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szsdbj

I had the dinner with my friend yesterday. The Filet Mignon is the best steak I had in Beijing. The Veal Scaloppine Marsala also is so good.

1 year, 3 months ago

chrisbeijing

This new place is a rare find -- authentic, solid, American-style cuisine, high-quality ingredients, comfortable environment...I agree that the steaks are exceptional -- better meat, grill job, and sauces than Morels. Chef Too also gets my vote for best Western brunch in Beijing! They're still training up the staff, so service can be a little spotty, but extremely attentive and friendly, and still a cut above most restaurants here in Beijing.

1 year, 2 months ago

elsiecakes

I went there for Brunch this morning and was thoroughly impressed. On top of an amazing meal (poached eggs AND a waffle Sundae), the atmosphere was great and the waitstaff extremely friendly. It reminded me of a place I used to go to in Denver, and by the end of my meal I didn't want to leave. Chances are, I'll be back next Sunday.

1 year, 1 month ago

beorn

This place really has the feeling of a boutique steakhouse, with friendly and attentive staff, cool blues/jazz background music, and overall good ambiance. Although the mains run from RMB 100-200, it's not expensive considering what you're getting.

I had the BBQ Chicken, and my gf had the Salmon which they were kind enough to customize into a grilled salmon; both were great. I'll definitely try the steak the next time.

Additional bonus: free wifi, yeah! :)

 

1 year, 1 month ago

michael

Very nice place. I went there two weekends in a row for the brunch and, unlike the others, have only tried the salads and an omlet --- though the sausage was really good, so I have high hopes for the steaks. The complimentary bruchetta and spritzer big enough for two get high marks in my book, and the crème brûlée, while quite good and very good for Beijing, could use a slightly thinner, flakier melted sugar top --- there was a little too much 'crunch' in it when I had it.

Looking forward to dinner there again tonight!

 

12 months ago Updated See michael's latest review »

elsiecakes

Went back, and since I didn't rate it last time, I must say, it still deserves all five stars. And if there were six, that's what I would give it!

 

11 months ago Updated See elsiecakes's latest review »

smitsinthecity

I have been to Chef Too for both dinner and brunch and have been pleasantly suprised each time, especially with the deserts. But now I have something new to applaude Chef Too for... Thanksgiving dinner! Chef Too provided us with an amazing spread; Turkey, mash potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, spinach cheese caseroul, fresh veggies, etc. and three types of pie! It's difficult to do a good bird in the States and these folks did it perfectly; truly superb. All of our guests loved the meal and you can bet that we will be going back to Chef Too to try more of their culinary offerings.

 

10 months, 2 weeks ago

johhhny_b

I went there for brunch a few weeks ago and reading the reviews here I thought I will get enjoy something nice. Well, firstly, the interior is really a neighborhood-kind of joint. There is nothing bad in that but the concept is just not well thought-through. It is just wrong to charge
these prices at such a place; prices would match better some of the more exquisite places in Beijing, not a crappy neighborhood joint like this one. Will never go back to Chef Too.

10 months ago

michael

johhhny_b Based on your review it seems like you're primarily arguing against the interior design of the place. I have to say, I'm quite happy it's not 'exquisite' -- as places like that are usually more show than substance. I rather like the fact that I'm reminded of a nice Boston or Bay Area restaurant with good sunshine and a clear view of the great food. I hope Chef Billy keeps it the way it is... :-)

 

10 months ago

johhhny_b

micheal, the main reason why I am arguing about the actual value of this place, is the fact that he has overpriced his menu. I don't say the food isn't good but it is just annoying to see that a place that offers only one of the essential elements - good food (and not show) is able to charge such cosmic prices...In a "normal" place Chef Billy wouldn't be able to survive but I guess in Beijing this works...

10 months ago

beorn

I guess different people like different things. I went there yesterday, and once I sat down and "inhaled" the atmosphere, a very calm and relaxing feeling came over me, one of those "life is good" experiences, and I'm pretty picky about ambiances.

They got the lighting right, they use lots of wood, the place is small and naturally cosy, and the wood fire oven smell is pretty unique in Beijing.

10 months ago

smitsinthecity

Johhhny_b is actually right about the prices being a little high but he is completely out of line referring to Chef too as a "crappy neighborhood joint." There is nothing "crappy" about it and it really is a quaint comfortable atmosphere. Now, having said that, you definitely don't expect the prices that are charged, but the food is very good and while dining there on a regular basis may be a bit costly, it is totally worth going... as I said previously we will definitely go back.

10 months ago

haohao

Sorry I don't get it - Jonny-b you got an axe to grind or what?

I've been there several times and had what I can clearly say is the best steak I've had outside of N.America - as for price, I think it is very reasonable and far form cosmic! - a steak of that quality in Sydney, NY or any other major city would be 60USD at least and you would usually have to pay for the extra dishes - wine - this could very well be the most reasonable wine list I have seen in Beijing,small, but OMG! I had a RM Napa I would swear they are loosing money on, the same bottle, at the St Regis was three times what CT charged, did I say three times!, further to that, I have brought my own bottle and they were exceptionally gracious and did not charge a corkage - which in my experience here in BJ is unheard of -

so for my bet, Chef Too is hitting all the right notes and I will go back evrytime I want a great steak

Jonny-b you should not so critical and try to see the positive notes of this place - the food is exceptional and if they need to charge a good dollar then why not - you and I don't know, maybe their rent is high or the cost of doing business is high - but for sure they are no more costly than any other restuants serving up the same quality...

 

10 months ago

forest

I was there a few days ago for the first time and had lunch there.

The atmosphere was cozy and pleasing though it felt a little strange being in a virtually empty restaurant.

The food was good but the price was indeed too high to make it a regular place for lunch. The set biz lunch price was adversely affected by the number of courses. I think that most people would settle for a one-course lunch. The items not included in the set menu were indeed too high for me to return there on a regular basis.

As in most business one needs to find the right balance between the volume sold/consumed and the unit price. I suspect that the current prices will keep the number of customers down.

Go there again – Yes, but only on a once in a blue moon basis.

 

9 months, 4 weeks ago

elsiecakes

Ya ok, I have to agree with a few of you. I love it. Everything I've ever eaten there has been delicious. As far as food is concerned, they get six stars.

But after going again this weekend, I must agree... the prices are a bit over the top. I mean, this is China after all... not New York or France, and the prices I paid were New York prices. The 10% service charge on top of that doesn't help their case.

My brunch bunch loved the food but sadly it won't be a regular Sunday hangout place.

 

9 months, 3 weeks ago

duncanshaunsmith

I have eaten here a couple of times now and I have to say that the food is excellent. Really good quality produce cooked really well.

The dining area has a great atmosphere with lots of dark wood. Very North American. Can't really fault the friendly and efficient wait staff, but they have had one or two bad moments.

The only quibbles are with the pricing, it does seem a little steep for Beijing. While the RMB 68 lunch deal is good value, things do get expensive if you deviate from this.

All in all, well worth a visit for an occasional quality treat.

 

9 months, 2 weeks ago

collin

I had a small Christmas party catered from Chef Too. The food was delicious, price reasonable and the service great. A friend booked for dinner for me the day before and when I showed up on Christmas at 3pm to pick up, they had all the fixings and turkey prepared in a Styrofoam container and baking pan. Fapiao no problem. I didn't even know they made steaks. Thanks Haohao!

 

9 months, 1 week ago

xigor

Food was a real disappointment based on the reviews I read here, not to mention about the absolute excessive prices. Come on, we are not in NY here to justify such high prices!

Their Sunday menu price list didn't mention about 10% service charge anywhere (because it had just been "renewed"), yet the boss still insisted for the 10% charge to be paid because she claimed to be a custom in their restaurant. She also tried to make us feel guilty that the service charge revenue was going directly to the salary of their waitresses. In the end, she agreed for us not to pay the service charge. Well, I believe there was nothing to argue when a customer points out the restaurant own mistakes. We left the restaurant on bitter feelings in the stomach and in the mind.

 

9 months ago

jennwong

My three work colleagues and I went out for dinner at Chef Too last night and everything was perfect. Two of us ordered steaks, the others ordered lobster and salmon and everything tasted fantastic and looked divine. I ordered my steak medium rare but it was a bit too red for my liking, and there were no problems sending it back and having it cooked a little longer. Service was excellent and the free bread and free bruschetta were a nice touch. Drinks were well made and prompt, and they didn't mind making drinks that were off the menu. Pretty pricey but well worth it for what we got. The only downer is that it's non-smoking, but it was actually kind of refreshing and there was a smoking patio out in the back. Yay, Chef Too!

8 months, 2 weeks ago

forest

[quote]The only downer is that it's non-smoking[/quote]

You must be kidding that is a big plus!

Hopefully you will quickly get used to the idea that as part of the preparations for the Olympics smoking will soon be banned in all public places.

[quote]BEIJING (AFP) - Beijing is about to extend a ban on smoking in public places ahead of the Olympic Games despite the Chinese capital's image as a paradise for smokers who have faced few restrictions on where they can light up.

According to a draft bill published on a municipal legal affairs website, the majority of public places, such as restaurants, schools, hospitals, stations, libraries and museums will have to be non-smoking.

Hotels will also have to reserve at least 70 percent of their rooms for non-smokers.

Smokers who ignore the ban will face a fine of 50 yuan (6.9 dollars, 4.7 euros) while those who allow them on their premises will have to cough up between 1,000 and 5,000 yuan, according to the bill.[/quote]

8 months, 2 weeks ago

haohao

Ya know I don't get it, really, the trash talk here is just something I guess I'll never understand.

Xigor - whats you beef? the manager, the owner zoe - she is one of the sweetest people I have ever met and as a restaurant owner shes exceptional -

You must have a serious language and commuication issue or something!!!, I just simply cannot see her trying to extract tips from you, and if she appoligized to you for a mistake then whats; your problem... by the way the menus outside the restaurant - the ones the general public can see before they step into the place clearly say a ten % tip is added -

In my opnion, and I eat and have eaten all over the world and in many many restaurants here in Beijing - Chef Too is doing may things right and with no comparison from others - their steaks are fantastic and for sure are the best value in town... the brunch OMG where else can you get eggs benidiect, a real western omlete, fresh squeezed juice, for under a 100kuai ?

The steak I had the other day at another steak house was 360rmb, not juicy and I had to wait almost 2hours... go figure!!

chef, keep up the good work and thankyou...reallly!

8 months, 1 week ago

bj_expat37

After hearing endless praises for this restaurant, my boyfriend and I went there for dinner last Friday night and we were deeply dissatisfied. The wait staff and decor were both fine - the service was some of the best I've had in Beijing, but the food was a huge letdown! It is definitely not as good as everyone builds it up to be - maybe expats who love this place have simply forgotten what amazing western food should be! The steaks were good, I will give you that...but they are FAR FROM EXTRAORDINARY. The Veal Marsala was very plain. Nothing special there either. The mushroom soup was average at best. The antipasta platter was full of soggy, oily, under marinated items and the blue cheese dressing was way too sweet - it's missing that blue cheese kick. While the home-made ice creams are worth a try, the creme brulee is definitely not. Overall, I think there are many other great restaurants of this type in the city (Mare, Alameda, Aria, Morrel's, etc.) and this one is not worth the adoration.

Also, the bill for our dinner was nearly 600rmb so when you take the price tag into consideration, the food is just not up to par.

Last note, we walked in on a friday night at 7:30pm without a reservation and there were many empty tables so I think this restaurant is definitely starting to loose its luster.

 

7 months, 3 weeks ago

robpickering

My girlfriend and I frequent this place often, on average twice a week.

Always the service is fantastic, the food excellent and whilst the price is higher than other places, the standard of food and service more than make up for it.

I have found nowhere in Beijing that does a steak this well and the desserts are out of this world.

We have probably eaten there 20 times and never had any bad experiences, so I'm not too sure what other people are complaining about. Some people lose perspective because the prices are generally lower in Beijing, but someone above said something about paying $60 in the US for a similar steak and I agree.. we're from Australia and you'd pay at least $40-50 for a similar dish which only runs us $20AUD here. The people who complain like this have just lost all perspective on prices..

Overall an excellent place and we'll be back often.

 

7 months, 3 weeks ago

anton_ego

Chef Too is an excellent restaurant that never dissappoints. I am a frequent visitor (almost two times a week) and am always pleased. The service first and foremost is outstanding, they are all very attentive and friendly. The French manager in particular is very impressive, and has left an excellent impression on me and my colleagues. The food is also just as impresssive as the service. A personal favorite which I seem have a hard time pulling away from is the eggs benedict which really just hits the spot for brunch. The bloody mary is also one of the best i have had in Beijing, holding a spiciness that i feel many places seem to lack. Prices also are hard to beat for a restuarant of this nature. I feel I most comment on the unnecessary bashing of this restaurant from the blog above. I am fresh off the boat so to speak only arriving in Beijing 6 months ago and feel that this restaurant would enjoy just as much success in Manhattan, where I from, as it does here. I pitty those other restaurants that have to put up with a bitter customer such yourself who can so effortlessly discredit a restaurant from one meal. Keep up the good work Chef Too!!!

Thanks!!

 

7 months, 3 weeks ago

grace2maine

Chef Too offers authentic American cuisine. A rare find in China (besides fast food). Chef Billy aims to please and he will usually grant any request that he can. As a vegetarian, it's nice to find a place willing to accommodate. Also, the desserts are to die for! A+

 

6 months, 3 weeks ago

dominic

This is a wonderful place for brunch: the food is tasty and in good quantity (make sure to get the waffles for desert!), the service is very attentive and the atmosphere unpretentious and cosy. Definitely good to know this place, since this will make my Saturday/Sunday mornings more comfortable. Make sure to reserve though!

 

6 months, 1 week ago

calumthom

I ate here with some friends last week and was extremely impressed. The salads and the burgers were great, and the service was spot on. I'll definitely eat here again.

6 months, 1 week ago

helarno

It's a little hard for me to understand why this place draws such strongly negative reviews. Sure, it doesn't look like a restaurant in a swanky 5 star hotel, but its prices are reasonable for the quality of food/environment you are getting. There are restaurants outside of China that serve better western food. But for people like me who have been in Beijing for a while, Chef Too is really a gem when you start missing western food.

Food is pretty good. I personally love their steaks (best value/money in Beijing in my humble opinion) and the rest of their food is good. My picky dessert friends say their Crème brûlée is pretty good too.

 

5 months, 3 weeks ago

cynthjeany

food & service is good... just that it can be a little noisy with many lovely kids in the restaurant (yay for being family-friendly though)... oh, brown sugar seems to be missing. i think my cappuccino would taste better with that :)

 

5 months, 2 weeks ago

ratatouille

Awesome awesome awesome steak! Chef Billy can talk your ear off but he never wastes words if that makes sense? You have to try the fried liverworst (sp?) and their 28oz steak has to be tried with the chutney. Perfect.

 

5 months, 2 weeks ago

adidasxk

After reading lots of review, I've finally made my way to this beautiful bistro.

The decor was subtle, yet simple and charming.

The menu was simple, but offering lots of variety and anything that is made on the day is just up on the walls.

Service was perfect all the way in.

Had a NY strip steak, soup of the day, blue cheese and bacon salad (bacon was absolutely delicious!), Lobster pasta and Chocolate pudding. Cost around 400 in total.

Wouldn't really call this restaurant either cheap nor too expensive, just right.

After all we work hard for the money, a bit of pampering isn't out of the way.

Would definitely come back, thanks for taking care of us Maria!

 

5 months ago

anyixin

Ok, there's enough reviews here, but I'll do it anyway - my son had the 10oz NY strip steak and said it's the best he's had in Bejing. I had the penne pasta with sundried tomatoes, spinach & artichoke hearts; I was disappointed that there was ONLY ONE VEGETARIAN entree, but it was really good, excellent. Problem is, being the only choice for a vegetarian, it'd make me hesitant to go back, already knowing what I'll eat and having no choice. Perhaps just use the the same meal but with an alfredo sauce choice? Or get cute and stay on the steak theme and get some fake meat (like Morningstar Farms bbq flavor "riblets") for a healthy and semi-amusing non-meat "steak" meal. I'd be thrilled to find that in beijing! I'd giggle and say "wahoo! cool, I'm getting that!" instead of "well let's just hope this one non-meat dish is good" (which it WAS, absolutely, but still, it's disappointing having no choices)

The caesar salad (one of my usual favorites) was a little blah. The dressing needs pepper or some other kick. The lettuce was whole leaves, to be cut by ourselves, which wasn't bad but it seemed very white... not much green in the salad; maybe that batch of lettuce just wasn't very good. A little too white and blah for the price.

 

4 months, 1 week ago

anyixin

GRACE2MAINE What did you mean: "As a vegetarian, it's nice to find a place willing to accommodate. "

What did you have?

4 months, 1 week ago

eating

One star for... ummm.. not sure, but I feel bad not giving something. I can't get the rave of this place. It's just not worth the money. There are so many other places offering seriously better food for the price. I felt a bit taken advantage of when the bill came to almost a hundred dollars - both here and back home I expect everything to be outstanding for that amount of money (a day's work for me here) - and I just felt that at Chef Too, it was not. The steak was OK, service OK, salads a little bland... a bit disappointed.

 

3 months, 2 weeks ago

chinachee

Chef Two is a great little restaurant. Even going there on your own you feel right at home and amongst friends. They do service the best steak in BJ, with good wines and really pleasant service that is attentive yet discreet. The owner is often there to welcome guests and seems a genuinely nice guy. Add to this a very reasonable price and what's not to like about Chef Two. Did i mention that they have the best brunch in town as well..??

 

2 months ago

alchemy

Good food, especially good steak and eggs, the service is perfect with a smiling and speaking english staff. We went for brunch on saturday, looking forward to try on the evenings. Sure they are specialists of steaks and burgers. If you like them, I recommend the excellent Eggs Benedict!

 

3 weeks, 3 days ago

ericwang

Every one should taste the mexican wine in Chef Too, you can't drink LA.Cetto any where in Beijing!

2 weeks, 2 days ago

caffinated

Simply amazing. I have to say that it is one of the best restaurants i've been to in beijing. Not only the service is top notch, there is not one bad dish there. From their amazing sunday brunch to their mouth-watering roast beef sandwich to their home made ice-creams. yummy.

 

2 weeks ago