Chef Lee

I have to agree with Beth’s review that Chef Lee’s used to be our go-​to Chinese restaurant, but… got take-​out there last night and it was TERRIBLE! The spring rolls were doughy — not cripsy at all — the Chinese noodles were (like hers were) STALE — so stale that the soup didn’t even help cover the stale taste! The dumplings in the Wonton soup were nothing but dough — no filling AND… the «Happy Family» main course… my husband and I both felt like we were going to throw up in the midst of eating it! We were SO disappointed! We have always enjoyed the restaurant — eat in or take out — and like Danny V. says we so want to see a local place stay for a change! But… if this one continues like this… We will give it another try and hope they were just having a bad night.

I used to love Chef Lee and ate there weekly for lunch. I really want to like it but lately the quality does not seem the same. Stale Chinese noodles, sharp tasting tea and very ordinary food. Also, I have food sensitivities and wonder if they use MSG now but didn’t in the past? I am having trouble finding anything I can eat there, not knowing what’s in it. Also, I have always wished they would offer brown rice but so far, no. Hoping they will be more conscientious about quality in the future.

I am a local who has lived at Lake Anna for 25 years. I can’t tell you how many dozens of start up restaurants I’ve watched over the years try to survive yet not make it in this seasonal resort area. Chef Lee’s is one that has been here for just over 3 years and definitely isn’t going anywhere! I pickup take out food from here twice a week (including last night) and I think it is hands down the BEST Chineese food I’ve ever had! If there was one comment I would make that might be seen as a negative to some, it would be that their dinner prices are realistically $ 3 per entrée high. I would much rather Chef Lee charge the extra 3 bucks so he will continue to remain in business here at Lake Anna versus closing his doors as so many restaurants around here have done. Chef Lee is a smart business man as he realizes that he must command a bit more money during the busy 6 months out of the year to carry the business through the dead Winter months. Tourist to the area must keep in mind that although the Lake may seem crazy busy to them now, during the Summer months, but when I walk into Chef Lee’s in February in the height of Winter, there can be times when there isn’t a single customer in the place — yet his gorgeous, recently built, spotlessly clean restaurant is always fully staffed with at least 6 employees there at all times and the food is just as fresh and delicious then as it is when there are 50 dine in customers seated and a line of carry out customers waiting to pick up their orders.. I seldom write reviews, but after reading some of the negative reviews about Lee which several were no doubt written by non locals that live in highly populated areas with competitive Chineese restaurant on every block offering entrees for $ 5.95, I felt it was worth my time to share my opinion of Chef Lee’s restaurant and try to explain that Lee charges what he must in order to be here for them next year when they hook up their boats and drive down to Lake Anna and don’t feel like driving 60 miles round trip up to town just to satisfy their dinner urge for Chineese cuisine. Hint: For those of you trying to save the $ 3, order Chef Lee’s «Lunch Special» as the portion size is almost the exact same as the «dinner» portion! In case you’re wondering what this «local’s» favorite entrée is (which I order 80% of the time) WITHOUT A DOUBT IT’S…GENERAL TSO’S CHICKEN!!! Mmmmmm Gooooood!

The waitress wanted to refill my son’s cup in the bathroom. Overpriced food considering the mediocre quality. They are not friendly to people of color.

Tonight the food was perfect! I like the Walnut Shrimp. My husband was very happy with the Cashew Chichen. Was so good! There are not a lot of choices in Mineral Va. Thank god this man decided to put his business here! There is hope for us foodies in the country.

We waited forever had to ask for lemon repeatedly, Waited about 45 min for our main course. My General tso’s chicken was barely warm with cold broccoli on the side. My husband had shrimp egg foo young that was not much warmer and flavorless. When we said we wanted our check for the egg rolls and were leaving, the manager came over to our table looked at our food said oh okay and walked away. as we waited to pay the ten dollar bill, He said to my husband you leave because you don’t have money to pay for your food… Seriously messed up… We would have just chalked it up to a bad night but after being treated so poorly we will not be back…

Food ok, not great. Shrimp and scallops had 1 scallop in it… C’mon man! Plenty of water chestnuts tho. Ok for a quick bite when you don’t want to cook. That or there’s always pizza next door.

Was very disappointed, I had moo goo gai pan, very bland. My husband had the Kew dinner it wasn’t very appetizing either. $ 50 down the drain.

Pretty decent Chinese food, especially for being the only one in the area and for being in the middle of nowhere. I called in our large order for pickup and the employee who answered was very friendly. Our food was already waiting for us, which was nice. It is a small establishment in a strip mall. Once we arrived, we forgot to order one more item off the menu. We put the additional order in and the employee notified us that it would take 10+ minutes but it came out in 5 min. We had ordered so much food and they got the order completely right. Love it! We ordered cashew chicken, chicken lo mein, general tso chicken, chicken wings, and crab rangoon. Everything was delicious! The only «complaint» my husband made was that the general tso chicken wasn’t spicy enough. Besides that, everything from the friendly service to the food was wonderful!

Didn’t feel like cooking so we got take out after a great weekend on the water. We got Gen Chicken lo mein egg rolls won ton soup and crab won tons. It was all great and fresh the portions were
Huge. Definitely go for the lunch specials!

Typical American Chinese cuisine. Expensive too unless you come for their lunch combination platter.
I had the moo shu chicken which came with the authentic wraps and hoisin sauce. It was pretty good. My husband had the sweet and sour chicken which was made right. The egg drop and hot and sour soups were alright but kind of watery.
Overall, we were impressed seeing this place is in rural Lake Anna. Otherwise, it’s not too much different than other American Chinese restaurants we have tried.

The only chinese restaurant that my picky boyfriend eats. He loves the beef and broccoli. All their food is good, the place is clean and the service is great. It’s also convienient after a whole day of fishing at lake anna being that its so close to the marina where we stay at.

This is one of the best places I’ve ever been. This by far is the cleanest place I have ever seen. The staff is friendly and inviting. The food is incredible! The crispy chicken is addictive.

I love this restaurant! Their food has always been good since I discovered it at the begining of this year and I keep going back. The portions are perfect. If you like shrimp try the walnut shimp. It is very sweet but so good! The service is very good as well. It is out of the way for me but well worth visiting.

Excellent food and service. What a terrific add for the Lake Anna area

I have eaten here twice when we go to Lake Anna to take care of boat but OMG Sauce out of can… soup…rice…you name it they are all BAD! Egg roll wrapper is not cooked all the way when you order eggroll. Chicken dish are not for human consumption here… just bad cooking on Hispanic cook not taught by skilled chinese cheff. Panda express is better than this… I am dead serious.

Had a great dine-​in experience. Great Chinese dishes in a pleasing atmosphere.

Have only had carry out from here, but it was very good. Some of the best chinese I had in a long time.
My in-law’s speak highly of the owners and dining experience. I will definitely be ordering from here again.