Review Title: "Exemplary Service and Unforgettable Experience at On Lok" Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5 On Lok truly shines as a beacon of exceptional cuisine and stellar service. This is not just a dining experience, but a cultural journey that pleases the senses and enriches the soul. First and foremost, the food at On Lok is nothing short of remarkable. From beautifully prepared traditional dishes that evoke nostalgic homeliness to innovative fusions that surprise and delight, every item on the menu is thoughtfully created and flawlessly executed. The freshness of the ingredients shines through in every dish, a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality. The balance of flavors is perfect, offering a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, spicy, and umami that is sure to tantalize any palate. The restaurant's décor elegantly combines modern design elements with a comfortable and inviting ambiance. It is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail that permeates every aspect of the On Lok experience. Whether you're dining in the main area, which buzzes with the energy of delighted patrons, or in a more intimate setting in one of their private rooms, you will find yourself at ease and thoroughly enjoying your surroundings. What sets On Lok apart, even more, is its exemplary service. The staff is attentive without being intrusive, and their knowledge of the menu is impressive. They go above and beyond to ensure each guest feels welcome and valued, effortlessly anticipating needs and making expert recommendations that enhance the dining experience. In addition, On Lok's commitment to sustainability and local sourcing is commendable. This not only contributes to the quality of the food but also supports local producers and is in line with global efforts to promote sustainable practices in the food industry. Lastly, the wine list deserves a special mention. A carefully curated selection that caters to a range of preferences and perfectly complements the cuisine, it adds an extra layer of sophistication to the On Lok dining experience. Overall, On Lok is an unmissable gem. From the moment you step through its doors, you are treated to a culinary and service experience that is second to none. This is a restaurant that not only lives up to its reputation but surpasses expectations at every turn. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a weekday dinner, On Lok delivers an unforgettable experience that leaves you eagerly anticipating your next visit.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Two of us dropped in last night at about 10pm ,tried a few other places before but they were all closing. I ate at On Lok once or twice back in the 80's and seemed to recall it being pretty decent ,authentic Chinese Food. What I had hoped would be a nostalgic and pleasant dinner wasn't. What A Disappointment!!! The place looked rundown and unclean, the staff were explosively yelling in a loud and arguementive manner in both Chinese and English at random times to both customers and each other. The agressive waitress spilled the 10 wonton soup as she brought it to our table ,no apology of course(at this point none was expected). When what appeared to be a father and son left an almost untouched plate of food at their table as they left,we felt a little more uneasy about what our food was going to be like. The House Special Crispy Noodle Chow Mein was terrible-meat and vegetables tasted old, sauce wasn't good and the noodles weren't very crispy. We ate about half of it and that was about all I could get down. When the Fried Chicken with Lemon Juice came it was very messily arranged on the plate, chicken had more batter than chicken and was sitting in about 3/8 of an inch of greasy ,lemon sauce. I didn't even try the chicken. When we went to pay the $50 bill, the waitress actually walked up to our table and looked hurt when she asked why we didn't enjoy the food. I said it was awful, she asked if there was too much lemon juice. I thought she might be joking. Defintely won't be back. There's lots of other real good Chinese restaurants to choose from.
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$20–30
Parking
Free parking in small front lot.

I have been coming here since the mid 80's. Was introduced to the place buy a friend and was hooked. Always was happy with their food and service and always tipped their waitress staff very well. It was really good back in the day but as of late their food has become really quite disappointing. Just poor quality and doesn't taste as good anymore. I used to go multiple times a week or month but as of late I only now go in there once in a blue moon. Believe this entire pandemic has really put a dent into their food quality and service. Yes reading other reviews here the place can use an overhaul and upgrade. It just now looks like an old dirty restaurant and they could use new floor tiles and new everything from cupboards, decorations, etc. Seems they made a lot of money over the years and just don't care about the place anymore. Only want to make a $$$ and do no upgrades. They could have a construction crew go in at night after hours when they are closed and do a little bit of work on the place at a time even in quarterly pieces. I will still go here on occasion to eat but not as much as I used too. Would now rather go to Pink Pearl and/or James cuisine chinese food and spend a few more $$$. Or even Burnaby Palace is really good.

The food is not too bad, as long as it's not deep fried with batter, that's way too greasy. I have been a customer for 29 years, watched it exchanged hands at least 3 times, not a fancy place but that's all right with me. My family and I dined there on Christmas Eve, we also dined there on new years eve, 1 week later. The cost went up on all the dishes by almost 2 dollars each, we ordered 7 dishes. When it came time to pay, I left a small tip for I had thought it was going to be the same price as the week before, and I brought enough money to pay the same amount. The bill was 13 dollars more so they only got 1.30 tip for that's all the cash I had. The waitress was so angry, she raised her voice at my whole family saying that the tip was too low in front of everybody dining there. I told her it's because the prices went up from last week and I ordered the same dishes and that's all I had. She followed us to the owner/cashier, and was voicing her anger in her language to her, I'm sad to say, she has worked there a long time and I was so embarrassed, my family will never set foot in that restaurant again. Not to mention their portions of food are considerably less now.

Worst service and disgusting food. I don't know how people are giving this place 5 stars. I ordered a simple beef brisket noodle soup. Asked the male server if they could make it more spicy, he just rudely said, no just use the sauce on the table. My friend asked the lady server for orange juice as it was advertised in the menu. She just said, no orange juice, he asked for becks beer. She goes we don't have it anymore. My food tasted pretty bland, I had to use soy sauce and the chilli oil paste which looked like its been sitting there for months no chilli just oil. I was hungry and extremely disappointed in this place. I've had similar experience at another Chinese restaurant. I refuse to spend money at a Chinese place again! I like my go Phoa, korean and sushi places . If the manager has read my review. Please train your staff to show some etiquette. This is Canada, they don't live in Beijing.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

So basically, me, my dad, and my sister walked in cause we wanted some won ton soup. After we walked in they told us to seat ourselves, and when we tried the angry waitress yelled at us to sit in another seat. My dad ordered the won ton soup and the waitress seemed angry that we wanted 3 bowls for 1 serving of it. She brought the 3 bowls and they were dirty..had dried leftover food in it and were crusty as hell. When she brought them she slammed the bowls and utensils down very aggressively. After we saw how terrible this place was my dad asked if we should leave, I agreed and when my dad said to them that the dishes are dirty the angry waitress got even angrier and started yelling to the employees in Chinese and English. I’m so glad we didn’t pay for anything or eat anything..I’m never going to come here again.
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

I followed the suggestions of previous reviews that this restaurant is the place to go for wonton noodle soup and BBQ pork and was quite disappointed. Friendly staff and quick service. I am not sure if it was the time we visited, Sunday 7 pm so the food was not the freshest. BBQ pork looked like leftover for a few days, they put way too much sauce to soak the rice, and the rice was like grains broken into tiny pieces. Wonton noodle soup was alright. Not particularly good nor bad. No complain for the price and if all you want is a quick meal. Overall, you can compare the quality of food as a cafeteria at a rest stop on a highway. On the receipt, the first item is wonton noodle soup and the second item is BBQ pork on rice.
Food: 2
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 2

You may think I'm crazy giving this old restaurant 5-Stars, but it's well worth it. The place is old, it's been there for years, and it's so authentic old world Chinese that it is special. The food is really good, all made fresh from scratch. The atmosphere is what you would expect from an old place and the service is super fast, friendly and always dynamic. I took my staff here for our AGM Staff Party and we had a blast. I recommend the 10-Piece Wonton Noodle Soup each, a side of BBQ Pork, a plate of spicy prawns, and the small dish of ginger sauce, and that is it, you are dialed in for a great meal. I prefer this place any day over a Pho restaurant. Go take the family, and have fun.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Food wasn’t fresh at all. Very unappetizing. The bbq meat on our dishes were old and has a pungent smell to it. The head server or cashier has an arrogant attitude with no greetings, no warmth just asked “for how many?” And pointed to a corner table for us. Our server is an older asian lady, she is nice and kind but you can tell she is working under a lot of pressure. The interior of this restaurant is super messy and clutter is everywhere. You can find a better Chinese restaurant somewhere else but not this one. We didn’t finish our food. We left with plenty still on our plate, it’s not even worth taking home.

Been coming here over 25yrs since i was a boy. In the last few years the quality has declined significantly but the wonton soup is still #1. Tonight i had to complain as there was way to much garlic & a piece of stick. I was told to return it for an exchange, its mins before closing now & I come from Coquitlam to get On Lok perhaps a credit would be a better option after how long ive been a patron at this restaurant.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–40
Food: 1
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 2
Recommended dishes
Soup

Same delicious food combined with surly service from short-tempered "aunties". Feels just like home!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Beef and Bok Choy Chow Mein Crispy Noodles, Wonton Noodle Soup with Brisket, BBQ Pork and Wonton Soup and BBQ Duck, Beef and Green Pepper with Black Bean Sauce
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Parking options
Free parking lot, Free street parking
Parking
Tight spots and not many of them.

Late night dinner, drove by all the time, but first time actually eating there This place is the definition of hole in the wall but tasty restaurant. Didn’t order much, because already had dinner but still hungry. I only ordered congee and donut. The century eggs pork congee actually tasted amazing, so much flavour in it. The donut is surprisingly still crispy. If you can see pass the hole on the wall, it’s a place that I would go back to
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 2

Been going here for 20 years. Every thing I have ordered had been awesome… until the last couple years. While I realize that times are tough and the economy is slow, a raising of prices and a reduction in food quality is not the answer. Suffice to say after many years of loyal service, I will not be coming back here… rancid, tasting meats, and sour tasting shrimps in the wontons along with fishy tasting wonton broth is not very desirable.. and the prices are going through the roof…
Food: 2
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3

We've been coming here for the past 25 yeats. Our standby place when we want a quick, hot tasty meal/snack. friendly staff, can get busy during lunch and dinner but food votes quickly.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Beef Brisket, Beef and Bok Choy Chow Mein Crispy Noodles
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot, Free street parking
Parking
Lots of parking

Very good Chinese restaurant. The decor is basic and old, but food quality and price is right. The staff was excellent on my visit and I will definitely be going again. You should definitely try the soups
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 2
Recommended dishes
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot, Free street parking
Parking
There's always a lot of parking around here.

Ordered take-out and the food was terrible. The BBQ pork on rice was visibly dried-out and not edible. The rice had no flavour and it had the same dried out pieces of pork in it. The honey garlic pork had lots of chewy grisly pieces. The only dish that was half decent were the green beans. Like most folks, we’ve been coming here for many years. Not anymore. The food just isn’t good.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$70–80
Food: 1
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 1

It had been a long time since I visited this place so I decided to order takeout today. The lady on the phone was super friendly, helpful and funny. I arrived to pick up my order and they were just putting together my soup. The food was fresh and tasty. The fried beef with rice noodles was great, as was the salted fish fried rice. The beef brisket noodle soup was good too. The portions were very generous! Definitely coming back!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

Haven’t been back here since the early 90’s and it was like stepping back in time. Tasting the bowl of wonton noodles was a bit nostalgic…there are definitely better options out there, but the On Lok version is the version I grew up with when there was more pork than shrimp in the wontons. I can’t say I was disappointed. If anything, I’m impressed the food tasted how I remembered it! Thanks On Lok for staying the same!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

If Google allow zero star, I will post zero star rather than 1 star. Price gone up, portion get smaller! It`s still fine and understandable. Unfortunately and very scary that there is a cockroach in my fried noodle while I just started enjoy my meal. The restaurant is old but that`s not the excuse for the pan fried cockroach in my dish !!! Never back again. I should report that to the health department.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

Disgusting place to eat. Everything was sticky, from table to floors and chairs. Utensils didn’t seem washed properly I had to order a hot water to soak the spoons and forks we were about to use. Ugh. When I remember eating there, I slowly lose my appetite. They also force you for a tip even when the only service they did was to bring you the food and the hot water I asked for to soak their utensils.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

Great place. Delicious won ton soup. Incredibly fast service (actually among the fastest I’ve ever seen in a Chinese restaurant). The servers are very nice and busy sprinkled with the usual rudeness that you expect in an authentic restaurant like this! Love it! We even got a calendar for the new year . Will be back again for sure. Also, prices are excellent, among the best I’ve seen in Vancouver so far. Dinner $50 for 3 people; you can’t beat that!

This restaurant has been apart of my life for 30 years! I been going here since I was a kid. The food is absolutely delicious! Best wonton soup in town! Best spicy prawns in town and trust me I’ve eaten at many places and tried them alllll! This place is the absolute best! Today was my moms birthday and they took such good care of us today! This restaurant is amazing! Incredible service! Feels just like home! Thank you to everyone at the restaurant!

Used to come here a lot when I was younger when it was better. The portions are smaller and the soup is saltier. Warning: English speakers taken advantage of. Two times recently our bill had extra dishes or money amounts added on top of things we did not order or priced it wrongly. Also made our food wrong and wanted to charge extra for a remake. I wouldn’t recommend coming here now.
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$10–20

My stand-by Chinese restaurant when I am in East Vancouver. They have been around a long time and I usually order from the special board at the entrance. Other items are a little hit and miss but the price is right and the service is good. I uploaded a photo of one of the specials. It is fish fillets with green beans over rice. A small bowl of soup is included and it makes for a nice lunch or dinner at less than $10.

Been loyally going here for over 25yrs. In the last 3-5 yrs I’ve had to send back 2 dishes. That’s never happened before & the overall quality has gone down to a point where I must share in hopes that they go back to the original broth & quality they were known for. I gladly travel from the suburbs to go there, not as often 2022.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

Excellent food with a huge selection of items at this Chinese Noodle restaurant. Open late at night it's the perfect spot to stop after a concert. It's everything you might expect from a bustling restaurant in East Van. Noisy and quick, hopefully you miss cutlery washing time although that and the animated discussions are part of the ambience. Ps order the egg rolls and beef noodle soup. yum.

Good noodles, good broth, great portions. The place can do with a renovation though.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
House Special Chow Mein, Beef and Tripe Curry on Rice, Ginger Beef, Chicken Fried Rice, Wonton Noodle Soup with Brisket, Beef Noodle Soup, Sauce, Soup

Food was meh, super greasy though. The service was horrible! We tried to order chicken fried rice, but they started to yell racial slurs at us. BUYER BEWARE!! The atmosphere was super loud and unpleasant and the rude server that was cursing at us didn't help. I won't be coming back to this restaurant. Absolutely UNACCEPTABLE!!
Food: 2
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

A brother was visiting and wanted to go back to On Lok. Service was great and friendly,our orders were good. Great price for the BBQ duck .
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Singapore Fried Noodles, Duck
Parking options
Free parking lot

Good bbq pork wonton noodle soup dine in. Often take out bbq pork fried rice. Atmosphere same for past couple of decades, nothing special. Friendly servers, cranky cashier (who also mans the phone). Once saw delivery driver enter restaurant from deliveries, and promptly handle bbq duck with unwashed bare hands.
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3

Last time I was here. they sold my family rotten meat.. when we brought it back. Onlok accused us of tampering with the food. Like how do we turn meat rotten?? Lol I will never eat here again!
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100+
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Kid-friendliness
Wasn't to friendly with my children..

Quick good wonton soup@ could of used more brocolli but super tasty
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Soup
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking
East to find and open! They make their own wontons view it happening.

Really cheap Chinese food, only it's a shame that the price can basically be tasted. Normally I'm not that picky with rice but their rice always tastes old for some reason. Their BBQ duck and pork are okay but there are so many better alternatives at a similar price
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

Not the cleanest restaurant. Horrible parking. 6 spots for the whole place. Staff isn't friendly at all. But I can't get enough of their barbecue. I always stop here when I'm in Vancouver because I live an hour away. The rest of the food isn't that great. The meat is pretty gnarly. Full of gristle and fat and half of it isn't edible.

We are coming to this restaurant since 1992 as a family it’s a pizza place that means all the ingredients might be fresh the best wonton we ever had. It’s made on location cam and explain this one very often. You’ll see a ladies sitting and making it the front of your eyes.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

For those who have had won-tun at various other Chinese restaurants (especially in Richmond), these would rate at the bottom. The ingredients don't taste fresh and the meat has gristle. For one of the best, try Tsim Chai.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

This is a great place for wonton but thats it. I ordered ginger beef and chow mein for home. It was awful aftet one bite my husband and I threw it out. The soup is fantastic.
Price per person
$50–60
Food: 2
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 2
Recommended dishes
Soup

Very Chinese Chinese food loved it, quite cheap for area. Just expect a Hong Kong Cafe experience not a north america style experience.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Beef Brisket Noodle

Wanna give one, but roommate made me add one more. Friends said it was decent, ordered 8 times. 2 times were decent but not by much. Other 6 times meat is all bones, tastes like nothing appetizing. Meat dishes are all garnishes....not much meat. When ordering no one pleasant to help. More

Great place for some greasy Chinese. Don't expect the service to be great but the food generally comes out hot and delicious for what it is. Been going here for more than half my life. Pretty stoked it still exists at all honestly.
Food: 4
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 4

I ordered the Beef And Vegetables With Steamed Rice as takeout, and it was delicious. The beef was very flavourful without being too salty, and the rice was cooked well. Along with some pot stickers, the dish was enough for a satisfying lunch for me and a snack for two friends. More

Great and super quick customer services and delicious foods!! I would come back for sure❢
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Parking options
Free parking lot

Used to eat here often back in the 90s. Was pleasantly surprized to find them still open and serving the same delicious food!!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

On lok is the BEST late night Chinese spot in town. Fast & friendly service. This place even gives out a calendar or key chain once and awhile. Delicious deep fried wontons and yummy bbq meats. This is a must stop!! Thanks for keepin it on lok.

I go there at least once per year when we are doing the Volunteer Wrapup Dinner after packing up the Japanese Powell Street Festival. That was where I discovered the Delicious Lettuce Wrap.
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

Been coming here for 30+ years and unfortunately the food and service has slowly declined. Had the best bbq pork and chicken fried rice that would fill up at least 2 people and not barely 1
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3

I finally got to eat here for the first time ever! Yeah... would not recommend! The food was mediocre at best, the place was gross, and the staff weren't that great.
Service
Dine in
Food: 2
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

First time here for my birthday thanks to my friend who brought me here for a dinner. Nice portions, reasonable prices and good taste. Come and take a look and taste the food. If you really like a truly Cantonese food you will love it. More

The lady at the cashier is a miserable unprofessional rude lady.First of all I come to the till to order BBQ pork and she says tudley what do u want.Then proceeding with weighing out my BBQ pork and plain rice she never even punched it in

I've been coming here with my family since the late 80s. There won tun soup and barbeque pork is always good, as for the rest of the menu I wouldn't recommend it, its not horrible but its not great either. The place is on the dirty side,

I have been going her for probably close to 30 years. I went today after not going for maybe a year and was very disappointed. The food didn’t taste the same and it was as though they have started using seasoned chicken breast in their

Great food, good service. Traditional Chinese restaurant, if you don't come for the decor and just the food you will leave happy
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3

Mmmmm classic east van there sweet n sour bonless prok is all meat not breaded and vegies mmmmm
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–70
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

On lok has got all their food ON LOCK!!! Great tasting food, reasonably priced and service is prompt. Highly recommend their wonton soup.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

Amazing food!!! Very authentic Chinese ✌♥️
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Soup

My favorite Chinese restaurant. Not a fancy restaurant, but delicious food. Fried beef with rice noodles is one of my favorites, along with Gai lan and beef chow mien. Always check out the special board.

Still better prices than other restaurants. Not enough meat in most dishes -too much vegetables and noodles. Nice staff. Sometimes slow service. Wonton gave me diarrhea though its delicious More

We ordered the lemon chicken and chow mein special, both are terrble taste, my husband didn't even taste the chicken, engriedients taste old on the chow mein, we barely eat and left. More

If you want authentic, well made Chinese, look no further. These places are becoming less common. keep this place alive
Food: 5
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3

Food was great, loved the wonton soup.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Recommended dishes
Beef and Tripe Curry on Rice

Very good service. Quick and courteous. I will return here. We had a great meal. Bring your family and enjoy.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Order barbecue pork it was no good was dry and tasted bad never again
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 1

Good food and nice service. A type of service that many people might not be used to. Overall nice old school Chinese restaurant.

Food was terrible. Service was terrible. Bathrooms filthy. Who tf still has a towel machine in the bathroom lol More

Love this place! Lots of seating , well lit, friendly staff. Fast service with tasty food!
Service…
More

Been going here for over 30 years, it's like family now, can't complain.
Service…
More

Great food, number 1 service
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner

Excellent food here. Ample seating. Can host a lot of people.

Always amazing food. Long term over ten year customer.

Thanks for being open during the pandemic! Good food!