Chili Garden - Milpitas

I had high expectations for this restaurant, but my experience fell short. When it was time to settle the bill, I noticed that the computer system automatically recommended a 20% tip, which didn't allow me to select a different amount. I suggest being careful and thoroughly reviewing the screen when finalizing your payment.

The food was delicious, the atmosphere welcoming, and the service was prompt. We were looking for authentic Sichuan cuisine, and Chili Garden provided just that. The menu offers excellent meat and seafood dishes, all perfectly seasoned, with the option to customize the spiciness to your liking. Although the prices seemed a bit on the high side, the quality justifies it. The quick service makes it an ideal place for a speedy meal if you're pressed for time.

Overall, I would rate the experience as follows: Quality of Food: A Service: A (when paying with cash) Price: [insert rating or comment]

I am going to start off that this is one of the rare Chinese restaurants that actually know a thing or two about customer service. We had a 7p reservation and the table was not ready. We waited 45 minutes, but during that span the staff brought out appetizers and desserts. That never happens especially in Chinese restaurants so kudos to this establishment. The food here is always consistent. My friends and I have been coming here for the last 10 years. We watched them relocate a few doors down. The new location is better. The ambiance is a step up. The service is standard to excellent. When you want something, you can flag anyone and things get done. I can't say the same at every restaurant these days. Of course what's a review without discussing the food. Sichuan food varies greatly in the US, but here in the Bay Area you'll get mostly authentic Sichuan. The standard order is the Chong Qing spicy chicken. It looks very spicy because it comes in a bed of red chili peppers but it's medium spicy at most. It's a peppery type of spicy. Their stir fried green beans go really well with any order. It looks spicy too, but don't worry it's all a facade. One new thing they added here is the Malatang. That's basically build your own noodle soup. My wife loves it. It's about $17/lb with a minimum of 1lb. A typical soup is about 1.3 lbs and you'll be more than satisfied. Their medium spicy soup is just right in my opinion. My friend also like their dry pot which is a bowl of whatever you put in there. Its spicy comes from sichuan pepper balls so it's a numbing sensation rather than flaming hot spicy. I wish we didn't have to wait for our table, but we understand when restaurants are busy. They were accommodating and that is why this is a rare exceptional review. Finally, we often come here because they accommodate large groups of 10 or more well.

Great dinner solid offering of whole fish and a stir fried eggplant dish. Service was functional, not fussy.