I've been a huge fan of Peking Duck since I was a wee lad, and theirs is the best I have ever had. All of the other dishes I have tired here, and there's been a lot, are prepared with care and expertise. The atmosphere is certainly a loud hustle bustle one, so if you're looking for an intimate dinner, this probably isn't the spot for you. If, however, you are looking for clean tasting, perfectly prepared Chinese food, I cannot recommend this place enough.
Growing up in San Francisco. I thought I knew Chinese food. What I knew was Cantonese food. What I knew was that You could mix this with that and it would taste pretty good.... not.
Great China has changed me for good. Other than dim sum, I never will go back to the old restaurants if my past.
Every dish at Great China is a flavor and texture in itself. The quality is there. The individual care of each dish is amazing. There are no gooey dishes that make the universal mix. Two ducks on the menu make it so difficult to choose. The most popular Peking or the Tea Duck. The less popular tea duck is subtly smoked and is a treat. But the one that brings them in is the moist but fatless with crispy skin Peking Duck. Don't forget the double skin, the ants climbing up the tree, or the cumin lamb.
Secret....... the menu wines are totally high end for LESS than you would pay anywhere, but there is a 5 star cellar and sommelier in house that has wines from $20-$2000. I don't know why they don't let you know
In conclusion. I limit myself to 1-2 times a month at Great China. It's too hard not to over eat. .....and I'm not hungry 10 minutes later....
Our favorite "destination" restaurant to go, take us close to 1 hour drive from Palo Alto but is worth the 2 hours drive in total..
Peking duck and 两张皮is a must to try!
2115 Kittredge St - Berkeley
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