Lucky Bowl
Quick info
About Lucky Bowl
On the first floor in Inverness, Lucky Bowl serves Chinese dishes alongside Japanese and Malay satay in a room set with red and gold pillars. Both a Chinese menu and an English menu are offered, covering dishes such as yang zhou fried rice, jiao yan prawn, and aromatic duck, with sweet and sour pork, crispy shredded beef, and pork chow mein among the other regulars. Portions run large, with a couple of starters and a side often enough to feed several people. The interior carries Chinese decor throughout. Seating is walk-in, with no reservations taken. Takeaway and delivery are also available, priced separately from the dine-in menu.
Good to know
“Chinese dishes, plus Japanese and Malay satay, in an ornate restaurant with red and gold pillars.”
- ReservationsWalk-in only
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention yang zhou fried rice, jiao yan prawn, sweet and sour pork and large portion sizes.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention yang zhou fried rice, jiao yan prawn, sweet and sour pork and large portion sizes.
Customer Review Summary
Diners repeatedly return for the yang zhou fried rice, described as packed with meat and well seasoned, with the jiao yan prawn close behind for its crispy texture. Other named favorites include the sweet and sour pork, crispy shredded beef, and satay dishes, alongside massive portions that several say comfortably feed multiple people from just a couple of starters and a main. Staff are consistently called friendly and attentive, and more than one visitor mentions not feeling rushed. One diner judging the food against authentic Chinese cuisine called it decent but "mid" rather than exceptional. A serious complaint stands apart: one reviewer reports a delivery order arrived missing rice entirely for both dishes, with follow-up calls left unanswered after only a future discount was offered. Another notes a dated but clean dining room, and a dine-in customer flagged a large price gap versus the takeaway menu, suggesting ordering for delivery instead.
Customer Review Summary
Diners repeatedly return for the yang zhou fried rice, described as packed with meat and well seasoned, with the jiao yan prawn close behind for its crispy texture. Other named favorites include the sweet and sour pork, crispy shredded beef, and satay dishes, alongside massive portions that several say comfortably feed multiple people from just a couple of starters and a main. Staff are consistently called friendly and attentive, and more than one visitor mentions not feeling rushed. One diner judging the food against authentic Chinese cuisine called it decent but "mid" rather than exceptional. A serious complaint stands apart: one reviewer reports a delivery order arrived missing rice entirely for both dishes, with follow-up calls left unanswered after only a future discount was offered. Another notes a dated but clean dining room, and a dine-in customer flagged a large price gap versus the takeaway menu, suggesting ordering for delivery instead.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“We had the yang zhou fried rice and it was so good! They packed it with so much meat and it was perfectly seasoned. The sweet and sour pork was pretty authentic and the jiao yan prawn were delightfully crispy and well seasoned. It's the closest meal we've had to authentic chinese food here and I would definitely come back.”
- Google user
“Good Chinese food in Inverness in a restaurant with Chinese decor. The jiao yan prawn was crispy and delicious. We ate a lot before taking the photos. The yang zhou fried rice was good. Lots of ingredients. They even have cut chilli ! Will come back again.”
- Google user
“If you’re craving authentic Chinese cuisine in the heart of Inverness, Lucky Bowl is a great place to visit. Tucked away on Union Street, this long-established restaurant offers generous portions, a varied menu, and flavours that make it a welcome break from traditional Scottish fare. The food is freshly prepared, with favourites like crispy shredded beef, aromatic duck, satay dishes, and fried rice standing out. The staff are friendly and attentive, creating a warm and welcoming dining experience. The cosy atmosphere make it a good choice for both families and visitors exploring the Highlands. We did a dine in but while leaving picked up the delivery menu - huge price difference. Makes more sense to do a take away. Lucky Bowl is worth considering if you’re looking for satisfying Chinese food in Inverness. A solid choice for a relaxed meal with hearty portions and authentic flavours.”
- Google user
“Have been here a few times in the last couple of months, the food is excellent and service is good. The restaurant is a bit dated but clean. Would recommend trying it”
- Google user
“Ordered and no rice delivered for both dishes. Got offered free next time we order, we live 400 miles away. We were promised rice would follow, it didn’t and they didn’t have the decency to answer any subsequent calls. What an absolute joke of a place. Please save your money and avoid at all costs. £40 for food that wasn’t eaten. Shocking way to run a business”
Location
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