Meister Gao is a pretty well-known restaurant within the Chinese community in Zurich. I've been here a few times with Chinese friends and most of the time, we leave happy that we got non-disgusting Chinese food in Zurich. If the portions were a bit bigger (by 10-15%), I think I would have given it 4-stars. For the prices (~25/dish), I don't think they'd lose money, even in Zurich.
Although you can't be fully satisfied due to the portions, the quality is not bad. Certainly, Meister Gao stands out compared to other Chinese joints typically serving matrix style (m sauce x n ingredients) 盖浇饭 (poured-over rice). Accordingly, its price stands out as well at ~45-55/person. As for service, the waitress (presumably Mrs. Gao) is quite cheery and friendly. When I go with my Chinese friends, she typically tries to strike up small-talk and push some 'authentic' dishes. I guess it's nice but a bit artificial for me. I'd recommend trying their ribs and cumin lamb with a beer (it really DOESN'T have to be Tsingdao).
The ambience is pretty good and they have outdoor seating in the court-yard, which is quite nice during the summer. Since the place is pretty empty even on Friday and Saturday nights, it's a good back-up in case you miss your original reservation somewhere else. read more