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Chinois on Main
Master Critic Review
Chinois on Main
8.6
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Luxury Dining Elite
Wolfgang Puck's 1983 Asian-French fusion pioneer still delivers the dishes that launched Pacific Rim cuisine, from Shanghai lobster to Mongolian lamb. The open kitchen and family-style service create theater in the fuchsia and celadon dining room that influenced a generation of restaurants.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shanghai Lobster, Whole Sizzling Catfish, Chinois Chicken Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: 40-year institution that invented Asian fusion and remains definitive despite countless imitators
Who should go: Diners wanting California culinary history with celebrity clientele
When to visit: Wednesday-Sunday dinner, counter seating at kitchen requires request
What to order: Shanghai lobster, whole fish, duck fried rice
Insider tip: Family-style portions are generous, order strategically for sharing
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available $15, limited street parking on Main Street - arrive early or use nearby public lot on 2nd Street
Dress code: Business casual to dressy - no shorts or flip-flops, jacket optional but most diners dress up
Noise level: Lively but manageable - open kitchen adds energy, conversation comfortable at normal volume
Weekend wait: Reservation essential - walk-ins rarely accommodated Friday-Saturday
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch - dinner service only Wednesday-Sunday
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple vegetable preparations available, tofu dishes adaptable, kitchen accommodating
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 vegetable dishes can be modified, advance notice recommended for best experience
Gluten-free options: Moderate options - rice-based dishes work well, soy sauce substitutions available, inform server
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want to impress - the legendary status and theatrical kitchen create conversation, but high price point and family-style sharing requires coordination. Better for 3rd+ dates when comfortable sharing plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult on weekends - try requesting counter seating at the kitchen which sometimes has availability. Weeknight walk-ins possible before 6:30pm but call ahead to check.
Is it kid-friendly? Ages 10+ appropriate - sophisticated atmosphere but welcoming staff, no kids menu but duck fried rice and noodles appeal to younger palates. Peak dinner times mostly adult crowd.
How much should I budget per person? $90-130 per person with shared dishes and one drink - family-style service means 3-4 dishes for two people plus rice. Wine pours start $18, bottles from $65.
Is it worth it for the price? Yes for the experience - you're paying for 40 years of culinary history and execution that remains exceptional. Skip if you just want casual Asian food, but this is California dining heritage.
Best For
Better for: Historic significance and original Asian fusion recipes - this is the source code that others copied. Best for special occasions where the story matters as much as the meal, and when you want Wolfgang Puck's actual vision executed by his team.
Skip if: You want casual Asian food, modern fusion innovations, or lower prices. Newer spots like Cassia or Destroyer offer contemporary takes for less. Choose Chinois when you want the original, not the evolution.