I went to Chester's for lunch yesterday and had a terrible experience. First off we only had one tea cup and was never given another one. Then we asked what the house wine was and he wouldn't tell us but did rudely and quickly say Kendal and Mondavi. We asked for the Mondavi and when the wine came 10 minutes later we were shocked to taste a super sweet Chabli Almaden from a box. We know our wine. We then asked again later for another glass and specified we want the Mondavi Chardonnay and received the same exact wine. What the ....?? The waiter rudely took our order, brought over stale noodles and then my food came first and we waited hoping that my husbands food would be coming. It did finally without even an apology. We never did get any refills on our water or asked how our food was or if we needed anything else. The check was just slapped on the table without even a thank you and we of course where charged for the Mondavi. We basically paid for 2 more boxes of Almaden fo them to bait and switch with.
Reviewed by:
Jay L. on:
3/12/2013 10:03:00 AM
This is probably considered the next best thing to eating Downtown LA Chinatown cuisine in Camarillo.Upon entering, the ambiance felt that of traditional family style Chinese restaurant. Very well decorated for the type of restaurant that it is. Numerous tables for large partied that seat between 6 to 10 people.Menu has alot to offer. That comparable to eating in most Chinese restaurants in DTLA.The taste is not so far from it either.Bathrooms are pretty clean.Staff is very friendly but can work on being more attentive.Overall, it's great place for Chinese food in Camarillo.
Reviewed by:
Sabrina B. on:
3/9/2013 9:58:00 AM
Great service and delicious food! I'm not a huge fan of Chinese but I am now. Food was amazing and portion sizes feed you for an extra day! Will be returning!
Reviewed by:
Nickie N. on:
2/26/2013 4:36:00 PM
I really wish that I could give a better review of Chester's-their food is fantastic and everyone is very friendly. I just cannot look past the horrible service. Examples of a few visits: I've been served a pot of hot tea and had to wait 10 minutes to get cups, I've seen people seated after me have their orders taken and served before mine (same waiter and same size group), no refills on drinks, etc. And I've had to wait about 10 minutes on my check every time. What's really weird is that they are not short-staffed at all. But there have been times that they have a crew of 3-5 people on the floor, but no one is to be seen. One visit while I was waiting to order, I took my son to the restroom and there were 3 waiters standing near the kitchen chatting and laughing (the place was NOT slow). I'm disappointed, because the bad service really does detract from what could be a really great experience. The food is so good that I've returned a few more times, hoping that things have improved, but it hasn't. So, sorry Chester's, but I think that we are going to have to find another restaurant . :(
Reviewed by:
Leanne P. on:
2/21/2013 1:44:00 AM
They treat you like family from the moment you step inside. Good food, great service.
Reviewed by:
L W. on:
2/16/2013 7:13:00 AM
We ordered take out for valentine's day and were very happy with our order...whether we eat in or take out, food and service is always great. Our family has been eating there since they opened.
Reviewed by:
Tomás G. on:
2/16/2013 12:30:00 AM
Great food, service can be hit and miss but you have plenty to look at while you are there
Reviewed by:
Andy S. on:
2/4/2013 5:38:00 AM
I've been eating at Chester's for over 15 years and have seen the steady declining of their service. The food on the other hand stays consistent and above average.I mostly do take-out these days and have had some serious issues. About 90% of the time an item is left out of out order. That's pretty hard to do when I am only ordering 2 meals plus sides. When I bring it to the attention of the hostess or owner, they make me feel like I am a nuisance. Their estimation on pick-up times is usually pretty close.
Reviewed by:
C P. on:
2/3/2013 10:02:00 PM
I am giving 4 stars not for the food but the service and atmosphere. The Wor Wonton soup is some of the best I've had in the area but my egg foo young was the nastiest I've ever had. Instead of fresh veggies, sprouts, etc in an egg patty, it was some form of veggie paste that was deep fried.Not what I was expecting, nor would it be something I would ever order again. The service was excellent, the atmosphere was very comfortable and colorful. Other than that, not a big fan at all.
Reviewed by:
Diane F. on:
1/21/2013 7:59:00 PM
SLOW SERVICE AND FOOD IS NOT WORTH THE WAIT. I've been here before and this place is fine for lunchtime, but forget about it if you're going to go there for dinner or anytime it's crowded. They served soup as a first course (luckily with spoons) However, we didn't have place settings for the next course, so instead of bringing them, they brought out wet forks and dishes (with rice stuck on it) fresh from the dishwasher and we had to ask for napkins, more rice, and water at least twice. They would say, "yes", and walk away and not come back with what we asked for. They brought out all the food little by little, but we were missing a dish and were already done with the rest of the food by the time it finally came out. The worst thing was that the owner was just walking around with his hands behind his back instead of helping the rest of the staff get the tables waited on. I didn't care much for the decor which this restaurant is known for, but I just wanted good food and good service, but this was not the place to get either of those at. I think we'll be going to Peking Inn or Mandarin House instead.
Reviewed by:
M P. on:
1/21/2013 5:30:00 AM
My parents and family have been loyal customers to Chester's Asia for over 20 years now. It's ashamed that the service was so terrible for us last night. My family goes there for lunch at least 2-3 times a month and the service has been okay but going there for dinner is another story. I know that they have a following of older folks that eat there but give it another 10-15 years and they will be out of business. I thought that it would be nice to take my in laws there from NJ but what a big mistake. My families have had our rehearsal dinners, parties, anniversaries, etc here and we have probably given at least $10K in business over the years. I plan to write Chester a personal note and post this review on other websites. Instead of telling a story - I will provide bullets of the terrible service:1.) Made reservations days in advance but still had to wait for them to set up our tables.2.) When making reservation, I asked for a booster seat but to no avail when we got there.3.) 2 out of our 9 guests did not receive a tea cup or water cup (and never did in the 2 hours we were there for dinner)4.) Napkins and utensils weren't provided until 5 minutes after some of the food came out.5.) Water was not served until 1 minute before food was served6.) We ordered 7 dishes and the 7th dish did not make it out until we were done eating the 6th dish - and we ate family style7.) Dishes and forks were wet and dirty with rice/dried foods upon arrival.8.) We did not receive fortune cookies with our check so we waited for them.9.) I don't know how many times we had to ask for water refills - 4-5 times minimum10.) We noticed the waiters were sweating bullets so hopefully their sweat didn't make it in our dinner that night - so gross and unsanitary!11.) We complained and asked Chester the owner for assistance but he did nothing for us. He didn't help the servers or even relay our concerns. Thanks for nothing Chester - this will be the last time my family gives you businessI recommend going to Peking Inn or Mandarin House where the service is better.
Reviewed by:
Beth H. on:
1/3/2013 1:30:00 PM
In the past the food has been hit or miss. The restaurant was extremely busy since it was New Years Eve. We asked for our food extra spicy. The food was delish and the service great. We will definitely return!
Reviewed by:
Malia R. on:
7/14/2012 5:18:00 PM
Best Chinese food in Ventura County. Period. They make you feel like family. The waitstaff is doting, funny as heck and have a sense of urgency regarding your every need.Our favorites:Shrimp with walnutMoo Shu PorkBlack pepper chicken with onionEgg foo YoungChow MeinCombo fried riceShrimp with LobsterPea pod shootsWe will be back over and over again!
Reviewed by:
Daniel S. on:
7/14/2012 3:30:00 PM
We went for the lunch special because a friend recommended this place. We were looking for Chinese food that day and are new to the area.The menu is so cluttered I couldn't decide what I wanted so I got the chicken chow mein. First of all, the portions for a lunch special are MASSIVE. But! ... the food was mediocre, not something to brag about. We would have been better off at Panda Express and we all know how that's nothing to brag about either.I don't think we will be back.
Reviewed by:
Henrika F. on:
6/8/2012 6:50:00 AM
Keith, the owner and master decorator of Chesters spends many after hours making elaborate and magnificent center room displays with flowers and rainbows and all sorts of wild looking sashes- its great to come once a month to see what season or holiday he is focusing on; he also painted the inside to look like Versaille- who wouldn't want to eat there.It is really delicious- everything, the honey pepper chicken, the noodle dishes, the soups, the casseroles- the staff makes recommendations like, - the fish in brown sauce and a snow pea leaves dish that is so tasty that if you weren't distracted by some kind of duck (mouth watering) or pork, or beef or chicken, you would become vegetarian and order two plates worth.GO CHESTERS!
Reviewed by:
E A. on:
3/15/2012 9:57:00 PM
I travel for a living and eat out often. This was the worst dining experience in years. Curry chicken had only the slightest hint of curry and was cloyingly sweet. (Imagine pancake syrup in your curry). Chicken was the reconstituted kind (Think McNuggets). Food came in staggered. We were a party of 5. First person was finished before the last person was served. Staff was inattentive to put it lightly. Four of us asked for doggie bags and the WAITER SCOOPED EVERYONE'S FOOD INTO THE SAME BOX!! Thinking this was the final indignity, we alerted management, whose response was "so you want him to separate them?"Well, at least it was cheap.
Reviewed by:
adri710 on:
2010-10-31
The food is absolutely fantastic, esp. walnut shrimp. The long Island I had was pure punch-in-the-face awesome. This place IS chinese food.
Reviewed by:
adri710 on:
2010-10-31
The food is absolutely fantastic, esp. walnut shrimp. The long Island I had was pure punch-in-the-face awesome. This place IS chinese food.
Reviewed by:
brit.angel on:
2010-10-31
I just started going to Chesters recently. I've lived in Camarillo many years and never knew this amazing restaurant has been here all this time, it's fantastic! The food, the service, the great deco, it's a must!
Reviewed by:
onugs on:
2010-10-30
HOLY CRAP I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!
Reviewed by:
alyssa on:
2010-10-27
This Restaurant is tops in the whole area. The walnut shrimp dish is so good, you could eat it every day!
Reviewed by:
pkrikes on:
2010-10-21
Chester's is the best Chinese restaurant in Ventura County! The service and the food are excellent and the decor is beautiful. You don't expect that as you drive in because it is located in a very outdated strip mall, but you will be pleasantly surprised and completely satisfied!!
Reviewed by:
jktmail on:
2010-10-18
As a formally trained chef, I know great restaurants and Chester's serves the best Chinese food.
Reviewed by:
andyjen on:
2010-10-18
My wife's parents introduced me to Chester's, and I have to admit, I love it. Excellent service, and the food is always delicious.
Reviewed by:
andyjen on:
2010-10-18
My wife's parents introduced me to Chester's, and I have to admit, I love it. Excellent service, and the food is always delicious.
Reviewed by:
vmjohnsonx on:
2010-10-15
It was the dine-out night for Pleasant Valley Hospital, and I'm glad to say the restaurant was great! My daughter and I really enjoyed the food and service.
Reviewed by:
tommyturbo76 on:
2010-10-14
I've been going since Chester's first opened in 1965 on Ventura Blvd. My mom craved sweet and sour pork ! Even after all my travels to Asia, New York, and SF Chester's remains my favorite.
Reviewed by:
tommyturbo76 on:
2010-10-14
I've been going since Chester's first opened in 1965 on Ventura Blvd. My mom craved sweet and sour pork ! Even after all my travels to Asia, New York, and SF Chester's remains my favorite.
Reviewed by:
tangcte on:
2010-10-13
Lived in San Francisco, New York, and LA for many years and ate at all kind of Chinese restaurants, Chester beat them all hands down. The foods are not just great, they are consistently excellent all the time. John Tang
Reviewed by:
tangcte on:
2010-10-13
Lived in San Francisco, New York, and LA for many years and ate at all kind of Chinese restaurants, Chester beat them all hands down. The foods are not just great, they are consistently excellent all the time. John Tang
Reviewed by:
janice.jones36 on:
2010-10-08
I started going to Chesters with my coworkers about 4 years ago and everytime I go there the food is delicious. I have never been disappointed. They recognize and acknowledge you as a valued customer. It is truly the best Chinese restaurant I have ever eaten at and I am no spring chicken.
Reviewed by:
vharri7115 on:
2010-10-06
Been going to Chester's for over 30 years. The food is wonderful!
Reviewed by:
ianmann on:
2010-10-05
The best Chinese food I've eaten. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! I can not say enough... Also very good waiters and it's nice to see the owner on the floor greeting and visiting. Great first date restaurant...
Reviewed by:
ianmann on:
2010-10-05
The best Chinese food I've eaten. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! I can not say enough... Also very good waiters and it's nice to see the owner on the floor greeting and visiting. Great first date restaurant...
Reviewed by:
teri on:
2010-10-04
We have lived here for 18 years with people recommending Chester's. However, we never tried it until this last weekend. It is the best Chinese food I have ever eaten. My taste buds thought they had gone to heaven at each bite.
Reviewed by:
teri on:
2010-10-04
We have lived here for 18 years with people recommending Chester's. However, we never tried it until this last weekend. It is the best Chinese food I have ever eaten. My taste buds thought they had gone to heaven at each bite.
Reviewed by:
fossilrjh on:
2010-09-29
We have gone to Chester's since it opened and it continues to be great in every way. The staff is friendly and always makes you feel welcome!
Reviewed by:
anonymous on:
2010-09-11
Chester's has been a family favorite for years. The service is excellent and the food is spectacular. We always enjoy our dining experience at Chester's!
Reviewed by:
rjduquet on:
2010-09-08
Extensive and outstanding lunch specials at reasonalbe prices.
Reviewed by:
JLFRANCO2 on:
2010-09-07
IF YOU WANT GOOD, AUTHENTIC CHINESE FOOD, CHESTER'S IS THE PLACE FOR YOU! OUR FAMILY HAS BEEN GOING TO CHESTER'S FOR OVER 25 YEARS. IT'S THE BEST ANYWHERE!
Reviewed by:
a.luigi95 on:
2010-09-06
Chester's is the BEST around! We went there for dinner tonight, and had the best meal! We love, love, love Chester's!!!
Reviewed by:
phyllisjohnson on:
2010-08-30
We LOVE Chester's. We have introduced a number of friends to this restaurant, and they are always very impressed. From the outside, they didn't expect much, but once they get inside, they are wowed by the decor, the food and the friendliness of the the staff. It is consistently excellent, and the delightfully happy staff make it a real pleasurable experience.
Reviewed by:
mcgrath273 on:
2010-08-25
Chester's asia restaurant has evolved over the past 30 years into the best Chinese restaurant in Ventura county. Ever since Keeth took over the reastaurant fron his uncle (the original Chester),
I have watched this restaurant steadily improve it's decor and food. Today, this restaurant is THE Chinese restaurant to go to in Ventura county.
Reviewed by:
Mchelen2 on:
2010-08-23
We have been going to Chester's for 30 years. It is a restaurant that knows generations of families. Food, service, decor is excellent. Keith decorates the restaurant with outstanding holiday/seasonal decor. It is a joy to walk into this establishment.
Reviewed by:
anita on:
2010-07-07
Happily, I've been their regular customer for well over 20 years! In all that time, only EXCELLENT service, food and decor!. The staff more like family to all their customers. Chester's food selection, quality and flavor are -- hands down -- the best Chinese food this side of the Golden Gate Bridge!
Reviewed by:
sylviahartman on:
2010-06-11
delicous food, frindly service, beautiful decor. thanks to keith and cindy
Reviewed by:
sloan.aaron on:
2010-06-10
Chester's is all about great food and friendly people. Our family has been going the for more than 10 years and we look forward to taking visitors every chance we get!
Reviewed by:
sloan.aaron on:
2010-06-10
Chester's is all about great food and friendly people. Our family has been going the for more than 10 years and we look forward to taking visitors every chance we get!
Reviewed by:
lisagula on:
2010-06-10
What a treasure for Camarillo Chester's is! Delicious food, reasonable prices, efficient service, and beautiful decor--what's not to like? I have clients who drive from Orange County to visit Chester's--they love it, and so do I!
Reviewed by:
pearsonfinancial123 on:
2010-06-07
Keith, the owner, is very proud of his restaurant. It is reflected in the quality of his food; the beauty and maintenance of the restaurant; the friendliness and experience of his staff; and the desire for all of his customers to have a leisure and family type dining experience. My wife and I have tried several items on the menu-everything has been just wonderful. Have to experience this great dining opportunity.
Reviewed by:
esyawger on:
2010-06-03
We found this wonderful resturant just after moving to Southern California from the east coast 6 years ago. We think that it is the best Chinses food in the area. The service is friendly and the food is outstanding. Our favorites are sliced fish with black bean sauce and the walnut shrimp.
Reviewed by:
mokikat2005 on:
2010-06-01
Chester's is an unique dining experience! Great comfort food, and friendly staff, amidst fabulous decor. Worth the drive from LA. Our ohana loves Chester's!
Reviewed by:
mokikat2005 on:
2010-06-01
Chester's is an unique dining experience! Great comfort food, and friendly staff, amidst fabulous decor. Worth the drive from LA. Our ohana loves Chester's!
Reviewed by:
Alice H. on:
Everytime the food tastes different. It seems to get saltier everytime. Maybe their chefs change a often? It's overpriced now. Getting too expensive... ...?
Reviewed by:
karen p. on:
THE SERVICE is TERRIBLE!!!! The food is okay. Great parking lot. But you go in and the decor does not look like a chinese restaurant. It's overpriced and... ...?
Reviewed by:
glenn c. on:
service could of been better with a particular waiter, but loved the garlic chicken wings, which gave my rating the 4th star. Im definately returning for... ...?
Reviewed by:
Anonymous on:
2001-07-27
Everybody raves about this place but I think it's average at best. I don't live in Camarillo so maybe there's nothing to compare it to. The food was bland and boring. ...?
Reviewed by:
Anonymous on:
2004-04-29
I tried this place a month ago. The food is good. They come in huge portions. I especially liked the steak and the rice. Not bad. My parents also enjoyed the other menues. ...?
Reviewed by:
Anonymous on:
2004-06-03
Superb! This little place has been in business since the late 60's or early 70's to my recollection. On a recent vacation, much to my surprise, I found that Chester's was still in the phone book and in the same exact location, it was ...?
Reviewed by:
josanp on:
2008-02-04
very family friendly. They get to know each customer. Plus, the food is hot and delicious. You can't go wrong with this crispy, flavorful Orang Chicken. And a specialty, not on the menu-Sauteed Pea Pod Leaves. They will make any dish you request. ...?
Reviewed by:
A TripAdvisor Member on:
2008-04-27
We stopped by late on a Friday night. We were seated promptly. We were given crispy noodles with hot mustard and red sauce. The noodles were a tad stale but it was the end of the evening on friday night. Our order was taken promptly. ...?
Reviewed by:
A TripAdvisor Member on:
2008-07-07
We discovered Chester's about 10 years ago! What a find! The food and the flowers are incredible. The service is warm and friendly. Keith & his sister Cindi are your gracious hosts.. Chester's has been in the same location for more than ...?
Reviewed by:
Erica Honles on:
2009-05-22
The only good, real tasting Chinese dishes were the soups. And instead of real wontons as appetizers, they give you crispy chow mein noodles that are pretty much like the ones in tinned cans you can find at a SUPERMARKET (along with a ...?
Reviewed by:
Anonymous on:
2008-06-12
The food here is always very good. The walnut shrimp is amazing. I especially like dishes with a bit of spiciness - they make it the way you want it. Kids love lemon chicken - Adults like Happy Family, and the Mai Tai's are the best ever! On a cold day, have the wor wonton mein soup; excellent!?
AVG:(5.0)
