Magic Wok Eatery in St. John's
408 Water St, St. John's, NL A1C 1C9, Canada
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Specializing in Hong Kong–style fare, this relaxed dining room also offers 12-course menus & a bar.
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We were regulars for many years. It was our go to place while my father was alive before 2020. I just picked up a take out order and the food was so much worse than what it has ever been that unfortunately I will never return. I can't even put my finger on what has changed but there just wasn't any flavor. I guess the ingredients are sub par compared to what they used to be and everything was just... chewy. It's really sad since I used to really enjoy it here but what I got tonight is so gross that I actually have to throw it all out. Hopefully someone reaches out to remedy the situation because we are very disappointed.
It is always predictably good. Right now (mid Nov 2024) they have pretty extensive renovations underway, but the service was excellent as was the quality of the food. My friends thoroughly enjoyed
Not very expensive but also not very good. There’s better Chinese food in the city. We got a noodles dish that was nasty. Chicken balls were fine. Got a curried beef triangle appetizer that was fine. Egg roll wasn’t great. Maybe we just got bad items on the menu but we weren’t impressed
This was my first visit here in a long time; and it's even better than I remember! The decor is nice and "peaceful" and you're not squished on top of the other patrons. The staff were super friendly and professional and the food was on the table within 15 minutes. The food was great! No buffet style, gulp and go type of fare here! At this restaurant it's made to order and brought to your table. The menu is quite large and the prices are very reasonable! Definitely worth a visit!
Taste was overall fine. A bit too heavy on the corn starch, especially the soup. The texture was almost jello. Thick soups in Chinese cuisine are cooked slow with the help of a hint of corn starch. The soup here was thickened quickly by adding a ton of corn starch. Same goes for the dishes we ordered. Everything was glazed over by a thick layer of corn starch. If you are looking for authentic, this place is not that. It is adapted Chinese food. (I suppose that’s authentic North American Chinese food…) One thing I am happy about is despite the overpowering sauce, the food was not too salty, as many North Americanized Chinese restaurants are. Service was excellent.
As a regular at Magic Wok, I can confidently say the service is fantastic. Friendly and prompt every single time! They have a huge menu, which can sometimes be overwhelming, but here it's a good thing. Everything I've tried has been delicious. If you're looking for a recommendation, their BBQ Pork with rice noodles (#99) is incredible. Highly recommend Magic Wok for anyone craving authentic Chinese food!
Hands down, the best Singapore style noodle in the world. Better than New York. And better than in Singapore! Lovely staff. Outstanding lunch. You do not need anything other than extra spicy Singapore style noodles. Has shrimp, pork, chicken. Make sure ask for extra spicy and extra scallions. Best wishes.
We were regular customers from about 2013 until 2020. It appears that once the pandemic hit, this establishment took a dive. Clearly, they have a new chef who is very subpar. Even the rice is like glue. The soup is cold and the service is mediocre. Prior to 2020, I would have given it a five-star rating. And another thing that's always been an issue - even when the meals were good - was the temperature. If my food is getting cold halfway through and I can almost see my breath, it's time to turn up the heat. Whenever I requested to increase the temperature, the manager refused??? I personally don't know anyone who sits in roughly 55°F to 60°F to dine. It's not often that I stick it out with any business for that long and I'm still shocked at how far they have fallen. Strike three and you're out.
Great service and wide selection of tasty authentic oriental dishes.
I cannot recommend this restaurant.... I returned the first meal ..spare ribs of uncooked gristle anf fat,,, and. the gaged at the replacement of beef that smelled bad...
Beautiful building and great food
The worst Chinese food ever. Simply no authentic flavors, food not fresh, rather frozen. We had to eat after long wait and hunger. Horribly slow customer service. Kid-friendliness: Yes.
Good place for Chinese food, but bit pricey
such delicious food!!
Burnt and bitter Singapore noodles, aged and freezer burned dumplings. Terrible food. I told waitress about the dumplings.
A restaurant suitable for all ages
Food is tasty, service good. Worth a try if you are in St. Johns and want a Chinese food fix.
Food was pretty average
The chop suey had a terrible smell to it I tried a bite and I had to spit it out. Eggrolls and the chicken balls rice was all flavorless and bland. Threw into the garbage.
Some of the best Black Bean sauce ever!
I came here with my partner on a nice Saturday evening. She had a Shrimp Stir Fry option while I went for the Crispy Boneless Duck (113). I have to say, the Duck was wonderful, from the second I gazed at it as it was served on our table I was sold on this place! Every bite of the Duck was like a reminder of my own childlike endeavours. Wanting to take another bite, but craving for it to last an entire lifetime. I definitely see myself back here, perhaps next time I go for the B.B.Q Duck! Have fun folks, if you happen to have the surrounding atmosphere we did then you re in for a good time.
Very disappointed. Food appeared to be brought to our table from a buffet dish in the kitchen. Too fast and little flavour. We were looking for something different than the pub fare after enjoying it the last few days. The 4.3 rating is a bit misleading. Maybe better luck next time.
Great selection of everything -- from when you have a craving for your classic Canadian-Chinese combos combos to when you want to share many dishes of delicious classic meals. The decor is in need of an update, but other than that, its a cozy spot and very popular. Service is excellent. Easy to order take-out, and the place can host special events. Parking is on a side parking lot on a one way street, so you need to drive around a little bit to get to it. Parking: Parking on side of building in parking lot, and out front Kid-friendliness: Great for kids Wheelchair accessibility: Wheelchair accessible - no steps
Ordered take out. The food was not fit to eat. Huge disappointment. Previous years it was one of the best. Terrible and would not recommend.
Carrie and her team create the most authentic Chinese food in Newfoundland. My go to place for many years. Highly recommend.!
Chicken balls were musty, cherry sauce was fausty, beef and broccoli was bland, overall disgusting. Very dissapointed
Beautiful restaurant, nice atmosphere and clean. Excellent staff. Disappointed in food, about on par with food court in mall, disappointed, expecting better. Food
Lovely experience
Very good food. Unfortunately prices have really gone up.
This establishment is an icon in downtown St. Johns that has not wavered in their quality over the decades. The combo specials are still delicious, the atmosphere welcoming & cozy, the takeout fast, and the prices unbeatable!!!
We had a pickup order of two rice items and other items too. Rice items are so hard to eat and anther item was soggy too, i called them and ask for refund the rice items and they are arguing I was 20 min late. I asked how they gonna prove that they didnt cook it way earlier? I am so disappointed, i was taking service from them more than 7 years and this is the first time I reached to them. Their serive now a days is very poor. Sorry, i will not return back.
Arrived here at 7pm, and theyre closed. Absolutely unprofessional, and an embarrassment for this establishment to be posting that they are open till 9pm Friday evening, yet they are closed.
Great place to eat good food .
A beautiful welcoming room, shared with amazing people, to a delicious meal served perfectly!
Great food, service and atmosphere! Just finished a lovely family birthday meal!
Great food, perfect location, awesome services.
Excellent as usual!
Amazing service! Delicious food
We used to eat at this restaurant all the time and get excellent service. Since Covid the service kept going downhill every time we placed an order. Today we placed an order, and when we showed up, my husband was given one order instead of two. The staff argued with him and myself, saying that we only placed one order and their staff was right not me. I asked him what would I gain by showing up to pick up two orders when there was only one ready? We ordered there that much they would have known our orders previously and known that we have never placed one order. We always place the exact same order all the time.. so instead of saying that the person on the phone was mistaken, they just argued with me and said no, it was me that was wrong. Then she wondered why I wouldn t take that food that was ready and wait for more to be made so I could have one order of food half cold. I asked to have two orders made, and they refused. Needless to say, it will be my last order placed ever there. The staff is rude, not friendly at all. Even the food itself has gone downhill since Covid started. There was absolutely no one in the store, picking up an order or eating in at this time, so I think this should tell them to treat people better. It s not worth my time ordering from a place that calls me a liar about my own order. I think I remember what I ordered.
love Chinese food
Great food
Delicious food, been going there for years!!
Fairly good service, great Chinese food. Accommodated our group of 25 which I commend them.
Very clean and well taken care of. Very welcoming, non judgemental atmosphere. The waiter was very kind and the food is always amazing. The food is so delicious and flavourful.
Food is fresh and tasty.
Excellent Asian fare with friendly service
Not the same since new never order or visit place again.woouldnt give it 2 stars.watered down sause and white rice.
Fabulous in every way. Lovely staff, wonderful food, vast menu. We will go back highly recommend it. Enjoy!
Asked for chicken breast and the waitress promised that I would get small pieces of the whole chicken. FRIED Rice with shrimp was mainly dry rice.
Weve been craving authentic asian foods around the maritimes and NL, so we were incredibly happy to finally find Magic Wok Eatery. We ordered the egg drop beef thick soup, black bean flat noodles, and seafood bird nest. The birds nest and noodles were fantastic. So was the hot sauce we requested. Satisfying to asian parents palette. They also serve Canadian-Chinese favorites as well.
Good food. The only mistake was that they didnt provide chopsticks. Had to ask for them.
The service is great, the restaurant is spacious and nice, and the food is very good. Its my daughters fav place to go for Chinese food.
We were very disappointed with the food Served hot but had no flavour. Will not be back
One of the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Have been ordering takeout from here for 10+ years. Best to get a variety of dishes and have with friends/family. Great noodles, dumplings, duck, rice, beef and more.
Kung pao chicken very good and the house fried rice excellent
Everything about this place was perfect
Excellent Chinese cuisine. Fresh and crunchy vegetable. Sweet and sour pork and shrimp soup perfect for those who eat spicy! Really good beef and broccoli, very tender meat.
Foods good staff is nice only thing is the place is dated looking and dark reminds me of my grandmothers livingroom, theres a lot of items on the menus probably to many, the flambe is hot like radiating heat at your table so when every other table gets them and your eating with these huge flames all around its a good show the first time then its just hot and a bit much when it happens for the 4th time and your just trying to eat some fries rice without loosing an eyebrow.
Food was hot and fresh. But mostly tasteless Tried many many dishes as we ordered in a large group of 20. This is my third time here. Its OK. Needs some updating in the decor. Service was great Food : 3/5
Bland. Tasteless. Below average. Wouldnt recommend.
Just had take away... #96 beef and black bean sauce... absolutely fantastic!!! The best ever. Ive had lots of great Chinese food in Vancouver and other cities. MW has always held its own. But tonight, 100% spot on! Thanks! ********* 2 years ago ******** Great food. Great service. Reasonable prices. Easy parking.
Not authentic. And not great taste. Examples... Hot and sour soup: No tofu, bamboo shoot, no egg... Too sour, and they used char siu as the meat... not authentic. Im ok with non authentic as long as it tastes good though. But it didnt taste too great. Not inedible but not great. GongPao chicken: Decent. Sauce ok. Small serving size. Seafood sizzling plate: Not bad. Actually quite good tbf. Nothing to complain there. Green bean chef special: Bruh so bad. Not authentic and had a weird aftertaste then realized they put BACON!? in the green beans whut!?!?! This was not the right dish. Overall, service was quite good. Cant have too high food taste expectations because it isnt China or Toronto ON/Vancouver BC... however its a decent effort and for that Id give this a shot if you were craving Chinese food. But WAIT! But... my friend had stomach ache and upset stomach within 30 min after the meal. I wont go into detail but yeah..... Mightve just been not used to the types of food Chinese people eat, as I was ok. Id say the food was safe to eat so its not due to unsanitary food. All cooked well. But this was not a great look, def something about the food. Id give this establishment a 5/10. Just enough to be decent food. At least all the meats were moist and not dry or tough to bite. And tastes were not crazy or way off. Decently mediocre if Im honest. Parking: Street parking free in weekend and paid weekday!
Menu is crazy big, so many choices! Staff was super helpful and pleasant even close to closing time. Food was hot fresh, and fast. I love broccoli to have a snap still.
Ordered on for dash. Beef and broccoli had almost no taste. Spicy shrimp noodles had very little spice and 3 dime sized shrimp. Was very disappointed.
Every dish was hot, delicious and just the right amount for our card group. Vegetarian options: Lots of choices. Food : 5/5 |
great food, great service
Nice staff
Table services are pretty much good. I would recommend to early and after 10 at night on Saturday
No doubt, this is one of my favorite Chinese Restaurant in St. John s.
Really great food and service.
Good meal
Ordered the lemon chicken - weirdest presentation I have ever seen - looked like a deep-fried fish cutlet in a thin lemon sauce. Batter was also reminiscent of what you would see with fried fish. Listen, it just didn t taste or look good.
Every time we come here we are treated very kindly.We love the food.
Awesome food, awesome service. Highly recommended. A+++++
One of my long-time favorite restaurants - staff are pleasant and the food is always fresh and tasty.
Food is just okay with good price, good place to be there just to feed yourself.
Best authentic Chinese cuisine
Great food, great service, great experience. Will be back.
All you need to know: the food is awesome. Youll understand why this place is so busy after you try it.
One of the best restaurants in ST Johns.
It was a nice place. The food and environment was good. I especially like the cocktail I ordered.
One of the finest Asian food restaurants on the island. Delicious. We were not disappointed today when I celebrated my birthday.
Food was excellent and the service was awful. They had a ton of take out we waited an hour to get our food. They might consider cutting off take out when the restaurant is full. Had to flag someone down to get my bill.
Loved their food 4 yrs ago. Didnt get to go as they close at 9pm
Had Fried noodle with shredded pork shrimp and chicken. Was tasty and fresh. Shrimp roll was yummy. Dessert was chocolate and carmel cheese cake..OMG SO GOOD.. Waiter was a charming and professional young man. Only complaint was with what they pass off as packaged plum sauce..not at all good. All in all 9 outta 10! I WILL return!
This roast pork was awful, completely dried and not authentic.
Extensive menu, very flavourful food, service is attentive, decor is ok. Vegetarian options: there are vegetarian options. Parking: Parking available but construction nearby makes access more difficult.
Great food better service and a lovely atmosphere.
Delicious food at reasonable price..
I had G9 and it was really delicious. Nice staff, cozy restaurant.
Service was mediocre at best, the food wasnt that great at all. Also I had to keep my jacket on because it was cold in the room I was seated.
Very good service and hospitality, reasonable prices. Size of portion is impressive
We normally enjoy this place a lot. Unfortunately this visit was not in that category. The beef dish had a sour taste to it and the egg rolls tasted terrible.
Food was great, service was a little slow but not unreasonable. Limited parking, sometimes you have to circle the block just to find a spot. Food : 5/5
Affordable prices. Friendly staff. Good vibes. I personally feel the decor should be more ethnic Chinese and some folk Chinese music would be fabulous!
Very reasonable prices and delicious food. Highly recommend the flaming beef dish!
Great food. A lot to choose from.
Great food and service.
Deadly
Best Chinese food in the city.
Great food! Nice people!
Ive been going to Magic Wok for many years and they are getting better and better every year!!
When in St. Johns and looking for Chinese cuisine I recommend taking the time to check this location. Recently moved to St. Johns to experience life in Newfoundland, dining out is high on our to do list. Luckily covid restrictions have started to loosen allowing access to dine-in eateries where our 1st stop was Chinese cuisine at the Magic Wok and had the D2 dinner for 2 combo. Great combination to get a flavor for the quality of food being served. Definitely on our list to return to try their many other dishes. Add to this courteous and friendly service along with a welcoming ambiance made for a long awaited excellent dining out experience.
Awesome food and people
Good food and service.
Phenomenal food and service!
Vary good service and delicious Chinese food. Really nice service too. Located near down town.
The BEST food and service! Clean & friendly!
Always excellent service and always the best Chinese food around. Fresh cooked to serve every time. Never disappointed yet and been going here for years.
Excellent restaurante. Very good food, quick and helpful service, and reasonable prices. Highly recommended.
I like the boneless duck..
Our waitress Nicole was welcoming and very knowledgeable about all the dishes. The food was good but not excellent. The chicken in black bean sauce which she recommended to us, was our favourite dish. The scallops I wouldnt recommend as they tasted fishy. Overall, a nice night out.
Gluten free knowledge, cuisine and service always leaves us wanting to go back and done again. Try the Singapore noodles!
Delicious food and great staff!
The atmosphere and service was great. Portion size for $$ was good. Food lacked a wow factor and taste quite bland.
Wonderful food and staff. This is our favorite restaurant anywhere.
As always good tasty food with attentive service
Fantastic food!! Highly Recommended.
Food is always fresh and delicious. Friendly staff, fast service.
I ordered due to the good reviews but compared to other places, the size of the servings were extremely small although I ordered 5 meals to share among 4. Overall very disappointed. If you are hungry, dont go there.
Mostly food that has previously been prepared. Okay but not great. Almost like buffet food.
it was good
Usually can count on a great meal but this time it fell flat. Most of the dishes were bland. Disappointed and maybe an off night but our party of eight did not have a great meal!
Service good. Food sort of bland. Not offered drinks while eating. Quaint place.
Yummy!
Good food with good company. Especially enjoyed the theatrical flambe beef!
Very surprised. We always have had very good service but this time it wasnt good.
Lots of Chinese variety and delicious
Delicious foods
Never disappointed. 6 of us tonight had curry chicken, honey garlic ribs, 2 Singapour Rice vermicelli (medium and hot), orange beef flambé with green beans, chicken balls, sweet and sour chicken, chineese brocoli, spring rolls, egg rolls, beef curry triangles, steamed rice, captain chicken, and got treats for dessert! We really enjoyed our meal!
Delectable dishes!
Fresh food very tasty and economical
What a great place for authentic Chinese food. Been comin here for many years and have never been disappointed.
Best Chinese Food in Nl.
Best place for Chinese food in St. John s!
Magic Wok has been a staple throughout my whole 30 years of life. I have fond memories from my youth about being excited for our families Saturday night meal from Magic Work. I have eaten with the Extended Wok family through, three decades, two business fires and one change of management, all have almost slipped by unnoticed. I do have a strong recollection of one trip to Florida at the age of 10 ,as my family went up the escalator at the airport, Mae ( the previous owner) franticly waved to my father as she went on her own travel. The staff have always been extremely friendly, the food always great, and they have constantly set the benchmark for quality business in St. John s Recently during the covid craziness the Magic Wok was unable to fulfill one of my orders due to factors far outside their control. The steps that the Wok has gone too apologise and compensate for what I would call a minor mistake have been exemplary. I know for a fact this treatment was not due to us being long time customers, but simply because it was right. I Know for a fact that the restaurant business is a slave to reviews, and is only ever given one chance to impress. Well, Magic wok has impressed me for thirty years, I would estimate thousands of springrolls, all while standing as a model for Newfoundland enterprise. When you eat there, you cannot go wrong with any of the choices. My personal favorites have always been the crispy duck, or the seafood in a birds nest. I am almost nervous writing about the lunch service as it stands as a secret to many who know. However, I doubt you will find another restaurant in Canada that you can have a full service lunch on a table cloth, consisting of; soup, a spring roll, an exquisite dish of rice and fresh cooked seafood, and a drink for just over 20.00 .. Think of that next time you eat a 17.50 hamburger in a parking lot, off the dash board of you truck. One comment too Magic Wok would be, I remember a previous staff, from many years ago, who during a flambe dish would theatrically exclaim Mooo haa haa haaaaaaa to the entire restaurant as the flames seemed to consume the table. You must promise me that if this gentleman is ever interested in returning too his old job, even just for a single night you will let me know. Let this stand as a written offer that I will pay his nightly wage, and surely fill a table. Magic Wok, don t change anything, just keep a great thing going for many more years!
Always had 5* experience. New staff are not helpful. Perhaps due to the whole pandemic situation. But food quality still top notch.
Not near as good as Can Ton on Newfoundland Drive.
Great food. Great prices. Great service. Definitely recommend!
Food is fantastic
Service was ok but food was...
Delish and friendly service
Super food and friendly staff.
Food was fresh but a bit too bland. My Singapore noodle was supposed to be super spicy but had no kick at all. I couldnt taste the flavor of curry either. Appetizers were alright, nothing to shout about. Service and ambience were great.
Aweome food
Fabulous food and fabulous service.
Quality was good, but portion size on a $16 special dish was small.
Their American Chinese food is so-so but their authentic Chinese food is amazing. You won t get it anywhere else in the city. Their hot and sour soup is the best I ve ever had. Highly recommend!
Staff use mingle masks which dont conform to covid rules. Food good
Crowded tables..asked them to move us and they did. They say some other unsuspecting people at the same crowded table with chairs back to back. Not good enough.
Excellent food. Great prices....opens at 12...however you can call at 11 to place an order for pick up at 12.
Best chinese food in St.Johns! First time eating here, definitely wont be the last! Great prices as well, friendly staff!
Hot fresh food tast great
Delicious!
Great tasting food at comparable prices. Combine that with fantastic service and you have a winning combination.
Yummy
Nice place, people are friendly and good service
Food was great and the staff very friendly.
A little overrated in my opinion. Not much authentic Chinese food anywhere in the area but this place seems to price their food higher even though its not much better or different than the competition.
This is a very special place to eat. Food prices but fabulous and staff are wonderful.
Great meal as always!
Best Chinese food in st Johns!!
Great atmosphere. Delicious as usual.
Great menu, food, and service.
There is not many places like these left. Cranking out the classics that I ve been raised on. Delicious food, extremely well prepared and exceptionally clean. Very nice owners and service, and I have to say this one of my favorite Chinese food restaurants in North America. Every summer I try to visit Newfoundland and this is our go to spot for a late night bite. Could not recommend more, also the updated chairs and dishes that were done recently are nicely done too.
Same great food and service
Food was so fresh and tasty! Staff were amazing too
Food and service are fantastic! Best Chinese food (authentic AND Canadian) in St. Johns!
The staff was friendly and helpful. The food was tasty. The deep fried BBQ pork bun had a lot of flavour but I thought it would be bigger. The sweet & sour pork was spot on but it was strange that it tomatoes instead of red pepper in it. But it was still tasty overall. The egg roll was flavoursome. I liked it. The crispy wonton was wonton sheets deep fried. It wasnt deep fried wonton balls with shrimp & pork in it. But it was still good with the sauce. The coconut pudding was a coconut filling in batter, deep fried and dusted with icing sugar. It was sweet to end the meal. The restaurant had a great atmosphere and the service was good too. I would come back here and try other dishes on the menu.
