Chongwei C.
Yelp
Last weekend, I went to Meizhou Dongpo Irvine with my family, and overall the experience was pretty good. It's one of the few places in Southern California where you can get reasonably authentic Sichuan cuisine and roast duck. The restaurant is located next to Diamond Jamboree, with fairly convenient parking. The space is large, elegantly decorated, and brightly lit--kind of like a high-end Sichuan restaurant in China. The staff are professional and speak both Mandarin and English well.
We ordered three main dishes: roast duck, pine nut mandarin fish, and spicy chicken (lazi ji).
The roast duck was the highlight of the meal. The chef carved it tableside, and the process was neat and professional. The skin was crispy, the meat tender, and wrapping it in pancakes with sweet bean sauce, scallions, and cucumber was just perfect. The duck was flavorful but not greasy, with a good fat-to-meat ratio. Overall, it was comparable to what you'd find in Beijing and definitely one of the better roast ducks you can get in the U.S.
The pine nut mandarin fish looked great and had a crisp exterior, but it fell a bit short compared to versions in China. The sauce was slightly sweet, the fish not as tender, and the flavor a bit muted. If you haven't tried it in China, it might still taste good, but it's not particularly impressive.
The spicy chicken (lazi ji) was a pleasant surprise. The chicken pieces were crispy outside, juicy inside, with a moderate level of spiciness. The aroma of Sichuan peppercorns was strong but not overwhelming, and it was very appetizing. It was actually the fastest dish to disappear from the table.
We also ordered cold appetizers--wood ear mushrooms and cucumber slices--which were refreshing. Service was good, with the staff attentive about refilling tea and clearing plates. The price is on the higher side, around $60-$70 per person, but considering the environment, service, and the quality of the roast duck, it's worth it.
Overall, although the menu and flavors are slightly "dated" or not very innovative compared to China, Meizhou Dongpo Irvine still ranks among the better Chinese restaurants in Irvine. The roast duck is a must-order, the spicy chicken is a pleasant surprise, and the pine nut mandarin fish is just okay. The environment is comfortable, and the service is professional--suitable for family dinners or hosting guests.