After a much-anticipated dinner at Margaret Kuo's (Japanese Akari Lounge, 2nd floor), our conclusion is that the place is way over-hyped. Dont get me wrong, the food is very tasty (a solid 4 stars on taste alone), but it is not presented in any interesting or novel way. The decor is quite dated and worn (art was actually falling off a wall), and the SERVICE was absolutely ATROCIOUS. I think we had the same server as a few other reviewers who described bizarre awkwardness from an inattentive and clumsy guy. Similar to one reviewer, we were seated and suddenly found ourselves with only cocktail menus, without a friendly welcome or offer of water or drinks. When we flagged someone down 3-5 minutes later, they brought menus but only 1 sushi form (for 3 people). He then disappeared for another 3-5 minutes before asking about drinks. When we asked for additional sushi forms so more than one order could be placed (we did not want to share on one plate), the guy acted totally confused. He ...? More ?
Reviewed by: Anonymous on: 2009-11-13
We hadn't dined upstairs for several years -- our loss! It was a delightful rediscovery. The host/owner? made us feel so welcome and special, the service was fine and the food was terrific. The seafood custard appetizer served in its own ...?
Reviewed by: A TripAdvisor Member on: 2009-10-10
We live in the area and dine at Margaret Kuo's as often as possible! It is simply the best Chinese and Japanese food we have EVER had! We recommend the food highly. The atmosphere in the Chinese restaurant is formal and elegant. ...?
Reviewed by: Coreen H. on: 2009-08-27
Gourmet chinese. Great sushi bar. Authentic Chinese dishes -- highly rated. Service is always impeccable. Fine dining. You will enjoy the experience. ...?
Reviewed by: Harrison L. on: 2009-08-21
Margaret Kuo's is one of my favorites. I used to go there all the time for take-out sushi and chinese food. Both are way better than the run-of-the-mill Asian restaurant. The staff is very friendly and you'll often see Mrs. Kuo there ...?
Reviewed by: Suzanne P. on: 2009-08-17
Margaret Kuo's was a wonderful dining experience, Pricier than your usual chinese restaurant, but reflected in everything from the amazing high quality food, impeccable service and absolutely beautiful decor. Definitely a great date or ...?
Reviewed by: Torie on: 2009-08-03
A year or two ago we went to Margaret Kuo's in Media, PA and the food and service was wonderful. The Wayne location wasn't anything like it. The service was horrible and it is not the place to go if you have any sort of food allergy. ...?
Reviewed by: Jaclyn S. on: 2009-06-26
The service is always wonderful, and the food is always delicious. There is always extra to take home. Co workers and myself often frequent for lunch and they have a great lunch menu. The chicken is amazing. ...?
Reviewed by: Jaclyn S. on: 2009-06-26
This place really does have such great Japanese food! I really like that they serve both Chinese and Japanese, to give a huge selection. This food is out of this world! ...?
Reviewed by: AndrewC4597 on: 2009-04-23
the positive experiences I have had at this wonderful restaurant. Attention to detail as far as service and cuisine is hard to miss. During one experience a trainee was scolded for not folding our Spring Pancakes exactly the right way. ...?
Reviewed by: Anonymous on: 2009-03-12
Went there with my family for a get together. Had our own private room and ate delicious food. The staff was great and I enjoyed it. It is a fantastic place for a large party or group. Excellent eating experience.?
Reviewed by: moniquec4007 on: 2008-12-16
they have the best chinese food and the food is phenomenol, my family go there every week and our servers are always prompt and attentive. best peking duck served with touch of delicacy, they also have great selection of wine. business ...?
Reviewed by: jess018 on: 2008-11-09
Just got takeout from Margaret Kuo's in Wayne. Food was EXCELLENT! I was expecting it to be much pricier since there were no prices listed on the takeout menu. Spent around $45 for two orders of vegetarian sushi, a seaweed salad, and two ...?
Reviewed by: gillian c. on: 2008-09-12
One of the biggest decisions is whether to eat Chinese or Japanese cuisine. Both are fantastic - the menus are extensive, the food excellent and the staff always friendly and caring. ...?
Reviewed by: Lauren L. on: 2008-09-09
Just recently I stopped in Margaret Kuo's for a quick lunch. The staff is so friendly! I sat at the sushi bar & enjoyed watching the sushi chef. But even more, the rolls were delicious. And well worth the price! ...?
Reviewed by: Spaghetti Western on: 2008-07-31
than YM and SF). Best Peking Duck and General Tsao's Chicken in the burbs. Service is polite and prompt. Decor is very good. Excellent attention to detail by management. I've been there many times and am always impressed. I can't comment on the Japanese room ...?
Reviewed by: gojugrl7 on: 2008-06-30
I would not have any complaints about this restaurant if it were a lot cheaper. $6 for tea?? (which they claim was sencha but I'm not sure I even believe--the quality seemed low and taste was bland). the food was good and the ambiance ...?
Reviewed by: MatthewP0800 on: 2008-05-12
and Japanese upstairs. They are located in a brand new building in the center of Wayne that was designed by Kuo. I have never had anything there I did not like. I eat there often and am always trying something new. Chinese-Szechwan dumplings (spicy),Tangy Pepper ...?
Reviewed by: Lori B. on: 2008-03-21
We have never been disappointed by the food here. It is wonderful. We have mostly eaten Chinese but what we have had from the Japanese menu has also been great. ...?
Reviewed by: Helen G. on: 2007-12-31
This is a first class restaurant with a renown chef making traditional Chinese dishes in a lovely setting. Fresh ingredients, wonderful staff. You will not be disappointed. ...?
Reviewed by: Limbo199 on: 2007-12-03
up respectable dishes, but the Japanese on the second floor has become borderline awful, in particular the cooked dishes. During our most recent visit, the waiter let it slip that they changed chefs a couple of months ago. ...?
Reviewed by: carlf1337836 on: 2007-09-15
tasted as if it had been frozen, thawed and then cooked. Service was slow despite few diners. Maybe we were there on an off night (a Thurs) or it's getting old and taking its reviews for granted. Bartender said business was slow, I can see why. It's unfortunate because ...?
Reviewed by: Anonymous on: 2007-08-20
The dim sum was OK, considering the price, except the Shanghai style steamed buns (bao). The stuffing was stale and had a bit of rotten taste. When it was mentioned to the waitress, the manager was nice about it and took it back. But later on, an older gentleman, not sure if he is the chef or the owner, came to our table and basically told us we dunno what the taste should be?! Among us, we had a former chef and an authentic Chinese, this was definitely out of line. Will never eat there again.?
Reviewed by: PaulP4201 on: 2007-07-20
with very special ingredients. Don't be stupid and not order the Imperial Peking Duck, which may very well be the culinary highlight of your year. Also try some of the appetizer samplers and desserts. ...?
Reviewed by: DavidS113201 on: 2007-03-03
Service is generally excellent, but was oddly slow, bring the overall rating down to a 3. Unlike many restaurants in this area, getting a creative vegetarian meal is easy, with lots of choices on the menu. ...?
Reviewed by: foodiewino on: 2007-03-01
What a great concept to have Japanese and Chinese within the same restaurant with equal expertise in each. They have the freshest sashimi and great classic chinese dishes. I think it is an incredible spot all around-a date, a random weekday, ...?
Reviewed by: alank1175090 on: 2007-02-19
Fresh, expertly cut and artistically presented sashimi with generous portions. Beautifully cooked unogi with sweet sauce for dessert. The second dinner was to try the Peking Duck, which was beautifully carved and presented. ...?
Reviewed by: suzhi on: 2007-01-18
What a disappointing experience! Reading other's reviews about this restaurant, my expectations were high... However, the service was terrible and the prices were too high for what you were served. Having eaten in other Chinese ...?
Reviewed by: vinnievinny on: 2006-09-20
FOOD: AVERAGE. Though it is hard to find good authentic chinese food on the mainline. I'd say Margaret Kuo's food is just average. The Peking duck was overcooked, the meat was dry. The braised ox tail was tough, probably need another hour of ...?
Reviewed by: DavidLightman on: 2006-09-07
sushi, with fresh ingredients carefully arranged in the classic style. The dining room is very well done, creating a setting so authentic you'll consider taking your shoes off at the door. The staff are knowledgeable and attentive, ...?
Reviewed by: paku1 on: 2006-05-25
This is the best restaurant anywhere for VERY authentic Chinese Food. I lived in Beijing, China for three years and the menu at Margaret Kuo's makes me feel like I'm still in China! The prices are very reasonable for the Main Line and the ...?
Reviewed by: A TripAdvisor Member on: 2006-05-07
I recently dinned at Margaret Kuo's at the end of April 2006. What a great experience! I was nervous about not having reservations anywhere in town on a Friday night but they were more than accommodating. I was looking forward to some good ...?
Reviewed by: waynefoodie on: 2006-04-09
I have eaten there or done take out over thirty times. Every experience has been perfect. You can get traditional chinese food in the same price range as other typical chinese places or splurge and get a different and more expensive meal. ...?
Reviewed by: sarah010 on: 2005-11-04
Obscenely expensive for what you get!! Much better restaurants in the area that are more reasonably priced. And the menu? Nothing authentic about it, more like an Asian Fusion place.. ...?
Reviewed by: Megan K. on: 2005-05-12
The word is out -- for excellent Japanese and Norther Chinese Cuisine on the Main Line -- Margaret Kuo's is the restaurant. The quality of the food is excellent. PROS: Excellent food CONS: ...?
Reviewed by: jodily on: 2004-07-11
You couldn't ask for a more perfect experience than the one I had at Margaret Kuo's this July 4th. From the moment my date and I stepped into this dimly lit, elegant (but not stuffy) restaurant, to the moment we left, we were treated ...?
Reviewed by: Craig LaBan on: 2004-02-15
The carved stone dragons and warrior horses that grace the walls of the Dragon's Lair pay homage to the great Tang Dynasty. After all, says Margaret Kuo, the Tang years (618-906 AD) were a golden age for China, when its culture was ...?
Reviewed by: Contributor on:
Restaurateur and businesswoman Margaret Kuo brings this two-tiered restaurant which offers both Chinese and Japanese dining experiences, private dining and more. ...?
Reviewed by: Anonymous on:
Margaret Kuo is the queen of Chinese cuisine in the suburbs. In this Main Line venue (she has other restaurants in Media and Malvern), Kuo has created an elegant showplace for her Shanghai cooking, which includes some of the best Peking ...?