China Express Restaurant became Chicha y Café a short while back. Created the review below in May; see below. Not sure why Yelp alerted me it was unpublished. read more

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Food is solid (speaking as a Chinese American). We ordered only ala carte. Monoglian beef is salty, spicy, tangy, tender as it should be. Classic. Wok hei flavor. And prices are awesome!! It's different owners than a few years back but these new owners are more friendly lol. Will be back. Good classic greasy Chinese American fare :) hits the spot. These places are a rare find these days!!! read more

Yelp stated they opened at 9am (hard to believe). I went during my morning break and find it closed. Door sign says open at 11am. Came back at that time and still closed. Lady inside says opens at 1130am. Waited until then. At 1130, only chowmein, fried rice, and a couple dishes cooked. Lunch time wasted. And they didn't give a lot of food. Not coming back. read more

What happened to this place? It used to be so good. Chowmein, pot stickers & spring rolls were lukewarm. The orange chicken was super tough. Sweet and sour pork was almost cold. Sitting in a metal bowl. (As in the last of the last) So disappointed. read more

When this place first came to Novato it was really great, fresh food. As the years have passed it has gone downhill And tonight was my last visit. If you go any other time other than lunchtime the food has not been replenished and it's either all gone or has been sitting there all day. We went at 5:00 today and there were 4 empty trays and the food that's was left was cold and obviously had been sitting there awhile. Our meals were so dried out that we ended up throwing them away. I understand that because they close at 7 they don't want to be making more food they can't sell but maybe they should just be open for lunch only. They offered to cook up anything that I wanted but didn't see there but the whole idea of this place is easy pick up.... read more

You get what you pay for. Marginal Chinese served buffet style. Do not like my food served in large trays in open air. If your budget is tight this would be the place to go as it appears to be an all you can eat buffet. No food is allowed to leave the place. My friend is an er nurse. We had barely made our selection when she got a call to come in. Note we were here at her suggestion as she had been going once a week for over a year. She explained her situation and asked for a box. They refused. No food leaves. She then asked for a refund. No as we had food on our plates. She left. I tried to eat mine. The fried chicken wings were floating in oil residue. The chow mein was inedible. The chicken cold. Left and NEVER went back. read more

After several months of being closed due to a fire China Express has re-opened and is busier than ever before. This is a great take out or eat in Chinese restaurant. I'm not sure why someone wrote it was strictly take out as they have a table and counter inside, as well as two outdoor tables. They offer "boxed meals" in two sizes, box A or box B. One is a two portion meal, the other is a three to four portion meal depending on if you want half chow mein, half rice or not, along with three other choices. You can also order the pints and quarts, and they offer catering! Their lemon chicken, general tsao's chicken, veggie rolls, and beef with broccoli are delicious. Most place I have eaten beef with broccoli always seems to have a soapy after-taste, but not here. This is a family run business, that recently hired from outside the family. I'm guessing it is because they're so busy now, they actually run out of some items these days. Whether you eat in, take out or have food delivered (min order $20) you'll be more than satisfied. read more

Food arrived as expected..The walnut shrimp had a ton of coating on it, and had mayonnaise slathered on as sauce. The sauce is usually made with mayonnaise but not like this. One of the dishes I don't even know really what it was but it had pasta mixed in with noodles and slimy chicken. The two other shrimp dishes that we got were so salty we couldn't eat them. Unfortunately the best thing were the cookies. read more

I went a while ago for lunch after 11, when they open. The door was open but when I went in I was yelled at and told they weren't open. I went back tonight at 6:50pm, they close at 7. I figured they may have limited options but was okay with that. Again the door was open and the open sign was on. When I walked in, they had the entire buffet broken down (no food) and they told me they were closed. Both times I double checked their operating hours to make sure I was within them. Both times I had to go somewhere else. Super disappointing, since they changed owners years ago. It used to be amazing. read more

Great food! And it's always fresh! I love the hot & sour soup! Yummm!! If u want something that's not on the hot trays. Call ahead and they'll make it for you. And you don't have to wait. Just go and pick it up : ) read more

This place has really changed probably due to Covid and maybe ownership? The Mongolian beef was good but the black pepper chicken wasn't anything like it used to be. Mostly bell peppers , onions and celery with a few withered mushrooms and a couple pieces of chicken. Will not be returning. read more

The food was burnt !! Bad flavor !! I called in to let them know kindly of the situation - the lady then told me to come in and she'd give me a refund. She did not give me a full refund , though opened the cash register and passed me the twenty with a rude look on her face as she walked away. How rude ! I am usually very shy in these circumstances though I felt like I should get my money back. I don't recommend anyone coming here. Sorry read more

Don't trust any menu you see online for this place. We looked at Yelp, their Facebook page, and even started an online order (abandoned because it was going to charge a $4.50 "service fee" -- and it was for pick-up, not delivery!!), and they all showed the same prices $1.25 for wonton soup, $8.25 for each entree and it said everything was served with white rice. Uh, no. When I called in the order, I learned that the rice was extra. Okay. This is California. I've learned in the 2.5 weeks since we moved here that everyone charges for rice. No brown rice here. That stinks, but again okay, not a deal breaker. The guy quotes me $17.00 over the phone. The math didn't add up, but figured he forgot to add in the rice. I'd square that up when I picked up my order. Uh, no. I get there and he says, "Oh. I forgot to add in one of your entrees. Your total is $27.00." What? How is $1.25+$8.25+$8.25+$2.00 $27.00?? Well, they charged me $5.75 for wonton soup (a large, which I didn't even see as an option online and did not want!!). I told them that every menu of theirs online showed $1.25 for soup. They said that was an old menu. ALL of them?? That's crap. False advertising!! So, I got a small soup and paid way too much $3.95 and feel like I got totally ripped off. Everything else tasted okay. Nothing great. This is the 3rd Chinese restaurant we've tried in Novato since moving here and is a very distant 3rd in the ranking. Celery in chicken with mixed vegetables? Ick. Still looking for a Chinese food place that can hold a candle to what we used to get in Columbus, Ohio. Who would have thought that Ohio could kick Cali's butt for Chinese?? Might be sad, but it's completely true. If the owners of this place ever travel to Columbus, they should stop by General Tso's on Godown Road. They know what's up!! read more

China Express - Szechuan Chicken?? This held its shape right out of the container. Very weird. - Chinese Near Me - Novato, California

I have been going to this place almost every month since I was little and this makes 16 years now. This place has never once disappointed and they are always friendly and give extra portions without me even asking. I would recommend to anyone who is new getting the bigger box which gives you one main entree and two smaller entrees. I usually order this with one of their soups. read more

Hadn't been here in a while. Call my order in and it's always ready when I get there. Prices have gone up by approximately 20% like most food places, so be sure to grab a new menu. Employees may seem brusque occasionally due to being a small place and busy. read more

The staff here is very friendly. There is a large assortment of ready made Chinese food for anyone who is in a hurry to get a quick bite to eat. The food is pretty good quality; the best Chinese fast food you can get in Novato. We usually order a large portion of chow mein and the won ton skins (without meat). The chow mein is pretty good and doesn't have a lot of onions in it. It is quite tasty and not too greasy. We usually purchase a quick lunch here at least twice a month. This place definitely beats Panda Express ! read more

China Express - Fresh, ready made Chinese food ! - Chinese Near Me - Novato, California

I would not leave a star if I did not have to. I ordered from here a few weeks ago. I found a giant bone in my food. It could have been from the following dishes: Garlic chicken Teriyaki chicken Black pepper chicken Someone seriously could have died. Shut this place down! Not to mention they are incredibly misogynistic! read more

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Read the good and not so good review for China express but decided to give it a shot anyways because I was starving and really just wanted something to fill my stomach plus there were more good than bad reviews. I have to say I was not disappointed one bit! The food tasted good and was priced reasonably for the portion. Stomach satisfied mission accomplished ! read more

China Express - Fried rice and Chow mein with Kum pow and teriyaki chicken! - Chinese Near Me - Novato, California

cockroaches found in my food not one but two please be aware of the food honestly i'm disgusted and dont recommend anymore!!!!! if i can give it no stars i would. be safe out there!!!!! read more

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You know my 5 stars are rare but here I am giving one for a small place in Novato that otherwise may be overlooked . We do not live in Novato but we drive out here for Costco. One day my spouse and I tried to find some Chinese food because we are starving . We park outside of China Express but there are so many people crowding in we decide to wait for another day. I hate crowds. But for a food place that can be a good sign. Before we pull away A Chinese guy pulls up, gets out of his car and gives us the biggest, happiest smile and then walks into the place. I tell my husband who is also Chinese , that we have to come back based on that happy smile. He agrees. We come back when the sister is working. She is very talkative and informs us about the food , how and when it's made etc which I appreciate , my own family having owned a food establishment of their own. We go back again and this time Mom and brother are working . They make a awesome team and know what awesome customer service is. They make you feel like part of their family right away. Yes, you heard me, family . The Mom reminded me of my mother in law giving us Cantonese lessons while setting up the order and the brother was just like the brother I always wanted , Happy, positive and friendly . Now on to the food- I am limited since I do not eat meat or egg so I get chow mein, egg rolls , chow fun and azuki sesame balls. You can taste that this food is fresh. I am sensitive to salt and MSG and did not have ANY reaction so I don't know what dish that other Yelper ordered. I loved their egg rolls and chow mein the most. Spouse orders the orange chicken and he liked it both times. The chili sauce was mild last time but hot this time which we like it hot. Anyhow for a small food establishment it's clean, fast efficient , SUPER friendly, and good food. Family owned is a huge plus! Put back into your community by eating here instead of Panda. One last thing, I am always suspicious of Yelpers who leave mean unsupported reviews and only have 1 or 2 reviews under their belt. It makes me think they are fake , just being hateful or the competition. In a world where customer is a long lost art, China Express brings it back the forefront. We should know , we have over 40 years combined customer service experience. read more

I love this place, as a 'take-out' sort of Chinese food, it is as good as it gets (and way better than Panda Express type of joints). The fried rice and chow mein are yummy, and my favorites are the various chicken dishes they seem to specialize in such as Schezuan. As others attest to, customer service is the best around, there really is that friendly vibe to it like you knew these people for a long time. The only "negative" as mentioned below is that it can get a bit cramped when busy. read more

QUIZ: WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE: 1. A LITTLE BIT OF GREAT FOOD OR 2. A LOT OF MEDIOCRE FOOD? I'd been hearing about this place for some time by raving fans. I have to say it was a bit of a let down. Food was OK, but nothing super special. I think the biggest draw must be the food to price ratio. You get a lot a food for your dollar, but for me, I'd rather have a little bit of great food than a lot of mediocre food . What was lacking for me was flavor. Things felt a bit undersalted or on the bland side. Part of the bland came from a bit too much oil that masked what flavors might have been there. Compared to the new Panda Express, this place tips the scale for friendly service and good value. However, my preference for Chinese food, at least for Novato, is China Palace. read more

Honestly I always believed that the best food are the food that are homemade and handmade. I would always choose this restaurant over any Chinese restaurant in Novato or Marin county. I've been coming here since high school. Sure it's not a fancy restaurant and the fact that it's in a small business complex. BUT the price is always good and the food is good. You can either pick box meal A or B depending how hungry you feel. The staff there are extremely friendly. Mostly the son Martin, the owner of the store. He puts a smile on my face every time I come here. read more

I may have caught this take-out place at a bad time. I ordered one of their chicken dishes and chow mein. The chow mein deserved a passing review, but their chicken entree had the taste and the texture of food sitting in a hot tray for quite some time. The take out places I have encountered that have lasted have generally always had fresh offerings, this isn't one of them. read more

Really good for what it is- Chinese food Expressed. No wait, decent portions, and average pricing. There is a spot to sit and eat inside, as well as a couple of tables outside. Not fantastic food by any means, but if you want something quick and cheap this place is perfect. read more

This food is disgusting!!!! Thought I would give it a try because it was conveniently right near my work and I was in the mood for Chinese. I ordered the lunch plate with Beef & Broccoli, Orange Chicken and Chow Mein with a side order of egg rolls. Everything was absolutely disgusting and had no flavor! My coworkers and I had to add soy sauce & sweet & sour sauce (which was very thin & watered down) just to give it some taste and flavor! The broccoli was over cooked and was a mushy brown color, the orange chicken was soggy and had no orange flavor to it all and the chow mein was very bland. Panda Express has way better food then this place and that's not saying much! I will NEVER be going back to this place again and would not recommend this place to anyone! Waste of money! read more

I've been going here since I was in high school. I love this place because: -it's fairly priced -the chow mein/fried rice are piled into the take out box -portions are huge -packs in the flavor. I feel that a lot of Chinese food I eat is bland and lacking in taste. This place isn't. My favorite Chinese food in Novato by far. read more

I'm always let down by this place. Every time I go, I say I'm never going back, but it's convenient and I'm hungry, so I give them another chance. But this time I'm serious - I'm not going back. I got Box Meal A, which comes with 'fried' rice or chow mein. The rice had 3 tiny pieces of meat in it and only 4 peas - it was not fried and it had no flavor. I went at 7pm on a Saturday and they barely had any food left in the pans. I ended up getting brocolli beef and I had a total of TWO pieces of beef. Good thing I like broccoli! But come on! How cheap can you get? They give you so little of the more expensive foods, but still manage to raise the prices. I also got orange chicken (it was either that or teriyaki chicken, no other options). The chicken was so heavily fried and had too much batter - what little pieces of chicken were in there were barely edible because they were so rough and over cooked. Overall, such a disappointment. I'd rather spend an extra $10 and get good Chinese food 5 minutes away. Life is too short and Novato has too many other options to eat terrible Chinese food. read more

Fast, inexpensive, REALLY friendly and prompt service! They can prepare anything you see in the buffet to order, which is a HUGE plus for me. For years, we'd gone to China Village, but over time, the quality of the food has slipped, so decided to try China Express. So glad we made the switch! The only downside is that they don't have my family's favorite, Lemon Chicken, but I do highly recommend their Orange Chicken, Crab Rangoon, Pot Stickers and their ohsoyummeh Steamed Pork Buns! You can eat in (counter-style, plus a table indoors, with a couple of tables outdoors). I'll add another star if they put Lemon Chicken on the a la carte menu! read more

If you're in the mood for Panda Express style chinese food, this is the place to go in Novato. Their food is authentic and while it may be greasy, it is definitely delicious. Also the staff does a good job of being personable and remembering their return customers. read more

This place is a solid 3 1/2. Food is pretty good. Owners are friendly people. Sauce for the fried chicken is really good. Compared to all the places I've been to all over the bay its on the pricier side for fast food chinese food. 1 item = 5.00 + tax 2 items = 6.75 + tax read more

Have been going there for years. The place is a true family business with dad, mom, son, and daughter working. Martin, the son, has become like a friend and is always very cheerful and friendly. The food is actually very good, considering it's a very "humble" place. read more

Love, love,love this place! The food is amazing and the portions are plenty! Their customer service is amazing. Martin used to deliver to my old high school all the time and I used to talk to him if I ever made my way over there for lunch. Hell, I even let him into my house for a moment to show him something when he delivered food. That's how much I trust these guys. Best Chinese food by far, hands down. Also good luck on Real Estate Martin, you'll do amazing job. read more

While I love to have some of my favorite Chinese dishes, I tend to lean towards China Express over the other Chinese places in Novao. Even though they don't have as many options, they provide a hefty portion of food for a very fair price. The service is quick and the staff is friendly. read more

OK for inexpensive steam table Chinese food. Better than Panda Express and a cheap mediocre meal if you are in a hurry.

This place rocks i really enjoy the food and its very very fresh! Before you go to panda express go here its actually cheaper! Good small business. read more

Great family owned stop for quick to go Chinese food. Food is fresh - must try the chicken salad made with light dressing. Pork buns are amazing and the workers are extremely friendly. Must go ! read more

China Express - Delicious chicken salad with light dressing ! - Chinese Near Me - Novato, California

Place is ok. Reason for two stars is that food is not that great. I have not tried everything so I can speak for all the food but everything I have tried besides the sweet and sour chicken is awful. If your a fan of sweet and sour chicken I recommend anything else I wouldn't. Staff is great tho very friendly. read more

Came in for a later lunch around 1:30-2. I've been here many times before and I always get the same thing orange chicken and teriyaki chicken. Today I switched it up thankfully and went with sweet-and-sour pork instead of the teriyaki chicken. The sweet-and-sour pork was delicious however the orange chicken that I received was rather dry and did not taste like orange. read more

People usually like to bring up Italian Delight when you ask what the best place to grab lunch in Novato, and yes i would agree that it is pretty bomb. However, if i revert back to my highschool days(when i actually did go out to eat and not hit the creek to go get loaded) china express hits home for me. Hate that a panda express came to town. china express is like an upscale panda in my opinion. read more