Our first visit and it did not disappoint. We were delighted with our menu choices starting with the meaty, juicy potstickers with just enough dough for a tasty appetizer. Service was quick and we were well attended. The owner was welcoming which added to the friendly ambiance of our visit. Would highly recommend! read more

Biggest rip off We ordered veggie pot stickers and there were no veggies nothing but dough We told them and they agreed saying that's how they come Well a sucker is born every day and I am the sucker They should not have charged us or better yet why is it even on the menu Worst Chinese place I have ever been to! read more

Ming Yen - Chinese Near Me - Novato, California

I tried Ming Yen today after seeing that it was highly rated and let's just say, today may have been an "off" day for them. I placed the order online so it would be ready for pickup during my lunch hour. I ordered the Mongolian beef lunch special with chow mein. The lunch special also included the soup of the day which I believe was hot and sour. Between the 3 items I tried the chow mein was the best, however, it lacked flavor as well, the Mongolian beef tasted like unseasoned beef and pepper flakes, and I don't like hot and sour soup so I won't comment on it. On the plus side my order was ready when I arrived at the restaurant and there was a fork, spoon, napkins and soy sauce in the bag with my meal. I highly doubt I'll give them another try, because the food was disappointing and I prefer other Chinese restaurants in Novato that offer an egg roll with their lunch specials and don't upcharge for chow mein. read more

Ming Yen - Digital receipt - Chinese Near Me - Novato, California

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Ya'll don't really know how difficult it is to find Chinese food I crave. Being born and raised in San Francisco you can imagine the plethora of food choices that are in the city. I mean you really can have anything your stomach heart desires. There is some restaurant or someone you know that can cook it. It has been difficult for me to convince some of the Chinese restaurants here in town to make me a dish of Beef with Scrambled Eggs Chow Fun. Yes, you read that right. I also crave Peking Pork Chops. So thank you to Ming Yen for helping this girl's cravings get satisfied today!!! It is not the best I've ever had but so glad they accommodated me in a spontaneous pinch! 5 stars just for this. Seriously. I'm so grateful! Oh, I almost forgot. They can make Bittermelon dishes if you happen to like bittermelon vegetable. You have to let them know in advance and they'll shop for it on Tuesdays to be available on Wednesdays. So good to know. read more

Ming Yen - Our food delivered, still all hot and steaming! - Chinese Near Me - Novato, California

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Peggy has done it again. Her food is amazing the atmosphere is amazing and always welcoming and clean. Tonight she gave me extra food like she always does. 10 stars for sure. With panda and china palace down the street, this is the best Chinese place in Novato for sure. Thanks Peggy! Keep up the great work and delicious food! read more

Ming Yen - Chinese Near Me - Novato, California

I was on a road trip and decided to find a place to eat. I found a Chinese restaurant near Novato. The reviews were mixed, but since I'm a big fan of Chinese food, I decided to give it a try. It turned out to be one of the best Chinese restaurants I've ever had. The owner, Peggy, was very friendly and even gave us hot and sour soup and crab meat cheese puffs. Before leaving, I also packed an order of salt and pepper fish fillet to go. Maybe everyone's taste is different, which is why there are some negative reviews online, but Ming Yen is definitely much better than what the online reviews suggest. read more

Ming Yen - Salt & Pepper Fish Fillet - Chinese Near Me - Novato, California

Highly recommend the Mongolian beef, Szechuan chicken and the green beans. Huge portions. Photos show what we took home after three of us ate our fill. We used to come to this location 33 years ago before we moved away. It is ALWAYS on our list to return to when we visit. We have never been disappointed. I only wish lived closer. The owner is very personable. The staff friendly and attentive but not on top of you all the time. Just enough. We will be back next visit read more

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I've been eating at Ming Yen for decades, and it's consistently excellent. The food is always fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned. Whether dining in or ordering takeout, everything is delicious and satisfying. Prices are very reasonable, especially for the quality and consistency you get. It's one of those rare places that truly stands the test of time. If you're looking for dependable, tasty Chinese food with great value, Ming Yen is a go-to spot. read more

We came in the other night for dinner & did not expect the dramatic scene the owner involved us in, due to another customer returning her order that was allegedly wrong, which she had just picked up. The female owner flipped out at this woman yelling at her that what they made was correct. The customer said she had ordered beef instead of chicken and 6 wontons, but instead received something else. The owner proceeded over to MY TABLE and involved my partner and I saying "they ate half the meal and want their money back!" I looked at the food and told the owner, "it doesn't look touched." The customer defended herself saying she had one bite. I felt so horrible for this woman that the owner was screaming at her in front of other customers and telling her to never come back. On the other hand, my partner and I were trying to have a peaceful dinner and did not appreciate the owner Involving us in her business issues. This was very unprofessional and really disappointing to have to observe and be around. We will not be returning but I'm sure the owner is ok with that. read more

While this is the most authentic Chinese restaurant in Novato with good service rendered by the only server in this restaurant, the owner is rude! As a result, it's unfortunate, she lost my business and my potential recommendations. I would rather support the other businesses in the area. read more

Love this place. Big portions if you're hungry. Prices are reasonable. Flavorful and authentic.

Our food was AMAZING! Definitely the best Chinese food in the area! The staff is also so friendly and helpful! 10/10!

We are visiting from out of town and craving spicy Chinese food. The food and service at Ming Yen was exactly what we were looking for. The food was fresh and delicious and the service was top notch. We will definitely eat here again when back in Novato. read more

Again quality Chinese food. I ordered the Mongolian beef, chicken fried rice, and chicken chow fun. As well as the pork spare ribs - the ribs were ok but everything else was amazing! Friendly staff as well :) read more

The food taste so good and authentic. I'm so happy that they have salty fish and chicken fried rice on the menu. Don't have to go to SF read more

Ming Yen - Salty fish and chicken fried rice - Chinese Near Me - Novato, California

Very bad service , food wasn't good at all Seems like all the owners care about is putting as many to go orders and don't really care for customers who seats at the restaurant read more

We came in at 8:15pm and they welcomed us to dine in even when they were closing at 9pm. The food was amazing and the portion sizes were HUGE! The food was so flavorful and authentic. The owners even gave us complimentary tea and soup. The food was made in less than 15 minutes and the service was top-notch. This family business really makes you feel at home. The inside was clean with fun decorations. We'll definitely stop by again when we're in Novato! read more

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The waiter yelled across the room as he brought me my water. Food was tasty, but the meat in my beef broccoli was grisly. I didn't notice that the 11.95 price didn't come with rice or chow mean. When my waiter took my order he said, " you want white rice. brown rice, or chow mein" as if it came with the meal. They were very rude pointing this out when I asked about it. The ambiance was weird. I did not leave with a good feeling. I will not go back. EVER. read more

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One of the best Chinese restaurants I've ever been to! The service was great and they are really nice!

I have taken my two toddlers to dinner here twice. Both times have been great. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. The food tastes great and the portions are large for the affordable cost. It's our favorite spot for Chinese food here in Novato. I highly recommend Ming Yen if you have a family or just are looking for good Chinese food.... They have even given us extra goodies to bring home. Family friendly place! Love it read more

Delicious. Great portions. Great flavor. The chow mein is especially good with really tender chicken.

The best Chinese food in Novato and the best customer service. The new owner, Will, understands customer service and making things right. Love this place! read more

Love this place! Food is unbelievably good, service is immaculate, and the overall feel and vibe of the place gives me the authentic Chinese feel that most restaurants fail to do. Would recommend if you are in the area or visiting. Definitely will be coming back. read more

Ming Yen - Delicious Chinese food - Chinese Near Me - Novato, California

On a whim, my wife and I went to Ming Yen while in Novato. There aren't many Chinese restaurants I like in Marin. The food was surprisingly good. The service was excellent. We definitely will be back. read more

Good restaurant, nice people. They are a typical Chinese restaurant open on Christmas day. They have inexpensive wine and good food.

My mom & I have been going here for a year and we xoxo the tasty dishes. Penny is always so generous & kind to us along with the staff! Highly recommend it! read more

I'm fairly new to the North Bay and every so often work in the downtown area when I'm needed to come in. Hubby and I have eaten here for dinner several times and have also had their lunch special which comes with a hot & sour soup and a plate of a protein and your choice of rice (fried, brown, or white) or veggie chow mein. Good large portion of food and enough to make me feel sleepy when I get back to work. There's a gentleman who takes orders and brings me my food and doesn't talk much but at least he's kind. The other is a woman with very short hair who seems to want to take my order in a hurry and is impatient. Over the past few months I've noticed (because it doesn't seem busy during lunch hours) that she often yells at her staff. I even hear her complain in Chinese as she inputs orders on their computer behind the front counter. As a customer it makes me feel uncomfortable and being Chinese myself, I feel embarrassed hearing it all. Doesn't make for a pleasant dining experience. I noticed earlier this month I was served by a new female server (I think her name is Emmy) and it was refreshing to see a bright & friendly face who was super kind, patient, and gives service with a smile. She got my lunch order right (because it has been wrong twice before taken by someone else), filled my water glass 3 times, and came over to check on how I was with my meal. In all the times I have eaten here, either alone or with my hubby, we were never checked on or had service by anyone else like Emmy does. I dined here a couple of weeks ago for lunch and the female manager (maybe she's the owner too?) was yelling at Emmy in front of all the customers in the dining room. It made me so upset to hear how mean that manager was to her. Why all the yelling? Was it really necessary to do that? To bark at her telling her that there were customers coming in?! It was completely rude and again, as me being Chinese, felt embarrassed to see and hear it. I really wish she had professional manners. This makes me re-think if I should continue dining here and go elsewhere. Please whoever that female manager or owner is, treat your employees with respect and be kind. They deserve better. Peace out. read more

Pan fried noodles was good. overheard the lady at the register tell her server to not give us any water. She's rude and has a bad attitude. Never going there again. read more

Okay, it's time to shout out Ming Yen. When I first moved to Novato, we came here and we were not that impressed. It wasn't bad, but not great. We had gotten one of the beef dishes and it had so much onion in it -- clearly they were padding the dish with onion, so they didn't have to put as much beef. I put them on the 'naaah" list. But then, as time passed by.... we went to other restaurants in Novato, and we got the gist. And if you don't know, the gist is that Novato consists of a lot of overpriced, mediocre food. There, I said it. So, now that I've lived in Novato for nearly 3 years, my expectations are different. About 6 months ago, we ordered take-out from Ming Yen because I really wanted Chinese food, and my husband was sick. I believe we got the beef chow fun and sweet and sour pork and some egg rolls. I went to pick up the food, and the bag was HEAVY. We came home, and to our surprise, they also gave us a gaggle of hot and sour soup! We tried it and everything was good. It wasn't amazing, but very decent. And everything was HUGE. Talk about classic Chinese American food portions. It took us several meals to finish it all. And now, we will get take out, or delivery sometimes. (Btw, they don't charge extra for delivery which is amazing!) And it doesn't matter what we order, there is always a mountain of food. So I appreciate Ming Yen for the value, because if you haven't noticed, sh*t's expensive around here! I will also say, I am Chinese. So if you're looking for the best, most authentic Chinese food in the Bay, this is NOT it. But if you're looking for some decent Chinese food and love left overs, then this IS it. And I will say that their Chow Fun is quite good. Tastes close to my mom's... so that's saying a lot. read more

We came here last minute on Thanksgiving and it was absolutely delicious. We were served and checked on by all 4 of the wait staff. We had noodles, rice and three dishes. Egg rolls were filed with fresh veggies and lightly fried.Yummy! They even gave us a full soup with our doggie bag. All the food was very fresh and great portions. Definitely coming back! read more

This is a wonderful restaurant. The woman that owns the place is super nice. The ambiance is very pleasant. The food is delicious!! You will love it. Highly recommended! read more

Ming Yen - Spring rolls are so tasty! Light wrapper and good veggies. - Chinese Near Me - Novato, California

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I got word that the head chef of China Palace went over to Ming Yen but it seems that he has now left and is working elsewhere. The gentleman named Will, he provided great customer service, always treated me and my family well and now he is no longer there too. I never dine-in here anymore due to the service here and how dirty everything is. One day I ordered to-go and let me just say...there is no way in hell that me or my family will be coming back. The owners, especially the short haired lady has issues. Try out Ming Yen if you like bad service and food. Food : 2/5 Service : 0/5 Cleanliness : 1/5 read more

Came in right before closing on thanksgiving evening, and was served promptly and with delicious food. I was even given an extra serving of fried rice on the house for the holidays. Great establishment, will be returning! read more

AMAZING!! food came out super fast. Super friendly and felt like family there. Had a great time, would highly recommend! read more

Ming Yen - Walnut shrimp. Jalapeno wings. Curry noodles. Tofu. Dumplings. Tea. - Chinese Near Me - Novato, California

Food was great, a little bland from last time I ordered the noodle soup; I've been coming to this location for at least 50 years. After I left the restaurant tonight, I looked at some reviews online to see if it was just me with a bad feeling as my experience with the service. I noticed someone speaking of a short woman with very short black hair who spoke significantly loud and rude to them, banging the take out boxes on the customers' table and storming sway cause they said they wanted to scoop their food themselves. Bingo! She gave me an angry face when I said I would fill my leftovers in the container myself, also! Haha! Then scrolling through more reviews I saw someone said they wouldn't be returning because of an interaction with a woman named Peggy who talked rudely when she didn't understand what a kid wanted to order. She snapped abruptly at the kid in the same manner that this woman spoke to me. Claimed she was the owner? I came in at 8:20 and they close at 9:00. At 8:50 she abruptly came over and told me they were closed and I had to leave. I had already paid when she came and I asked for a box. She wanted to take my bowl, but I was still eating. She snarled and stormed off. When I asked for a bag too, I told her because I was walking home, she gave me a continued angry face and started talking Chinese to herself as she went to get a bag. No eye contact, no thank you, she handed me the bag and went back to what she was doing at the counter. Now I remember her from another time I came here. So this is Monday night, 9/29/25. Is anyone going to ask her what's up with this kind of service? read more

I had a lunch special with my daughter today, food was amazing with good portions for a good price. Service was friendly, quick in a cute ambiance. Highly recommend! Yummy soup to take home! read more

Ming Yen - Cleared!!!! - Chinese Near Me - Novato, California

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Our go to spot for Chinese cuisine. They serve all the classic dishes, with good quality ingredients. Try the salt and pepper dish. It's our favorite. read more

We had heard the Chef from China Palace left to work at Ming Yen. So we went there a couple months ago and the food and service was great. We took our daughter and her husband on August 2, 2025 and the food and service sucked. Hopefully they'll get back to good food and service. read more

I've been here so many times and I'm surprised I didn't write a review the first time. I always get the Mongolian Beef lunch special with chow mein. It comes with their soup of the day, which has always been their hot & sour whenever I come in. I'm not complaining because their hot & sour is exactly the name - perfectly spicy and tangy. PAY ATTENTION TO THEIR MENU AND WHEN THERES A SPICY CHILI PEPPER NEXT TO IT! THEY MEAN IT! I heard a lady behind me complain about how spicy it was to the waiter, when the dish clearly has a chili pepper next to it. And yes, she was. Me, however, I love spicy foods. And the Mongolian beef is perfectly spicy in my opinion. Their chow mein is textbook. And their PORTIONS? Love that they're not stingy. Best Chinese food in the Novato area. read more

Ming Yen - Mangolian beef & chow mein lunch special - Chinese Near Me - Novato, California

Let me set the scene: We entered the building from the back of the dining area (because handicap parking is there, no problem) to a dining room which was completely empty - 3 staff on the floor, one olde guy watching YouTube videos that couldn't even make eye contact and two ladies eating a huge pile of noodles looking at us like our presence was annoying. I asked if they were open as they just stared at us. Ya.They respond. My mom being a wheel chair, I was trying to find the best spot to suit her which was the room 8 feet away.. reminders, no one was there other than us. The waitress literally shouted NO, sit there! I asked again she again demanded we sit there. Im thinking, okay:: I get it, I work in the service industry - but they aren't working on sections right now and there are only certain places this wheel chair fits in this establishment. So why are we crammed into the shady cold corner? Ugh. Moving forward, she literally tosses us hot tea, my mom ask what it was she barks TEA! She puts the house soups down, I ask what the soup is, she shouts ITS IN FRONT OF YOU!! Uhhh my mom has allergies, I was just trying to figure out what pile of mushroom saucy questionable goo we were asked to consume. Simple question, Dr. Give us 10 seconds later, demands us to order, we all stuttered our order out- she stomped away. I looked at my mom so scared, asking me what we did wrong, I couldn't FATHOM sitting in that establishment one minute longer. Let ALONE give them our money. I walked immediately to the manager, told him to cancel the order (it had been 90 seconds at that time) and we left. No apologies. Thus was noon on a Thursday . Party of 3, out. read more