01/28/09

Expensive for Chinese Food, but a Decent Place

by EconomicArmageddon

I'm always skeptical of Chinese restaurants with no Chinese people in them.<P>

There are so many Chinese restaurants in LA and the greater LA area, that are much cheaper, more authentic, and have better food. It's hard for me to stomach paying $15 for a plate of orange chicken (not that I would ever eat orange chicken....). <P>

That being said, if I felt like Chinese food and wanted somewhere classy/fancy, in a nice neighborhood, this is a good choice. The service is good, the food is presented nicely, the decorations are modern- or at least, more modern than the typical pink table cloths and plastic chairs.

09/18/08

Okay, but better nearby

by mugwump

Having lived in the 'hood for nearly 15 years, I'm always surprised when visitors want to go here for BH chinese. It's certainly a fun atmosphere, so that is worth it, but the food is overly oily and immediately forgettable. The best Chinese food in the area is Shanghai Grill, on Wilshire and Canon, even if the atmosphere is too subdued, quiet, and sometimes geriatric. There is also some serviceable take out at Chef Ming's on Olympic, though Shanghai Grill is far better quality and worth the higher price.

02/13/08

Great food, nice ambience, fabulous company!

by eastcoastcritic

What a great place! Our server Tao was amazing and so attentive, the lychee martinis divine and the food GREAT! From the potstickers, the scallion pancakes, vegetable roll, Crackerjack shrimp and cod. How did it take me so long to find it? I will be going back soon!

• Pros: Food, service, drinks
• Cons: none!

10/31/07

Great Chinese Food

by jamesbfallon

Xi'an is a wonderful chinese restaurant where the service is good and the food delicious. The healthy "treasure from the sea" with scallops and shrimp is always my first choice for delicious food.

05/10/07

QUALITY, cheap Chinese in Beverly Hills

by babystrange

Xi'an is easy to miss whilst cruising past the Spagos and the like on Canon, but it is not to be passed up! With so much lackluster Chinese in this town it proved a wonderful discovery for 4th of July dinner with my parents this past year. The wine and champagne list offered a vast assortment of libations to accompany the equally diverse menu. With enticing vegetarian options, I wanted to order 5 or 6 things (I settled on an amazing vermicelli dish)! Our service was incredibly prompt but did not make us feel rushed. While somewhat lacking in ambience, the casual atmosphere is suitable for a variety of dining experiences.

01/15/07

Try the Spa Rice

by aderocker

Healthy, non-greasy Chinese inspired food. This is healthy "Americanized" Chinese food and the restuarant was packed on a Saturday night when we tried Xi'an for the first time. We tried the lettuce cups, which were crunchy and delicious, and much better than the similar menu item at PF Changs. We ordered Crispy Beef, 3 Traditions (Scallop, Shrimp, and Squid in Oyster sauce with veggies), and Spa Rice. Do not miss the Spa Rice, we could have both eaten our weight in this dish. The Cripsy beef won't be ordered again as we would like to try something else when we go back. The one caveat about this restaurant is the Stoli vodka I ordered cost $9.00, which is about the cost of a dish.

• Pros: Healthy Selection, Fun Atmosphere, Valet Parking
• Cons: Pricer drinks

Well-heeled diners nosh on healthy Chinese in an upscale Beverly Hills setting.

by Contributor

In Short
Just two blocks from famed Rodeo Drive, this is a prime spot to catch SoCal's beautiful people as they stroll by with armloads of shopping bags. Inside, green tile floors complement blond-wood walls, and an '80s pop soundtrack sets an upbeat vibe. Szechuan calamari is sauteed with shafts of celery in a black bean sauce, and pot stickers are stuffed with diced mushrooms, tofu and spinach.

11/18/06

Upscale Chinese

by rudette

It's hard to find Chinese food in an upscale setting like this - plus the food is actually very good! Okay, one time we brought another couple here after raving about it, and of course that one time it disappointed us. But every other time it's been very tasty, whether we're here for lunch or dinner.

11/15/06

Great Chinese in a trendy area

by dmenkes

Each time I've been here, it's been suggested as a lunch destination on a day I'm not particularly dressed up. I'm certainly not used to wearing nice clothes specifically for a work lunch, but I do feel out of place in a tshirt. The food is amazing and healthy. My salads have been fresh and the chicken tender. Their dumplings are also very good. Our waiters haven't been snobby or anything; but some of the customers have given me looks for my clothes. Hey, I make what you make; I don't *have* to wear a suit for work, okay? Sheesh.

• Pros: terrific upscale chinese, people-watching
• Cons: no parking

06/02/06

amazing chinese food.

by candymac5

great ambiance. great area. has the best black bean chicken and peppered chicken i have ever had.