Golden Buddha - Aptos

This restaurant is amazing! I have been coming here for special occasions since I was a child. It's unfortunate that they had to move to a smaller location, but the food is still as delicious as ever. I must say, though, they have reduced the portion sizes.

Some of us may remember Little Shanghai in Santa Cruz as the best Chinese food in town. Unfortunately, the restaurant closed down, but Golden Buddha has now filled that void. The ambiance at Golden Buddha is peaceful and welcoming, with a beautiful fish tank that captivates guests. We tried the Mama Mao's Orange Chicken and were not disappointed. The chicken was perfectly cooked and flavorful, with a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The rice was also cooked to perfection, and the unique burnt toast added an extra layer of taste. We were pleasantly surprised by a complimentary dessert of a watermelon boat with lychees, a favorite of my wife's. If you enjoy exploring new flavors and cultures through food, Golden Buddha is a great place to start. As loyal customers, we appreciate the excellent service and quality of food provided by this restaurant. Enjoy!

Our exit joint. There are seating, but it is close to our house so we always get takeout. Good portion sizes, delicious, reasonable prices.

This restaurant in Aptos is a hidden gem that serves authentic Szechuan Chinese cuisine, not the Americanized version. I highly recommend trying their vegetable chow, mum moas orange chicken, and crispy pig dogs - they are all amazing! If you haven't yet been there, I suggest giving it a chance and discovering it for yourself.

Fast service, large portions, great prices. Staff was nice and attentive. Good find. Strategically placed next to Santa Cruz Natural dispensary and edibles.