This review is for YAO, the new restaurant where Pine Garden used to be. It's open for business! Very reasonably priced sushi! Sara, the owner, treats everyone like family. They are slowly improving on every aspect of the reinvention of the former Pine Garden. The Chinese dishes are Americanized. Be sure to ask for xxx spicy if you want a hint of spice. The restaurant seating is very comfortable and roomy. read more

See all

We have been patrons of Pine Garden and it does not disappoint. Craig is very good at his job, he knows when to come over to the table and when not to. We had Rock and Roll, jalapeño poppers-YUMMMM, boneless spare ribs- YUMMM, Mei fun noodles- YUMMMM!!!!! Definitely give this restaurant a try it will not disappoint . read more

I really wanted to like this restaurant more than we did: They were very polite on the phone and delivered 15 minutes away (I think at no charge). We ordered an array of standard fare: Sweet & sour pork, gyoza, cold noodles with sesame sauce, a spicy shrimp entree plus black pepper tuna tataki and hamachi sashimi with yuzu sauce. The first bite of shrimp was good - but then after the second, third, the shrimp tasted a little mealy and lacked crunch. I decided to bin the rest. The cold noodles featured thinly sliced zucchini with a dollop of peanut sauce haphazardly spattered on top. I grabbed a mixing bowl and tossed the noodles but the dish didn't grab us. The gyoza was very good with beautiful, thin wrappers and a good balance of ginger to pork. And the sweet & sour pork? If you could overlook the comically neon red sauce with maraschino cherries and pineapple (which was actually pretty tasty), the dish was solid. But again the seafood, was it teetering on going south? The yellowtail sliced so thin it was nearly transparent was also dry on the edges as if it'd been sliced earlier- or fast approaching its sell-by. If the sweet & sour pork and gyoza are an indication, this spot is serviceable for straightforward Cantonese/Americanized Chinese food. Pine Garden executed those dishes well so choose accordingly. read more

One of our favorite restaurants! The staff and food are amazing Highly recommend sushi, fried rice, and appetizer platters. Nice variety of luncheon specials. Plenty of parking. Sarah and her team are welcoming and friendly. read more

Amazing. Seems to be under new ownership and everything was so good - from the food to the service. I highly recommend everything we got: crab Rangoon, pork buns, sesame chicken, general tsao's chicken, Singapore Mei Fun noodles, and fried ice cream. We'll be coming back often! read more

We weren't impressed with this restaurant. The food came out cold and the service was not great.

Very disappointing. Bad service. Waited forever for food. Decided to leave because waiter won't make eye contact or ask us if we need another beverage. This place sucks. Don't bother. read more

They may actually have a couple dishes that are decent but I have never had such terrible Lo Mein in my life. I got the House Lo Mein to go & the bag weighed about 2 pounds. Hmmmm, must be pretty good. Well when I dumped it out onto a plate I had about 2 pounds of noodles & about 2 oz of baby shrimp & shredded chicken. That was it. It was a terrible dish costing about $14. A little too much to pay for a carton of noodles. If you go, you'll definitely want to get something else. read more

Yikes! Food has been pretty good the other times I've ordered but my entire order was so disgusting and clearly old leftovers being passed off as freshly made this last time that I won't be ordering again. I know mistakes happen and constructive criticism is helpful, but when restaurants are clearly serving rotting old food, they know better and deserve it to be made public. Firstly, I got sushi - 2 different types, that after a few bites I could taste that the rice was literally rotting. It was slimy and also hard and smelled sickly. Like old gas station sushi. I guess they figured since it didn't have raw fish they could get away with it? Next was tempura which I've had from them before and loved. After a couple bites of this, it was clear something was really off. The veggies were mushy and also tasted kind of rotten, and it all just tasted old. I really think this was also old tempura that they had taken out and reheated somehow. Disgusting. There was also tempura chicken with my order that was rock hard, dry, and tasteless. Lastly, a noodle dish I hadn't tried before. This seemed freshly made, and smelled ok, but I had a bite and for some reason it was really gritty. Along with everything else, it makes me wonder how it got that way. I don't even want to know, to be honest. Yuck. read more

Love the sushi and the staff are very personable. Yummy drinks too! They added a nice bar. You can watch them make the sushi

The first time I ordered from Pine Garden I got the Chicken Pad Thai, a couple of sushi rolls and a Thai Ice Tea. Everything was fresh and piping hot on arrival. One of the best Chicken Pad Thai's I have ever had. The serving size was decent too, I got four meals out of one dish. The Sweet Potato Tempura Roll was very well prepared, crispy with a light soy sauce. The Thai Ice Tea was one of the best I've also had. Usually when I've had it before it is incredibly sweet, too sweet. Not Pine Garden's, the ingredients were all in perfect balance, with none overpowering the other. The delivery driver was also very friendly and called to let me know he had arrived so I could meet him at the door. Because of my first great experience, I decided to order from Pine Garden again. I ordered the same Chicken Pad Thai and tried some new sushi rolls and this order was just as great as the last. I am very pleased with Pine Garden's menu, service and quality. I will definitely be ordering again. read more

Used to be great. Extensive menu snd good quality. New owner is reworking the restaurant in her own vision. Limited menu and the terms I got were low quality. I was a regular, but I won't be back. read more

I hate to give this place 2 stars because I did have a good first experience with takeout, but my second time ordering was terrible. I'll preface this by saying I have a pretty high tolerance for bad food and can chew through just about anything, but the spring rolls we ordered legitimately tasted like gasoline or rubbing alcohol (disclaimer, I've never tasted either of those). I took one bite and thought it may have been the ginger sauce that tasted like poison, so I tried another without it and it was even worse. Moving on to the general Tso chicken; I was pleasantly surprised the first time we ordered this a couple months ago but I cut into the first piece of chicken this go-around and it looked like a sponge. There was hardly any sauce in the takeout container and the chicken was hardly chicken - and very dry whatever it was. Luckily I made my own broccoli to go with it so that added some moisture. Next up was the beef lo mein, which wasn't terrible, but very little beef or vegetables. No major gripes here, sort of what I would have expected. Last up were the Peking pork dumplings (steamed), which were probably the best part of the order. Still nothing to write home about, but compared to the other items, these were the best. Overall, the staff I spoke with over the phone and when I picked up was very nice so no fault of theirs, but the food was a struggle. Overall scores: Spring rolls: 0/5 General Tso chicken: 1/5 Beef Lo Mein: 2/5 Peking Pork Dumpling: 3/5 White Rice: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Unfortunately after this experience I will not be back. read more

Pine Garden - Chinese Near Me - Exeter, New Hampshire

See all

My go to in the Exeter Area for sushi! It always taste so fresh and leaves me wanting more!

We paid for our meals and left after taking only a few bites. General Tao chicken was dark brown meat, multiple plates were under cooked, and our server was rude. read more

I was not that impressed. After reading the Yelp reviews about Pine Garden, I decided to stop at this full service restaurant and lounge for takeout recently. The menu offerings include the standard Chinese dishes (most $5.75-$10.95) and house specialties ($11.75-$19.95), plus they offer 37 Luncheon Specials served with soup (dine-in only), chicken wing & rice (steamed, brown, or pork fried) $4.95-$6.75 served Mon-Sat 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, as stated on the menu. For takeout, I ordered the L35 Shrimp Lo Mein ($5.50) and received my order in about 10 minutes. However, when I opened the stapled paper bag, there was given only a paper Chinese quart sized takeout container with condiments. I opened the top of the container, which had only one chicken wing on top of the lo mein, no pork fried rice* (BOOO!!!!!) which was supposed to be included with the luncheon specials as stated on the printed menu. The menu should be more clear about which luncheon specials come with rice and which ones do not, as some Chinese restaurants I've been to already make it known on their menus. I was taken aback expecting an actual Chinese combo lunch instead of a semi-a la carte dish, but decided to not to drive back to Exeter. A similar situation happened at another Chinese restaurant (Panasian) in Brattleboro, VT, where I ordered a "lo mein" lunch combo and I was not given rice, which should have been included since the menu did not state "rice not included with lo mein." As for the food, the chicken wing was good, which was deep fried crispy on the outside and juicy meat inside. However, the lo mein was disappointing, which was very overcooked with very mushy noodles, very soft shrimp (some not cleaned), onions, and cabbage. I've had better lo mein at other Chinese restaurants in the area including at the nearby Szechuan Taste. read more

Food was barely average, nothing special. Menu is very limited. If you're looking for Chinese go elsewhere. Service was pleasant and quick. What ambiance?? It is dismal, bland, institutional, unrelieved gray. It is cold-feeling and uninviting. Will not go back. read more

Very good Chinese food. They have a traditional Chinese food menu that's not on the regular menu. You can ask for that menu when ordering. This place also has a sushi bar but we haven't tried any Japanese food from here. Would go there again for the Chinese dishes. read more

Love coming here! The service is always friendly and either for a quick snack or a meal it's one of those stops that is nice. For years we just would grab take out but on our last visit we decided to dine in. Service was quick and the food was great! read more

See all

Disappointing at best!! Specifically asked if hot mustard was in the take out bag and 2 people confirmed yes. Guess what...no mustard was included. 3 meals and only 2 soy packets. Don't be skimpy on the little stuff. I got the orange chicken. Apparently the peels fried with the chicken balls makes it orange chicken. Barely any flavor in the skimpy sauce. Now I need more soy!!! The chicken balls were 75% batter and just a tidbit of meat. It grossed me out after I cut 1 open. Pork fried rice should also include actual pork pieces. We counted about 10 in the box. We will think twice before going back. read more

Delicious fresh sushi , love the sweet sour fish and Scallion pancake with beef，yummy yummy Staffs are so friendly, I visit this place three , four times a week.. love it read more

I ordered sweet and sour chicken this had to be the nastiest food. I have ever had took about 3 bites and threw it out be careful every one. read more

Ordered one thing, got home and realized they had given us a completely different person's order. Since it's not nearby for us we were not going back. Super disappointing but if the food had been good, it wouldn't have been a deal breaker. What we got was chicken lo mein, chicken fried rice, spring rolls and general gaus chicken. The only thing worth eating was the general gaus chicken which was ok. The lo mein and noodles were basically just noodles and a tiny bit of chicken. I found a few stray pieces of onion in there too and that's it. I'm not a fan of spring rolls so I can't attest to how those were. Based on this experience, we will be unlikely to go back. read more

Amazing food and service! Sarah is the best! Sushi unch specials are my go to during the week.

Volcano rolls are a go-to. Infused with flavor. Had takeout tonight. Boston rolls are on fire and the spicy edamame hits different. Watch the kick in the general Tso's chicken. Spice lovers welcome. A must try. read more

Made an extra large online order for a family of 12. Food was hot and ready at the designated time. Delicious as usual. The staff was friendly as always. Been a frequent at the table diner and have only ordered online twice. Was worried about how I would handle carrying such a large order. They had it boxed and bagged in 2 easy to carry parts. The hostess let me know what was where and even offered to help carry it out to my car. My family was thrilled with our dinner. I will always recommend this place to anyone looking for a place with great food and friendly staff. Our meal cost a fraction of what it would have cost my family to purchase and cook it ourselves and we didn't have a ton of clean up afterwards. Highly recommend The New Pine Garden to everyone. Happy New Year to all who made our holiday exceptional. read more

Pretty disappointed. A few years ago, we used to frequent the ("old"?) Pine Garden in Exeter a lot, always would get the duck with pancakes and sauce, just great. However, last weekend (Feb. 2021) some friends and we fancied ordering out Chinese and I convinced them on the New Pine Garden based upon my old experiences. This was a mistake: We ordered a large variety of dishes, but all of it was off-colored, bland (when's the last time you had to add salt to a Chinese meal?) and just not very tasty. The duck was dark brown/gray and greasy in complexion, the "special" fried rice was anything but, the satay and wings in the pu pu platter were tasteless and the spring and egg rolls were just blergh, we couldn't get past a single bite of most of these. Nothing tasted "bad" but none of it lived up to expectations. And, to top it off, the meal was expensive. All of the above items, plus some general Ts came to over $120, before delivery tip. Won't be going back. read more

Everything about this restaurant is great! Sarah is wonderful. The food is excellent... the best Crab Rangoon! Not to mention the best Sushi around read more

I have never met a more profound and experienced bartender at a chinese restaurant. Thanks Alan!

Very surprised to see the other positive reviews after our experience here. We won't be going back to give them a second chance. Restaurant was empty at 7pm on a Friday night - that should have been the first warning. After getting seated it literally took 15 minutes to get our order taken - again we are two of four people total in the restaurant. The waitress then took our order so fast and ran off without every asking about drinks. It took another 10 minutes to flag her down for drinks. Hot and sour soup was bad. To Fu, and some water with pepper in it. By far the blandest, most flavorless hot and sour soup I've ever experienced. When the food finally came, it was terrible. The lo mein had a very fowl flavor like the noodles were soaked in dishwater or something nasty like that. The general tso's chicken was 95% breading and 5% chicken - chicken which was dry chunks of overcooked dark meat. The garlic beef almost seemed like it was made of steak-ems rather than real meat. Hands down the worse Chinese food I've ever had in my life. Never got our check. Went up to the cash register and had to ask for the check. I'm usually one to go back and try a restaurant again if there was even a hint of possibility.... there are no signs of life at Pine Garden so that won't be happening this time. read more

I undertand why I am the first reviewer of this place. I dont think anyone else that does there would want to admit it. Admitedly its been about 5 years since I have been there but at that time they were the only asian option in town. After taking one bite of the leathery chicken I politley spit it into my napkin. I saw a similar reaction in my wife's eyes. I put down the cash for the meal and we both walked out. read more

I go here pretty regularly in groups large and small, and while service can be a bit slow (they like to pace your eating for you, which is sort of bemusing) they are very peaceful, quiet, and awesome! Key: they keep the tea flowing (it's automatic, you don't ask for it -almost always a good sign), food is good, hot, consistent, & plentiful. We love the scallion pancakes, the house special soups (large portions), yummy. Meat dishes tend to come with orange slices! For dessert, you get fruit - pineapple, usually, but sometimes orange...a nice quiet place to have a peaceable meal & conversation, lots of tea, a beer or two, or maybe a Scorpion Bowl, if Grandma's feeling spicy :P Beer in bottles only. read more

This place sucks... Chicken wings were bad... The staff eats in front of you... Then doesn't wash before serving you. Gross read more

While I can't say how it was five years ago, Pine Garden is one of my favorite Chinese places in town. The staff and service is excellent, the food is good, and the prices are very reasonable. We go to Pine Garden every other week and have yet to be disappointed! read more

This unassuming restaurant is a diamond in the rough. Don't let the strip mall location fool you. Maki rolls were excellent, traditional Chinese food is also above the norm. Bone-in spare ribs and Peking ravioli were exceptionally delicious while for entrees the spicy basil shrimp was beyond good. Spicy with a subtle basil flavor and a lot of shrimp. Will definitely come again! read more

We come here monthly and love it. I should say BF loves it ...I am not a huge Chinese food person. I pretty much stick with chicken wings. The wings are great and he reports everything else is great for his food. I had two drinks ....the zombie no then one the sweet waitress recommended...it was great !!! She listened to the kind of drink I liked and nailed it. I had been eating for YEARS at another place with a huge language barrier... No ones fault ...but none of that here. Friendliest waitress we have had in a long time! Made our night extra nice ! As always appreciate the heartfelt thank you from several employees as we left. They genuinely appreciate the business and care for the customers. read more

Delicious Kung Pao shrimp, Sushi deluxe and crab Rangoon !! Along with the plum wine and good company makes for a wonderful meal. Friendly service too! You should check it out and try it! read more

See all

Best sushi in the area! I usually get the Sushi/sashimi for 2 and the sushi & sashimi are always fresh and the portions are very generous compared to other places around. I've had their chinese food too and it was pretty good, but I'm not a huge fan of chinese overall so I just order Sushi from them. I think some of the bad reviews for this place just have it confused with another place down the street, as there are 2 other places (one in Exeter and the other in Stratham but literally on the other side of the 101 highway) that are both pretty bad. But this place is excellent and I highly recommend it if you are in the Exeter area! read more

My friends & enjoyed a most wonderful Lunch experience, yesterday afternoon. Their handmade dumplings were mind blowing. Their hot & sour veg. Soup was delicious along with Spring Egg Rolls and the final dish of Egg Foo Yung was like desert. Their service was perfect and the head man was a gentleman helping me into my chair. Along with the soft relaxing, oriental music, we will most defienatly return for more of their delicious food. Bonnie Minkn/Soules Portsmouth, NH read more

In our search for an excellent Chinese Restaurant n the area we tried The New Pine Garden and we were NOT impressed. The Food is average at best. It is bland and seemed to have been put together with inexpensive ingredients. The Hot sauce was certainly not very hot. The soup was also a big disappointment (Hot and Sour). On the positive side the service was quite good. Our quest continues. read more