I have been a customer of Hunan Lion for over 30 years. I was even a waiter at this restaurant in the 80s. I no longer live in Columbus, but it was still my favorite place to go for Chinese food. I still come to Ohio a few times a year, and Hunan Lion was my favorite. Not so much any more. My last two visits have been less than impressive. The service is nowhere what it used to be. We used to pride ourselves in making guests feel welcome and really serving them, not only with speed and precision, but professionalism. We were taught to greet them, remove appetizer plates and soup bowls before serving entrees, then remove all the plates and check up on them before asking if they wanted the bill. I think that is a lost art. The formal attire is still on the servers, but the rudeness and feeling of "I'm in your way" is something I expect in Chinatown, but not in suburban Columbus where this is considered an "upscale Chinese restaurant". The waitress we had this time really made us feel uncomfortable because she was in such a hurry. She never said a word after we gave the order. When she delivered the entree, she held the serving plate over the table as if to say, "will you move that plate so I can put this down"? After we finished, she delivered the to-go boxes without helping us pack our leftovers and never even said thank you. Still, the food was a solid 4 to 5 stars, and that is what I would have given, but I was so upset with the service that I am going to be "shopping" for my new favorite Chinese restaurant in Columbus. Believe me, I am not being a "Karen". I am merely observing the decline of a great restaurant due to lack of attention to detail. The food can be great, but if the service is poor, the dining experience is reduced to mediocrity. There are many fine restaurants to experience because Columbus has definitely developed a more sophisticated palate. Hunan Lion, I wish you continued success. read more

Where to start... I guess with a disclaimer? We eat here. Regularly. Hell, we frequent them weekly most of the time. Enough That I can typically tell who is cooking based on how a dish tastes that day. Haha. I love this place. I measure every Chinese restaurant's food against what I know: and I know this place is F'n (with a capital F) fabulous! Whether you're into General Tso, Sesame chicken, or Peking Duck ... you won't be disappointed! My fiancé is obsessed with the sesame chicken. Meanwhile I judge every other restaurant's General Tso against what you can get here. The owner is absolutely adorable, you'll see her any given night working at the front of the house. You can't go wrong here. Linen tablecloths, a romantic ambiance, and prices that will make you say "what?!?" in a good way! Try the sizzling rice soup for two if you're here on a date (sorry babe, you weren't the first I took here!) You won't be disappointed! read more

Hubby and I decided to take his Mom here for Mothers Day. We have always enjoyed there food. So I had told the hostess, who I think is the manager that we were bringing a 91 year old lady with a walker in. So, she proceeds to seat us in a very difficult way to escort mom. I had to lift the walker over a lady (who seemed perturbed to be bothered) seating at another table to get the walker pass. Really!! If I was the lady sitting there I would have gotten up and moved the chair. But regardless, we finally got mom sat and ordered our food. Mom had the sweet n sour chicken which was pretty good. I ordered the Hunan Combinations SPICY. It did not come out spicy at all. I ordered fried rice with it. I swear the rice was not fried. I asked our server twice, she just said it is fried and walked away. My MIL got the steamed rice and the only difference was mine had egg, peas but the same color. Same color and fried? I am sure we will try again. But hope to have a better experience and kinder people who will help a old lady out. read more

Hunan Lion - Chinese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Nursing Home Atmosphere Looks like Chinese food but it doesn't taste like anything. read more

Came to Hunan Lion today for lunch, ordered the schezuan seafood and the hot spicy chicken for lunch, they came out pretty quick, however., When you order two different dishes they should not, I repeat NOT taste exactly the same. Parts of the rice were hard, meaning that it was old. Not very good. read more

Probably the best Chinese in Columbus. Chicken is a decent cut (no creepy gristle of extra fat) and flavors are good.

Awesome and delicious Chinese food with superb General's chicken and gluten free options.

We've come here for dine-in service many times (and also take-out on a number of occasions) and it was always solid; tasty, fresh, just everything you're looking for. But we ordered take-out last night and it was barely edible (very goopy and the meat was tough). They also forgot to pack rice for our dishes. How disappointing. read more

top notch, high quality traditional American style chinese food with some ethnic classics. This korean run restaurant has a many decades track record as a classy asian establishment with great high quality food. My go to place for my chinese food cravings read more

I'm amused by reviewers wanting "authentic" Chinese food. I have eaten authentic Chinese food in mainland China as well as Hong Kong: No Thank You!! I'll take the American version every time. Hunan Lion is the best. read more

Great food! Very nice atmosphere! The only reason they didn't get a 5 star review was the prices! It's on the high end for the food that you get! But definitely one of my favorite Chinese food restaurants here in Cubs!! read more

Chicken lo mein and crispy sesame chicken are incredible. During Covid we have been getting takeout and they have it ready so fast and the woman on the phone is so sweet. read more

The first time we came for dinner was absolutely delicious. However, this time service was terrible. We arrived at 8pm and were sat at a table. Our waitress was incredibly rude and rushed us our entire meal. She took plates from under us as we tried to finish eating, had our check at the table before our meal had come out of the kitchen, and stood at our table while we boxed our meals up. We weren't even asked if we wanted dessert. It's a good thing the meal was good, but it was upsetting that we didn't even get to enjoy it since we were rushed in and out of the restaurant in 30 minutes. We were not even the last party to arrive, there was a table ordering their meals when we left. read more

Best Chinese food with the best atmosphere. Love there mini Thai egg rolls. Service is wonderful

I ordered takeout from here after being told this is the best Chinese in Columbus-- and yes. Can confirm it's amazing. I ordered the dumplings (unbelievably tasty) and the crispy duck. Definitely my go-to Chinese spot now! read more

I found the WOW factor here the other night. A great experience and a great meal. It's an above average Chinese American restaurant here. Definitely a dress up type of place with a very pleasant classy decor. Prices are commensurate with the look and feel of the place. The Hot and Sour Soup I got for my appetizer was very good with that slightly smokey sesame aroma that makes this soup so good. My entree was the Kung Pao Shrimp and Scallops with extra water chestnuts added. I give them top kudos on this dish. Everyone knows I eat a lot of Asian food and frankly it was one of the best dishes I've ever had anywhere. Flavorful, pungent and with just the right amount of heat to tantalize my taste buds. My dining companion, Paul F., enjoyed his flaming spicy wontons and the Orange Beef too. I tried a taste of the sauce on his dish and it was wonderful. It was a thick, smokey, barbequed goodness with just a hint of tang to it. Next time I'll get my same dish but get that sauce on it instead. Our server Caroline was friendly and attentive with must the right number of check backs. I wouldn't hesitate to ask for her the next time. This is definitely one of the better Asian restaurants in Columbus. It's worth the extra money you'll spend, especially when you easily get enough food for two meals out of it! read more

This was my second visit here. I had the Pineapple Shrimp, basically sweet and sour shrimp. It was spot on, exactly as I like it. For an app I ordered the salt and pepper shrimp and calamari. The shrimp was very tender, juicy and flavorful. The calamari was a little chewy. Food was served hot and fast and overall service was great. read more

The decor is very nice. Very Chinese. The waiter was very good took our order and we got our food in a timely manner. The restaurant was reasonably quiet. I had the crispy macadamia chicken and it was very good. We will be back soon! read more

Hunan Lion - Menu cover - Chinese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Hunan Lion is one of my favorite Asian places in Columbus. When I want great Chinese (sit down or takeout) I come here. I've been coming here for several years, and they've never once failed me in food, drink, or service. I haven't had everything on the menu, but they have great General Tso's (let's start arguing how it's not really "authentic") and other spicy dishes. It's always been a good amount of heat and flavor (as well as some of their Szechuan dishes). read more

Believe it or not I really didn't remember coming here. Although the restaurant looked vagually familiar, I just chalked that up to one restaurant looking like so many others that I'd been to. It was only after I'd gotten home and sat down to write this review, did I realize that not only had I been here before but I also ordered exactly the same thing! Isn't that amazing! Of course, last night was different because I had the company of Mike G. The spicy wontons were just as good as was the orange beef. So a good meal and good company! read more

Hunan Lion - orange beef - Chinese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Our favorite Chinese Restaurant in Columbus! Very good food! Definitely recommend for Dine in or take out!

Warning! The food in this restaurant is really sad especially when it comes to the meat. Even when it comes to General Tso's chicken. The inside obviously comes from a food truck (mushy). Their vegetables are way over cooked (broccoli wet and soggy) or undercooked. I've been there a few times only to accommodate a friend, but I hafta tell ya friends, if you go there you will see that for the overblown price you'll be shaking your head. I love good Chinese, and don't mind paying for it! Find another place. read more

I give Hunan Lion five stars. This is just about the best Chinese restaurant as far as food quality I can think of. The cooks here have mastered the sauces and deliver every time. For takeout or dine-in, this restaurant produces! Tucked away at the end of a strip center, this restaurant has delivered for decades. The interior has been remodeled in recent years and attracts an upscale clientele. My brother and I ordered the Mala Lamb and Triple Delicacy for lunch with chicken lettuce wraps appetizer for dine in. The lettuce wraps arrived at the table with four pieces of head lettuce and the minced spicy chicken meat on the side. The server hand spooned the meat evenly into the four lettuce pieces tableside. As expected, it was mildly spicy- semi-sweet minced chicken. The hot and sour soup, which both of us ordered was just right. A little spicy, not oily, warm, with all the ingredients blending together nicely, with not one ingredient overpowering the other. The Mala Lamb and Triple Delicacy were both fabulous. The Mala Lamb was stir-fried with fresh garlic, jalapenos, and green onions, with the lamb cut into thin strips for easy stir-frying. Spicy and flavorful dish. The Spicy Triple Delicacy came out with generous, fresh, large pieces of shrimp, chicken breast, and beef tenderloin stir-fried with peanuts and red chili peppers. Not often is real beef tenderloin found in a stir-fry dish. The brown sauce was masterfully prepared with a sweet and spicy flavor profile, unfound anywhere. My only complaint is that the pricing is high. $1.95 for hot tea, $2.00 extra for brown rice (we deferred), $8.95 for Triple Delicacy lunch combo (includes soup), $9.95 for Mala Lamb (extra $2.50 for hot and sour soup), and $5.95 for lettuce wraps. $33 before tip, but boy was it delicious and worth it! read more

Hunan Lion - Spicy Triple Delicacy & Mala Lamb - Chinese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Pretty good for Columbus..... So this place is kinda misleading on the outside. Located in this strip mall and giving off vibes that it could be dumpy. But the inside is actually really nice. The name does say Chinese dining so I assumed they only offered Chinese food. However, upon reading the menu, I noticed they offer some Thai dishes as well. My sister had the pad thai in the past and said it was blah. But she said the curries are delicious. I'm thinking this place is not the biz for Thai food and you should just stick to the Chinese. Appies: Salt and pepper calamari: light battered calamari with the right mix of salt and pepper. Loved. Fried dumplings: delish and I'm glad they weren't super oily. Fried rangoon: i like how it wasn't oily and just pure cream cheese like some other places. Entrees: Combination lo-mein: good flavor. Sesame chicken: i'm not really into sesame chicken but it was good for what it was and everyone else liked it. It also had a light breading. Crispy orange beef: my least favorite. I don't like breaded meat. This was too breaded and crispy for me, almost to the point where it was too hard to bite. Bleh. Red thai curry: great flavor. My sister's fave. Kung po scallops and shrimp: my fave. The sauce was so good and love how they use big scallops, not those dinky ones. Our waitress wasn't the most personable, but she kept our waters filled and brought out our entrees quick. Overall, I wouldn't mind coming here again if I was in town. read more

I'm 34 years old. I'm OSU-born, Columbus-raised. I know this city very well, and that includes restaurants. Growing up, my family ate at and ordered so much Hunan I can't remember it all; if there was the slightest inkling or iota we might have American-Chinese food for dinner, Hunan was the undisputed heavyweight champ, the Mike Tyson of dinner. My family has been in Dublin since I was 2, and we always stayed loyal to Hunan. Not that it's a super-long drive or inconvenient, but it was always really good and Windchimes never held a candle. As someone who has been "on Yelp" for a very long time and never written a review or have a registered account, I feel compelled to do so now based on yesterday's experience with Hunan Lion. I've spent a lot of time in restaurants and I know how hard and layered that work is, so it's not really my nature to complain because often times the person you're complaining to (server) is totally innocent and removed from the situation. Admittedly, my family's gotten away from Hunan in the last few years and don't order as often, opting for Thai instead and going with Siam Orchid which is much closer, and frankly, consistent, even with their Chinese options if that is what you want to order. Last night we ordered from Hunan for the first time in awhile. I went with Spicy Triple Delight, an old standby for me at the Lion. It's hard to put into words my disappointment with the entire experience. There was an assertive, unpleasant, dock-smell immediately upon opening the carry-out container. Having spent some time working in kitchens and understanding sometimes fish smells like fish, even if fresh, and isn't necessarily a reflection of taste, I grabbed a shrimp and ate it. It tasted like dirt or sea-bed, bitter, not indicative of freshness in any understanding of the term. I called Hunan Lion and voiced my concern. I called without an expectation of the situation being addressed or remedied because taste, let's be candid, is wildly subjective. I conveyed my smell and taste experience, and asked, simply, "I'm wondering if there is anything you can do about this." I initially spoke to a man in the kitchen who put me in touch with a manager in front of house. I re-explained the situation to her. She heard me and said she was going to head to the kitchen and check things out. She got back on the phone, and said they could issue a credit or refund for the dish. I opted for a credit, given I did not want to give a full CC number on the phone per the mngr's request; not a complaint at all, I understand how POS systems work, strictly my prerogative. She said a credit would be issued associated with the phone number, to which I asked if she could confirm the amount. I said I thought it was in the neighborhood of 15.50 - 15.95. She said, almost verbatim, "yeah, it's about that" to which I replied / asked again if the amount could be confirmed. She audibly, clearly sighed and placed me on hold again. I have no issue being placed on hold, I wanted to confirm we were on the same page, thinking at this point we are likely to order again and use the credit. When she came back, she confirmed the amount, but then she also decided to add that she went back into the kitchen and "checked" the food. She said nothing was wrong with the shrimp. To this I said, "Why are you telling me this? I'm not interested in or feel the need to argue with you. I called you, expressed some displeasure, and asked - ASKED - verbatim, 'I'm wondering if there's anything you can do' having zero expectation, given my complaint is based on taste and smell and everyone experiences that differently. You didn't have to do anything. I didn't expect anything. I thought we passed this point in the conversation and I don't want to argue." She kind of apologized, and the conversation ended. That said, I have a $15.00+ dollar credit I'm willing to "sell" for $25.00, because at this point I don't have any interest in ordering from or eating at Hunan Lion ever again unless someone else is paying. read more

I have been patronizing Hunan Lion for more than a decade now and, despite it's less than glamorous location in a shopping center off Bethel Road (next to a Dollar Store, none the less), this restaurant is top notch. You can smell it from the parking lot, which in this case, is a good thing. The dining room might be late 1980's traditional Asian in decor (red leather booths, giant cloisonne vases and fish tanks). but I have recently discovered the Thai portion of their menu. I do enjoy certain Columbus Thai restaurants for specific dishes AND I love Hunan Lion for a several Chinese dishes, but just a few months ago my sister turned me on to Hunan Lion for different reasons- the chicken curry. It is a superb crossover! I've been coming here (off and on) since the mid-90s, so I'm not exactly sure what the one-star reviewers are looking for in a Chinese restaurant. I have no complaints about the nice variety, quality and portions of consistently good food served here -- and I now love this place for both it's Chinese and Thai menus. The flavors and portions are very good and I'm always happy to have an overflowing glass of water, delicious egg rolls and better-than-average Thai and Chinese options for lunch and dinner. No offense to the other Yelper, but Hunan Lion has been around far longer than Joey Chang's in Hillard, which replaced the Thai Orchid only 5 or 6 years ago- I DO like Joey Chang's a lot, but perhaps they drew inspiration from HL. Maybe there are connections. read more

Some if not the best Chinese cuisine in central Ohio. Their hot and sour soup is to die for and their sesame chicken is the best I've had. On top of that, the service is fantastic and the ambiance is great. No wonder this place has been in business for forever! read more

It's my favourite restaurant of ALL TIME. I've been here for years and they've NEVER disappointed. I get the hunan chicken and it's the most delicious thing I've ever had. Only thing that keeps me tethered to Ohio. Amazing staff, amazing restaurant, amazing food. One love, Hunan Lion. read more

A remarkably consistent restaurant. I've been eating here for 25 years and have never been disappointed. The menu is not real innovative, or authentic, but rather, the expected Americanized Chinese offerings- Kung Pao chicken, Lo mein, potsickers, hot & sour soup, Mongolian beef, Mu Shu pork, etc. But they do these favorites very, very well. The portions are huge and they do not skimp on the proteins- loads of meat, shrimp, whatever. The interior is a step up from the basic strip mall decor, and take out is fast and efficient. Highly recommended. read more

Very good food. Its a linen cloth table goid server type of restaurant so us more expensive, but is good. Take your special someone there for dinner. Columbis doesn't have many restaurants left with service like this. read more

Singapore noodles are my favorite! Their crab rangoons are the best I've ever had. Overall I have not had anything off the menu that I didn't like. The food is delicious and comes out fast. Great for take out as well, not just dine in. Great service, my go to place in Columbus! read more

Best Chinese Food in Columbus. Food is served in mass quantities. Normally I bring my entire family there for dinner when I am in Columbus. But this time I ordered carry out. My daughter's refrigerator is full of leftovers....quality of food is the best. Their sauces are excellent. Their soups are excellent. I visit Hunan Lion every time I am in town read more

Best Chinese food in the city. Hands down. Service isn't great ... but the food excuses the terrible service.

Food was outstanding. We have been eating here for over 30 years and consistently great food and service every time even through covid. Last night horrible service by the server, not entirely sure what his deal was in particular with us but Shawn treated us very differently than others and we careful observed him. We noticed this right out of the gate - since we love the food, we will be asking for a different server when we return. read more

The best Asian food on the continent. Sauce is spot on. Fresh and vibrant. Chef had been there since day one. Service is a 10 star. Food is a 10 star plus. These people know what Asian food is all about. Human chicken is outstanding. I will be back n read more

Never but never seen a restaurant that looks nothing like a business from outside but beautifully designed inside?!.. Food is really really good and consistently delicious as I've been visiting this place for the last 5 years. I've taken one of my friend visiting from San Francisco and he loved it as well. You must visit this place for sure!.. Order anything you see on the menu, they are all good!... read more

I have been eating the same few stuff whenever I come here. This time I tried the Pad thai and Thai Spicy Seafood noodles, and have to say they were really delicious. Nice balance of all the flavours. Service as always is welcoming and good. read more

Hunan Lion - Thai Spicy seafood noodles and Pad thai with Chicken and Shrimp. - Chinese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Took my family and friends (party of 8) to this restaurant we have been coming to for years. I only get to Columbus once a year and this is a usual stop. Today included poor attitude from a poor waitress, an owners wife with no customer service skills, and finally slight redemption from the owner. The waitress essentially slammed the dishes on the table as some of the food arrived. Our waters were not refilled until one hour into our 2 hour stay there. There was 25 minutes between getting the first dish we ordered and the last dish, without the waitress ever keeping us up to date as to when it was coming, despite me telling her my young daughter was hungry and needing her dinner soon. The owners wife came out and we told her the experience. Her response was "I tell you we very busy" several times. I told her in no uncertain terms this was no way to treat customers, and she just said 'sorry we busy' as she walked away without any care about the customer. This lady did not care...AND SHE WAS THE OWNER'S WIFE! My thought is if they are very busy, does that mean crappy service is acceptable? This woman usually stands at the front of the restaurant - and should remain there. She has no business or ability to engage with customers, especially if they are busy. The owner saved the evening by apologizing and acting like someone in the customer service industry should behave. He said he would take care of us after I told him I did not want to see the original waitress back at our table. When the bill came, there was no discount for very poor service. Most good restaurants would do this without being asked. We paid our check, with zero tip, and left. We will not be back. Hunan Lion management - if you are reading this, I would be very interested in your response to this situation. You are usually a busy restaurant - is this a common occurrence? Is this how you build customer loyalty and repeat business? Four of the people in our party have been going to you for 30+ years...and this is how you treat them? read more

Hunan Lion was a last second decision on a cold night driving home from Dublin to UA. YELP* helps make decisions for new ventures. The interior is huge and nicely laid out. The server was prompt as at 5:45pm, dining was light. Their food menu is top-to-bottom extensive w/apps, specials, main entrees and even Thai cooking. Desserts and specialty cocktails grace the booklet-style menu. My meals were cup of Hot & Sour and then the main course, Chicken Szechuan. I'm not often a 3-Star guy but this seems very cookie-cutter. The soup was a cup, a level cup. That's okay - I may have said a cup of Hot & Sour. It was good but not thickish, almost jelly-like, which I my preferred consistency. The main course came with, again, a level cup of white rice. That's fine because often you're plated a heaping pile; not a fan of heaping. The chicken, mushrooms and broccoli, .. meh. Brown szechuan was liquidy and didn't approach spicy. Freshly made but somehow only a touch above wok-hot. Certainly not steaming. I took half home which equates to enough to eat, sure. I don't know. I used the term cookie-cutter and I'm sticking with that. A final note - price. The year is 2022 and inflation has been rising. Spending +$20 for soup and entre (drank water) is pricey but all restaurants are fighting this inflationary battle. Hunan Lion is OKAY. Wouldn't hurt to give it a try, yes? Yes. read more

Best Chinese restaurant in the city! Anything with human in the name is amazing, as are the chicken lettuce wraps!