Green Tea Restaurant Yantai Joy City Review 2026

Yantai's Joy City is packed with fantastic dining options, making it tough to pick just one! If you're like many travelers who aren't quite used to the distinct spices often found in traditional Chinese cuisine, choosing a restaurant can feel a bit daunting. That's why I'm excited to introduce you to Green Tea Restaurant (녹차식당), a popular Hangzhou-style franchise known for its milder flavors that appeal to a global palate.

Green Tea Restaurant: Location & Ambiance

6th Floor, Yantai Joy City

Joy City is a massive complex, so finding the restaurant might take a little time. I highly recommend checking its location on Gaode Map (China's popular mapping app) before you go!

I visited around 5:40 PM and was seated immediately without any wait.

The restaurant itself is quite spacious, with large tables that can comfortably seat six people, making it an excellent choice for families or larger groups.

I was lucky enough to snag a window seat with a stunning view of the sea – it was absolutely beautiful! The overall interior design felt sophisticated and well-organized, adding to the pleasant dining experience.

Green Tea Restaurant: The Menu

Ordering is super convenient – just scan the QR code located on your table. Each table has a unique QR code, but if multiple people scan the same code with different phones, you'll all see the same order form, making it easy to browse and order together.

Here's a cool perk of many Chinese restaurants: they're often quite flexible about bringing in outside drinks! If there's a specific beverage you're craving that isn't on the menu, feel free to grab it from one of the cafes or markets within Joy City and enjoy it with your meal!

For my meal, I ordered the Garlic Shrimp with Glass Noodles, Stir-fried Potatoes, Dongpo Pork Ribs, and Fried Rice.

First to arrive was the Garlic Shrimp with Glass Noodles – a dish so popular, I noticed almost every local table had ordered it!

It's served with raw shrimp that cooks right at your table via steam. No need to worry about timing; a staff member will gracefully open it for you once it's perfectly cooked.

The steamed shrimp retained all its moisture, making each bite incredibly juicy and delightfully plump. But the real star for me was the glass noodles! They perfectly absorbed the savory, garlicky sauce, creating a moist and flavorful experience that's hard for anyone to resist.

Next up, the Stir-fried Potatoes, a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish made with thinly sliced potatoes, wok-fried until perfectly crispy. It’s the epitome of "crispy on the outside, soft on the inside," seasoned with a savory, slightly spicy kick that makes it utterly addictive – I couldn't stop reaching for more!

The Dongpo Pork Ribs are essentially pork ribs braised in a rich Dongpo-style sauce. The sweet and savory sauce was undeniably delicious, but I found the abundance of bones made it a bit cumbersome to eat.

It also had a subtle, slightly vinegary note, characteristic of some Chinese soy sauces. If you're particularly sensitive to unique flavors or spices, this dish might be a hit or miss for you.

Visiting Green Tea Restaurant, a well-known dining spot in Joy City, was a delightful experience. It’s perfect for international travelers who might be sensitive to strong spices, offering a comfortable and approachable introduction to Chinese cuisine. With its clean, elegant interior and spacious seating, I highly recommend Green Tea Restaurant, especially if you're traveling with family or looking for a relaxing meal!