Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Chef Liao – Seattle
Chef Liao - Seattle
Photo from Chef Liao
Chef Liao at a glance
Seattle Phinney Ridge
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 63 of the guests
#356 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#14 Chinese Restaurant out of 53 in Seattle
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
478
Reviews
79.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Attentive service
- Lunch value
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent ambience
- Value concerns
- Slow delivery
The restaurant, Chef Liao, is a delightful Chinese restaurant nestled in Seattle’s vibrant Phinney Ridge neighborhood. You’ll find a truly authentic experience here, especially if you appreciate a great tea selection.
This cozy and casual spot invites you to explore a menu rich with Asian Fusion flavors, perfect for a relaxed lunch or an intimate dinner. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a full meal, Chef Liao promises a memorable culinary journey.
Overview: Introducting Chef Liao
Chef Liao offers a generally positive dining experience, often praised for its delicious Cantonese-style food and friendly staff. Many appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and the efficiency of their operations, making it a reliable spot for a meal.
However, some patrons have noted concerns regarding the physical space, with mentions of sticky tables and a general poor condition in certain areas. While the food and service often shine, the overall dining environment can sometimes be a mixed bag.
Good
7.7
out of 10
478
Reviews
79.3%
Satisfaction
84
negative
15
neutral
379
positive
Chef Liao earns a solid 7.7 overall score, reflecting a generally good dining experience. This is further supported by a 79.3% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most visitors leave content.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 478 customer opinions, with 379 positive remarks outweighing 84 negative ones. Digging deeper, Food stands out with an impressive (8.0), frequently described as flavorful and well-prepared.
Service also performs well at (7.6), often highlighted for its attentiveness. While Value (6.5) and Ambience (6.2) hover in the average range, they still contribute positively, though with some room for improvement in consistency.
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Friendly, attentive service
- Affordable lunch specials
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dining ambience
- Occasional value issues
- Slow delivery service
With a recommendation score of 7.9, Chef Liao appears to be a worthwhile stop, particularly if you prioritize well-executed food and attentive service. It’s a place that generally delivers on its promise of a satisfying meal.
If you’re seeking a casual spot with good food and don’t mind an occasional inconsistency in the dining environment, Chef Liao could be a good fit. It’s a solid choice for those looking for a reliable meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Chef Liao
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place generally hits the mark with a good score of 8 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 83.1%! Out of 326 comments, 271 rave about the delicious food, lots of options, and generous portions, with gluten-free options being a particular highlight. However, 45 opinions do point to some areas for improvement.
A few diners found dishes too sweet or greasy, while others felt certain items lacked flavor or were bland, indicating some inconsistency in execution.
Food
326
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
45
negative
10
neutral
271
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Generous portion sizes
- Great gluten-free options
What people don't like
- Dishes can be too sweet
- Some items lack flavor
- Greasy or soggy food
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! They have an open kitchen where you can see them cooking, and the food is hot off the wok right to your table. The service and atmosphere were also great.
- Chinese foodthis is the Chinese food you’ve been looking for
- Mongolian beefChow mein, potstickers, Mongolian beef are also family favorites.
- FoodI also tried their hot and sour soup, which was equally delicious. The food quality here is definitely a 5 out of 5!
- dumplingsThe dumplings were a perfect texture with subtle ginger shining through
- egg rollsTheir egg rolls are very delicate and crisp
- fried riceAnd don't forget the fried rice! They were so yummy
- pork fried ricepork fried rice, Absolutely delicious!! Very flavorful.
- Pad ThaiThe Pad Thai was flavorful and well-balanced
- Sweet and Sour ChickenThe Pad Thai was flavorful and well-balanced, with just the right amount of tanginess and sweetness. I also tried the Sweet and Sour Chicken, which was delicious but, in hindsight, I would recommend asking for the sweet and sour sauce on the side. It wasn’t a huge issue, but it would have allowed for a bit more control over the flavor.
Frequently criticized
- crab rangoonI also ordered the Mongolian beef, which also lacked rice and any discernible flavor, proving to be quite bland. The crab rangoon resembled scraped char from the side of a pan, filled with cream cheese and deep-fried, but unfortunately, it wasn't even crispy. For a $50 order, I expected much better.
- foodWe ordered several appetizers to share during our last visit, and they were all tasty. The only minor issue was that the food sweated a lot during pickup, which is almost unavoidable for takeout orders.
- ricedishes on Grubhub and they did not even come with rice
- Mongolian beefWhile the food wasn't bad, it wasn't great either, landing at an average rating for me. The main issue was that all the dishes were a bit too sweet for my palate; I could distinctly taste the sugar in each one, including the Mongolian beef. I suspect this place might cater more to a non-Asian clientele.
- beefThe beef was grey, like it had been boiled.
- orange chickenI rarely leave reviews, but this experience was incredibly disappointing. After finishing our meal and packing leftovers, I discovered a dead fly in the orange chicken. This was particularly upsetting given the ninety dollar bill.
- sweet and sour chickensweet and sour chicken lunch special was drowning in a strange pink sauce
- BBQ PorkBBQ Pork dark & old
- Chinese foodI couldn't even finish a bite of the broccoli. This was by far the worst Chinese food I've had in any city, and I strongly advise skipping this place if you dislike wasting food or money.
- Deep Fried PrawnsDeep Fried Prawns greasy
If youre looking for a spot with generally delicious food and plenty of choices, especially if you need gluten-free options, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might lean a bit sweet or occasionally lack the punch youre hoping for.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally shines! With a solid score of 7.6 and a customer satisfaction rate of 76.7%, most diners report a good experience. Out of 90 total comments, 69 were positive, frequently praising the friendly staff, fast preparation, and attentive team, often highlighting the family-run business feel.
However, not every interaction is perfect. There were 18 negative comments, with some mentioning rude and impatient staff, slow service, or an unaccommodating attitude. A few also found it hard to get through on the phone, suggesting some inconsistencies in their operations.
Service
90
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
18
negative
3
neutral
69
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, fast service
- Attentive staff
- Family-run business
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow service
- Phone difficulties
Often praised
- serviceThe portion size was perfect for lunch. The service was excellent, rated a 5, and the atmosphere was also very pleasant, rated a 4. I also noted they have tofu options for vegetarians and free street parking available.
- staffThe staff is also very helpful and entertaining
- ServiceService:5
- familyThe family that runs it is warm
- Friendly staffFriendly staff
- Jordan, the waiterespecially Jordan, the waiter
- attentivereally attentive
- chefThe chef was super friendly and smiling
- chef and familyChef and the whole family are the Best!
- deliveryWill deliver too
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag, but ultimately positive. The service was a bit slow, but it was worth the wait. The staff were friendly, the food was great, and the prices were great.
- PostmatesAnd when I order out, the same is my experience. I would not order from Postmates especially from this place as it will take too long. Many merchants discriminate toward Postmates orders because Postmates takes 30% and they pass it along to you on your couch ; -l
- cookIt’s looks like the cook was also the owner, so I thought he would come out and say sorry, did not happen
- customer servicethey are Unaccomidating
- deliveryDisappointed yesterdays delivery
- food delivery businessCome on down and take a seat. Although they want to take on food delivery business, they are a little slow in dealing with food delivery drivers from what I've seen. And when I order out, the same is my experience.
- guy in the kitchenthe guy in the kitchen kept coughing
- orderremove items from the order because he said "I couldn't afford it!!"
- order outwhen I order out the same is my experience
- ownerIt’s looks like the cook was also the owner, so I thought he would come out and say sorry, did not happen
Overall, you can expect a generally positive service experience, especially if you appreciate a friendly, family-run atmosphere. While there are occasional hiccups, the good outweighs the bad, making it worth a visit for reliable and often speedy service.
Ambience (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
The ambiance here scores an 6.2, placing it in the higher end of average, with customer satisfaction at a 61.5% mixed bag. Many guests, 24 out of 39 comments, really appreciated the art & decor, the welcoming atmosphere, and the cool open kitchen where you can watch the chefs. Plus, clean restrooms and a pleasant neighborhood vibe were frequently highlighted.
However, its not all glowing, as 14 comments pointed out some areas for improvement. Some found the tables a bit sticky or too small, and the exterior appearance was described as shabby. There were also mentions of the restaurant feeling chilly and concerns about the buildings overall condition or impending redevelopment.
Ambience
39
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
14
negative
1
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Art & decor liked
- Open kitchen view
- Welcoming neighborhood vibe
What people don't like
- Sticky tables mentioned
- Small tables inconvenient
- Shabby exterior appearance
Often praised
- atmosphereIt wasn’t a huge issue, but it would have allowed for a bit more control over the flavor. Overall, Chef Liao is a fantastic spot for a hearty, delicious meal with quick service and a welcoming atmosphere. If you’re in the area, especially after a trip to the zoo, it’s definitely worth a visit!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Covid-safetyThey indeed called 40 minutes later, and I went to pick up the food. The pick-up process was well-spaced for Covid-safety, and despite a lot of orders coming out, they were very well organized, allowing me to leave with my food in a flash. I enjoyed the tofu yakisoba, and my son had the beef chow mein and egg rolls.
- Neighborhood Placethis is a cool Neighborhood Place
- art & decorliked the art & decor on the inside
- free street parkingfree street parking available
- large family tableLarge family table with rotating center for sharing
- locationGreat location.
- musicMy experience at this restaurant was quite positive. I really liked the art & decor inside, and it was a relief to find there was no annoying or loud music. The staff member who took my order was nice.
- neighborhood vibeMy experience at this family-run place was fantastic! They offer big flavors and a welcoming neighborhood vibe. The food was well executed and delicious.
Frequently criticized
- buildingtaking the building down for more apartment boooo
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- chilly in the restauranta little chilly in the Resteraunt
- exteriorIt looks shabby from the outside
- food safety ratingno one wants to eat somewhere with a OK food safety rating
- food stainsMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. Although the chef was friendly and smiling, which earned an extra star, the overall condition of the restaurant was poor, from the faded sign outside to food stains on the walls inside. The service was non-existent; no one came to my table to take my order, provide a menu, or bring water.
- furniturethe furniture could use renovation
- redeveloped into a hotelSadly the block is being redeveloped into a hotel
- restaurant conditionthe restaurant was in poor condition
- sticky tablesThe tables were a little sticky
If youre looking for a cozy spot with an open kitchen and a welcoming vibe, its worth a visit, especially for the art and decor. Just be prepared for potentially sticky tables or a slightly chilly room, and don't judge it by its exterior.
Value (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, this place gets a solid 6.5, indicating its generally seen as average but with some good points. Many diners rave about the prices being great and the fantastic lunch deals and lunch specials offering excellent value for money. Out of 23 comments, 15 were positive, highlighting the cost-effectiveness and good food for the price.
However, customer satisfaction sits at 65.2%, suggesting some mixed feedback. A few experiences, accounting for 7 negative remarks, mention frustration over additional cost or price discrepancies, sometimes leading to a surprisingly high bill. It seems some found the overall money' spent a bit much.
Value
23
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great lunch specials
- Good food for price
- Excellent value for money
What people don't like
- Unexpected additional costs
- Price discrepancies
Often praised
- lunch specialsIt serves delicious Cantonese-style food with an open kitchen. They offer plenty of affordable lunch specials and regular dishes. The ~$14 lunch special (before tax) comes with a great portion, a spring roll, and hot & sour soup.
- pricesprices are very reasonable at Chef Liao's
- pricelooking for some great food, atmosphere, and price
- cost effectivelunch menu is very cost effective and filling
- foodfood was pretty cheap
- food for the priceGood food for the price
- lunch dealsLunch deals are best.
- lunch specialthe lunch special is a great option if you’re looking for a full meal
- value and deliciousnessMy experience at Chef Liao's was exceptional. I would argue it's the best combination of value and deliciousness in the whole city. Chef Liao is literally my favorite.
- value for moneyThis place is such amazing value for money
Frequently criticized
- $50 orderFor my order being $50, I would recommend getting your food from a different restaurant.
- additional costtold that would cost an additional $4.50
- billbecause of the $90 bill
- moneyVery upsetting to spend that much money
- ninety dollar billAfter a ninety dollar bill
- pricethey wanted $58! I told them that the price wasn't right
- websiteThey still refused. Apparently, they would rather throw food away than sell it to me for the price posted on their website. The only option I was given was to remove items from the order because he said, "I couldn't afford it!
If youre looking for great lunch specials and generally reasonable prices, this spot offers good value for money and is worth trying. Just be mindful of potential additional cost surprises or price discrepancies that could lead to a higher bill' than you might expect.
How are the prices at Chef Liao?
You’re looking at roughly 25 per person – reported by 63 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 25, it’s interesting to see that many guests actually spend less, with the most common prices clustering in the $11–$20 range. There are also some higher-end options that pull the average up, indicating a nice mix of choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 63 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Considering the range of prices available, from more budget-friendly to slightly higher-end, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese restaurant in Seattle. It offers options for different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Chef Liao
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Fresh and Delicious Chinese Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I tried several dishes, and everything was fresh and delicious. The Potstickers, General Tso's Chicken, Mongolian chicken, Fried Rice, and Barbecue pork chow mein were all excellent.
The meats were consistently fresh and tender. Additionally, the staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming.
- Potstickers9
- General Tso's Chicken9
- Mongolian chicken9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Reliable Spot for Diverse Take-Out
Our regular spot for take-out a couple times a month! We enjoy everything they have, from fried rice, Kung Pao, Beef broccoli and the usual standards to the Vietnamese and Japanese options. The food quality and consistency are good, and the family and employees are kind and helpful.
- fried rice8
- Kung Pao8
- Beef broccoli8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Excellent food and service, shabby exterior
My experience at this restaurant was excellent, despite its shabby exterior. The food and the service were both outstanding. It's a family-run establishment that has been operating for years, and it's become our go-to spot for takeout.
- food10
- service10
- exterior3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Food and Friendly Service
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great food and the very kind and friendly service. It's an awesome restaurant for a family dinner.
- food10
- service10
- restaurant9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Cantonese Food, Great Value
Don't let the faded exterior fool you! My experience at this restaurant was great. It serves delicious Cantonese-style food with an open kitchen.
They offer plenty of affordable lunch specials and regular dishes. The ~$14 lunch special (before tax) comes with a great portion, a spring roll, and hot & sour soup. The food is freshly cooked and flavorful.
The chefs are professional, the staff is friendly, and the service is fast. Takeout is also available!
- Cantonese-style food9
- lunch specials8
- portion8
What Chef Liao offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and services does Chef Liao Asian Fusion Cuisine provide?
At Chef Liao Asian Fusion Cuisine, you can enjoy a cozy and casual dining experience with options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery. They offer table service for both lunch and dinner, and you can also indulge in delicious desserts. It’s a perfect spot for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
Are there accessible options and family-friendly amenities available at Chef Liao Asian Fusion Cuisine?
Yes, Chef Liao Asian Fusion Cuisine is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. It’s also a great place for families, offering high chairs and a kid-friendly atmosphere. Plus, you’ll find convenient free street parking nearby.
What is Chef Liao's overall rating and what contributes to it?
Chef Liao holds a good overall score of **7.7**. This is largely driven by strong scores in **Food** (8.0) and **Service** (7.6), while **Value** (6.5) and **Ambience** (6.2) are considered average.
What do customers appreciate most about Chef Liao?
Customers frequently praise the delicious and flavorful food, often highlighting dishes like dumplings and fried rice. The friendly and attentive staff also receives consistent positive feedback.
Are there any common criticisms or downsides to dining at Chef Liao?
Some patrons have noted concerns about the restaurant’s physical ambience, mentioning issues like sticky tables or a chilly interior. There are also occasional reports of inconsistent value for larger orders and slower delivery service.