Bamboo Garden Restaurant in Martinez

DO NOT GO HERE!!! My family and I have been going to this restaurant for 1 year and some months and we have brought a lot of business to this place with friends and with family. Unfortunately we will NOT be going back. Yesterday my family and others went to this restaurant to celebrate my brothers birthday (we were just there July 16th to celebrate my other brothers birthday). We were 3 separate families with 3 separate checks (we let the server know about this immediately to avoid any confusion and luckily the restaurant was empty) we all proceeded to order our food. When it was time to pay my check was given to me and to my surprise our party of 2 adults and 2 kids was charged 20% gratuity. I thought it was a mistake so I went up to the female server with burgundy hair and asked her about the tips that were included. She right away got defensive with me and started to raise her voice. I asked her why she charged me 20% when we were a party of 4 and her menu EXPLICITLY says that amount would be charged to parties of 6 or more. She did not want to reason with me and snatched the receipt from my hand and started saying “ ok ok can you at least give me 15% you always come here and never give me good tip always bad tip” I was completely taken aback about this comment because that has never been the case. Whenever we come to THIS restaurant to eat we make sure to show our verbal appreciation and our monetary appreciation to the servers and staff. She then proceeded to throw the receipt on the table and start speaking in her language. I’m very disappointed with this treatment as I thought this restaurants staff was trustworthy and that we had an established relationship especially since we come to this location at least 2-3x a month. Unfortunately that will not be the case. We also noticed that on another party of 3 they were also charged the 20% gratuity. It seems like they wanted to charge all of us and didn’t think we would say anything, which would explain as to why she got so defensive as soon as I asked her about it. Please do not come to this location. The lady with short burgundy hair is so rude and aggressive towards customers when they question prices. If you want to enjoy your meal and be treated with respect please GO SOMEWHERE ELSE !!

I used to come here semi-regularly about 6 years ago when I lived in the neighborhood. Moved to Pittsburg, but was in Martinez today for a movie. Wanted to swing by for dinner but noticed several bad reviews here. I decided to ignore them and see if I still liked the place. I’m glad I ignored them because the food was excellent! Got three dishes and they were all tasty, fresh, hot, and were generous servings. I’m glad they are back in my restaurant rotation.

With all my due respect to the hospitality and deliciousness of this kitchen - kudos to the chef! - I’m downgrading this place to 4 stars with hope to see some renovation soon.Other then that, here you go:From the moment we’ve entered, our team was greeted with respect and offered seating (yes, it was about 2 PM on Tuesday, so it was not busy). We’ve noticed that customers kept coming and going on average 3 to 4 tables occupied for inside dining, and that’s outside the fact that in one hour they’ve served over 20-30 to-go customers including cool guy in a wheelchair in no time, in-n-out just providing your cell phone number and picking up pre-packed lunch.Our dishes served at no time steaming fresh with Green Sautéed String Beans standing out over Cumin Lamb. House Fried Rice, if you are to order one, will fill you and two more accompanying friends. Dumplings with Szechwan Sauce from Chef were soooo juicy to die for. Make sure to kill ’em while they hot.Service - there’s no way you gonna be ignored! This private owned biz has the stile in serving fast and with the smile. Just don’t waste time.On top all of that you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the bill, that’s cheaper then some fast food restaurants.Overall we glad that we’ve discovered this gem, that’s so close to our home.Xie xie sister Dan add will see you soon.

Went for lunch Friday at noon, ordered hot tea, water and Walnut Prawn lunch special for $12.55. I had my two year old granddaughter who already had lunch. I asked for a small glass of water for her and they brought me a quart size to go container half full with water with a lid that had no holes and a straw which was completely useless. They had small water glasses that I saw they brought to other customers. The lunch specials come with soup and appetizer. The soup was egg drop, it was ok. The Walnut prawns were also just ok, they were crispy and not too doughy, but there was hardly any sauce and no shredded cabbage under the prawns. The large mirrors next to the tables were really dirty, there was not enough lighting, dark and dingy looking.

This place deserves five stars and is such a hidden gem. This family owned shop really needs more recognition. My family and I went to go shopping at the Luckys right next to the restaurant when I stumbled into it. We ordered a bunch of items but the ones that stood out to me the most was the pot stickers, prawns with walnuts (they give so much), the orange chicken, and finally the szechuan fish. The pot stickers were splendid as the crunch and texture were spot on. The szechuan fish was a delight as well, the fish was firm and had the perfect amount of spice to it.This place really does stay authentic to Asian culture and my family will definitely come again.

1st impression, filthy windows, dirty carpet, same handprints as last time. waiter is rude and charged us for his mistake. Ordered steamed rice, brought fried rice. Had to ask twice for removale of charges. He got mad and started talking to the other waittress in Chinese loudly. Food is ok and then next time its not. Shrimp is not devained. Watched waiter pick his teeth with his hands they continue working. Not for me

I am sorry that i have to write this review for a place with flavory food, but they lack customer service, we were three different parties, we ask for individual checks, I know this could be challenging but the restaurant was empty we were the only table, when they give us the checks they included 20% gratuity despite their menu said 18% on parties 6 or more, two of our parties were just 2 adult 1 kid and the other one, two adults two kids, they charge us $60.00 tips. Incredible, when we ask the response was rude and aggressive too bad im gonna have to start looking for another place

Got wonton soup, walnut shrimp (the biggest shrimp you’ve ever seen — can literally be shared w 3 or more people with other entrees)Orange chicken and fried rice and chow mein. Very delicious and service is so home-y and friendly.

Such a friendly and welcoming staff. I think they probably own the place. Fast service. Good food.

Delicious food and fantastic service! We were thrilled by all the vegetarian options and loved the sweet and sour veggie chicken - super crispy! All of the dishes were flavorful and quite filling. We will definitely be regulars. Super friendly family owned restaurant - highly recommended!