O'Mei Chinese Cuisine

When I go out to eat, I expect to pay a lot for my meal. I also expect to get a lot of food for that money. I'm a bit of a foodie and only want the best. Well, this place did deliver a great meal that I really enjoyed, only the portion was so small that I left feeling hungry still. The price wasn't worth the meal. However, the ambiance is very nice. more

This isn't a typical Chinese restaurant. The dishes are unique and the food is fresh and crisp. \r \r The price is well worth the quality. Plates can be as low as $8 and some higher. \r \r This is one of the best restaurants in Santa Cruz. more

O'mei has been my very favorite restaurant for easily twenty years. Every aspect of O'mei is quality - from the impeccable service (often the waitstaff amazes me by memorizing my order), to the fresh food, seasonal menus in accordance with what's locally fresh and available, and the wide array of intense flavors. I always begin with the red oil dumplings, which must always be a large order (at least); move over, potstickers, these little gems are addictive. They're hot, but very pleasantly so - you can feel the endorphins kick in - and the heat doesn't mask the distinct chili flavor of the oil, which contrasts so perfectly with the mild dumplings. (Go ahead, try to be cool with chopsticks with these slippery little devils). Before these arrive, your waitperson will offer you a variety of small dishes - sesame cashews, marinated seaweed, among several other delicacies. Every dish I've had here is always very fresh - the flavor of the crisply tender asparagus is only accentuated by the black bean sauce, not covered by it, and the pungency of the rosemary brings taste buds to life when grilled with the chicken. A staple in my diet is O'mei's gan pung chicken; no one has ever come close to perfecting this dish like they have. Tender, crispy chicken combined with an indescribable sweet/spicy sauce - lots of sweet garlic and shreds of black mushrooms make this dish a must-have. Don't expect to order artificially red sweet and sour pork here, and you won't get fried won tons. Think fresh food, huge variety, lots of veggies, expertly made and presented, all with an Asian flair, and that's O'mei. Pros: Best Asian food anywhere, excellent service Cons: Better save up - you can't order just one dish more

I found the food and service terrible. When I didn't know too much about the restaurant I decided to check it out. My girlfriend came along also. We found ourselves waiting for an extended amount of time to be seated. Then when we finally got our meal it was cold. They brought out a hot dish 17 minutes later. By that time I was ready to leave! Pros: nice look Cons: food, service more

Located in a strip mall on the north end of town, this restaurant is often overlooked. Go inside and it's beautiful. The food is just outstanding! I love the little bowls of appetisers; they tease your palatte for what's to come. My biggest dissappointment are their potstickers. All of the other dishes that I've ever had have been excellent. The service is pretty good; not steller, but good. The secret for getting seated in a timely fashion is to make reservations. Pros: food, honor reservations Cons: wait getting seated, potstickers more

I have eaten at this restaurant for years and am NEVER disappointed - knowledgable wait staff and incredible food that is of the highest standards. more

O'Mei sets an unique setting for Chinese dining. It's on the outskirts of Santa Cruz on Mission Street. O'Mei successfully serves cuisine from different provinces of China. Enjoy the small plates (appetizers). Everything is excellent. Pros: Parking, Romantic, Quiet more

The food is incredible, along with the wine and beer selection, ambience and service. Not a cheap place to eat but good for a nice night out. more