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oChef » Chengdu Taste – Seattle
Chengdu Taste - Seattle
Photo from Chengdu Taste
Chengdu Taste at a glance
Seattle Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 85 of the guests
#427 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#19 Chinese Restaurant out of 53 in Seattle
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
489
Reviews
73.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic flavors
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Fast food
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Value concerns
- Cleanliness issues
The restaurant Chengdu Taste is a Chinese restaurant located in Seattle’s vibrant Chinatown neighborhood. When you step inside, you’ll find a cozy atmosphere perfect for a casual meal.
This spot offers a diverse menu, including excellent vegan and vegetarian options, making it a great choice for various dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, you can enjoy a delightful dining experience here.
Overview: Introducting Chengdu Taste
Chengdu Taste offers a compelling culinary experience, particularly for those seeking authentic Sichuan food. Many appreciate the generally prompt service and the inviting atmosphere, often described as chic and modern.
However, some diners have noted inconsistencies in service interactions and raised concerns about value for money, suggesting areas where the experience could be more consistent.
Good
7.5
out of 10
489
Reviews
73.8%
Satisfaction
102
negative
26
neutral
361
positive
Chengdu Taste achieves a solid overall Restaurant Score of 7.5, indicating a good dining experience. Customer Satisfaction stands at 73.8%, also landing in the good range.
The culinary offerings are a clear highlight, with Food scoring an impressive (7.9). The Ambience also contributes positively, rated at (7.2), suggesting a pleasant setting for your meal.
While the Service is generally acceptable at (6.5), some experiences point to room for improvement. The Value proposition, scoring (4.6), appears to be a more mixed bag for patrons.
These insights are drawn from a substantial pool of 489 customer observations, with 361 positive remarks balancing 102 negative ones, providing a credible overview.
What people like
- Authentic Sichuan flavors
- Pleasant dining atmosphere
- Prompt food delivery
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- Questionable value proposition
- Cleanliness concerns
If you’re seeking genuine Sichuan cuisine, Chengdu Taste is a strong contender. The culinary execution is a definite draw, making it worth a visit for its distinctive flavors.
Be prepared for a generally pleasant setting, though some aspects of service might vary. With a Recommendation Score of 7.8, it leans towards a positive endorsement.
While the food is a highlight, managing expectations regarding service consistency and overall value will ensure a more satisfying experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Chengdu Taste
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place generally hits the mark with a strong 7.9 score and a good customer satisfaction of 78.9%. Diners frequently rave about the delicious and authentic Sichuan cuisine, often highlighting big servings and flavorful dishes. With 265 positive remarks out of 336 total, many find the mapo tofu, toothpick lamb, and spicy crispy fish to be standout items.
However, there are some areas for improvement, noted in 50 negative comments. A few experiences mentioned food being overly salty, having a lack of flavor, or containing fatty meat. While rare, there was also a serious concern about a foreign object found in a dish, and some felt portion sizes were occasionally small or vegetarian options limited.
Food
336
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
50
negative
21
neutral
265
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Sichuan cuisine
- Delicious, flavorful dishes
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Overly salty food
- Inconsistent food quality
- Foreign object found
Often praised
- foodI've dined at Chengdu Taste nearly 20 times, including dine-in, takeout, and delivery orders. I've even recommended this place to foreign colleagues when they asked for good Chinese food in Chinatown. However, this recent experience and the attitude of the front desk staff were truly disappointing.
- dishesMy experience at the restaurant was marked by fast service and fun music. All of the dishes were very good, albeit a little small.
- mapo tofuI highly recommend ordering the spicy dishes if you're looking for authentic heat. We enjoyed the lamb skewers, mapo tofu, green beans, and the spicy popcorn chicken. The food was not too oily, and we were happy to have delicious leftovers.
- FoodCant get better than this!!! 5 stars!!
- cumin lambcumin lamb on toothpicks were perfectly tender and chewy and so so flavorful
- toothpick lambsome of our favorites include the toothpick lamb with cumin
- Sichuan foodI don't know how they do it. Beyond that, this is some of the best Sichuan food that you can find outside of China, and Sichuan food is the greatest food in the world. What more do you need to know?
- Toothpick lambMy experience was with superb Sichuan food. I tried the Toothpick lamb, Dan Dan noodles, and popcorn chicken. While the popcorn chicken wasn't strictly authentic, it was incredibly addictive.
- crispy fishThe crispy fish delivered on the crispiness and spice.
- green beansI highly recommend ordering the spicy dishes if you're looking for authentic heat. We enjoyed the lamb skewers, mapo tofu, green beans, and the spicy popcorn chicken. The food was not too oily, and we were happy to have delicious leftovers.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food is really just so so so so so
- food qualityquality and flavor of food ... are all in need of improvement.
- portion sizeMy experience at the restaurant was marked by fast service and fun music. All of the dishes were very good, albeit a little small.
- riceDoesn’t come with rice so you need to order an extra side of rice
- tasteMy experience was with delivery only, so I cannot comment on anything other than the taste of the food. Unfortunately, the meal was too salty to eat. While it was spicy, the real burn came from the salt.
- vegetarian optionsNot too many vegetarian options are available
- Asian foodthis was the first that was inedible
- Ginger Bullfrogvery disappointed by the “Ginger Bullfrog” dish
- Mapo TofuMapo Tofu was little dissappointing; it didn’t taste like that spicy sauce
- Mapo tofuMapo tofu... had no flavor other than a hint of mala
If youre seeking authentic, spicy Sichuan flavors and generous portions, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some dishes might be quite salty, and its always wise to communicate any dietary needs or spice preferences.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
The service here generally lands in the average zone with a score of 6.5, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 61.6%. Many guests, accounting for 53 positive remarks out of 86, frequently praise the friendly service and attentive staff. They often highlight how food came out quickly, making for a pleasant dining experience.
However, there are areas for improvement, as seen in 28 negative comments. Some diners arent fans of the ordering system, and issues with front desk staff attitudes have been noted. Concerns about server attitude and a perceived lack of accountability for mishaps also suggest the service can be inconsistent' at times.
Service
86
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
28
negative
5
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Quick food delivery
What people don't like
- Ordering system issues
- Unpleasant staff attitude
- Inconsistent service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience was average, with the food scoring a 3 out of 5. The atmosphere, however, was a strong 5, and the service received a 4. While the atmosphere was excellent and the service was good, the overall value for money was questionable compared to other options in the area.
- ServiceService:5
- staffThe staff are always welcoming and friendly
- serverI took my parents the other week, and a chunk of glass was found in my dad's bite of food, resulting in him chipping his tooth (thankfully, he didn't swallow it). Our server handled the situation well; he had sincere apologies and comped our meal. We speculated that the glass may have come from the water canister or a bottle, and we shared this observation with the staff as an FYI in case they needed to check their kitchen procedures.
- 5 minutescame out in 5 minutes
- TakeoutTakeout is really easy
- attentive serviceService is always very fast and attentive
- decent serviceEach dish truly hit the spot. It's a testament to how a restaurant can thrive by offering great food in a clean modern setting with decent service, addressing the community's concerns about the CID district being neglected. I will definitely be back and heartily recommend it!
- experiencemaking the experience better
- food came out quicklyOur food came out quickly
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service ... are all in need of improvement.
- customer servicethe customer service i got left me walking home crying
- staffMy child cannot eat spicy food, and I had purchased a hotdog from across the street. However, the staff forbade me from letting my child eat it and demanded an extra $20 charge to make the child eligible to eat. This policy is ridiculous.
- accountabilityShe was very rude, denying responsibility for the incident. While we understand that accidents can occur unintentionally, we were taken aback by her lack of accountability.
- front desk manI explained I was just waiting for a friend and would leave soon, but he insisted that I was not allowed to eat from the container unless I was dining in. All I can say is that this front desk person was unnecessarily strict, and his attitude was quite unpleasant. I can understand not allowing a switch to dine-in without a new order, but I really didn’t expect that opening a food container would be an issue.
- front desk staffI've even recommended this place to foreign colleagues when they asked for good Chinese food in Chinatown. However, this recent experience and the attitude of the front desk staff were truly disappointing. This time, I placed an online pickup order.
- greetingOne of the waitress walked up to me and ask me what do I want? Thats not how you greet a customer.
- handling of the issueWe were in a hurry to have our meal and were very disappointed by the “Ginger Bullfrog” dish. The quality was extremely poor, and when we brought this to the staff’s attention, there was no proper follow-up or satisfactory handling of the issue. The staff kept repeating that the bullfrog was not fresh-caught, which we understand and can accept.
- honest workerI wish the restaurant can hire honest worker
- managershe may have been the manager? was upsetting
Overall, the service here is a bit of a mixed bag. While you can often expect friendly and quick attention, be prepared for potential hiccups with the ordering process or occasional inconsistencies. If you value speed and a generally pleasant interaction, its worth a try, but dont expect perfection every time.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! The ambience here generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7.2, with customer satisfaction sitting comfortably at 73.1%. Many of the 38 positive opinions rave about the "atmosphere" being simple, pleasant, and even "chic, " often highlighting the "clean modern setting" and "cozy and bright interior.
" Guests also appreciate the "decor, " "music, " and comfortable "noise level, " making it great for date nights or large groups. However, its not all sunshine and roses. Out of 14 negative opinions, some folks felt the atmosphere was a bit rundown or lacking.
Concerns were raised about the cleanliness of restrooms and utensils, with a few mentioning uncomfortable seating and disliking the lighting. It seems some areas might need a little sprucing up to match the overall positive impression.
Ambience
52
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
14
negative
0
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, bright interior
- Chic, pleasant atmosphere
- Quiet, easy conversation
What people don't like
- Dirty restrooms
- Uncomfortable seating
- Lacking atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereI came here with a really large party for a friend's pre-wedding dinner. This place was very accommodating and a great spot for our very large group. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was perfect for our celebration.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- spacelaid back space with quiet elegance
- ChinatownI love Seattles Chinatown because it's very real
- ambiencefantastic dishes, ambience, and friendly service
- chic atmospherethe restaurant has a chic atmosphere
- clean modern settinggive great food in a clean modern setting
- cozy and bright interiorrestaurant's interior is very cozy and bright
- date nightsLove coming here for date nights
- decorthe decor was pretty cool at the area I was seated at.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereUnfortunately, my recent experience was disappointing as the taste is just mid now at best. The atmosphere was also quite poor, scoring a 2, while the food received a 3 and service a 4.
- cleanlinesscleanliness of the Restaurant are all in need of improvement.
- dirty bathroomdirty bathroom, it looked like it hadn’t been properly cleaned in a bit
- lightingNot a fan of the lighting.
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- repaintingthe restaurant needs a bit of repainting.
- restaurantthe restaurant feels as if they got 90% of the way done moving in and said "good enough."
- restroomsrestrooms could be cleaner
- seatingMy experience at this restaurant was marked by authentic Chengdu-style food, featuring the signature peppercorns that create a delightful tingly and numb sensation on the mouth and tongue. While the seating was a bit uncomfortable, the overall food quality was excellent, earning a perfect score. The atmosphere was also enjoyable, rated at 4 out of 5, and the service was highly satisfactory, receiving a 5 out of 5.
- seatsSeats could be cleaner
Overall, the ambience here is generally good, offering a comfortable and often chic setting for your meal. While there are some minor cleanliness and comfort issues, its likely a pleasant environment for most. If a generally good vibe is what youre after, it's worth a visit.
Value (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners were pleasantly surprised, finding the prices and overall bill to be quite reasonably priced, especially for a downtown Seattle spot. A few even noted that dishes were moderately priced and not as expensive as they initially thought, based on 5 positive remarks. However, the overall sentiment for value is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.6 placing it in the average range.
Customer satisfaction, at 33.3%, is unfortunately poor. Many of the 10 negative comments highlighted the pricing as expensive, particularly compared to the portion size, and some even encountered unexpected extra charges or billing concerns.
Value
15
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- High pricing
- Small portions
- Extra charges
Often praised
- priceThe food was good, with a clean taste and was well seasoned. It was also moderately priced. However, I was not a fan of the ordering system at all.
- billOn our latest visit, we also had the stir-fried tripe, along with cold noodles and stir-fried green beans. The bill was under $100, which is not bad for three people in Seattle. If you are ever in town for a football or baseball game, you should definitely head over to the main gate of Chinatown and try it out.
- pricesreally good prices, especially being in downtown Seattle
- reasonably priceddishes are reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- pricesmall for the price
- pricingthe pricing however was definitely on the higher side
- credit cardcharged my credit card THREE times
- expensiveIt is expensive though
- extra chargeMy child cannot eat spicy food, and I had purchased a hotdog from across the street. However, the staff forbade me from letting my child eat it and demanded an extra $20 charge to make the child eligible to eat. This policy is ridiculous.
- extra chargesdidn't mention the extra charges at the time
- portion sizecompared to the portion size
- value propositionI'm honestly not sure why this place is always busy, especially when there are so many great restaurants in Chinatown that offer better value propositions. My experience was average, with the food scoring a 3 out of 5.
If youre considering a visit, be aware that the value here is a bit of a gamble. While some find the prices reasonable, many others feel its expensive for the portion size and have concerns about extra charges. Don't expect a budget-friendly experience.
How are the prices at Chengdu Taste?
On average, you’ll spend around 33 per person – from 85 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the bigger picture, prices for Chinese restaurants in the area are quite varied. While there’s a good chunk of options in the $21–$30 range, and some higher-end spots around $41–$50, this restaurant sits comfortably in the middle, offering a different vibe than the cheapest eats.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 85 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
We think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Chinese restaurant. It’s not aiming for the budget crowd, but it offers a good mid-range experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Chengdu Taste
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Flavorful Food, Excellent Service!
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. The food was incredibly flavorful and delicious, served hot and fresh, and packed with flavor. I particularly enjoyed the cumin toothpick lamb, which was spicy, and the sweet and sour glazed pork and mapo tofu were perfect.
The green beans had a great charred flavor, and the garlic eggplant was cooked perfectly. The service was also very prompt; they refilled water and provided extra napkins without us having to ask. The atmosphere was peaceful, and we were seated and served within a reasonable time on a Saturday night.
I highly recommend this place; you won't regret it!
- food10
- cumin toothpick lamb9
- sweet and sour glazed pork10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Fantastic Sichuan Experience in Seattle
My experience at Chengdu Taste in Seattle's Chinatown was truly memorable. I love that this area feels authentic, a real part of town where Asians from multiple countries reside, offering a unique blend of grit and glam. For my recent visit, I opted for Chengdu Taste, a restaurant that impressed me with its clean, modern, and aesthetically pleasing setting.
The ambience was fantastic, complemented by friendly service. The food arrived quickly and was exceptional. I'm a fan of Kung Pao, and despite initial skepticism about a chain, this was the best Kung Pao I've had in years.
The fried rice was perfect, and the Sichuan green beans were better than textbook. Each dish truly hit the spot. It's a testament to how a restaurant can thrive by offering great food in a clean modern setting with decent service, addressing the community's concerns about the CID district being neglected.
I will definitely be back and heartily recommend it!
- Chinatown9
- Chengdu Taste9
- ambience9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
8
Flavorful Dishes with a Few Misses
My experience at this restaurant was a culinary adventure with both highs and lows. The foods were delicious and interesting. I particularly enjoyed the Green onion chicken, which was very flavorful for a cold dish, offering a distinct spiciness from the green onion.
However, it might not be ideal for those who dislike green onions. The Mapo Tofu was a bit disappointing; the spicy sauce didn't seem well-simmered into the tofu, resulting in a blander taste than expected. On a positive note, the Fish in spicy sauce was amazing – the fish was silky soft and coated in a flavorful Sichuan-style spicy sauce.
I'm still curious about the type of fish used due to its tenderness. The Lamb in cumin spicy sauce was also great, with the sauce effectively masking any distinct lamb smell and the meat being tender and juicy. The Chendu Fried Rice featured a unique black-colored, chewy root-like vegetable with a subtle sweet flavor that complemented the dish well.
I would love to revisit to explore more of their unfamiliar menu items.
- Green onion chicken9
- Fish in spicy sauce10
- Lamb in cumin spicy sauce9
- Mapo Tofu4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exciting Sichuan Experience with Great Service
My experience at this restaurant has been consistently exciting. As Sichuan flavors are relatively new to me, I'm taking my time to explore them. I highly recommend the dish featuring French fries and shrimp 🦐; it's literally amazing and crunchy.
The service has always been great, and the food and atmosphere all received a perfect score.
- French fries and shrimp10
- service10
- food10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Great Food, Odd Lighting
My experience at this restaurant was centered around the food, which I absolutely loved. However, the lighting was not to my taste; it felt like a warehouse. Despite the atmosphere, I would go back for the food!
- food10
- lighting3
- atmosphere3
What Chengdu Taste offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What are the parking options available when you visit Chengdu Taste Seattle?
When you plan your visit to Chengdu Taste Seattle, you should be aware that finding a parking space can sometimes be difficult. However, you do have options for paid parking, including both a paid parking lot and paid street parking in the vicinity.
Does Chengdu Taste Seattle offer options for specific dietary needs, such as vegetarian or vegan meals?
Absolutely! Chengdu Taste Seattle is mindful of various dietary preferences. You’ll find a good selection of both vegetarian and vegan options on their menu, ensuring that everyone in your dining party can enjoy a delicious meal.
How does Chengdu Taste generally perform according to customer feedback?
Chengdu Taste holds a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.5 and a Customer Satisfaction of 73.8%. Its Food (7.9) and Ambience (7.2) are well-regarded, while Service (6.5) and Value (4.6) are seen as more average.
What kind of dishes are particularly recommended at Chengdu Taste?
Diners frequently praise the authentic Sichuan flavors, especially spicy options like mapo tofu and lamb dishes. The food is often described as well-seasoned, not too oily, and delivering a delightful tingly sensation.
What are some common areas where Chengdu Taste could improve?
Some customers have reported inconsistencies in service quality, including staff interactions and handling of issues. Concerns about value for money due to pricing and portion sizes, along with occasional remarks on cleanliness, are also noted.