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Forbidden City Bistro Reviews List

Forbidden City Bistro

Eric Leong’s modern “Chinese fusion” has been awarded top Chinese in the state, and top food in “Zagat” for three consecutive years. The warm eclectic atmosphere and cozy setting transforms you straight to China. The art work and furniture has been all custom made and imported from Beijing, China. The food and décor, are complemented by our Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” wine list with 175 selections. The in house mixologist creates Chinese/Asian style martinis and cocktails.
See more Forbidden City Bistro details
32 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
(32 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 32 reviews
5 stars
(10)
4 stars
(17)
3 stars
(5)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(0)
Food 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Service 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
1.8 / 3
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • fit for foodies(19)
  • notable wine list(13)
  • neighborhood gem(11)
  • good for groups(10)
  • special occasion(6)
  • great for lunch(4)
Forbidden City Bistro Reviews List
Review 1 for Forbidden City Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food here is always excellent. When they are busy, there aren't enough waiters to handle all the tables, so initial service is a bit slow. Will still go back for the food."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 2 for Forbidden City Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Another great meal!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/06/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We are repeat diners at Forbidden and long time loyalist of their Glastonbury counterpart, CharKoon, their menus are very similar and they serve the best Asian food in CT! Service its always polite and prompt, prices are a deal for the quality and quantity you get!"
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 3 for Forbidden City Bistro
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

not great food

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/03/2013
Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Takes fusion too far - be asian or don't be. We love Main st. Middletown but this place didn't impress with the food. Great bar, great drinks, but not great food and."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: good for groups
0points
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Review 4 for Forbidden City Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food is excellent. Very

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food is excellent. Very different flavors."
Dined on 04/05/2013
 2011
Special Features: notable wine list
0points
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Review 5 for Forbidden City Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The shrimp with fruit glaze

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The shrimp with fruit glaze was amazing!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 6 for Forbidden City Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food was delicious and

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food was delicious and the service lovely...I'd recommend it to others"
Dined on 03/20/2013
 2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
0points
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Review 7 for Forbidden City Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great meal set the tone for

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Great meal set the tone for a fun evening."
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
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Review 8 for Forbidden City Bistro
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

We were celebrating our anniversary

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We were celebrating our anniversary and decided to try someplace new.
We made reservations, but found that it wasn't needed as the place was dead.
I was surprised as it was a Thursday night. The food was good, and I had no complaits.
My Fiancé asked that they not make hers spicy and it was on the hotter side for her.
I have to admit I liked her dish better, but I have a high tolerance for spice.
"
Dined on 03/14/2013
 2009
Special Features: notable wine list, great for lunch
0points
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Review 9 for Forbidden City Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great restaurant. Wonderful

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great restaurant. Wonderful food made to order. Very interesting dishes. We loved everything we ate, from appetizers to dessert. Service is excellent."
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
0points
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Review 10 for Forbidden City Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Fantastic quality food, good

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Fantastic quality food, good service!"
Dined on 02/21/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion
0points
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Review 11 for Forbidden City Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Food was excellent! Will

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Food was excellent! Will be back."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
0points
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Review 12 for Forbidden City Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Absolutely love this place

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Absolutely love this place - the service and food are amazing!!!!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2003
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 13 for Forbidden City Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Eclectic entrees and many

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
"Eclectic entrees and many old favorites among the appetizers."
Dined on 02/01/2013
 2009
0points
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Review 14 for Forbidden City Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Nice choice

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Our waitress, Mariah, is what really made this evening a good one. The wine list is extensive and good, the food was very fresh, inventive and delicious. Menu is a little pricey, but not ridiculous. We were there the night of a wine dinner, so the dining room was full, but we sat in the very comfortable bar area at a table. We will go again."
Dined on 01/30/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
0points
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Review 15 for Forbidden City Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

EXCELLENT ASIAN RESTAURANT

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"EXCELLENT ASIAN RESTAURANT IN THE MOST UNLIKELY SPOT"
Dined on 01/29/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
0points
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Forbidden City Bistro
Based on the average of (17) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
1 out of 1 recommend this product
Food 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
Service 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Ambiance 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Noise Level
1.8 / 3
Moderate