Canton Too - Coral Gables

Before the current owners took over, this historic Oriental restaurant was very popular. I can confidently say that for the past 30 years, we have been dining there at least once or twice a month. The restaurant is clean, comfortable, and quiet, boasting an excellent wine list and a wide variety of fresh, intriguing dishes. The famous sizzling steak is especially noteworthy, filling the air with delightful aromas that attract any fan of Oriental cuisine. The waitstaff is experienced, efficient, and well-versed in the menu. Over all these years, I can honestly say that I have never had a meal that fell short of my expectations; they consistently provide exceptional dining experiences.

As someone new to Coral Gables, I was on the lookout for excellent Asian cuisine, and I was truly impressed by the gourmet quality of the dishes. The food was incredible, and I also appreciated the family-style plates, allowing everyone to share and savor a variety of menu items.

The food is decent. If you're in a bind and craving Chinese cuisine, you can give it a try. However, the dishes I tried, like the vegetable fried rice, honey chicken, and egg drop soup, were a bit bland. The spare ribs and egg rolls were also too greasy for my taste. I haven't found a fantastic Chinese restaurant in the Gables, and I really don’t want to drive all the way to South Garden on Miller, which I believe is the best option!

Now, I know some people think all Chinese food is the same, but that's not the case here. Canton in the Gables also offers a full traditional Japanese menu, which is quite good. If you decide to dine in, take a moment to look around—you’ll notice lots of Chinese customers enjoying their meals, which speaks volumes about its authenticity. Plus, a dim sum lady circulates, offering delightful appetizers. And here's my must-try recommendation: the Canton steak! It’s a massive, tender cut of beef cooked to perfection, served with a delicious gravy. In short, it’s outstanding. The prices are reasonable, and while it’s not overly fancy, it’s absolutely worth the trip or a quick phone call.

The hot and sour soup I tried tasted nothing like the hot and sour soup I'm familiar with. The special fried rice and special lo mein were both very bland. This lack of flavor extended to all the ingredients, including the chicken, shrimp, and BBQ pork. We ordered Chilean wine but were served Argentinean wine instead. It's disappointing to see such poor representation of Oriental cuisine, especially as someone who identifies with it. This experience could leave a first-time visitor with a very wrong impression of Chinese food. I truly don't understand how this restaurant has remained in business for over 20 years when the food is so unappetizing. The soup was tasteless, but I drank it out of hunger. We will definitely be avoiding this restaurant in the future.