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Yangming
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Classy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
71 reviews for Yangming
Review Highlights
"I would say if your looking for the best in Yang Ming."
(in 7 reviews)
"The peking duck was tender and delicous."
(in 9 reviews)
"the chocolate covered fortune cookies are fun."
(in 4 reviews)
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71 reviews in English
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Review from Olivia W.
Manhattan, NY
9/25/2011
Yaayyy!!! Yangming is the best!
Yangming routinely wins the 'Best Chinese Restaurant in America' from the 'Top 100 Chinese Restaurant Awards.' http://www.youtube.com...
I don't think Yangming is the best ' authentic Chinese restaurant in America', but I DO think its the best 'Chinese restaurant for Americans.' The cuisine is a fusion of East meets West. The chefs incorporate Chinese cooking techniques with a contemporary American twist. The result is great. I highly recommend it! -
Review from Alex P.
12/26/2011
Yangming is a hot spot on the main line. Especially on Friday and Saturday nights. I'll admit that I go at least once a month, but I really don't understand the hype. Its good, but its not THAT good. Its always crowded and the parking lot is a disaster area.
The dumplings, eggplant, and chicken with cashews are my favorites. The food is technically Chinese food, but its not really authentic, or at least it certainly has been Americanized. I think its just over priced, greasy food and an excuse to get dressed up. (why do people get so dressed up here!?) -
Review from Steve T.
11/28/2011
Close your eyes and imagine a hip, tastefully decorated restaurant serving authentic Chinese food without the hint of MSG.
Now open them...yes, you are not at Yangming.
Perhaps if you were to travel back to the mid '90's you would be more at home here, as it really hasn't been touched in the many years I've been a patron.
So..why do I keep coming back? Consistent, good American style Chinese food with generous takeout portions that will enable you to eat Lo Mein for breakfast (admit it...you do it too). Service is solid and the place runs like clockwork. Do they use MSG? I don't know, but this stuff is strangely addictive and you had best make sure you have a full glass of water on your nightstand, because you'll be waking up at 2:00AM with the Sahara Desert in your mouth.
Anyway, I'm a happy private in General Tso's army...Listed in: Main Line Dine...the Fine and…
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Review from Clara L.
10/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Sorry, work has kept me busy....
3.5 stars.
Suburban white people are weird. I don't understand why this place is rated so high as the Best Chinese Restaurant in America. These rankings, just like US News reports, have a good amount of politics. This restaurant looks like an early 90s Holiday Inn Lounge with overpriced Chinese food that I can get in Chinatown for half the price any day. Clearly, this is a place for people who never had 'real' Chinese food.
I had their Chef's Surprise meal. Decent deal for their overpriced menu. $36 per person, 2 person minimum
Starter:
Appetizer sampler of Veggie Spring Roll, Coconut Shrimp and Meat Wonton. Coconut Shrimp was pan seared which was (slightly) different and served with extremely potent horseradish dipping sauce. Others were pretty standard.
It came with an asian pear salad which was very good. (So simple! Asian Pear, olive oil, rice wine vinegar, salt, microgreens) haha... these chefs are gonna hunt me down for giving away their secrets. I can't help that I have a good palate.
Soup: Standard Seafood soup with corn.
Dinner:
(2 entrees!
Filet Mignon with Basil Sauce
The star of the night. Delicious!! I wish they didn't kill the meat, though, it was slightly tough, which is a shame. Would have liked it medium rare.
Soft Shell Crab, Hong Kong Style
served with garlic noodles.
Crab was good.. breaded and deepfried with seasalt and cracked black pepper (how could it not be?). Noodles were overdone.
Dessert:
AWESOME!
each person received 3 mini desserts: Chocolate hazelnut cake, which was my favorite, Lemon mousse tart, and Tiramisu. My friend and I took it to go because we were too full at this point.
You get a Dark chocolate fortune-cookie to end the meal.
So, overall the place has pretty solid food with a some added flair that Americans like. Not the best Chinese food meal I've ever eaten in my life. But I guess if I were so limited as to think that Chinese food was just MSG ridden Deep Fried Mystery Meat with that ubiquitous Red Sauce, I would think it was the best, too. -
Review from Aude R.
Bryn Mawr, PA
12/7/2011
The entrees may be around $20.00+ , but we never got out for less then a 100 dollars. They even charged my kids 5.00 for Shirley Temples!
The food is decent but overly rated. Nice plating. -
Review from Joe S.
Bryn Mawr, PA
12/22/2011
"One of 100 top chinese resteraunts in America" line is a bit overdone, but this is excellent Chinese. You always get a consistently delicous meal here with an excellent staff and nice ambiance including a piano player. So why four stars and not five? Only because of price. This is the Main Line and you should be decently dressed to go here. That's great and I'm in that mood sometimes. However, you'd struggle to find a place where you'd pay more for a similar quality meal w/drinks. Of course for similar quality food you have to go to Chinatown ... nice thing there is that it's a dinner in jeans with a $3 chinese bottled beer. My solution .... takeout ...... more than your other chinese takeout BUT .... this food is delicous .... remember .... and you get your own wine and beer :-)
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Review from Andrew K.
Bryn Mawr, PA
12/17/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Deserving of it's reputation as one of the best Chinese restaurants in the country. The food is fabulous; I've never had something there I didn't like. They recently added a special szechuan menu that is SPICY and delicious. Atmosphere and service are equal in quality with the food. Not a bad thing to say.
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Review from Richard S.
Philadelphia, PA
1/2/2012
This has to be my first review as this is the first restaurant I remember going to (thanks, Nana and Pop-Pop). I won't say everything on the menu is outstanding, nor are the dishes particularly great values, but if you are looking for a fusion-tinged take on Chinese cuisine and are willing to pay a premium, you will not be disappointed.
My go-to's are the Chinese Pizza (definitely has gotten smaller over the years - or maybe I've just gotten bigger -but being crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside and so no less delicious) and the Angel Hair with Spicy Sesame Sauce (noodles with long pieces of shredded carrot and cucumber with a delectable sesame sauce).
Last time I was here was on Christmas for take out, so the food is still pretty fresh in my mind's mouth. The Spicy Szechuan Chicken I ordered was nutty with a bit of heat.
I've also had the Spicy Veal Ravioli and the Mongolian Lamb over the last 12 months - both were about worth the money. Can't recall any deserts.
The service I've had when I've ate in has been consistently good, bordering on outstanding (a waiter who I hadn't seen in years, after learning I'm majoring in Biology, was talking to me about bio-medical research his son was doing - but seriously they have attentive service without being too overbearing).
I'm aware nostalgia has affected my review of this place, which is why my 4.5 is rounding up instead of down, but even when I've gone recently it has yet to disappoint. Plus, half-chocolate-covered fortune cookies go great with the check. -
Review from carrie l.
LAFAYETTE HL, PA
Updated - 1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
EPIC chinese food! best in PA. my favorite dish is the "VERY SPICY GUN POWDER SHRIMP"!!! AMAAAAAAAZING! drooool =)***
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/25/2011
EPIC chinese food! the SHRIMP with CHILE powder is amazing...I think I could eat two whole orders. I… Read more »
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Review from Ryan G.
Huntingdon Valley, PA
12/24/2011
This place is an absolute crime! I have never had such pathetic service in my life. After waiting 30 minutes over our reservation time, they put us upstairs in the banquet room.We were overflow to them. You might as well tag a number on us. The service at the table was offensively bad! We waited 30 minutes to order and then an hour for appetizers. They took an hour to bring out crispy noodles to go with our multiple refills of water. I thought we were at a water bar.the food came out it was some of the worst Chinese food I have ever had. I personally love Chinese food and make a lot of the same dished at home. It was very salty and the flavor was bland. Please if you like good Chinese food do not go here. I will never believe a ratings from zagat again. What a joke!!!
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Review from Alison P.
Philadelphia, PA
12/22/2011
I've eaten at Yangming a few times recently, including last night, and if you're out on the Mainline it is definitely worth stopping into for dinner. Like many Yelpers have noted, it is Americanized Chinese food, but with more flare (I am constantly in Chinatown and would head there if you're looking for something more authentic). I love that everything at Yangming comes to your table properly spiced-- I needed and got constant water refills! My favorites of the night were the pan-fried pork dumplings and the Chinese Eggplant in Spicy Thai Basil sauce (I asked for more eggplant and no tofu, because the eggplant is that good). Other hits were the Spicy Wild-Peppered Lamb and the spicy veal ravioli. The service was pretty good, as we were a larger party of six, and had what we needed at pretty much all times. I love that at the end of the night they bring dark chocolate dipped fortune cookies-- much better than your typical variety! The menu is certainly a bit pricey. The location and interior is not superb, but worth looking into the history of the building, very longstanding and interesting!
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Review from Emilio M.
Havertown, PA
Dan dan noodles are spicy but soo good. The cumin lamb is awesome. Dumplings two ways & spicy sake shrimp, great. i have never had a bad meal here. it has been a favorite for over 15 years and still going strong.
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Review from Stephen B.
Narberth, PA
5/13/2011
There's Chinese food then there's Yangming. The food is simply wonderful. I started with the hot and sour soup. It was not overly sweet which I have come to expect of many Chinese places. For the main course I ordered the shrimp with honey walnuts and the Asian pear ceasar salad with chicken. Color me one happy customer.
Okay, now something about the service - that is a 3 star. The food came out lightning fast but lacked that personal charm. Eh, I can deal with it. I'll go back. -
Review from Steve P.
Conshohocken, PA
3/15/2011
This place is very good but a little overrated to say the least. I read somewhere it was voted the best Asian Restaurant in the country.....GTFO of here!
Pricey but has never truly disappointed. Service is solid as well. Good spot to pimp out snooty Villanova chicks, as they will really be aroused by the stuffy nature of this place.
Personally I much prefer their sister property in Chestnut Hill, Cin Cin. A little more relaxed and more reasonable prices. -
Review from Jessica P R.
Ardmore, PA
4/25/2011
We had reservations and were seated right on time (despite arriving 15 minutes early). The hostesses and [what I assume was the] manager were arguing in front of everyone waiting in the front. It was appalling. We were seated right by the kitchen, so the loud and inappropriate staff communication continued throughout our dinner.
Once seated, it took a while for a waiter to come over. It took a while for us to get our drinks, and then a while to get our app, then a while to get our dinner.
Food was good, but the dining room was a tight squeeze and the service was pretty bad. It will be a while before I return (if I return at all). -
Review from Cici B.
3/13/2011
Overrated, abysmal service, and extremely salty and unauthentic food. I don't understand the hype surrounding this restaurant. It did not live up to its reputation whatsoever. Granted, decor was above average for a Chinese restaurant...but other than that, I have nothing positive to say.
Came to the restaurant about an hour or so before closing time. My boyfriend and I were pleasantly surprised that there were still a couple of patrons inside but noticeably were all Caucasian. Immediately we had a feeling that they probably served "Americanized Chinese food." Still, we remained hopeful and did not let that cloud our judgment before tasting the food for ourselves.
Once you open the menu, confusion sets in. There are actually 3 separate menus: one taped behind the front cover featuring additional "fusion" appetizers; "Chef Zhang's specialties" on the inside of the back cover; and the regular menu itself. For a fine dining restaurant, the menus should have been consolidated for cohesion. [None of the other 2 menus are featured online.]
We opted to try a dish from all 3 menus.
Spicy crispy chicken taco roll: the only food that was not over salted. Tasted decent but I do not see the Chinese influence at all. Looked exactly like a burrito from Taco Bell but with garnish - something I would not be willing to pay $8.50 for.
Seafood in a flower basket: thank goodness there were vegetables because every piece of seafood was coated in sauce. So much sodium and the lobster tail was cut up into quarters to make the dish look more substantial....
Chongqing pepper chicken: this was from "Chef Zhang's" menu so we thought it would be more authentic than the rest of the menu. NOT! The chicken was WAY over salted to the point that I could not eat it anymore. We asked the waiter if it the dish is usually this oversalted. He said that the taste is authentic and the "regular" way to make it. He did not apologize once and was even reluctant to take the dish back. Authentic? Who are you trying to kid? I've been to Chongqing and they would NEVER serve that dish at a restaurant and call it "authentic." The attitude of the waiter was appalling and he didn't even bother to bring the dish back when it was remade. He had to order another waiter to serve us the new dish.
For the price you pay, and the recognition the restaurant has garnered, I definitely came with high expectations. I am not going back unless all I wanted to eat was salt and soy sauce. Would you like some food with all that sodium? Don't waste your time here. You'll have much better luck in Chinatown. All you're paying for at Yangming is the pretentious decor. -
Review from lauren s.
Bala Cynwyd, PA
2/1/2011
So Yang Ming was recently voted #1 in the Top 100 Overall Excellence category of Chinese restaurants in America by China Restaurant News.
America's best Chinese restaurant, in other words. By what criteria, you should ask. I'm sure I don't know.
Yang Ming was ranked #1 ahead of: Asia Restaurant in Allentown (14); Chinatown Buffet in Dover (42), and Wok Chinese Restaurant, at 16th and Walnut here in Philly (28). It's possible that Pot Stickers Asian Grill in Newark, Delaware is actually the 63rd best Asian restaurant in the US. But I doubt it.
http://top100.chinesem...
Fifteen of the restaurants on the list are buffets. C'mon. Buffets?
I finally ate at Yang Ming tonight. The restaurant was packed for the Chinese New Year lion dance, but I only saw a handful of Asians-other than the staff.
The food was American Chinese / "fusion". The dumplings we had were "house made", but with commercially-produced wrappers and the edges were dry. Maybe they sat too long before steaming. The entrees were heavy on the cornstarch sauces. There were few vegetable dishes on the menu. And no live seafood to choose from. How can this be considered the best--and from an Asian community authority?
I have eaten exquisite Chinese food in San Francisco and New York. I find Yang Ming's status on this list disappointing if not downright embarrassing. -
Review from Eugene B.
Philadelphia, PA
5/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
So my wife and I decided to check this place out for her bday. Upon driving up to the place, we found no parking and drove around the block until we found some street parking. The interior is nice, but compared to other Chinese restaurants, that's not hard to beat. It's no Tao (Vegas or NYC). It was filled with snooty old folks from the Villanova area....anyway off of my soapbox.
We started off with the tuna tacos and dim sum sampler. Both were good. The taco reminded me of something you can get out in Cali. For our entree my wife had the orange beef and I had the mustard coconut shrimp. I definitely preferred my wife's dish over mine but it was still ok. I have to agree with some of the yelpers when they mention that service is horrible!
Overrated is the right choice of words here...not Best Chinese Restaurant in the US -
Review from Anthony C.
Havertown, PA
9/14/2011
The rack of lamb will have you come back for more. It's a nice place to go after a open house for your son's school (Haverford Boys School)
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Review from Sam H.
3/1/2011
You better have reservations or you'll be waiting a long time. The Peking duck is tasty and not greasy. The other dishes, such as spicy shredded beef, scallops and beef and the Mongolian beef were seasoned well.
The odd thing I found that I was slightly disappointed was I found the food to not be hot (temperature) enough.
While many raved about the food, I still prefer the food you find in the better Chinatown restaurants. -
Review from Jan K.
Bala Cynwyd, PA
1/16/2011
I just came back from a late Sunday lunch (dinner menu) with my family. Daughter does not like hot spicy stuff, so it was a good compromise over a pure Szechun place.
Traditional apps (crispy spring roll, steamed pork dumplings) were excellent. Pricing was on a par with typical Chinese takeout in the area. Dumplings were obviously made in-house and just the right thickness of dough, Dan Dan noodles were VERY well-spiced, and hot, adorned with a few flecks of cilantro. The noodles were thinner than typical Dan Dan, but the whole dish was not too far off those I had at Han Dynasty recently.
Daughter ordered Spicy Orange beef (which they made mild to her tastes.) Son had Szechuan Sesame chicken. Wife and I ordered from the additional Chef's Szechuan dishes. She had a lamb in chili oil served in a cast iron pot. It was nice, but she does not really care for the anise of five-spice, though I did not find the favor prevalent. I ordered a dish I had eaten recently at Han for comparison - Spicy chicken with dry peppers. The chunks were a bit larger, and thus not quite as crispy as the version at Han, and were a bit saltier (due to the rub, they were coated with prior to frying.) Not at all greasy, and though maybe not quite up to the Han Dynasty version, more than acceptable. This was served on a bed of bok choy.
Both white and brown rice were provided without asking.
Service was excellent, water and ice tea refilled constantly during the meal. Waiters were polite, but casual, and even joked around quite a bit. Certainly not the surly types I have seen complained about here.
Bill, including tip, was just over $100. This would likely have been quite a bit less at lunch, but was very fair for a white-table cloth atmosphere. Yang MIng is pretty classy compared to most Chinese joints, and IMO very fairly priced.
I would certainly return. The table next to us was having carved-at-the-table Peking Duck which they have available without a reservation. At 18.50 for a half, it looked like a bargain.
For this area of the Main Line, I can't complain. Even the fortune cookies were better-than-average. -
Review from Emmett M.
Four stars for ambiance and food flavor, but it loses a star for being a bit pricey. Luckily, the superb waiter service I had brings it back up: 3.5 STARS, with an inclination to round up.
Upon entering the fairly empty dinning room at 1:30 PM on the weekday we came, I was very surprised to find a very fancy interior, because it's not what I've come to expect from Chinese takeout spots; white linens and dark woodwork abound, water glasses never below three quarters full, classical music in the background (even though it was only Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 for Piano repeating every 9 minutes; it happens to be one of my favorite songs, so I didn't mind)... it all just seemed very la-di-da for some Sweet & Sour Chicken (though they do get a little fancier with the dinner menu).
Started with the Steamed Pork Dumplings and they were average, served with a pleasantly salty and mildly spicy dipping sauce (plum or soy sauce mixture? I don't really know except that I liked it). Moved on to the main course with the lady's Tiger Shrimp & Beef from the list of specials glued inside the menu and my Spicy Orange Beef. She raved about her meal, and the beef was cooked exactly to her desired medium rare, plus there were mixed vegetables aplenty on the plate. If m'lady were forced to gripe about anything, it would be that the dish only came with two small pieces of shrimp. My beef was just okay, because the battering and frying caused it to take on the taste of battered and fried anything; if not for the texture and the fact that I ordered it (and, I guess, if I was blindfolded as well), I might never have known I was eating bovine. Another weak point for my meal was that the orange flavor was practically imperceptible, unless you bit into a piece of zest, and the heat would be what I generously call mild. The take home food I purchased was General Tso, and I must admit that it was one of the better renditions I've had, what with it's spicy sweetness and tender chunks, especially because they didn't taint the flavor and avoided another broccoli related death by not adding that poison; as we all know, it's one of the deadliest plants on Earth, and tries to warn us itself with its terrible taste.
Desert was a big win for my lady, but when it comes to chocolate mouse pie with a crust made from chocolate ganache and toffee, there is almost no way it wouldn't be. A very nice touch they do here that I think all other places should copy was the fortune cookies dipped in chocolate; makes them worlds better.
Add in a glass of wine and a diet coke and it takes the bill up to the $64 we were charged, without tip. Not something I will likely repeat when I can score a flavorless Tso platter with pork fried rice and egg roll for under $5 from just about any other Chinese eatery in the city, but I am still glad I tried it, and even more glad about when and how I did so; lunch prices match similar location's dinner cost, so using a gift certificate I'd won at a charity event, and the fact that I wasn't there for dinner when prices just about doubled really made a difference.
****Of note: I generally get Chinese food because it comes in large volumes so there will be leftovers, but it seems that when you eat in the portions shrink, because the takeout I got at the same time had much more than my in house plate. Also, they do some Szechuan dishes on an added last page of the menu that look worth checking outListed in: Asian Food
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Review from Steven B.
12/18/2010
We've been living in the area for fifteen years and have visited several times. Visits have included lunch, diner, and holiday events. As is often mentioned it is a mainline institution.
The Atmosphere- This is a beautiful and big restaurant. It's easily one of the largest Asian restaurants in the burbs. Most of the booths have high backs which add some privacy.
The Service- We have always found it just fine. We have never had bad service and I can't remember superb service. Just good solid regular wait staff.
The Food- It's Not Chinese, not American, and not really Asian Fusion. It's hard to describe. I think its Chinese food adjusted for American tastes. If you come looking for authentic Chinese dishes you are not likely to find them. If you visit intent on a delicious meal you're likely to be pleased! This is a high-end place. The prices are higher compared to most Chinese restaurants but the atmosphere and quality of the dishes support the increased prices. -
Review from Michael H.
Ardmore, PA
1/22/2011
I love this place. The food is consistently excellent. The waitstaff is friendly, timely, and professional.
My wife and I tried the "chef's special" (I forget what they called it) the day after chinese new year last year and were treated to the most delicious and creative food combinations we never ever would have thought to order ourselves. So amazingly good!
Apparently, I'm not the only one who likes this place. I heard recently it was awarded the "Best Chinese Restaurant in the Country" by some national magazine.
The only downside to this place I can think of is I wish I lived closer. :-). -
Review from Jessica K.
Wilmington, DE
2/26/2011
The night we were there, the parking lot was packed and so was the bar and front door area. If you didn't have a rez, you were in big trouble.
Because of the busy busy, I think the service could have been better. I'd love to give this place 5 stars because the food was incredible.
Apps included duck salad which had an amazing delicious dressing, spring rolls, seafood dumplings and chicken tacos. All of it, while unconventional, was delicious. I had szechuan beef, husband had tofu with mala sauce, and friends had a lamb dish as well. Everything was fresh and wonderful. Flavorful, like an adventure in every bite.
Dessert was incredible too. My fave was the cappuccino creme brulee - what a dream!
Can't wait to go back. -
Review from Alex T.
Milpitas, CA
3/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Had just landed in Phili, PA and had to drive up to Elmira, NY. Was cold and tired, and just wanted some good Asian food.
I yelped this place, and said what the hell. It's kind of in the middle of nowhere, but I tell you, I definitely wasn't expecting such a nice establishment in the area.
Ambiance wise, it would be great for a nice intimate date, not exactly the best spot for my co-worker and I. Good wine selection, and the food was on par. It is more of a Asian Fusion with a lean towards the sweet american taste buds. But even that, I felt the ingredients used were really fresh and ended up enjoying my meal.
Had the general chicken.
I would come back here if ever in the area again. -
Review from Tina C.
Bryn Mawr, PA
7/3/2011
Yangming is completely over-rated, and full of pretentious mainliners who pretend to know Chinese food. I am Chinese and I am appalled that they serve Chinese tea with saucers and cream/sugar. The flavors are geared towards the American taste bud. If you want authentic Chinese food, go to Margaret Kuos in Wayne instead.
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Review from Kelly C.
Philadelphia, PA
8/4/2010
Love, love, love it!!!!
I have been to Yangming several times, and have had an excellent meal every time!
I ALWAYS start my meal with the Lamb Satay...soooooo good!!! Don't let my sleek figure fool you, we always have at least 2-3 apps when we dine here.
I also usually follow that up with the Filet Mignon. Yangming is one of the only places that seems to cook my steak the way I order it, xtra rare. Cut the hoofs off and let it "moo" at the grill, then slap it on a plate...mmm-mm good! Seriously though they do a fantastic job cooking a steak. One time I remember having a special of Halibut that was also superb.
The service might be a slightly weak point, but the food completely makes up for that. The service is what I would refer to as more of a "silent service" type. This for some people is suitable, just not my preference.
MAN, never write a review for a restaurant that you like when you are hungry.... -
Review from Katharine B.
Bryn Mawr, PA
9/9/2010
Over-rated. The food is good, the place is beautiful, but not the best Chinese on the Main Line as many people still think. I think they believe too much of their own press and don't try anymore.
Still, seems it would be a good date place, although I've only done take out, I can't vouch for the staff. -
Review from Brian M.
7/2/2010
Yangming is much like the Main Line; pretentious, over-rated, uninspired, and a bit of a tired cliche. Which must explain why Yangming is normally busy with pretentious, uninspired and a bit tiresome Main Liners. Here on the Main Line, it doesn't have to be good, it just has to have the mythos of being good. But what a ancient myth it is in the case of Yangming (circa early 1990s to be exact).
Yangming was one of the first restaurants in the Philly area offering Asian Fusion. At the time it was unique and notable. But with the growth of Asian Fusion cuisine, Yangming has been left behind. Yangming's fusion is stale and timid.
Is the food bad? No. Yangming uses quality ingredients and what results is passable. But it is hardly what they promise, a great dining experience. Unfortunately Yangming is too much fusion to be a good Chinese restaurant, and too lackluster to be a great Asian Fusion choice.
As for service, well, surly Asian waiters may be authentic, but not what I'd desire at a place where the tab for two could easily exceed $100.
The decor is straight out of the early 90's and lacks any interest. Like the cuisine at Yangming, the ambience is tiredly refined. -
Review from Laura D.
4/21/2009
I thoroughly enjoyed my dinner at Yangming. While most of the dishes are inauthentic, they are prepared very well and the atmosphere is pleasantly upscale.
I came here on a Saturday night for a friend's birthday dinner. Even though most of our party including the birthday girl was a staggering 45 minutes late for our reservation, they showed no signs of annoyance of having to hold the table for ten. They even agreed to seat the three of us who had showed up and were tired of waiting. Our server was good, if a bit slow to take our orders. It took forever to get the check at the end of the meal, but it was a busy saturday night and we were in no rush.
The food itself was very good, even if it was very Americanized. I may have been the only non-Asian whitey at dinner, but I know my Chinese food. My friend ordered one dish off of the chinese language menu, and that one tasted authenic (some sort of spicy chicken, I forget exactly). We sampled beef, chicken, seafood, and crab pad thai from the regular menu and shared amongst the table. The dishes ranged from slightly bland to really tasty. Unfortunately it's been nearly a month since then and I forget what was what. Darn backlog of yelp reviews.
It was nice to have a large table to ourselves in a back corner of the restaurant, tucked away. I also enjoyed the classical piano music playing in the restaurant. For bball fans, the Nova/Pitt Elite 8 game was playing in the bar area that night. Exciting, but a bit of a headache trying to get into the city from the restaurant after Nova won and the entire school was rioting in the streets. (Yangming is practically on Villanova's doorstep.)
The price wasn't astronomical either. We had tons of food, a few drinks, paid for the birthday girl, and the overall bill including tax and tip came to about $40 a person. Not too shabby. I'd definitely return to Yangming for a special occasion dinner with a group. They handle that sort of thing well. -
Review from Callan W.
2/1/2011
If I were a sin right now, I would be gluttony sitting on my couch post a Chinese feast.
For the Chinese New Year, Yang Ming puts on quite a show! Tonight, I feasted on 9 courses...yes 9. They offer this menu for $50 per person (for tables of 4 or more) and $57 for (tables of two). I will get to the food in a second.
I didn't realize how big Yang Ming is inside, but it is big enough for two large Chinese dragons to come around to all the diners. I was overwhelmed with their beauty up close and quite frankly this show to the sound of drummers is something that pictures don't illustrate well enough. They also hit the cabbage and I can tell you that the year of the rabbit will be a prosperous one since it was in a million pieces.
The first three courses started with lamb shank, smoked chicken spring rolls and seafood dumpling. All were good, but the lamb was possibly my favorite course of the night. Next was lobster cake with a coconut sauce and a scallop with shallot sauce. The scallop won that round, surprisingly but deliciously. Next was the Red Snapper with Black Bean sauce on lotus root. A solid showing. The next course was duck with New Year Cake (an odd pairing and the duck was a bit salty) and then the crowd favorite of the night was the filet mignon. This was all accompanied with another course, vegetable fried rice. The rice was forgettable...especially since it did not match the course description. The last course was good luck chocolate hill something or other....all I know is that it was over the top. And as if I were in a real live Monty Python skit as Mr. Creosote and couldn't possibly have another bite, they brought out their chocolate dipped fortune cookies with the bill, which I of course did devour. I like how it is good luck to eat all of these foods.
Yang Ming was just voted the best Chinese restaurant in America per my mother. I don't know about that but I definitely enjoyed my visit with the dragons. The dragons are gone till next year, but the 9 course meal is still being offered till the end of the month (February).
I am already planning on going back next year! -
Review from Keri M.
Alexandria, VA
7/29/2008
Wow. Truly gourmet Chinese food at reasonable prices. The menu offers some funky dishes for experimental eaters, too. Came here in a group of about 12 people and we all shared so I got to try about 12 different dishes.
Most impressive was that the meats and fishes were fresh and cooked perfectly. The whole fish blew me away - the sauce complemented the fish just perfectly. The peking duck was tender and delicous. The pork belly was another favorite of mine. The dumplings were also great. Overall, there was nothing I didn't like. I personally am not a big fan of the "chinese pizzas", which are a.k.a scallion pancakes, but everyone else seemed to love them.
We had some problems with getting wine. They were out of I think the first 3 wine choices - and this process took about 45 minutes. Seemed like forever before we could finally order our dinner. Aside from that, it was a fantastic dining experience.Listed in: Love me Tender [Meat]
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Review from Lydia H.
Philadelphia, PA
5/25/2009
I'm actually quite surprised to see that Yang Ming hasn't gotten very positive reviews from my fellow Yelpers! Here is my opinion:
Yang Ming has been a staple in Bryn Mawr for years and years, and they do a very consistent job. Since I tend to be a creature of habit, I love coming here, and I always get the same thing: Chinese pizza (basically a flat version of a Spring Roll with scallions) and General Tso's chicken. Boring I know, but again, creature of habit.
I have always had good service here, and they are typically very quick. Yang Ming is a great place for groups as well - they have semi-private alcoves and nooks all over the restaurant. There is also a nice private room upstairs.
I would have to agree that the food is salty, and it is also very Americanized Chinese food. But hey, it's always packed, and they know what they're doing. You can't hold that against them.
Yang Ming also does a great take-out business - you call in your order and they have it ready to pick up at the bar in no time. In my opinion, it's much better quality than any of the local Chinese take-out places.
I would give Yang Ming a try before you discount the place, I've always had a nice time. -
Review from Martha M.
Ardmore, PA
5/6/2008
Yangming has been in existence at the corner of Conestoga and Haverford roads in Bryn Mawr for at least 15 years. It serves elegant, well-prepared traditional Chinese cuisine that really doesn't taste like your typical Chinese faire.
It is a great place to eat -in or take-out and costs a bit more than the typical corner take-out but the quality is well worth it.
The decor is fairly nice but the waiting area and the bar area are both relatively small. They have a decent selection of wines by the glass $5.50.
Their wonton soup is probably the best that I have ever had. It definitely does not taste like warm sweat socks soup that you sometimes get in other Chinese joints. The pork dumplings are delish and the shrimp and avocado salad is a must. The wok tossed mustard coconut shrimp; shrimp with honey walnuts; spicy crispy orange beef; sweet and sour chicken ...all the entrees which I have tried are excellent.
Overall, the food is always good, well executed and the service exemplary. -
Review from Yuna P.
New York, NY
5/3/2007
If you are reading this review because you are looking for a positive comment, turn away! I'm here to break the hype about the restaurant. I dined at Yangming numerous times before, but I never experienced the oh-so-excellent service that people rave about or tasted the food that is simply out-of-the-universe.
Yangming is a Chinese restaurant with a flair. It's definitely more upscale than typical Chinese restaurants. There is a bar for those of you who like beers/wines with your meals, and there is a large private room upstairs for celebration and banquet purposes. I've been on the private party room twice, for a Bat Mitzvah and a Sweet 16th Birthday. So if you are planning a party for your children, I think this will be a nice and fancy restaurant to do so.
However, as for the food quality, I wouldn't give it anything more than a average 2. In my opinion, it is mediocre. I don't understand why I need to pay extra money to eat something that is as greasy and salty as other places. -
Review from Pamela G.
Ardmore, PA
2/23/2010
Well heck, I had to put in my 2 cents after seeing all the bad reviews of this place.
No, it isn't terribly authentic Asian food. Neither is it fusion. It's hard to quite explain but whatever it is, Yangming does it right. I've never had a bad meal there and I've been going for 11 or 12 years, four to five times a year.
We usually start with one or two appetizers. Yangming's spring rolls, crab purses and dumplings are all nicely done. I've had their fillet, most of their chicken dishes and a tofu dish and each one was excellent.
Always a special occasion, always gracious service, always lovely surroundings, this restaurant seems like a well-oiled, if slightly dated, machine.
Highly recommended. -
Review from Karl S.
Harrisburg, PA
6/20/2011
Unlike other reviews that take three days to read I very simply Had great food and good service all three times we have been there.
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Review from Nicole E.
6/27/2008
Call me a snob, but if I go out for a nice dinner I don't want to site next to a table of screaming children - which I did both times I went to Yangming.
That said, the food was excellent and the service friendly. The cost is a bit on the steep side, which is why we saved this restaurant for special occasions. -
Review from Craig D.
Wayne, PA
9/16/2010
(3.5) = Overall ~ Upscale Chinese Food...pretty good.
MENU:
Tsing Tao Beer = 3.5 (good)
Wonton Soup = 4 (very good)
Pan-fried Tri-Mushroom Dumplings = 3.5 (good)
1/2 Peking Duck = 4 (very good)
Cappuccino Creme Brulee = 3.5 (good)
Chinese Tea = 3.5 (good)
Service = 3 (ok)
CONS:
* Valet Parking is unnecessary.
* Seating us (30) minutes AFTER our reservation is not good.
NOTES
* PEKING DUCK ~ Only the whole Peking Duck gets carved table side. The 1/2 Peking Duck is pre-carved and is enough for one person. Also it's easier(& better) to have the waiter make up the Peking Duck Wraps for you when offered.
