Lui Lui

My husband and I ate here with a friend last night. It was our first time at this restaurant but I hope not the last. It's definitely on the high of the $ scale but the food was absolutely delish! FYI before tip it was $121 for three people but, to be fair, there were 2 appetizers, 3 glasses of wine and 3 desserts in this as well. Since it was our first time there we wanted to experience it all. My husband had the special, roast duck, and he loved it! I had salmon and our friend had shrimp fettuccine. The coffee we had with dessert was amazing! Turns out it's a local brand, Ridge Runner, I believe. They use many locally sourced foods, including Snowville Creamery, as well as sustainably raised Salmon among other things.

The staff was very friendly. The menu options were too varied; it seemed like they were trying to be too many things at once. I visited for lunch and ordered butternut squash soup, which tasted nicely. The green tea was perfect. Their bread was okay, but the butter tasted a bit freezer-burned. Then I ordered the ginger soy salmon with steamed vegetables; it was overcooked and underwhelming. The lunch prices were reasonable for a nicer restaurant, which Lui Lui seems to qualify as in Athens. Based on this experience, I’d probably try a different place next time.

We stopped here on our way back to Columbus from NC. It's a bit off the interstate/highway path but well worth the diversion. The restaurant is cozy and has beautiful decorations. The atmosphere is appropriate for anything from a family meal to date night. Our server was attentive and friendly, but didn't hover. Our meal arrived quickly and was fresh and hot. There were plenty of vegetarian options, and everything was super tasty. The spring rolls were clearly made in house and were excellently seasoned. The edamame was awesome. My tofu in a spicy garlic sauce was delicious. The tofu was just a little crispy on the outside. Perfect! The vegetable delight was also apparently pretty yummy. The prices are reasonable and pretty average. The value for your money is good. We highly recommend Lui Lui's!

The edmame and lamb was excellent as was the sauce and the atmosphere is comfortable and nice. Unfortunately the chicken I got with the lamb was really dry and just gross. Fair enough it happens. But when I told the waitress she just said "I'm really sorry about that. Other than that is everything else OK?" I was waiting for her to ask me if I wanted to return or replace the gross chicken but she didn't. Just an apology. Always offer to fix a bad meal.

I've enjoyed eating at Lui Lui for almost 20 years! It has been a staple in Athens and was always the go-to place with my family and friends. I'm very sad to hear that you are closing, so I just wanted to say thank you so much for all the wonderful memories!!! We'll continue to show our support in the next few weeks by ordering carry-out before you close your doors. Best of luck to you all <3

Went to school here for 4 years and never knew about this gem. It is a little higher priced place to eat, more fitting for a date night perhaps. The shrimp tortellini was great, but it was a small serving. We ordered from the lunch menu so it was cheaper, but I'm not sure if I would have paid full price ($14 I believe) for what I got. You do receive bread and butter with your meal, however.