Lian Restaurant in Braintree

Seven adults as a party went to this restaurant to celebrate a wedding anniversary. On arrival early arrivals sat in the waiting area having taken their coats off and hung them up themselves we were then told that our table was ready And were directed to a table for eight people, next to that table was a table for seven which was clearly the one we should’ve been sent to. We took that table and selected a meal most of us selected from the menu where we would pay £40 per head to order, we were given pen and paper and asked to write down our selection and hand it back to the waitress (amaizing) never had that happen before, the meal was presented in a slipshod manner where they had no idea as to who had ordered what the only people working in the restaurant who paid any care about us were the two young members of staff Will and Emma I’m not sure where the rest of the staff were and when they did show up communication was almost impossible. At the end of a meal which was very average we asked for the bill and then amazingly had to wait some 30 minutes before it arrived we actually reached the stage where we stood up indicating we were going to leave before we received the bill. I think the attention we got considering the price was absolutely atrocious the food was very average and I believe not freshly prepared and the prices as always at this restaurant top of the scale Will I return not a hope in….. However once again well done Will and Emma who are the only light in a very dark tunnel.

Nota 1.000 comida de boa qualidade, atendimento perfeito ao cliente conforto, muito aconchegante bem familiar. satifacao total .

Have been here a few times and have never been disappointed before. I had the courgettes which were smothered with yellow bean sauce, was so sickly just couldn't eat it, nor could my husband. I also ordered crispy fish, which wasn't crispy at all as the sauce was poured all over it. Sauce was honey and pepper, which was also very sickly. The shredded duck in pancakes was delicious, as was the banana fried balls. It's quite expensive so didn't feel it was good enough.

Attended for our sons birthday. We go at open as we have our two year old granddaughter with us. Food excellent as always. We would like to congratulate the two young staff Amy and Will on their excellent service. Very attentive. Lovely manners and watching them work the room hard working to. Lian must be very proud of you both. Thank you all for a super night.

The food did not taste as fresh and individually on site prepared on our most recent visits. The sauces seem to be from a bottle or jar rather than created with fresh raw ingredients, masking the somewhat tasteless meat and seafood. And being charged £7.00 for one large glass of soda and lime was extortionate

Trying this restaurant for the first time. Very impressed. Fast and polite service - very clean and outstanding food.

We booked a table for ten and was squeezed onto a table for 8 max, we wrote our food down and waited 40 mins for our starters the portions were poor, but quality good, we then had to wait a further 50 minutes for our duck again was tasty, a further 1.45hrs still no mains. So ended up asking for the bill and leaving having no dinner. We got in at 7.30pm and left at 11pm after only having appetisers and starter, must add William was extremely helpful

We came to this restaurant a family of 4 food was so tasty this restaurant never seems to amaze me enough, we all loved the service and the place itself we will be coming back

We had a lovely early Valentine’s meal this evening. Lian’s is a special treat and never disappoints. We had a set meal which is delicious and great value for money. We were absolutely stuffed and had a relaxing evening with great service and good wine too. Can’t wait to return

I’ve ordered from Lian in the past couple of years. Unfortunately on this occasion, the food we ordered is old and smells and tastes like it’s been frozen. I’ve been let down by the food before but really disappointed how old the food taste and smells

We had a fantastic NYE meal out at The Lian last night. The Staff were absolutely wonderful and the food was perfect in every way. I recommend the Dim Sum as we really enjoyed that. Thank you for very one for making our visit a first class trip experience. X

First visit to Lian, and we had a fantastic meal. Food was fantastic, and service excellent. They even provided a surprise for a birthday celebration. We'll certainly visit again. Thanks for a super evening.

Lians never fails to deliver. The service is friendly and allows you to truly enjoy your meal as an experience. We have dined here as a couple , with family and for a celebration more recently and always the food is fantastic and the service never fails. Whilst the take away food is impeccable it is even better when you dine in

This is the first time we have ever been disappointed with the food in this restaurant. Chicken satay was not as tasty, and the duck spring roll is one to avoid. Pork choplette was the only dish along with our soups that seemed to be unchanged. Service is very good and we are sad that some of our favourite dishes are not up to standard.

The best Chinese in witham without a doubt. Amazing quality food with very friendly and attentive staff. Great variety on the menu.

Been going to Lians for many years and must say it’s been going down hill . We went on Mother’s Day the restaurant was busy but the service and the food was diabolical. Not sure if they have changed the chef but definitely not the same restaurant it used to be am very doubtful we will ever go back . WHAT A SHAME

We went tonight as a family of four. Fantastic food and service. Nice atmosphere and reassuringly busy. Excellent food. Would definitely recommend.

Excellent food. It is a little different than your standard Chinese restaurant. Tasty food and I think it’s good value for the quality.

I visited tonight for dinner at 6.30 and was met by very friendly front of staff lady hostess and all the staff were efficient and friendly and brought you food hot and very delicious and displayed so well on the plate ! The food is...

Ordered a takeaway and phoned in advance to check when it would be ready as I knew it was a busy evening. I was promised my order would be ready in 30 minutes. Ended up waiting a further 45 minutes at the restaurant with only...

We ordered takeaway and it was fantastic. Ready within 20 minutes, great service when collecting and the food order correct and nice and hot. The food was brilliant, especially recommend the tea chicken starter! Will definitely be ordering again!

First visit, won’t be the last. We thoroughly enjoyed our food at this restaurant. Classy restaurant which would fit well in the middle of Mayfair. The food was completely different to any other Chinese restaurant we have been to, not the cheapest but you get...

Very good food. Far superior to other Chinese's. Reminded us of banana tree in Chelmsford for clean eating tasting Chinese Professional service unexpected balloon as I had mentioned in passing that the food was for a birthday party, nice touch.

We have visited Lian several times before and have held the restaurant at the pinicle for chinese food in the Witham and Colchester area for quality of the venue, the food and the service, however last night was a big dissapointment to us both. Things...

An excellent evening, service was top notch. Faultless throughout and the set menus were delicious. We all enjoyed every aspect of our evening at this lovely restaurant.

First visit but had previously heard good things about the restaurant. We were not disappointed. Excellent menu, great service and lovely food. The prices are at the higher end compared to other, similar, nearby restaurants but it's good value when considering the menu - a...

I normally have take away from Lian’s which are Great. I’ve just had my first restaurant experience and it was so good. The food was lovely and the service was exceptional. Lots of lovely little touches. I will definitely go back. Enjoy

We were staying in the local area and visited for dinner. Two households with two adults and two children a piece. A birthday party was being hosted and some other couples dotted about the restaurant. Still, the service was attentive and non-intrusive. The food was...

We have really enjoyed our takeaway meals from Lian. Each time we have chosen The Seafood Delight Feast, which offers a variety of seafood - prawn, squid, fish and noodles, beansprouts and stir fried vegetables, and they always add some prawn crackers, which we appreciated....

It’s two years since I wrote a review about this restaurant. All I can say is this restaurant never fails to please. We went tonight as it may be the last time we will be able to go out for a while if Essex goes...

There was no Covid safety on arrival. There was queue of at least 20 people trying to get in and a bar area already full. Only a couple of people wearing masks. No head of house handling the people turning up. It was at least...

Late lunch/early dinner. Very quite in the restaurant so a very relaxed meal. The quality of the food is 5☆, the only reason I've marked it down is no masks on any of the staff, so a bit uneasy when they got close to serve...

We made a last minute booking here because we couldn’t get in to our usual Chinese. This mark down has nothing to do with the service because it was great. Unfortunately the mixed starter which was quite pricey compared to others just wasn’t right somehow and I just thought it was me because it wasn’t quite what I was hoping for. An hour after the meal I was very ill and couldn’t keep anything down for the whole of the next day. My partner didn’t have the sickness I had but he had an upset stomach. This may have been a one off but it really put me off of Chinese food for the foreseeable future.

Birthday on a Sunday evening I first went to this restaurant about 25 years ago has managed to maintain its position as the best Chinese in North Essex never disappoints quality food and service we had a set meal must go again soon so should you

I have been to this restaurant around 10 time over the last year and can say that the food is always of very high quality, the owner and her staff are very professional and the setting is nice, if you are looking to go our for Chinese you will not find better in Essex

Went with work, approx 18 of us. Selection of food chosen by the restaurant, and was a very good selection. Service was very good, friendly staff who were attentive

We’ve been going to this restaurant for several decades now. Originally when Kim was there and now Ali and the fantastic quality of food and service has never altered. We visit regularly and again last night our party of eight had a fantastic time. Service and food were both outstanding. You couldn’t fault anything (not that we wanted to!). You can always rely on the good quality and service at the Lian. Well done to everyone who works at the restaurant you are a fantastic team. Have a wonderful Christmas and happy New Year to you all and we look forward to seeing you throughout 2020.

Collection only, ready in 10-15 minutes, consecutively on 2 Saturday nights.They take card, which is a bonus compared to local competitors.The food was tasty and of a decent standard, but a bit on the pricey side. However, after having an abomination of a takeaway at Lee Garden, Lian was superb in comparison.Singapore noodles lacked a little flavour, garlic chicken was super garlicy and a bit watery. Other than that, a delicious experience.It would be nice if they had a few missing classics on the menu - salt and pepper chicken, curry sauce, chicken/pork balls etc. But not the end of the world.Will likely return.

By far and away the best Chinese in the Witham area. All dishes are amazing and always cooked fresh. I can highly recommend this establishment.

What a find, truly amazing place would not be out of place in Mayfair. Attention to detail, took time to discuss aspects of the menu. Dim sum tasted like it was made in house, main course try King prawn crispy noodles, the King prawn is wrapped in ball of crispy noodles, never tried before delicious. Asked for dessert toffee banana, 3 potions, waiter informed us that one portion was 8 pieces, the meal was very high quality. Decor great. When we finished eating, whilst waiting for the dessert menu, the waiter returned to put a napkin in the middle of the table to cover some spills. Street parking was easy, steps to the front of the restaurant so not sure of its accessible from the rear. Enjoy

Never had a bad meal ever, take out or eat in and we’ve been going there for 10 yrs plus, you’ve got to put it in perspective, it’s a chinese restaurant in Witham not the ritz Carlton on Gran Cayman. All restaurants smack our arses for the drinks it’s been like that forever so just suck it up buttercup and just enjoy your night out.

I would like to point out that I am NOT a self arranged reviewer , as "Goodfoodhunter" claims all positive reviews are for this restaurant. We visited lunchtime of last week and have nothing but positive reviews for the Lian. The restaurant is a pleasure to walk into, such a wonderful warm greeting upon arrival. The lunchtime menu is very good value, as is the main menu. The food is always flavoursome and tasty and plenty of it. It is always cooked and presented to a very high standard. We have tried quite a few of the dishes now and never had anything to complain about. Keep up the good work Lian, we shall certainly return.

We decided on Lian's for our 10 year wedding anniversary supper with our best friends on Saturday 24th August 2019.

First visit, recommended by friends.

I well remember the opening day, when Kim's new venture (named after his wife) took Essex by storm. Without doubt the best Chinese outside London.

After 30 years of visiting this restaurant I am still saying that there is no better place in Essex for a Chinese meal! Thanks again for the amazing hospitality and great food.

Haven't had a takeaway from Lian's for some years because of previous mediocre experience but decided to give them a another try this evening.The end result is that we shall not be darkening their doorstep ever again. With the singular exception of some very nice and tasty fried noodles, the Quick Stir Fried King Prawns were simply a frozen product that had been heated in a glutinous sauce with small pieces of chopped green peppers and carrots. The Stir Fried Steak Fillet with Spices was so strongly flavoured that the taste was unpleasant and the Chicken Fillet Sauteed with Black Bean Sauce was similarly over-flavoured. It's not often that we leave food uneaten but this evening was one such occasion. Perhaps we had picked a bad night but it was interesting, as well as a bit concerning, that the restaurant was completely empty at 7:45 pm and we were the only customers for takeaway.

we are misleading by their self arranged reviews at their web site reviews. In fact they have appointed professional advertising agent to write up faulty reviews to their restaurant. I experiences to write my comments into their web site reviews were rejected. as they dont welcome any bad reviews. Therefore, if you rely tripadvisor or other people comment to visit this restaurant, you can ignored it.

Wonderful, caring service with a lovely smile plus superb food and drink. We live 300 miles away so have only had dinner here twice. But on each visit every aspect was top class. If we lived closer it would be a firm regular favourite. Yet another happy customer who highly recommends.

I couldn't fault this restaurant. Excellent food, great friendly service and a pleasing setting. I highly recommend Lian.

First visit, but certainly not the last. Great interior with plenty of seating. We went at lunchtime and selected off of the lunch menu. Not a great variety on that menu but plenty of lovely stuff on the main menu. We made our choice from both. The portions were huge, not really used to eating that amount at lunchtime. The chicken was so tender and the sauce very tasty.

One of the more expensive restaurants in Witham but worth every penny for a special evening out. Great attentive service and wonderful freshly prepared food

Table booked for our regular family restaurant visit, not my choice of venue this time but an old favourite, on arrival we were met by confused staff, finally seated, took over half hour to get first drink! It was very busy, but that’s no excuse to ignor guests..

This restaurant is set in a house in the centre of Witham, easy parking on the road. They have a very varied menu, from fish sizzling dishes, even suckling pig with 24 hours notice. We attended a 40th birthday dinner with around 20 people. Service can tend to be a little slow on occasions even with our numbers. Food was well prepared and served hot, no complaints at all. The downside was the drinks bill, coming in at a hefty £72, for 6 adults, and 2 children, with no wine, this had been pre paid. On querying the charge, it appears they charge £8 for a pint of larger, rather more than London prices, for a local restaurant. Unfortunately this rather spoilt the overall impression.

Been to Lians many times, and put an excellent score on trip advisor..... however went there last night and was sad to find how the service and food had deteriorated.

As my TA name would suggest I normally stick to reviews and help on the Greek forums but have ventured a few times for local places to where I live.

It is a few years since we last visited Lian's. We found just as friendly and we inviting as we remembered. The menu was extensive with something to everyone. The food arrived hot and was served expertly by the attentive staff. We all enjoyed the set meal that we chose with a few extras for one of our guests. The staff were friendly and attentive, and were helpful with suggestions.

Such a lovely dinner with my partner , staff were polite and well presented we came without a booking but was not busy so were seated straight away . Just had mains a chicken chop suey for me which consisted of huge chunks of chicken . Service was excellent

I took my wife there for a special occasion, and we were not disappointed. The choice of food, the service, and food quality, were absolutely excellent. Cannot fault them. But I'd recommend this place for special occasions only, it is a tad expensive to visit regularly.

Called in on off chance last night for a meal asked for something off their menu cooked to perfection . Service brilliant wine list excellent. throughly recommend to go to this restaurant

I've been going to Lian since Kim opened it too many years ago for me to remember. Although Kim's sister is now the owner and Kim has returned to Hong Kong, the standard remains the same and it is simply the best Chinese restaurant in which I've eaten, in most continents and in China itself.

Delicious food, beautifully cooked and well presented. The menu offers great choice with a well-matched wine list. Service was attentive, but not overbearing and gave us great opportunity to catch up with friends.

I would like to say how we were highly pleased with the service and exceptional quality food we received from this restaurant this evening.

Took my guys here to celebrate 15 years of my business. Quite a nostalgia trip for me, as I worked in Witham for many years, and had many a business lunch/dinner at this classy place, but it must be 20 years since I ate there. It's changed hands since, yet the decor, furniture, menu design and contents are exactly the same as they were 30 years ago. Even the squidgy leather sofas in the bar! Which is not to say it's tired - it's been kept spick and span, just preserved in aspic.

We visited Lian on Saturday evening with two couples and a six year old child.

Whilst the service and presentation of the food is great, we felt as though the food was really very much just Chinese takeaway food with a hefty price tag.

A lovely classy place, with excellent service, and no feel of being ‘hurried along’ that you get from some places.

lovely meal to celebrate a birthday. Very good food, especially the lobster and crispy beef. Staff very good. Attentive but not overbearing. A Little expensive for Chinese but the excellence makes up for it.

I haven’t eaten at this restaurant for over 20 years. It is now under new management and not up to the same standard as before.

Where can I start, I was very impressed with the service at Lian’s our waiter was awfully friendly and we were served quickly and professionally. I thought the atmosphere in the restaurant was fantastic and so was the food. The crispy duck, satay chicken and beef and chicken dishes are just some of the superb food served. We were provided with snack and tea before we began our meal. I was very happy with our trip to Lian and I would definitely go again.

Expensive, but the quality of the food is good. Service is rated as good to okay, depending on who is the waiter on the day of your visit.

After many years absence from the area, had the chance to meet up with friends in Witham. Always doubtful about returning to a place which had always held been one of our favourites when living in Essex.

Been coming for years, still amazing. Absolute best Chinese around, probably my favourite restaurant anywhere in the world. Always delicious! recommend pork choplet

Lians is as always outstanding. Delicious food and exceptional service. The crispy chilli tofu alone is worth visiting for for vegetarian diners.

Pricey and the portions are small. Friendly helpful staff but didn't justify the cost esp when food wasn't anything special

I was invited to eat with friends celebrating Mothers Day at Liam's this evening.

Hadn’t been to Lian’s for a number of years. Very pleased we went even though it’s a bit of a trek from Sudbury. The food was superb, especially the lobster in black bean sauce. I haven’t had such good Chinese since the last visit. The staff were good and apologetic when things were a little slow as they were so busy - Chinese New Year. Will definitely go back within months rather than years.

bad experience , too cost but taste very bad no value for money, service bad, and old style , same as 20 years ago no improvement since day one, but price increased all the time

Have eaten here on a couple occasions, great venue and brilliant food. Would recommend it for any special occasion

My wife and I were treated out to this lovely Chinese restaurant by our son and daughter. The meal was great with very attentive service, We will definitely come back

I was looking through the net and came across this restaurant Lian in Witham I read a few write ups and thought I would give it a try. So 4 of us booked for Sunday lunch I can honestly say we all found the food and service the best ever you must try this restaurant even if you don't live near as we don't the trip is well worth it. I wished it was our local Chiness as we would use it all the time we will be returning can't wait.

We have visited here several times and Lian really does set the standard for top quality chinese food and excellent service, we have been here recently with friends and we had a brilliant evening, we cant praise the restaurant enough.

We hadn't been to this restaurant since the new owners took over and I was disappointed to read some of the recent negative comments.

Been a few times before and it was very good, better than we have found nearby and Colchester. We found ourselves alone on Christmas Day this year so we decided to book here, couldn’t have been happier. There were no inflated prices, regular menu and a few added extras like crackers and poppers.

We chose Lians when organising a large family get together (12 of us) based on the reviews we’d read.

We had heard good reports of Lian's so we decided to give it a try and we were certainly not disappointed. There were 4 of us so we decided to try 2 of the set meals and both we really excellent. Especially nice was the marinated lamb starter, with a lovely spicy dip sum with assorted jalapeño peppers. All the courses that followed were equally nice including the excellent toffee coated apple and bananas desert course.

Lian's is a great place to go for that small intimate occasion. We love to go on Chinese new year when the restaurant owners put on a spectacular evening entertainment

We have been eating at Lian for nearly 20 years now, and alway the food, service and wine has been top notch. Homemade duck pancakes, dim sum and excellent fish. Its got a good reputation for a reason, we have never been disappointed over the years and you always feel like you are having a special meal instead of the run of the mill chinese that you get everywhere else.

Unfortunately probably most dissapointing chinese. After the reviews i was looking forward to it and couldnt have been more let down. Chow mein was Singapore noodle style not the fatter egg noodle style, they were burnt in places and lifted out of container as one solid lump, tasteless and hard. Chicken curry did not resemble any chinese chicken curry i have ever had, taste, style or consistency and had chillis in - luckily i like spicy but not at all like any other one I have ever had. Chicken balls were nice. Overall a complete let down, wont be getting take away from here ever again. Dine in may well be a different story

Possibly the only excuse I have to visit Witham and the food very disappoints. It's fresh and tasty and doesn't leave a greasy feel in your mouth. The restaurant setting is nothing to write home about but you're visiting for the food and it's wonderful.

The latest of many visits over nearly 30 years. We always enjoy the ambience and most importantly the food. It is a pleasure to dine here on special occasions.

Had a most enjoyable meal. Had a little bit of trouble understanding the waiter. Food was excellent and well presented. Overall a nice if a little expensive night out.

My Husband and I visited Lian's last night has to be the best Chinese restaurant food I've tasted in Essex service was 1st class beautiful menu and great choice of wines - really impressed loved the private dinning option allowed us to truly enjoy the company we were in - will definitely be returning!

We went as a table of 6 for dinner on a Saturday evening. I was expecting it too be busy but that wasn't the case and I felt it lacked some atmosphere and the air conditioning was also too cool. The food however was excellent, high quality and very tasty. Some very tasty dishes with delicate flavours and spices.

Oh my goodness, what a lovely experience. I would thoroughly recommend Liam's. It's not cheap but you pay for quality and exceptional service. We're proud to take our friends.

We had a family meal on a Sunday evening.The food was superb. The ambience was good. The staff were very attentive.We had a lovely time

From the welcome, to the service to the food - nothing but praise! Could not fault a thing!! It is more expensive than most Chinese restaurants but his head shoulders above those.

I have been lucky enough in my life to have eaten in some exclusive place's, including Michelin stared restaurants. However Lian's is my number one place to eat. I live in Milton Keynes which is 180 mile round trip to get to Lian's and back. It is well worth the time and the fuel to go to somewhere with such exquisite food. In some way's it is good it is so far away, because if I lived nearer I would be very fat from over indulgence, because once you start eating is is so moreish you have to finish it all.If you like Chinese food, you will love Lian's!

We went to Lian's for my birthday with my family. We have been a few times and you can always rely on excellent service, good food and a friendly atmosphere. Great for special occasions or a meal out with family and friends.

We recently went for a birthday meal for myself and my daughter and my boyfriend. The restaurant was decorated very nicely, the food was delicious and the service was very attentive asking us if we wanted more drinks and serving us at the table. We did feel that the food was expensive but it was a special occasion and we did have a good time.There were lots of ornaments and some beautiful chinese screens adorning the restaurant we had been to other chinese restaurants in the area and we felt that this restaurant was far superior.