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    Szechuan Restaurant

    3.7 (294 reviews)
    ModerateSzechuan, Seafood
    Closed 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    Order Szechuan Restaurant Takeout or Delivery

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    SZECHUAN RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

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    Beef with Broccoli (午) 芥蘭牛肉

    The food was okay, I ordered a broccoli beef bowl which totaled to $25 with tip, I expected good portions thinking it would be like a family style restaurant but the amount of food I got was actually ridiculous. Total rip off for the price and in my opinion, the food was not great, beef was squishy. Genuinely ruined my week, ordered this a week ago and I'm still thinking about it. Please fix portions and prices

    Kung Pao Chicken
    James B.

    It was a top pic on Uber Eats so I thought I would give it a try. I started off with the potstickers that were fried to perfection. The dipping sauce that came with them was so good. I could drink it. Then the I had the orange chicken that was very crispy, lots of sauce, very sweet, but delicious. Unfortunately, the Kung Pao Chicken fell short. I just did not enjoy the flavor, it seemed off, but I don't know why. The fried rice was a big disappointment. It was just rice cooked in soy sauce. It definitely did not seem fried and did not have anything added to it. Finally, I wasn't quite sure what the milk tea was, but I thought I would give it a try. It tasted exactly like it was described, milk, and tea, not so great. If I came here again. I would have the potstickers again, but probably try new items.

    Our over priced meal for two.
    Jennifer M.

    I feel like this place could've have been waaaay better if they weren't under staffed. The food was so greasy. I would say just as greasy as Panda Express. I give two stars only because my husband likes the wanton soup and dumplings he had, which out of everything we had I thought the dumpling was okay. Service was tired and worn. Chicken was greasy, the mixed chow mein had ONE shrimp in it! I felt bad for them like I felt so uncomfortable to ask for anything to even mention anything.. Which i get because I worked in the food business most of my life, but I always made the effort to treat guest as I would want to be treated. This place and service was not worth $100. If you want services that barely acknowledge you and food that will make your stomach hurt (which I started to feel later that night), then this is the spot I'm sorry, but it was just wasn't a fair pricing for what's its worth.

    Sichuan Boiled Beef
    Ambareen A.

    I am very surprised by the low reviews. Excellent food! If you know good Szechuan food, there is no doubt you will love this place. Do not be fooled by the strip mall location. The Taiwanese popcorn chicken appetizer was some of the best we have had. A little more spice would be nice. The La Zi Ji Ding (on the chinese menu) also known as Chong Qing chicken is SO flavorful! The boiling beef was some of the softest beef I have ever had at a Chinese restaurant. One of the best in Santa Barbara for sure!

    Dining Area
    Jordan S.

    The food here has always been solid, IMO. Not overly salted or sweetened (like other Chinese joints I could name in town...) The vibe is comfortable, non-pretentious. Love the freshness of the veggies. It's still a classic menu, but their specials, like Spicy Basil Lamb w/ fried rice, and Honey Walnut Shrimp are delicious.

    Vegan Pepper chix
    Steve H.

    Wow for sure. Outstanding and perfect service. Food very tasty. Good nice folks running the place. A lot of vegan options. Be Careful on adding and deleting stuff. She did say "extra charge" so I was told so that is good. My five spice tofu take out pork add veg chix = $24. Just a bit high. However, as stated above I knew but didn't think a vegan dish would add up to $24. All good tasty and I will be back. Thanks.

    two take out containers of food

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    1 year ago

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    7 days ago

    Food is not great. Over cooked, salty and overpriced. They don't even give you chopsticks or forks when picking up to go.

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    2 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Love this place. Quick, fresh and delicious. The sizzling rice soup is a must if you are getting sick. Our favorite take out spot!

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    5 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Food was ok service was ok,place is ok,might come for lunch not dinner. Dinner was a little pricey

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    2 years ago

    The food is delicious, vibes are great, I've been try many Chinese restaurants, this one is my favorite.

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    5 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Food was delicious--kung pao chicken, Dan Dan noodles, and egg rolls. Staff is polite. It's located in a little shopping center on the Mesa.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Absolutely the Best Chinese food in Santa Barbara!!! Ordered delivery always an impressive and appreciated experience!!!

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    2 years ago

    Great food. Quick delivery. This was our first time and we loved it. We will order again.

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Susan Y.

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    3 years ago

    10/10 Chinese food is great and me and my family come here every time we are in Santa Barbra

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    2 years ago

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    Secret Bao - Kungpao Cauliflower

    Secret Bao

    4.5(710 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    What can I say other than culinary perfection? It's where street food meets casual dining but with…read moremasterfully crafted menu items that will make your taste buds pop! The KFC Bao was exceptional. Crunchy, tangy, sweet, fresh and savory. A delightful dish that had me wanting a second one. The Dolsot Bokkeumbap was also delicious, savory and a bit in the heavy side, it could use something fresh, acidic or sweet to brighten up the dish. The staff was very friendly and recommended the Bao, so they know what is good on the menu. I was sat outside where they have a beautiful little patio with heaters and comfortable seating. Overall this place is a must try!

    Overall the food was very delicious. I would recommend the Bao (both the KFC and pork belly were…read morevery good). The sweet potato dumplings are fried and had a very unique twist for Asian fusion and would recommend. The kalbi was very mediocre, but it was fun for sharing. Day cake was delicious. I would highly recommend since it came out and was very warm. The bingsu was mostly frozen and was not finally shaved in terms of milk ice and the Nutella pairing with it did not go very well. We had a fantastic server (Cathy) who took our orders and was very friendly. The front staff was quite rude when we followed up what the wait time was (might have been because it was busy, but hope that it's a 1x thing and not a pattern). Otherwise, vibes we're very good and I can see why this is a popular spot.

    Photos
    Secret Bao - The bar

    The bar

    Secret Bao - Sweet Potato Dumplings

    Sweet Potato Dumplings

    Secret Bao - Yum ... just this is enough

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    Yum ... just this is enough

    Shang Hai - Soup

    Shang Hai

    4.5(308 reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $$

    I came here last minute since madam Lu is gone. I loved their crispy fried rice soup. So when I…read moreentered "crispy fried rice soup" in yelp I saw this place Ambiance is casual and the staff is very hospitable and not intimidating- I read what that "elite" reviewer wrote- she may have a case of long haul COVID where her sense of taste is a bit off. Complaining about details of sour? Girl that's just tongue being superior to your smell response lol I ordered a similar plate of the trinity meat dish and I loved it. MSG has been debunked for years now, read more girl so o don't have to read you here on yelp lol this is a persons business, mincing words like the way they did was very irresponsible as a community member Anyways I loved this place. - I ordered the same meat dish in their lunch kung poa special I paid 11.95 I think pre tax? With a meal I wiped clean lol I mean hello "the zucchini was sour" "the shrimp was ugh" that's a lot of audacity - sounds like she is on another planet- I did not notice anything like she described - I tend to eat my plate mixing the items for the story of food to collide. Sounds like she was taste testing each individual piece- lol girl that's a personal thing abiut yiur personality - regular people like me eat our food passionately hungry lol Everything was delicious- comforting and the spice content perfect. I'm going back again and bringing my family The soda comes in a can and glass with ice- just how I like it

    Cozy old school interior with friendly staff…read more I ordered the Triple Delight lunch special. The serving size was generous. Very Americanized food with heavy use of MSG. Beef was unfortunately inedible, shrimp was average and chicken was okay but tasted like warmed up chicken so not the best. Veggies were okay though the zucchini tasted a bit sour. Rice side was okay and egg roll was okay. Fried wonton was tasty. Soup was okay. Overall, I have had much better quality lunch specials at Chinese restaurants. Food was a bit below average in taste and quality. The lunch special price was cheaper than average for California. There were Chinese customers dining and I noticed they were not getting the lunch special. I was only given the lunch special menu so I guess they assume that if you are not Chinese you are going to order the lunch special?

    Photos
    Shang Hai
    Shang Hai - 02. Chinese Style Spicy Chicken 13. Saute Green Beans

    02. Chinese Style Spicy Chicken 13. Saute Green Beans

    Shang Hai - Pork Bao

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    Pork Bao

    Meet Up Chinese Cuisine - Veggie fried rice, Broccoli Beef, Zesty Orange Chicken, Chicken Chow Mien, Sauteed Green Beans(Pork), egg Vegetarian Spring Rolls

    Meet Up Chinese Cuisine

    4.2(337 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    Wow...I came back here again, and my waiter John mentioned that they will soon be adding Dim Sum to…read moretheir menu in May. Lo and behold, he brought to our table a complimentary sample of these delicious morsels. The lunch special again was plentiful and I truly appreciate the value here and the kind service. Thank you!

    My husband and I visited this hidden treasure while out riding our motos last evening around 8:00…read morepm. We had noticed the restaurant a few times before, after stopping for gasoline at the corner station directly across from Meet Up Chinese Cuisine. We had intended to stop by long ago. No more waiting. Last night, we made it happen. Ample parking is on site, and another perk in a city with a shortage of this feature. They also maintain later operating hours than most SB restaurants, another HUGE plus in a city which seemingly shutters before sundown. The restaurant interior is bright, airy fresh, clean and inviting. The two large robotic table attendants wore white attire with cheerful red aprons. They exude a special kind of whimsy and add another level of delight rarely experienced in dining. These capable assistants greet you at the front desk, and proved a novel and intriguing welcome (especially in today's landscape of our ever-increasing AI functionality). The adorable stuffed pandas are a great addition as well. The vividly colorful and impactful tile tapestry behind the entrance doors is a spectacular selfie spot and work of art. It sets the tone for "Meet Up Chinese Cuisine" ~ and is telltale of the effort and authenticity invested in everything they do. There is a live stage off the central dining room - where band equipment quietly awaits to spring to life and provide additional enjoyment to an already beautiful dining and seating arrangement. We were greeted by a kind and polite woman who was working at a nearby table as we entered. She promptly and warmly greeted us, and patiently assisted us in placing our order. This included an item not located on the menu, which my husband loosely described. (THANK YOU!). We were invited to wait comfortably in the dining room while the order was prepared. The scents emanating from the nearby kitchen were heavenly, and so enticingly to our already eager appetites! We placed an order which included three mains and a large soup. It was prepared accordingly to order, and in due time. Bagged and carefully carried to our table, where two young male attendants used the receipt to double-check the contents and asked if we needed any condiments or items. Exceptionally attentive and aware team in this eatery. We were truly excited to get it home and dig-in. Before I describe the dishes, I cannot PRAISE this next feature enough. I've never seen it before, and it is a game changer for take-out (especially saucy dishes and soups)! Once home we carefully unbagged the items...anticipating some leaks and spillage (as we transported it in the cargo attachment on the back of a Motorcycle! Not a DROP!! I carefully removed the plastic lid from the Pork (soft noodle) lo mein with vegetables. Over the TOP of this container, and UNDER the plastic sealing top lid -- we found "SARAN WRAP" which cleverly sealed itself utilizing the heat reaction caused by the HOT food (hence the term: shrink wrap). I was stunned, in a giddy excited manner! I carefully and easily removed the Saran Wrap to a beautiful burst of FRAGRANT steam and delectable noodles with an abundance of meat and FLAVOR! Every bite was flavor-packed and the meat was "melt in your mouth" tender. The temperature was MOST notable. It was as HOT as if the dish had just finished cooking in the kitchen. Splendid! Each subsequent dish (ie: moo goo gai pan, spicy beef with select peppers and veg, hot and sour soup, and the BEST steamed rice) were literally some of the most authentic, flavorful, and delicious Chinese fare we have ever enjoyed. In the top "5" for sure. "CRAZY - GOOD." The kind which lingers pleasantly on your palate and maintains a solid place in your memory vault! For a little tucked away haven, "Meet Up" surprised us in the BEST of WAYS, and now we have a solid genuine gem to enjoy whenever the urge for the ULTIMATE CHINESE FARE hits. Pricing is affordable, with generous portions for the prices paid. Even the steamed RICE is complimentary and provided WITH the dishes (where most in our city seem to charge as ala carte nowadays). There is no skimping here on the rice either (or any dish), and the fresh, tasty, superior locally sourced ingredients shine through in every single bite. Thank you to all who helped us last evening. You represent the very BEST in restaurant hospitality and food service. Santa Barbara is blessed to have you amongst our ever-changing restaurant culture. We became loyal patrons the moment you extended such grace, kindness, and professionalism as we held the menu and discussed options and selections at the register. We are grateful, and appreciate you and your five-star staff, food, and memorable restaurant. Beyond exemplary all the way around. Bravissimo!

    Photos
    Meet Up Chinese Cuisine - Band area

    Band area

    Meet Up Chinese Cuisine - Kung pao shrimp

    Kung pao shrimp

    Meet Up Chinese Cuisine - Meet Up at dusk

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    Meet Up at dusk

    China Pavilion - dumplings in hot chili oil

    China Pavilion

    3.4(461 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    I find the ambience and food at China Pavilion to be great. And they have a bar as well…read more The service is very professional. I'd recommend it if you are craving Chinese food and in the Santa Barbara area.

    Hands down the BEST Chinese food in Santa Barbara. There is no comparison!…read more If you're looking for incredible Chinese food, this is the place. My husband and I come here all the time, and every single visit is outstanding. We have our absolute favorites: the chicken fried rice, spicy pea pods with oyster sauce, and the sizzling rice chicken soup, which is a must. When we bring our son, he always orders duck, and this restaurant truly shines in how many amazing ways they prepare it. He loves every version. When we have friends or family visiting, we explore even more of the menu, including Szechuan dishes, noodle plates, and so much more. Everything is consistently delicious. But it's not just the food. The people who work here are fantastic. They are warm, welcoming, attentive, and genuinely happy to have you there. They make you feel like a regular even on your first visit, which is rare and so appreciated. We've tried the Montecito location, and while it was fine, it simply does not compare to the Santa Barbara restaurant. This spot is something special. If you haven't been yet, do yourself a favor and go. You won't regret it, and you will definitely be back.

    Photos
    China Pavilion
    China Pavilion - Har gow.

    Har gow.

    China Pavilion - Sweet and sour tofu.

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    Sweet and sour tofu.

    Uniboil - Stewed beef noodle

    Uniboil

    3.9(307 reviews)
    6.0 mi
    $$
    Outdoor seating
    Kid friendly

    Food was good and staff was kind. Would come back and get the angus beef boil again…read more Characters

    We were passing the area when we decided we needed some lunch. I found this place on yelp and…read moredecided to give it a try. It was an open layout that had plenty of seating inside the restaurant. The decor was moder, but not overdone. We were greeting and pointed to a table but that was it. We realized there was a QR code on the table and we could order our food on there. It took a little while to get our food even though no one else was there. I found it really odd to not even be told to use the QR code to order or be informed of anything. Stewed beef noodles with Ramen- 9/10 My husband ordered this and I tried some. The broth was delicious. Rich and flavorful but not overbearing. The noodles were cooked perfectly and the meat was tender. The bok choy was a needed touch. My husband ate the whole bowl and wanted a second because was so good. Certified Angus Beef hot pot- 8/10 I ordered this with the tom yum broth. I didn't know it was a creamy version of the broth until it was served. I'm not mad about it but it wasn't in the description in case others are dairy sensitive. The broth was flavorful and really delicious. I will say that the beef was tough and it a typical cut that overcooked very quickly in the broth. I'm not positive it was Angus beef grade. I just now realized it was missing the lotus root but gave me zucchini instead. I was also missing my quail eggs. If I didn't read the description to know I was supposed to have them, I would've missed that too. Overall, the food was delicious but the service was 1 star for sure. We were never checked on and the waiter only appeared if we pushed the call button. If you can overlook the lack of customer service, the food is really delicious.

    Photos
    Uniboil - T1 sizzling fried rice

    T1 sizzling fried rice

    Uniboil - Curry Udon with Chicken

    Curry Udon with Chicken

    Uniboil - Tomato beef

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    Tomato beef

    Szechuan Restaurant - szechuan - Updated May 2026

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