Pretty ambience, but is the food worth it? 👀 | Longjing Review
Finally tried Longjing after seeing so many reviews 👀
First impressions — the ambience is REALLY stunning 🏮✨
Feels like stepping into a quiet Chinese courtyard, super cosy and perfect for date nights.
🍽️ What we ordered:
Crispy Roast Duck with Scallion — skin was crispy, flavour was decent
Dongpo Ribs — nicely glazed, slightly on the sweeter side
Stir-fried green beans — simple but slightly soggy
Longjing lemon tea — very fragrant + super cute presentation
Leifeng pagoda dessert — looks beautiful but taste was a bit meh
💭 My thoughts: Honestly… the ambience > food.
Everything looked good, but taste-wise it didn’t fully match the expectations (especially for the price).
That said, it’s still a nice place if you’re going for:
✔️ vibes / photos
✔️ chill lunch/dinner date
✔️ bringing friends from overseas
💸 Price: $$$
⭐ Overall: 7/10
👉 Would I come back? Maybe for the vibes, not specifically for the food.
From my experience, Longjing excels in creating a memorable dining atmosphere that feels authentic and intimate, perfect for special occasions or bringing friends who appreciate traditional Chinese aesthetics. However, if you’re mainly after Zhejiang cuisine classics, especially iconic dishes like Dongpo Pork or Hangzhou-style roast chicken, it might be worth exploring other specialized eateries to truly satisfy your craving. The Crispy Roast Duck with Scallion, while nicely prepared, leaned more on the decent side rather than exceptional. Similarly, the Dongpo ribs offered a sweet glaze but lacked a deeper complexity expected from this hallmark dish reflecting Longjing’s Zhejiang roots. The stir-fried green beans, although a simple staple, suffered from a soggy texture rather than the ideal crispness. The signature Longjing lemon tea stood out pleasantly due to its fragrant aroma and charming presentation, a refreshing complement to the meal. As for the Leifeng Pagoda dessert, though visually appealing, it was somewhat underwhelming in taste. For dessert enthusiasts, trying different Zhejiang style sweets at nearby venues might prove more rewarding. If you’re visiting Longjing, I’d recommend focusing on enjoying the ambiance and using it as an occasion for relaxing or socializing rather than expecting a culinary tour de force. Given the price point, consider this restaurant as a kid-glove experience for the eyes and atmosphere more than a gastronomic adventure. If you do plan a return, aim for quieter times to appreciate the calm setting and perhaps stick to drinks and lighter fare.