Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Ming Yen in Novato

4 (115) 1628 Grant Ave, Novato, CA 94945, United States

Categories

Chinese restaurant

Location on the map

Novato, Marin County, California, US

Phone: +1 415-897-5800
Site: https://mingyentogo.com/

Opening hours

Monday:11 AM–9 PM
Tuesday:Closed
Wednesday:11 AM–9 PM
Thursday:11 AM–9 PM
Friday:11 AM–9 PM
Saturday:11 AM–9 PM
Sunday:11 AM–9 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4

115 Reviews for Ming Yen 2024:

Review №1

2023-08-28 23:28:12

We loved the walnut shrimp - large prawns and generous portions - much appreciated. The string beans were also excellently prepared. Definitely going back. It was a birthday celebration for a party of six. Excellent atmosphere.

Review №2

2023-10-23 21:07:40

This place is made of magic. Its literally the best Chinese food Ive ever had, and it has ruined Chinese food from anywhere else. No one can measure up. I told my fiance we cant move from Novato because well never find Chinese food this good ever again. Lol Every time I come here Im surprised once again that food can taste this amazing so consistently, and you can tell its made from scratch because its all a little different everytime. The two people who run the place are the sweetest; they really make you feel like family. Come here to impress, or come here just because youre hungry and you love yourself. Either way you wont be disappointed.

Review №3

2022-05-26 20:30:48

Delicious food at a reasonable price, very friendly and kind people. And great environment, love this place.

Review №4

2022-12-02 01:18:57

I was driving around in Novato. Not knowing any of the restaurants I was cold and hungry on this beautiful winter day. I was in the The mood for Moo Shu chicken I barely sat down in my seat and the food was ready!I ran into an old friend also that lives in Novato ( I live North) they said this place has the best Wonton Soup!!Im guessing its Family owned. When customers started to come in or call in an order,they already new them. Ill be back.

Review №5

2023-11-27 05:10:40

Great people and great food, they work really hard and diligently I love them.

Review №6

2023-11-24 07:30:29

Food gave me an upset stomach. Was on the verge of throwing up the whole day. Owner was rude and unreasonable. Shouldve chosen another restaurant smh

Review №7

2023-11-26 01:09:10

The food is delicious and the boss is very friendly. Highly recommended!!

Review №8

2019-09-12 03:49:44

A delicious take on Chinese cuisine! The Mongolian Beef is savory, smokey, crispy and delightful. The Sechuan Chicken is smothered in garlicky heavenly sauce. The hot and sour soup is top notch. The decor is cheery and clean. The portions are huge. The prices are incredibly reasonable. Dont miss out on this gem!

Review №9

2022-09-20 06:37:47

I used to like this place. I want to like this place. However, the $10 hot and sour soup was terrible. It was from the bottom of the soup pot. The egg looked very tired, as did the tofu. I generally love hot and sour soup, but this was extremely disappointing. I ate about a third of it, pushed it aside, and got the rest of my meal. The owner very sweetly packaged up the hideous soup for me to take home.I also got General something chickenfor $13 which was pretty good chicken in a very heavy syrupy sweet sauce. On the side were a couple of pieces of anemic-looking broccoli. Not at all what the menu photo looked like. I always try to leave a decent tip, so I walked out of there and spent $31 on food I could barely eat, and will definitely not be reheating.

Review №10

2022-07-24 06:13:53

There food us AMAZING! Tons of flavor and plentiful. They are a little more expensive then other asian inspired restaurants within the community, but I will say the quality in my opinion is worth it. I order here on average 2 to 3 times a week. Never a dish I did not like!!!

Review №11

2022-11-28 02:46:38

Unbelievable experience. We were violently yelled at by the owner.We called to order take out. Called at 5:50, ordered 2 items, informed the male owner that we will arrive at 6:30. He told me to call again at 6:15 (because they were busy and it only takes 15 min to make the food? Doesnt make much sense but whatever). I called again at 6:15, and this time a woman picked up the phone. I gave her my number and orders; she just said the food is still cooking and hung up. When we arrived at 6:30, there was no food. This was fine, but the woman denied ever picking up the phone and started yelling at us. She literally was yelling at us while there were two tables eating in the restaurant. Ive never been to any place that the owner would yell at a customer. Mind blowing. Very unfortunate experience- we moved from the Bay to Novato. Its hard to find decent Asian food here and we were hoping that this could be one.TLDR: if you dont want to be yelled at by the owner and lied to, dont go here.

Review №12

2023-10-30 12:25:28

Ming Yen is an outstanding restaurant that offers delicious Chinese cuisine with fantastic service.

Review №13

2022-06-21 03:15:10

Always great service and food! Their walnut prawns are amazing! Just tried the dry green beans...I could have eaten the entire plate but my dining companions wouldnt be very happy. Lots of free parking in the back. Lovely atmosphere too!

Review №14

2023-10-24 17:32:20

One of my favorite Chinese restaurants in Marin County.

Review №15

2022-09-20 04:29:54

Our first time dining in and we really enjoyed it. We had the appetizer sampler, the Mongolian beef and the chicken with mixed vegetables. All accompanied with their hot tea was very good.

Review №16

2019-05-25 23:08:40

The food is much better now was a little hesitant after reading some comments but thought what the heck glad I did. Good portions and food was great will go again

Review №17

2023-06-29 02:37:32

The food is so delicious, the dining room nice and clean.

Review №18

2023-04-18 18:36:33

Best Chinese restaurant Ive been too, and Ive been to a lot of different Chinese restaurants. Flavors were spectacular service was outstanding, staff is very friendly, and food qualities excellent.

Review №19

2022-04-30 20:04:45

Excellent quality and very tasty. Flavors are much more traditional and not filled with just sugar and oyster sauce. Portions are good size too. Highly recommended!

Review №20

2022-03-29 18:40:15

I dont care how other customers rated this restaurant but i surely will not recommanded this restaurant to anyone. i had to share my experience with this restaurant, its not about the chef or the other waiter or waitress that work there, but this individual person name Peggy. Rude as hell.. We are not the regular, we dont live in this little town call Novato, we were just passing thru and it was kinda late, so we decided to stop at this litlle restaurant call Ming Yen we found in google because it was just on our way home. We walk in at 830pm 30 min prior to closing time at 9pm. Another older lady seated us and told us.. we close at 9 hurry order, it already make me feel uncomfortable at this very moment.. she left and this lady name Peggy approached us and took our order, my niece said i want A11, Peggy immediately said.. WHAT IS A11, SAY WHAT YOU WANT..I DONT KNOW WHAT A11 IS..i look at her and i say nothing . My husband asked me what i want to order, i said nothing, i just said i just lost my appetide, i dont want to order anything. .i didnt want to make any comment at the moment till we get our food. She set our plates and napkins with attitude, she brought the 2 soup over with attitude. after her there were an older gentleman brought the rest of the food, hes very nice, not like Peggy.after we ate, asked her for container for our left over, she was going to take our food to the back and pack it up but i said, actually can you bring me the container and i will pack them myself. When she brought the box and bag to our table she slammed the boxes on the table, seriously does not look good at all, so i approached her to pay for our food i asked her who is the owner, she immediatley said ME, I AM THE OWNER.. i said well.. if you are the owner, i know its along day for you but i want you to know that you have been very rude serving us the moment we walk in... she turn toward me with fiercely look on her face said... YOU RUDE TOO.. Me with a smile.. me? what did i do.. she said I CAN BE RUDE TO ANYONE I WANT. POINTED TO THE SIGN..that said.. (We refused the right to service anyone)..WELL she didnt refused service to us when we walked in. Long STORY SHORT, she was yelling back and forth at my husband the whole time we walk out the door. Thank god i only pass thru the town. I shouldve walk out and grab fast food probably tasted better with a better customer services.

Review №21

2019-08-14 03:36:32

This evening I went to Ming Yen for the 1st time in years. They are under new ownership since last August, and I can tell you 1st hand that the quality of the food is better than I ever had here in the past. It is simply delicious.As I was waiting for my take out order, the owner brought out a bowl of hot and sour soup to enjoy while I was waited. You dont get that kind of hospitality anywhere else in town. They are committed to your total enjoyment of their food and service; so if you havent come here since the new ownership took over last August, you owe it to yourself to come by for a real treat

Review №22

2023-11-25 22:30:48

Nice!

Review №23

2020-07-12 04:40:52

Obviously we could not eat at the restaurant however we did order out. It was ready exactly when they said it would be.I had not had their food before but it was recommended by some good friends. The food was very good and plentiful. $60 fed 3 people for 2 days.I will definitely patronize them in the future.

Review №24

2021-09-30 21:34:53

This place has the best chinese food Ive ever had. The couple who own the place are very sweet. Going there is an absolute delight. Make sure you try the crab and cheese wontons, the hot and sour soup, and the generals chicken. Oh, and their BBQ pork buns are really great too.

Review №25

2022-04-02 00:18:01

Only place local that serves salted fish fried rice. Salt and pepper chicken is the best! Crispy house noodles and walnut shrimp and duck! All were excellent! Great service!

Review №26

2018-12-17 05:41:06

Happy to find good and reasonably priced Chinese food in downtown Novato. The portions are pretty large and the ingredients very fresh. We had the egg rolls, house fried rice, orange chicken and dry cooked beans - all were good and Id say the latter 3 in particular were on the par of what youd get in most places in the city. Very clean and spacious dining area facing onto Grant Ave. Fast and courteous from the friendly staff. Well be back!

Review №27

2022-03-27 04:47:47

If you ever cross this little restaurant in Navoto, don’t ever go support them. We came thru town and found this little restaurant in The midtown of Navato..Peggy is our waitress who took our order. We walk in 30 min before closing at 9pm. She’s so rude to begin with, we sat and she walk up to us and said we closed at 9 hurry order in a very deride tone of voice, Once she took our order, We said A11.. her response was ..what A1I, I don’t know what A11.. my wife was so upset she didn’t want to order anything or say anything till we get our food. After we eat. When she brought our food she even slammed the bowls of soup on the table as well. Safter we ate the wife went to pay and ask her who the owner is, she said she’s the owner. My wife said if you’re the owner, I know it’s a long day for you but I want you to know that you are very rude serving us. She argued with my wife and said I only rude to you.. the wife said what did we do? We walk in and you’re already rude to begin with. Peggy said I don’t care. I dont know if she really is the owner or just a person who works there, I hope the owner of Ming Yen restaurant read my post and train this individual person to better serve her customer. Another older gentleman brought us our food after her. he was very nice and sweet I didn’t get his name.The wife intention was to ask for owner and tell the owner what’s going on and she will tip the server to shame her for her bad services but instead she said she’s the owner.. so she ain’t getting tip for her bad service.

Review №28

2019-03-18 05:50:40

We liked this place. White tablecloths, clean, soft music, not too crowded. Good food and as we were leaving we saw them making their own pot stickers. They were beautiful. I watched, they told me how to make the filling and sold me a package of wrappers for 3 dollars. I was delighted. Parking on Street or behind restaurant.

Review №29

2018-11-05 21:35:02

This restaurant is currently under new ownership. We had a large group reservation of 15, but only 11 showed up. They were very cool with the change. Upon arrival, table was already setup and hot tea was ready on the table for the guests. This was a family style dinner party, so we ordered 8 different dishes to share among ourselves. Everything that we ordered arrived to the table hot and within 5 minutes. The quality of the food is high and the vegetables are obviously fresh - we really loved the braised tofu and baby bok choy, as well as the beef chow fun and walnut prawn. Plenty of food and very reasonably priced. It was a very good dining experience for all of us.

Review №30

2017-11-24 06:59:16

We had take out dinner for 2. The lemon chicken, walnut prawns, and appetizers were superb. Very fresh, generous portions, and reasonable prices. It looks like a family run place...Very friendly. One of the best In Marin!

Review №31

2018-12-30 19:55:40

Fast and friendly, Ive only taken to go from thereThe first time it was the bomb and they were huge servings.The second time it was still good, but not as good as the first time.The first time the general chicken had a decent amount of veggies and was better than the second time where there was just two little pieces if broccoli and it wasnt even cooked.There was also less food.So we may be back once they get thier consistancy down.Id still suggest checking them out if you havent yet.

Review №32

2020-08-21 02:21:10

The food is your average Americanized Chinese food place for sure. Lots of vegetables when you pay for a meat dish and random shredded lettuce and tomatoes in some dishes. What you have to deal with is the attitude of the lady on the phone. She is very rude and trust me if you dont have order together to place or have any questions about the menu get ready to be yelled at. Her husband is much more polite and patient. Ideally just order online but they would rather you call and order to avoid the fees they have to pay for the online order. 🤷🏽‍♂️

Review №33

2018-06-03 02:31:09

New owners I think. Food was excellent. Interior better but still lacks, but not white tablecloth. Maybe best honey walnut prawns ive had, on the sweet side, but good for me. Vegetables crisp and chow fun very good. Hope they can keep it up. Food at China palace seemed to slip lately so we gave them a try. Will be back.

Review №34

2020-06-28 03:55:00

I was pleasantly surprised by our delicious dinner. We ordered Mongolian Beef, MooSu Pork, and Roasted Duck. Our order arrived, along with complimentary crispy egg rolls, that I throughly enjoyed though I usually don’t like them. Every bite was flavorful. We will surely order from Ming Yen again!

Review №35

2020-05-28 20:52:34

Ive been coming to ming yen for as long as I can remember. Ive lived in Novato for the last 20 years. Ming yen has changed owners a number of times but the new owners who have been here for maybe six months now, theyre AMAZING!! They recognize their repeat customers and are always making an effort to go above and beyond to make their customers happy.The food is delicious, the new decor is clean and minimal. If youve written off ming yen in the past, please go back and give it another try!!Every interaction Ive had with the staff has been wonderful. Even when there was a miscommunication about what I was trying to order, it ended with free crab rangoons! Really, the owners here know how to please their customers.

Review №36

2019-06-20 22:23:38

New ownership has made some amazing changes to this restaurant. Really fresh vegetables and wonderful food I have ordered many different items and never been disappointed. Everything is delicious and they will customize anything you want highly recommend it!! Kim

Review №37

2023-07-22 04:07:18

In the middle of my meal, found a fly leg. Will not go back again.

Review №38

2019-06-01 21:57:53

The owner is super nice. Always attentive and try to make sure you are enjoying your food. The service is great in here and the food is delicious and consistent. Salt and pepper fish, hony bee beef and their more traditional dishes such as salt and pepper fish friendrice are amazing! Love this place.

Review №39

2019-02-11 04:20:57

Awesome food! Awesome people. Fantastic new addition to Novato. I live in SF so I am pretty picky with Chinese Food. The owner is super great and we will definitely be back! The restaurant is very clean with elegant decor. Great for larger parties. I hope this place sticks around!

Review №40

2021-05-08 02:53:45

Hello everyone.Me and my son stoped in yesterday knowing there are better restaurants in Novato but against my better jodgment we when there. We took the leftovers. And found a piece of metal wire. Good luck eating there.I will never again go there. To bad I can upload a picture!

Review №41

2018-11-04 03:55:38

Was so looking forward to eating here after reading positive reviews. Sadly not the best experience ! Egg rolls came with ice cold food inside the roll. Potstickers ok. Rice late in being placed on the table. My son requested a drink. They brought the wrong one. I asked for water “no ice” and when i asked for a 2nd glass I was given water With ice. Twice someone else’s food was brought to our table. My chicken dish finally arrived and was ok but by then we were ready to leave. Fortunately we were not charged for the rolls. We were not impressed and will not be returning

Review №42

2016-12-12 01:58:15

The food here is good. It has new owners as of this year (2016). Ive enjoyed most things Ive tried and so far my favorite dish is the Generals Chicken. The crab rangoon had too many onions for my taste, but my wife enjoyed them. The fried rice is better now and most ingredients in other dishes have seemed to be fresher under the new management. I prefer this chinese restaurant over others in Novato. Checkout the back center of the to go menu for take out coupons!

Review №43

2022-06-06 04:29:22

First time there. Noodles were great, chicken dishes were good. Overall good place to eat, will be going back.

Review №44

2020-03-17 01:44:23

My family loves Ming Yen. They have incredibly delicious food and very reasonable prices. The portions are huge! We love their food and their service. Definitely my new favorite restaurant. I highly recommend it.

Review №45

2020-10-12 01:44:35

I got the number from hotel and it says it provides takeout and delivery. I called in and the lady was really getting impatient when she heard I just order for me and my young daughter. I was in hotel and want delivery. But she asked in phone: How dare you ask for delivery without ordering more than 30 dollars?

Review №46

2018-01-24 12:59:35

Clean, nice, helpful, tastey. Not a busy place I have noticed. Always clean when I go in. The staff are very kind, helpful in explaining the dishes and have offered caution to added recipes that may cause allergy reactions. I like the place.

Review №47

2009-12-31 02:57:07

I am always surprised at how people give 5 stars. NOTHING in Novato so far deserves 5 stars for Chinese food - lets be serious here people. I found the food average at best, the chow mein had a decent flavor, especially over 4 other places I have tried in Novato. For the food average, for cleanliness and service below average. I was concerned about the dirty conditions I could see from the front room, the service was poor. I actually saw customers waved on to you go pick anywhere in the other room when the waiter was doing nothing but reading a newspaper. I saw another employee come into the dining room with Chinese soup she purchased at a supermarket. I also saw two customers who had mix ups with their orders, and there was only three tables seated.Overall I would give it 3 stars, and that is being GENEROUS. Definitely need to improve on service, and CLEAN that place.

Review №48

2022-10-23 22:12:50

Good was salty water tasted like clorin. guy was nice little bit, plates smell like clorin.

Review №49

2021-01-30 20:35:16

The best Chinese food in Marin! They style their cooking after the best Chinese province (Schezuan). Finally a Chinese restaurant similar to those on the east coast (NY). FINALLY!

Review №50

2019-09-12 11:08:05

Bad attitude. Blamed customers for their own errors. Insisted on payment even though delivery wasnt made until after several calls and STILL charged full price. Old owners did it right. Not going back.

Review №51

2018-09-18 01:12:33

This restaurant is under new management, I found the food to not be as good as before, the spices are changed and the flavor wasnt the same. Not as good. Theyve lost me as a regular customer

Review №52

2019-03-04 02:30:04

The food was excellent and the service was too. This was my first time there and I plan to return when I hike the coast. A lot of food for a good price.

Review №53

2019-04-09 23:53:52

Lovely food. Peggy is wonderful. Beautiful art.

Review №54

2023-08-13 22:11:46

They need to train the Services better

Review №55

2019-04-30 02:30:22

Improved order taking process and ability to take down address. Always prompt and tastes great! Yum! Can’t wait for dinner tonight!

Review №56

2020-03-15 20:52:47

Avoid. Avoid. Avoid. They confirmed an order from Grubhub even though they were closed. They then REFUSED to cancel the order, even after confirming on the phone that they would do so.Do NOT trust them. They will steal your money.

Review №57

2019-08-24 01:46:40

Great food and excellent service! The most friendly staff we have experienced in Novato. I highly recommend you try them and judge for yourself.

Review №58

2020-08-10 01:27:11

Food was good and service was friendly and efficient. However the lettuce cups were dripping wet... lettuce cups should not be wet. Otherwise 5 stars!

Review №59

2019-12-18 06:24:46

Super friendly staff. Excellent food! Clean and convenient. Good parking. Will be making this a regular stop.

Review №60

2022-07-06 00:39:46

True favorite restaurant of mine. Nice servings and correct use of flavorings.

Review №61

2022-12-13 18:32:17

Great big portions for great prices and they deliver as well

Review №62

2020-01-17 01:12:13

Great place to dine very friendly staff. Large menu to choose from. Quality and quantity is good and large

Review №63

2021-10-09 03:23:50

Great food choices and flavors, clean and fresh surroundings and service very quick and good 👍

Review №64

2019-04-12 20:53:50

Good food fast service. Salt and pepper pork chops were awesome. Great for a quick lunch as well.

Review №65

2017-09-05 00:40:21

Very good considering Im from San Francisco, where is probably the best Chinese food in California, so Ive read. This place was very tasty and inexpensive..

Review №66

2018-12-20 03:03:27

Delicious! The walnut prawns are fabulous. Large portions, great service and friendly staff.

Review №67

2021-05-16 22:53:22

I asked for a little spicy, I sweated like a workhorse from the chili. Couldnt stop eating though, good flavor!

Review №68

2019-12-27 20:50:50

Fantastic staff and food, must try green bean chicken, Ming Yen is my my favorite Chinese restaurant.

Review №69

2021-11-08 04:32:52

I try to make a order and the lady who answer the phone hang out on me because I didn’t order more and she try to me to get another thing that I don’t want to order really bad costumer service

Review №70

2019-07-04 02:43:37

We placed an order 30 min+ for pickup, had to wait additional 15 min, but food was👍. We support small family businesses like this one.

Review №71

2019-06-02 02:46:05

Awesome service 1st time there clean, very nice people who are working there great menu and they deliver.

Review №72

2018-11-12 20:46:49

Since it changed hands i am sad to say this place has gone down hill. i really miss chef bao and his talented flair in the kitchen

Review №73

2022-10-30 00:09:03

I already gave my review of this terrible restaurant.

Review №74

2019-02-10 04:33:31

Great and friendly service, awesome prices, full of flavor. strongly recommended.

Review №75

2023-01-03 20:38:43

Vary over priced and one the ladys are just rude.

Review №76

2020-12-18 17:29:10

Our pick up order was half wrong and tasted kind of blah.

Review №77

2019-06-20 06:18:08

Delivery came fast and the delivery man was super sweet, however the foods was bland without any flavor.

Review №78

2017-01-09 19:11:39

Great food on the cheap. Note: if it says spicy, it isnt.

Review №79

2018-09-18 01:06:10

Great food with reasonable price. Nice people.

Review №80

2019-03-04 00:14:21

Really delicious food and friendly staff!! The Mongolian Beef is fantastic!

Review №81

2019-07-27 05:57:52

Awesome food. Professional staff. Awesome lotus mural. 👍👍

Review №82

2021-12-25 16:54:49

Best Chinese food in town. Friendly service.

Review №83

2022-06-28 00:30:39

Bland but accepted if you arent picky.

Review №84

2018-05-08 08:22:20

Good Chinese food, someone in the kitchen has skills, period!

Review №85

2019-10-23 03:43:53

Love it, food taste really good.

Review №86

2022-07-09 20:02:15

Great Chinese chicken salad.

Review №87

2018-01-22 22:12:33

The food was fresh . cheep, delicious

Review №88

2019-08-05 05:15:18

Great food and attentive service.

Review №89

2022-03-15 03:54:43

Yummy food, friendly service. 😋

Review №90

2020-02-01 23:21:05

Food was great at a reasonable price

Review №91

2016-02-07 03:07:18

From what I can see, this is the best Chinese food in Novato.

Review №92

2022-11-01 21:53:41

Fantastic food in Milipitas

Review №93

2022-09-11 20:34:18

The water tasted from the toilet

Review №94

2022-08-21 01:00:58

Great food and service

Review №95

2017-04-23 17:37:17

Great food, fast for lunches

Review №96

2020-07-23 00:28:32

Pretty decent Chinese food 👌

Review №97

2019-03-05 05:20:40

Good honey Walnut shrimp

Review №98

2021-01-29 03:15:40

Don’t get the orange chicken.

Review №99

2019-12-24 06:47:44

Best tasty food!! 🎈

Review №100

2021-08-31 14:54:12

Awesome Walnut Prawns!!

Review №101

2022-02-03 23:56:15

🙏🏻 Nice place, nice environment

Review №102

2018-04-02 23:55:16

Place use to be pretty good.

Review №103

2020-10-03 21:30:39

Best fried rice

Review №104

2019-05-23 17:55:13

Good food enjoyed

Review №105

2021-11-14 21:39:43

Excellent as always.

Review №106

2020-01-01 09:53:41

Consistently delicious

Review №107

2019-01-07 19:02:28

Good

Review №108

2019-07-19 14:59:31

Yummy food!

Review №109

2018-12-06 06:03:54

I enjoy it

Review №110

2023-04-20 03:27:10

Good food, takeaway is fast and the atmosphere in the restaurant is quite discreet, good for meetings or going with the family

Review №111

2022-07-13 23:02:35

Terrible service, the lady at the entrance in a bad mood, yells at you, and in a bad manner. THE GREATNESS OF A PERSON IS IN THE WAY THEY TREAT OTHERS. I hope they work on it, because a place like this is unpleasant.

Review №112

2017-01-28 20:19:54

Very good good service by the waiter and the cook

Review №113

2016-05-01 09:01:49

The food is quite to my taste, and the price is acceptable

Review №114

2019-04-20 00:34:41

Excellent

Review №115

2019-06-20 04:05:47

Good service.