China Pearl - Friday Harbor

I spent the day in Friday Harbor while on land during a San Juan Cruises Boat Cruise out of Bellingham. I had walked around a lot and was tired and hungry. It was a hot day in July. As soon as I came in the door, a nice lady greeted me and kindly seated me. I received water right away, which I really appreciated. They took my order quickly and I received my food just as fast. I ordered the Sesame Chicken with Rice. It was delicious! My wait person was kind and considerate. I left him a nice tip. I’ll return here for lunch next time I visit Friday Harbor.

Super nice and allowed me to pack a small box of a soy sauce??

The food was awesome, the service was friendly, and the restaurant was cozy. The fortune cookies were better than I’ve had.

We ordered the General Tao's [sic] chicken and chicken fried rice. Both were top-notch. The space is fine enough, and the atmosphere isn't exactly authentic Chinese, but the food is fantastic.

I am quite happy. I haven't been back to this place in 10 years since it began its original decline, but I can tell the new owners have put the work in! It's a far cry from what I remember, and that makes me so glad. This was my favorite restaurant 20 years ago when I was young. Starting with the staff, rather pleased with them. They were nice, and helpful; all things good servers are. Little more to say on that. I had the Egg Flower Soup and Sweet and Sour Chicken. The soup has a nice broth and I loved the choice of ingredients, though I wish they were chopped a little smaller so they fit on the spoon better. The chicken was soft, not dry, and the sweet sour sauce was delicious. Wish the breaded part was a little crispy, but the taste was still great. My very minor complaints would only be personal taste; I'm sure there are people who would ask for the opposite. Overall I am very pleased with the food and will definitely be returning for it. I cleaned my plates, which I think says enough! Wishing the new business owners good luck. Parking: Its downtown so you will either find the perfect parking spot or be walking a block or two.