The Imperial Garden Chinese Restaurant, Cleveland, Tennessee

The Imperial Garden Chinese Restaurant is tucked away in a small strip mall. I had never paid much attention to it until someone recommended it to us. We went there late one afternoon recently, and we were quite surprised at how good the food was. We are already thinking about what we will order the next time.

It isn't decorated in the red and black theme so many Chinese Restaurants use. It is nicely done with pale green booths with white table cloths. The tables have wooden chairs with floral pattern on the seats. There is a fountain as you walk in, which adds some ambiance. It is not a large place and there were only two employees, other than the cook.

The hostess greeted us with a smile and then us to a table. She left us with the menu, which has quiet a large selection for such a small restaurant. A male server took our drink orders. When he brought them to us he then took our dinner orders.

My husband ordered Imperial Shrimp ($8.95). I ordered Moo Goo Gai Pan ($7.95) and we shared an order of Shrimp Lo Mein ($8.25). They serve fried rice with dinner, but I requested white rice instead. Their prices are very much in-line with other Chinese Restaurants.

After asking for chop sticks, I dove into the Moo Goo Gai Pan and it was very good. The chicken was cooked thoroughly, and the veggies were fresh and crisp. It has a light flavor which is what I prefer.

The Shrimp Lo Mein is basically made with what appears to be pasta noodles, not true Lo Mein noodles. The shrimp were very large and had excellent flavor. Overall, even with the pasta type noodles, I would order it again. I don't eat spicy food, so I will take my husband's word that his semi-spicy shrimp were excellent. Needless to say, as with most Chinese restaurants, we left with two rather full to-go boxes.

We were there rather early for dinner and as such we had the place to ourselves. We were given adequate attention throughout our meal. Each of the employees asked us how everything was. I was offered a refill of my sweet tea, although I turned it down.

If you plan on being in the Cleveland, Tennessee area, or if you are just passing through on I-75, stop by the Imperial Garden Chinese Restaurant for lunch or dinner. They open at 11:00 AM, 7 days a week.

The Imperial Garden Chinese Restaurant

217 Ocoee Crossing Way, N

Cleveland, TN 37312

Phone: 423-559-9054

Source:

Personal Experience