,2025

The Szechuan food here pulls no punches with flavor, and you'll know that because there are generous portions. The stir fried green beans are super flavorful, with salt, fried garlic, and probably mushrooms. The texture of the General Tso's chicken is perfect - crisp underneath the sauce. The sauce was more mild than I'm used to, but frankly that was a relief after the green beans and the spicy pork with rice flour. The white rice we got on the side was beautifully fluffy. Seriously, do not come here if you like bland food!

Pascal Terjan (CMoi)

Apr 20,2025

Food was really great, everything was very tasty. I had to wait over half an hour to be seated, without hearing a single word of English, but it was worth it! Still, arriving earlier would probably have been a good idea. Also, it is probably better to not go there alone, soup was very good but not intended for only one person.

Karl Liu

Mar 20,2025

Authentic Sichuan cuisine! Check out the chicken bean curd, traditional Sichuan dish from more than 100 years ago. Not many Sichuan restaurants have this dish. Humble place, great taste!

David B. Karpf, MD

Mar 9,2025

Local restaurant, that I finally tried after 4.5 years of living 3 blocks away. Wife is capsaicin - intolerant, so 1st order was chicken with cashews. In a clearly Szechuan restaurant. Good, but....next order was Szechuan fried shredded pork with green pepper - Now you're talking! Wife even liked it, despite mild heat - a superb dish. Now my go-to place for Szechuan food - warm the cockles of your heart this winter!

Lori bridges

Feb 22,2025

Awesome! Visiting California and wanted GOOD Chinese food. But, haven't had good luck. Visiting the owner of Eddie's Shooting Sports before heading back out to Idaho, we asked what he'd recommend. We decided Chinese would travel better than Mexican food. I was hungry, but my husband was not yet hungry. And Chinese would taste better cold. I was really impressed. It only took 10 minutes. The food came in sturdy plastic trays. I went back in and got an extra tray that I could use to dish me out some of each. You can imagine trying to eat out of several containers in the car without spilling. Much easier than the overstuffed typical Chinese carryout cartons. The food was great! I ordered combination fried rice, combination chow mein, and Sweet and Sour chicken. No, they don't have sweet and sour pork. LOL. But, the sweet and sour chicken was fresh, still crispy. The vegetables were NOT overcooked. The shrimp in the rice and chow mein was not scary or questionable. The pieces of meat were large for Chinese food, but in a good way. And they were very nice. I'd recommend this place for anyone who has a craving!!! Our friend from Eddie's says they have very good traditional Chinese food as well. Like spicy Szechaun dishes.

Anthony Trimble

Feb 21,2025

Very authentic! My wife and I went here on the recommendation of a friend. We were not disappointed. Get the Spicy Hot Sirloin (it's like hot pot, super spicy)! So freaking good!

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