Forbidden City in Tacoma, WA
Forbidden City
Forbidden City: Tacoma's Premier Chinese Buffet Experience.
Quick verdict
- Family-friendly seating
- Good value for price
- Wheelchair accessible
12151 Pacific Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98444, USA, Parkland, Tacoma, Washington
Quick facts
Rated 4.2 stars based on 539 reviews.
- Family-friendly
- Budget-friendly
- Quick service
Best for / Not ideal for
Best for
- Families
- Large groups
- Budget dining
- Quick meals
- Casual dining
Not ideal for
- Fine dining seekers
At a glance
Tacoma, WA • 4.2★
At a glance
Good to know
- Forbidden City has a listed address in Tacoma, WA, so visitors can confirm the exact location before going.
- The page includes a 4.2-star rating from 539 reviews.
- Hours are listed on the page; verify current hours before making a special trip.
- Website and phone details are available for checking current menu, hours, or availability.
- Photos are available on the page to help preview the restaurant before visiting.
What stands out
Multiple reviewers praise the taste and flavor
Attentive and helpful staff
Multiple reviewers mention the freshness
Well-maintained dining area
Before you go
Convenient parking for customers
Order to go
Eat in the restaurant
Delivery service offered
Signature Dishes
10 popular dishes mentioned by diners
Signature Dishes
Top picks
Also mentioned
Extracted from diner reviews and FAQ answers.
Not the Fastest
Score 27/100 · 2 positive signals
Not the Fastest
What works
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Ideal for quick meals
Keep in mind
- No takeout option
Scored from service speed, takeout options, pricing, meal format, and lunch availability.
Trusted Rating
👍 3.8 weighted · 539 reviews
Trusted Rating
Relative share of Yelp ratings by star — bar length shows how ratings skew, not exact counts.
The trusted rating blends this place’s raw score (4.2) with the city average (3.46) using a Bayesian formula. Places with fewer reviews are pulled toward the city mean; places with 2695+ reviews carry their rating at nearly full weight.
Photos
1 photos
Photos
Hours & Location
Status: Hours available
Hours & Location
Regular Hours
7 days
Regular Hours
Amenities & Services
Accessibility, service options, and dining details
Amenities & Services
Amenities
Available facilities and features
Amenities
Atmosphere
Ambiance and setting
Atmosphere
Service Options
Dine-in, takeout, delivery
Service Options
Takeout service is available. Delivery service is offered.
Parking
Parking availability
Parking
Parking is available for customers.
Payment Methods
Accepted payment types
Payment Methods
Popular Dishes
12 dishes reviewers mention most
Popular Dishes
- Sweet & Sour Chicken 甜酸鸡$20.6113 mentions
- Shrimp Egg Foo Young 虾蓉蛋$21.3610 mentions
- Orange Chicken 陈皮鸡$20.618 mentions
- Sesame Chicken 芝麻鸡$20.618 mentions
- General Tso' S Chicken 左宗鸡$20.617 mentions
- Hot & Sour Soup 酸辣汤$9.856 mentions
- Pot Stickers (6) 锅贴$8.734 mentions
- Kung Pao Chicken 宫保鸡$20.614 mentions
- Roast Pork Fried Rice 叉烧炒饭$17.113 mentions
- BBQ Pork (12) 叉烧$12.483 mentions
- Shao Mai (6) 烧麦$8.732 mentions
- Beef with Broccoli 芥兰牛$19.362 mentions
Dishes most frequently mentioned in Yelp reviews.
Reviews
539 reviews
Reviews
Customer highlights
- Customers have left 539 reviews, with an average rating of 4.2 stars.
- Positive review text points to shrimp, service, and family visits.
Reviews
Customer reviews available
Loading full reviews...
Frequently Asked Questions
Common answers about this buffet
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the family meal cost at Forbidden City?
The family meal costs around fifty-something dollars and is enough to feed a group of five people with leftovers.
Is the food at Forbidden City bland?
No, the food is not bland according to one review, which states the opposite of what other reviews claimed.
What is the seafood hotpot like at Forbidden City?
The seafood hotpot is enjoyable, according to one review, where a customer's son thoroughly enjoyed it.
Are the portion sizes at Forbidden City large?
Yes, the portion sizes are large, with one customer mentioning that the ribs appetizer was enough for a whole meal.
Is the staff at Forbidden City patient and attentive?
Yes, the staff is patient and attentive, according to one review, which mentions that they are very patient and attentive.
What is the parking situation like at Forbidden City?
There is a parking lot in the back, but turning left into the restaurant can be a little funky.
Can you dine in close to closing time at Forbidden City?
It is recommended to come at least an hour before closing time if you want to dine in, as they stop seating then and only do takeout for the last hour.
How much does the Mongolian beef dish cost at Forbidden City?
The Mongolian beef dish costs around $35.00.
Show 4 more questions
Is the honey shrimp dinner combo at Forbidden City good?
One customer highly recommends the honey shrimp dinner combo, which comes with steamed rice, soup, and an egg roll.
Are the beans with garlic at Forbidden City delicious?
Yes, the beans with garlic are delicious and crispy, according to one review.
How is the service at Forbidden City when you arrive close to closing time?
The staff at Forbidden City is kind and welcoming even when you arrive close to closing time, and they will stay open to let you finish your meal.
Is Forbidden City a good place for a family dinner?
Yes, Forbidden City is a great place for a family dinner, with one customer having a positive experience celebrating their mom's birthday there.
🏘️Suburban Center
A well-connected suburban area with a solid mix of dining, shopping, and services.
🏘️Suburban Center
A well-connected suburban area with a solid mix of dining, shopping, and services.
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