May be the best firecracker shrimp I have ever had. Stopped here for a carry out while at a baseball tournament. Surprised by the lovely decor. Did not dine in but it was inviting enough to do so. Only reason it didn't get five stars is because it's a little pricey for Chinese food, probably because the overhead for the dining room is slightly more. Worth a try if you are ever in the area. read more

Ok I'm very happy with meal. It so delicious. The Chinese wedding soup is out of this world. It like and egg drop soup but with egg whites so it lighter and tastier with tiny bits of chicken and shrimp. I ordered General Tao with medium spice. The lightly battered chicken slice was the best way to prepare it. The was phenomenal. Yes, I will be back. read more

Good food! Went there and dined in and liked this place. Service was very attentive, and enjoyed what I got. Would recommend the sweet and sour as an app and their curry, and the basil trio. They also serve wine, cocktails, and their rotating beer selection was solid. Would go back. read more

Ordered: Spicy Thai Wings, Hot Sour Soup, Wonton Soup, General Tao's Chicken, Mushu Pork Ambiance: Very nice place with a upscale/bistro-y feel but the plethora of middle-aged to elderly white people instantly made me wary. The non-asian decorations and jazz playing over the speakers didn't help either. It was nice to see at least most of the servers were chinese (not korean). Service, in fact, was excellent with frequent refills on our waters and people checking in every now and then. Food: You'll get complimetary 'fried noodles (i.e. wonton wrappers) to start, they're served with sweet chili sauce and spicy mustard sauces. These were fine although shoveling sugary syrup so early on is a little odd. The fact that you have to ask for chopsticks and tea is not complimentary also make them lose authenticity points. We started with the spicy thai wings which were spectacular. Ours were bone-in because they ran out of boneless and they were served steaming hot. They were breaded with seasoned flour, perfectly fried, moist, juicy, and covered a very spicy sweet chili sauce. You get 6 meaty wings and a set of wet-wipes to clean up afterwards. I proceeded to have the hot sour soup which was appropriately tangy and had a beef broth base, pretty standard. The wonton soup my fiance had was off-putting because they put mushrooms in which totally overwhelmed everything. The two wontons were also bland. The main courses were probably the worst part of the meal. The General Tao consisted of strips of chicken tossed in flour and served with yet another sweet chili sauce. The chicken was fine enough but the dish was boring with the sugary sauce lacking any punch and the flour coating having no texture whatsoever. The Mushu pork was OK, albeit a little salty. It had a nice saute of sprouts, onions, vegetables, and strips of pork all served with a side of hoisin sauce and tortillas. An appalling thing to me was the rice which had a flavor reminiscent of instant rice and shoes. My suspicion is they buy already par-boiled rice instead of making it fresh because it tastes of preservatives. Overall this place is hit-or-miss. They use fresh ingredients and the technical cooking skill is good but some of the dishes need work. The spicy thai wings were great and the hot sour soup spot-on but mushrooms in wonton soup and plain,sugary, and boring main courses were a let-down. Maybe stop using so much store-bought sweet chili and hoisin sauce? Or make your rice fresh? For anyone looking for traditional/authentic chinese food I'd look elsewhere but if upscale americanized chinese food reminscent of PF Changs is up your alley, then you are in luck. read more

Wow ultimate service and food. I loved my Cocotini. The staff was super friendly and helpful and the atmosphere and decor was wonderful. I am definitely an uber fan of this place! I loved the hot and sour soup, and the meal was excellent. read more

It's hard for me to rate this a 3 or a 4 star. The food is really good, and you get a good portion. On the other hand, it's expensive for American-ized Chinese food. Service is decent - we went with a total group of 4 and a 20-month old. We all liked our food, but they wanted to upcharge us just because we asked for some of the pineapple from my wife's entrée without sauce so we could give it to our daughter. Seems overly stingy when their meals average $13 for some rice and chicken with sauce. Water refills were quick, but they never offered more rice. If prices were a little lower, or service was a little better, I would easily rate it a 4, but instead I'm rating it a undeserved 4 with reservations. read more

I grew up in Novi and years ago I used to get carry out from here and it was always great! Fast forward a few years and I decided to return here again while in the area. Everyone was so polite, accommodating to our large group and friendly. They even have a lounge now connected to the restaurant that has great drinks where you can hang out while waiting for your table! The portions were huge. Next time my boyfriend and I will definitely be splitting a meal. The meat is actually good, high quality meat unlike some of the Chinese places around. I had the Kung pao chicken and my boyfriend had the firecracker chicken. Both were great dishes. We also had the crab ragoons as an appetizer and they were on point! We will definitely be back. read more

I absolutely love this place! Its very clean and the staff is friendly and helpful. It can get pretty busy at peak eating times. They have a bar/lounge area if the wait is long. You can get a drink and an appetizer at the bar. I ordered the Sole fish with vegetable dish, and it was melt in your mouth perfect! The sauce has just enough zing in it. So good you may not want to share! My husband ordered the Trio dish and loved it! The vegetables in both dishes were fresh and crisp, not mushy like some places. Lots of options for meat and non meat eaters, which is nice .I would highly recommend this place. When friends and family come to town, I will surely bring them here. read more

Love Hunan Rice! My hubby Orlando and I get it every other week. Awesome owner and staff. Very friendly. Been going there for years read more

Came here for a business lunch while in town and I wasn't really hungry, so I opted to order dumplings only for lunch. I had also asked for a cup of wonton soup, but they told me it was only available in a bowl size, which I thought was really odd. I've never been to a chinese restaurant where you can't get a cup of wonton soup. The dumplings themselves were good, however, the sauce that came with it was not good at all. Pretty bland, lacked flavor. The entrees my coworkers ordered looked good, but I personally was not impressed with this place overall. They also only serve Pepsi products so they lose points for that as well. Would not recommend. We have better chinese food in Houston. read more

Living in Novi for 17 years, and eating here or having takeout, we took this gem for granted, not knowing how good we had it until we moved away. Came back into town and came to dinner and we were not disappointed...the new menu was great and the service top notch. Kelly and Susana, Big Dave says Hi, and thank you for a wonderful evening. read more

MY parents have been telling me about this place for years so my wife and i finally got a chance to go. This will for sure be our new local Chinese Go-to. Hands down the best chinese food in the Novi area. Very clean restaurant and a very attentive and friendly staff. It's not super cheap but so worth the few extra bucks. Great flavors and good portion sizes. I got the chicken lo mein and my wife got the thai egg plant chicken and we had enough to share and bring home. Annoyed that i have been going to the not so great or clean buffet down the street when this place has existed in my midst! Great cocktail selection! Bottom line: Perfect for a date night..great food at a moderate price. read more

Our dishes were cooked well but the four we tried were all very Americanized, as in they were way too sweet. This isn't the place to find authentic Chinese food. Prices were much higher than I expected. read more

What happened to this place? I know I am not the expert on regional Chinese cuisine, but what is this food? We used to go here once a week for either "authentic" Chinese take out or dine in. The menu seems to have gravitated to some sort of Asian fusion thing that resembles nothing like the "Chinese" food we used to get here. Cannot get Lo Mein any longer, they call it "Drunken Noodles" and it is made with Italian Linguini. My pots stickers, now called "Mommas Dumplings", are nothing like the pot stickers from before. Much of their menu has a Thai influence. And, as others have written, the prices are very high. read more

Menu has changed and the quality of food is not the same anymore. Used to come here a lot. Loved the food until last year. It's all gone. Not the same place anymore read more

Stylish but the food is just ever so slightly above average. Pricing also above average but more so than the quality of the food. I give it a below average score on value. Personally I have run an upscale Chinese restaurant before and the cooks here are not top shelf. Skip the ribs and the sizzling plate show. read more

I almost never give out 5 stars but I've been coming here since 2006 and I have never had a disappointing meal. Quite the contrary every meal has been fantastic. I cannot wait until my next overnight trip to Detroit so I can dine here again. UPDATED: This place just keeps on getting better. The new Jia Lounge by Kelly Just opened up next door and is a wonderful compliment to the traditional restaurant. Very scaled back menu (bar bites) but delicious. Great selection of spirits and wines. Can't give any more than 5 or I would. read more

Another awesome meal at China Cafe. This is a prime cut Veal Chop. It was amazing, so tender and full of so much flavor. read more

China Cafe - Another awesome meal at China Cafe. Prime Veal Chop!! - Chinese Near Me - Novi, Michigan

This place is absolutely outstanding! My mother and I decided to try someplace we had never been for our night out and picked this gem. By far the best Asian style dishes ever!! Crispy rice soup by far the best I have EVER had in the state of Michigan. Ingredients fresh and flavorful! The staff were very friendly and always on top of things. Beautiful decor, and the owner was so warm and friendly. So glad we found this place! We will be coming back and bringing friends! read more

Before Covid we would visit China Cafe as a couple, with family and with friends. We have always enjoyed the food, atmosphere and staff. The Firecracker Shrimp or Chicken is our favorite and it never disappoints. Since the beginning of Covid we have ordered out from China Cafe and I have to say the same care, flavor and attentive staff still rings true. Not once has our order been missing a thing. It is hot and fresh. They have curbside pick up perfected!! I would recommend China Cafe over and over and over. read more

Honestly so good. Fast service and great food It's hard trying to walk-in in the weekends because it's so busy so I'd suggest making reservations if you really want to come in read more

Busy every time I go there. The staff is so polite and friendly and the food is great. Good prices and such large portions. Definitely the place to go if you're in the mood for Chinese. read more

Did a curb side carry out today and the two meals were delicious. Great no contact service and Kelly and his staff are amazing. Supply this local business!! Safest carry out I have had since this started. Plus the food is great!!! read more

Yesterday I picked up dinner for my family and our friends. A truly touchless pick up. Both orders packaged were perfectly. The food was spectacular. China Cafe prepares creative Chinese food with freshness and far less oil used in other Chinese food restaurants. This is a small business that should be supported in these trying times. Very happy I drove from Plymouth to pick up dinner! read more

Quality food in an elegant atmosphere. Very busy and sometimes have to wait for a table or for carryout. We usually think of it on Monday, for some reason, and they are closed that day. Plan ahead and use the app for your carryout order. read more

Hands down the best Chinese food I've had since i left NYC. everything on the menu is outstanding. As a family we have had both dine in and takeout and China Cafe does not disappoint. My favorite is the cauliflower fried rice. If you're in the area i suggest you try it. read more

I've been a faithful carry out customer for 10 years. I call 2 minutes before there carry out closes and didn't make an exception for me. That only tells me that they care only about the money, more than keeping their long term customers happy. When I asked to talk to the owner, she wouldn't have the Courtesy of taking my call. So sad! read more

Saw this restaurant on Live in the D and decided to give it a try. Was not disappointed. The homemade dumplings were fantastic. All meals ordered were great. This is an upscale restaurant with prices above average. The food reflects the pricing. I did not care for the paper over the linen tablecloths but it didn't bother my wife. Full bar and great decor. It's fairly small and very busy. Not as loud as some of the newer high ceiling restaurants. Not quite to the level of Hung Hua but a darn good place to dine for really good food. read more

Both food and drinks are fabulous! The owners Susana and Kelly clearly have a passion for food and people. Susana has a special talent for making everyone feel like they're family... and Kelly's talents in the kitchen are just as impressive. I highly recommend the Palace beef. Oh- and don't miss stopping next door to JIĀ for an apéritif... get the Asian Paradise!!! Recently moved to Novi, MI from Minnesota and this will be a place my partner and I frequent. read more

Very disappointed to learn that this restaurant marinates all it's meat in egg. I used to love eating here, but after developing an egg allergy, that is no longer possible. Why would they continue this practice with egg being a pretty common food allergy? If the egg is so important to them, couldn't they set aside some non egg marinated meat to be more accommodating to their customers? read more

Loved their drinks and food. There were 6 in the group; a couple had the Bangkok sole fish, a couple had the salmon and the rest had Singapore noodles. All our dishes were prepared just right. For the drinks, most had the "very berry." They were strong! And, of course, the service was excellent. My wife and I love this place and eat there twice a month. Have not found another Chinese restaurant this good! read more

I had to be coerced into going to China Cafe in December 2010, as I don't really care for Chinese food. I was really pleasantly surprised at how unique and inviting it was, both food-wise and ambience. The owner came out and introduced herself, and made this first-timer feel like a regular. She is extremely knowledgeable and helpful with meal suggestions. Her husband is the exec chef, and looks at me as a professional challenge, as he now knows I don't typically eat that food. They have made a total convert out of me - they have some the of best filet I've sampled, and I've hit ALL the steakhouses in SE Michigan! The short ribs are the best I've had anywhere, and I also love the chicken fried rice and polynysian chicken. Between the attentive service, outstanding food and fun, friendly regulars - it's now a place I try to visit once a week. It feels like home. read more

This is by the far one of the better Chinese Restaurants I have ever visited. Since my first time I go back at least 2-3 times a month. Food is excellent, services is great, and the prices perfect. Highly recommend to anyone in the Novi/Farmington area. Awesome place! read more

Allright, it takes a lot for my husband to love a chinese restaurant and he actually asks to go here. Our friends turned us on to this restaurant and we really only go with them. As the restaurant is in Novi and we live downriver and our friends in Dearborn it says a lot that we will drive all the way here for their food. I love that even if the food you want isn't on their menu they will try and create it for you. Their spring roll was great and the sizzling rice soup always makes me happy. The owners are visible and SOOOO friendly and nice. The service is amazing and your drinks rarely go empty. The ambiance is great and the prices reasonable. I can't wait to go back!! read more

Let's keep this real. Just because you are located in Novi, doesn't mean you can charge $17 for an entree that is ala carte. My daughter had a hankering for Chinese food and so we decided on China Cafe. Nice atmosphere and very friendly staff and owners. That's the only good part of this review. I ordered the seafood curry $17.00 and when it arrived, the portion was smaller than most lunch size portions. Don't get me wrong, I am fine with a smaller portion if the quality is spot on. Needless to say, it appeared that they took one small scallop and cut it in to thirds and then in two..... This combined with the brine like shrimp and dime size calamari and two pieces of broccoli (that was from a frozen package of vegetables), left me completely unsatisfied. I could tell the seafood came from some combo seafood pack that the owner purchased from a warehouse and the main goal was to carefully weigh out the portion seafood that was included, rather than create a plate that would "wow" their guests. The only "wow" in my meal, was the fact that no soup, salad or egg role was included, coupled by the lack of creativity and sub-par ingredients in the dish. I like to support Novi based establishments but not when they are only interested in turning a profit and not putting out an acceptable meal for the price. No ROI with this experience and I won't be going back. read more

Ran by the CC yesterday on the way to the Novi Library... One big issue... Novi Rd is virtually impassable between 10mile & Grand River due to major de-construction. Its insane. Took over 20mins to wait to pass thru to get to other side of the construction zone heading south on Novi Rd. It has been years since I purposely visited, that I could not recall exactly why I had not been back. Well I found out why... the service is shitty. Plain and shitty. It was not even busy there. Maybe 5 other patrons in all. I sat down for what I had hoped was a quick lunch. I looked over the menu and waited....and waited... and waited. it was a good 8 to 10mins before the waitress even bothered to come to my table. Only thing I could think of was maybe she thought I had already eaten. Finally she came by and asked if I was ok. I said no - I came in for a quick lunch and have been here 10 mins and have watched you walk by at least 15 times without acknowledging my existence. I assume that hit a nerve and ruffled her feathers. She turned around and left. I was about to get up when some younger guy came over and asked if I was ready to order. I said actually I am ready to leave and am ready to never come back. He clearly seemed to have NO idea what I meant. So I said if you can put in an order for some Sweet n Sour chicken for me to Go and can get it for me in the next 5mins then I will be less apt to walk out and never come back. He looked at his watch and went into the back. I got up from the table and went to the front register and tapped my cell phone. I checked my watch and neither the 1st lady nor the 2nd guy were anywhere in the dining area. Ok 5mins was up and I had been there for over 33mins. about 3mins longer than I had intended. I shook my head in disgust and left. At the time my wife called me and asked how my lunch was. I said I didn't get any. I told her what went down and she was as amazed as I was. I got in my car and pulled out and went across the street to the Benito's Pizza where I have NEVER had bad service. I was not in the mood for Pizza but hell I was hungry. I never did get to the Library. read more

Almost a year later, this is in my humble opinion the best Chinese fusion in the metro Detroit area. It's a bit of a hike for some to go out to Novi. However, once you eat you can go sell your soul at 12 Oaks. read more

This place is amazing; friendly/nice staff, romantic atmosphere, food is amazing (ask if they have steaks or baby lobster tails; pricey but phenomenal.) The owners Kelly and Suzanne are incredibly friendly; talk and get to know them. So much better than P.F. Changs. read more

Worst service ever water stayed emptied the entire time and when she took away a non eaten appetizer she didn't even ask if we liked it (obviously we didn't we didn't touch it ) the food was nothing special but the service makes me never want to return. Even when she came with the bill still never asked how the food was! I never experienced anything so horrible Believe her name was Nancy .oh and When we asked for a manager they conveniently didn't know where she was then said said they didn't have one there ! Nice management they have going on read more

Really nice decor. Great food and fantastic service. Add craft beers and I would never leave.