Chef Lu’s in York

I'd passed this place for years, next to a laundrette in what is perhaps not the most attractive area of town. By visuals I'd been expecting a real old school dirty British Chinese takeaway style place of the sort of place you might haven seen in the backstreets of northern towns across the country decades ago. But don't judge a book by its cover etc. Nice enough decor inside, its a sit down table service place and the food is actually pretty good quality.

There are 3 things you rate Chinese takeaway on: price, quality, and service. 1. It's expensive 2. It's average at best 3. Rude as hell But don't take my word for it, try it yourself! I dare you! 😄

Unbelievable. Ordered something for takeaway and got home. They'd given me the wrong thing. I rang up and asked what we could do about it, and the woman on the phone (I think she was the woman who'd served me) pretended she didn't understand me. I persisted, and she eventually "understood" me. I told her they'd given me the wrong food but she refused to accept. This was strange in the first place. I sent them a photo of the food, and she still refused to accept it was the wrong food. In fact, it was food I'd specifically asked NOT to receive. She refused to accept. As I tried to explain my case, they just put the phone down and continued their evening without engaging anymore. So: wrong food. The opposite of what I'd asked for (I'd specifically asked "not to have..." and they'd given me it. They pretended to not understand when I rang them. Then they accepted they understood. Then I sent them a photo of the offending food. They refused to accept its truth. Then they just pretended not to be there anymore and put the phone off the hook. Quite the place. I'd definitely advise never going there!

***Deep fried chicken on the bone in dried chilli*** All Crushed bones, and very bad service attitude from the restaurant manager. The chicken dish was almost crushed bones with very little meat, which damaged one of my friends’ teeth. But they denied to admit their negligence with an arrogant attitude when we texted them for our unsatisfactory.

Good restaurant, very quiet. Food came quickly and was of a good standard. Smaller portions than your average takeaway but excellent choice and variety with an extensive menu of things you've never tried before.

Hidden gem, cash only, but food was fantastic, staff were so nice. Not a posh restaurant, more like take out but with few tables inside. Definitely recommend, glad I booked. Friendly and comfortable. Definitely go back if in York.

I've been here a couple of times now as well as ordering for collection, and it never fails to exceed expectations! I have lived in York for quite a few years, but had never thought to pop in until it was recommended to me. I'm just so glad that I went because the food is so delicious and tasty! Me and my boyfriend ordered the Wok fried ribs, salt and pepper chicken and egg fried rice to share, which was plenty between us and even enough to take home for the next day. The ribs were absolutely amazing - it was different to what I would usually pick from a Chinese, and I'm glad I branched out as the ribs just fell off the bone, and the flavours in the wok were incredible. We enjoyed the selection of food so much that we order the same every time! We have a lot to look forward to when we work our way through the menu. They have always given us complimentary peanuts and pickled carrots which are equally delicious! The restaurant is how you would expect an authentic Chinese restaurant to be - so don't come here if you want a fancy restaurant. But I would 100% recommend to anyone wanting delicious Chinese food. My favourite Chinese food in York.

Finally visited Chef Lu's after wanting to for years, ordered the Iron Wok Ribs, Egg Fried Rice and Salt and Pepper Chicken. We were blown away by how delicious it was, bursting with flavour, fresh and perfectly cooked and the portions were big enough to provide leftovers for tea later on! So much meat falling off the bones of the ribs... can't wait to come back and try something else from the menu. Thanks, Chef Lu!

Stopped here after wanting to try it for quite a while. It's always busy with Chinese students which I take to be a good sign! Wasn't dissapointed. Very tastey food for reasonable prices. They bought complimentary peanuts and pickled carrots whilst we waited which was a nice touch. Very authentic feel with no frills but good food. Nothing overly outstanding but still 5*, would recommend if you're in the area.

Don’t be put off by the housing estate location or the rather Spartan looking restaurant. The food here is really tasty and the value for money is superb. It is cash only so don’t get caught out. I ordered the crispy duck, veggie spring rolls, shredded pork with spicy sauce and egg fried rice. Rather interestingly I expected the duck and spring rolls to come as a starter, but instead the pork arrived and that was several minutes before the duck, then the spring rolls and then the rice. I get the feeling they just brought things out when ready. Not really a problem and as it all tasted so amazing, I certainly was not going to complain. Great value when it came to the bill as well.

Visited Chef Lu's a couple of months ago and had a wide selection of dishes from the spicier end of the menu. All were cooked in an authentic Sichuan style and were delicious. Reasonable prices and generous portions. Go.

Ordered salt and pepper chips, chicken in blackbean sauce and crispy noodles. Initially had to go back as they gave normal chips, when I went back they tried to claim what they had given was salt and pepper chips even though evidently it wasn’t- resolved in the end thankfully. Crispy noodles were atrocious/inedible, literally received deep fried noodles, too stiff to eat. Chicken in black bean sauce was nice though but overall not worth the price for takeaway.

Visiting here for the first time, I was very impressed by the efficient service and the quality and freshness of the food served. All the diners in this small, clean and well decorated restaurant were Chinese-a sign that we in for an authentic, varied menu. It did not disappoint. There was an array of affordable dishes which would appeal to all tastes. I certainly intend returning quite soon.

Came here on a weekend trip to York when it was recommended by the owner of our guest house. Basic, no-frills layout. We ordered drinks from the waiter who seemed aghast and judgemental that we wanted a whole bottle of wine..! Tried to order sweet and sour chicken which to be fair wasn't on the menu but since they had other chicken dishes and other sweet and sour dishes we assumed wouldn't be an issue. However the waiter wouldn't even ask the chef before dismissing this. The food we did order was very poor - quarter "crispy" duck for starter was very fatty and gristly, also we had to try pour the sticky hoisin sauce as we were provided with no cutlery. Double-cooked pork for the main course was hardly single-cooked, was basically just very greasy streaky bacon. Overall service was very poor - no-one checked whether we were ok - and food was way below average. In fact it's not going to far to say that this was possibly the worst Chinese restaurant meal we have experienced, and we have been to a lot.

Small, friendly Chinese restaurant offering dishes which you do not see in many UK places. Also offer some of the more common dishes. Large portions, only take cash

Would highly recommend this restaurant which is at the bar end of Walmgate. It doesn’t look much from the outside and it’s a bit out on a limb from the other restaurants down Walmgate but it’s worth putting your doubts aside as the food is amazing and very authentic and will not disappoint. The service was good, the portions were hefty and the ;price was low. The real indicator that the food is going to be tasty was that it was full of Chinese people.

Been to China twice, tasting that kind of food which never gets to "the west" since it is unlikely it would suit a "western palate"... I mean the kind of food you find in hidden neighbourhood's markets, the one the woman living downstairs cooks and sells few hours later on the street. Well, Chef Lu always takes me back to China: easy place, pretty silent -everybody is busy in eating-, good atmosphere, a place where I relax because I can go there on my own, share a table if needed and no pressure in talking to people around. The food is indescribable -is China on a plate-. Huge portions but no worries you take it home -and it's still amazing-. Very Cheap. I've been here 3 o 4 times now... Best Chinese food ever: no compromises, be open-minded.

De primera categoría, chino auténtico, no hay compromiso con las interpretaciones "occidentales" de la comida china. Me encantó, los caldos son increíbles, súper picantes, la sopa agria y picante es la mejor de la ciudad: pimienta, no chile, mucho mejor.Excelente relación calidad-precio. Es una joya

Came here with my family, food was amazing and although it's only a small restaurant, there's still a nice atmosphere. It is cash only at the moment but well worth every penny.

Speaking as a native Chinese, this place is probably the best you can find in York. We had intestines, sea bass, noodles.... everything was delicious. And wonderful service as well.

Excellent food, great prices and big portions! We didn't know this restaurant until someone recommended it and was really worth going. We'll definitely be back!