Royal Garden Chinese Rstrnt

Doesn't Recommend

Hawaii Diner

Joined 3 years ago

Celebrating a High School Graduation. May 22, 2010 Honolulu, Hawai’i: We celebrated our nephew's graduation from Radford High School at the Royal Garden Chinese Restaurant on the 3rd floor of

the Ala Moana Hotel.

My wife and I had dined at this restaurant a few times over the last year or so and enjoyed our food very much; a little expensive but nonetheless - good food! The service has never been anything to brag about, nor is the staff very friendly, but it was the food that kept us coming back.

This Saturday night was to be our last. With 6 adults and 1 small child in our party, we ordered lots of food and enjoyed our selections. Unfortunately the service was worse than poor; it was horrible!

We received one dish at a time. We ate nearly the entire dish before they delivered the next. Eventually (and near the end of the meal) our "double order" of fried rice was finally served (even though it was ordered much earlier along with other selections). It was good, but everything else had already been eaten. Would have been nice to enjoy the rice with our other selections.

During the meal, my wife complained to some of the other waiters assisting the head waiter.... more than once! No change in service or attitude.

When it should have been apparent we had finished with the main meal, we weren't even offered desserts.

We had food left over and requested "take out" containers. The head waiter brought them to us and placed the containers DIRECTLY ON TOP OF THE FRIED RICE!!! Unbelievable! I'm serious.... literally right on top of the food!

When leaving, my wife complained to the manager, Ian Tam, who assured us we would receive "better service next time"... and seemed more interested in getting complaining customers out of his restaurant (so others wouldn't hear) than being sincerely apologetic for the poor service. How arrogant of him to assume we would return!

Had this place been really busy (since it was graduation season and a Saturday evening) ... we might be a little more understanding or tolerant, but it was nearly empty. We've never seen "so few" diners in this place. In past visits they were packed wall to wall with diners. Based on this visit, I now know why.

Usually we're willing to tolerate mediocre service, not-so-friendly staff, or even being a little expensive.... but we're finished with this place! With 6 adults in the party, the bill came to $197+. Maybe good service costs extra.