Jinlan Chinese Restaurant

Reviews

• Sara C.

  star star star star star_border 31 May 2026

  Holy time warp! My first thoughts upon sitting down for lunch were that we were in a scene from The Godfather, or The Sopranos, or Inglorious Basterds. Like, we should definitely have a cigarette lit and maybe have a gun cocked between our legs. (There was actually a sign by our table that read "no smoking".)
  
  I am a fan of the dingy-ness, and the old menus, the non-ironicness of it all, and honestly, I'm also a fan of the fact that this place has been open for so long and only has 13 reviews on yelp. Also, apparently Keanu Reeves filmed some movie here?
  
  The drink menu really scored big with me. Most of the featured drinks were "in style" about 30 years ago, and I doubt seriously that the staff knows how to make them. But maybe they do. Either way, it makes me a little excited. The wine list was incomprehensible, but when I asked for a chardonnay, that was not listed, they said "okay". Nice!
  
  The food was actually pretty good, if a bit typical American-Chinese fare. I asked to add crispy tofu to my Veggie Lo Mein, and they were willing to do so.... and it was delicious! Although, I was a bit disappointed that there weren't more veggie offerings considering Chinese food is very veggie-versatile.
  
  A few of my lunch buddies thought that their meals were a bit greasy, but I did not have the same experience.
  
  Jinlan was a totally unexpected gem. On my own accord, I would never choose a restaurant like this for lunch, but I am very glad this was where we went.

• Brandon A.

  star star star star star 30 May 2026

  My gf brought me here for the first time and I loved it from the beginning. The decorations are old school Chinese which I love. The staff was very friendly and quick with our order. We split the poo poo platter which was a show in itself! Trying different varieties of food with it such as dumplings, eggrolls, fried shrimp, etc. and to top it off (literally) put the seasoned beef skewer on top of the flaming cole, soooooo good. Then we split the half Peking Duck which came with the plum sauce that is out of this world, along with splitting Dragon and Pheonix platter that came with real rooster tail, chicken and broccoli!!! Amazing!!!! best yet the process were cheap! I heart this place with a passion now!

• Margaret B.

  star star star star_border star_border 28 May 2026

  I'm having a mix feeling about this restaurant. My friend and I came in here to waste some times and try something new since we have an hour until my next appointment. Walking in, I was impressed by the decoration. It's beautiful and the room is empty ( still pretty early for lunch.) service was fast and we enjoyed our appetizers. The pan fried dumplings were good, but I wish it cooked both side because you can tell by the color, one side has color and the other side is plain white. My friend gets unsweetened ice every restaurant she goes to, and she said this one is plain and doesn't taste like ice tea she ever had. The noodles were greasy and not much flavor in it. The price is very reasonable seeing the portion of the food. If you're looking for a good quality food, this may not be a place for you but if you're looking for quantity with decent prices then it's a good place. All in all, may or may not be back. There's really nothing that I really wanted to try so.

• Diane L.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 27 May 2026

  Inconsistent..
  The first time we went here, it was really good. Surprisingly good.
  Pan fried dumplings were wonderful, egg rolls delicious, Sesame Chicken good and Beef and Broccoli was amazing.
  Service was good.
  
  Second time we went... Not so much,
  Seems like they had a tour bus of people that came in and we suffered the consequences for it.
  Dumplings were greasy.
  Egg rolls were not as good.,
  The Almond Boneless Chicken.. AVOID at all costs. It was chicken and vegetables in some sort of congealed sauce with a handful of almonds tossed on top.
  We were the only table in there besides this tour group and we were there first so, I am thinking we got the shaft because they were focusing on the group.

• Emily R.

  star star star star star 26 May 2026

  Some of the best Chinese food I've had in Buffalo, for sure. I wouldn't call myself a Chinese food connoisseur, mostly due to the fact that I don't like what the "usual" places in Buffalo serve (questionable meat, etc). My husband introduced me to Jinlan and it's safe to say I'm hooked. We usually get the chicken and broccoli (sometimes with beef instead of chicken), and the chicken with cashews - I am currently obsessed with this meal and have had a hard time restraining myself from ordering it weekly. The chicken actually looks like chicken. Weird, right?!
  
  We always get takeout, and my husband was always the one to pick it up. I picked up our order a few weeks ago and was almost speechless when I saw the interior; it is a total time warp, and I don't say that in a negative way... but it's different! Doesn't look like much has changed in a few decades, and that's alright by me. Our food has been consistently good and that's what matters. We plan to dine in with friends in the next couple weeks, I look forward to that experience!