Chinese restaurant – “Red Apple”

The Chinese restaurant "Rdeče Jabolko" at Tržaška cesta 116 in Ljubljana has been a fixture on the local culinary scene since 2008, offering a glimpse into Chinese cuisine. The location is recognizable, but the restaurant itself divides opinions among visitors, offering an experience that some call stellar, while others see it as mediocre, with a few distracting factors. Guest reviews paint a complex picture that offers potential customers both reasons to visit and reasons to reconsider.

Menu: Journey through Sichuan, Canton and Shanghai

The restaurant boasts a diverse menu that is said to encompass Sichuan, Cantonese and Shanghainese cuisine. The menu is extensive and follows the classic structure that we expect from restaurants of this type. There are a number of appetizers, soups, salads and main courses available, divided by type of meat - from pork, chicken and beef to duck and seafood. There is also a special emphasis on vegetarian dishes, meaning that different tastes and dietary preferences are catered for. Among the most popular dishes, which can also be found on food delivery platforms, are classics such as Mongolian beef, crispy duck and sweet and sour chicken. This wide range ensures that most Chinese food lovers will find something for themselves, regardless of whether they want a quick lunch or a hearty dinner .

Portion size – depending on the time of visit?

Interestingly, opinions on portion sizes differ. One customer pointed out that the portions for lunches or set menus are too small for one person. This is important information for those looking for a hearty snack during work hours. On the other hand, another review states that the portions are large, suggesting that the experience may depend on whether you order à la carte or choose a pre-made menu. This difference in perception can be key when deciding what to order for the best value for money.

The question of price: Affordable, expensive, or somewhere in between?

The pricing policy is one of the most controversial points of the "Rdeče Jabolko" restaurant. Opinions are diametrically opposed. Some guests, such as Samo Borzatta, believe that the food is "very cheap and delicious". Others, including Aleksandra Zrimšek and Life Reviever, are convinced that the restaurant is "too expensive" and that some items, such as bubble tea, are "overpriced".

A look at prices on online ordering platforms shows that the prices of main courses with rice and a drink range between around 12 and 16 euros. For example, sweet and sour chicken with side dishes costs around €12.90, while crispy duck costs €15.50. Whether this is expensive or cheap is, of course, a subjective assessment of each individual. However, one detail caused quite a bad mood among one of the guests: the extra charge for soy sauce of €1.80, which he described as "a short little robbery". Such unexpected additional costs can spoil the entire dining experience . On the other hand, the restaurant offers benefits for students, as they accept student vouchers, making it more accessible to the younger population.

The famous "Bubble Tea": A premium beverage or an overpriced juice?

A special mention goes to the bubble tea , a drink that also divided opinion. While one diner described it as "unrealistically good," another guest thought it was overpriced and tasted like regular juice. This drink clearly represents an example of a product whose quality and value depend heavily on personal taste and expectations.

Service and ambiance: The bright spot of the restaurant

Where most guests agree is the quality of the service. Almost all reviews, regardless of their opinion on the food or prices, mention the friendly staff . They describe them as correct, pleasant and fast. Good service is often crucial for overall satisfaction and it seems to be one of the strongest assets of "Rdeči Jabolek". The ambience is also described as "very nice", which contributes to a pleasant atmosphere during the meal. One review mentions that the place is often empty, which can be an advantage for those who want a quiet meal without crowds and noise.

Logistical challenges: Parking and children's corner

Despite the friendly staff and pleasant ambiance, the restaurant faces some practical obstacles. The biggest problem, highlighted by guest Sašo Kovačič (although the review is a few years old), is parking. It is said that it is almost impossible to get a parking space nearby during business hours, which can be a major obstacle for guests who do not live or work in the immediate vicinity. As he says, the food, which is "nothing special", is not worth waiting for a free parking space. This logistical problem limits the restaurant's appeal mainly to the local population.

The same guest also mentioned a dedicated area for children. While the existence of such a corner is commendable, the toys were destroyed and unusable at the time of his visit. Since several years have passed since that review, the situation may have improved, but families with young children should take this information into account.

Key information for visitors

To make your visit decision easier, here is some practical information:

• Accessibility: The restaurant has access for the disabled.
• Ordering: Dining in the bar, personal pickup, and food delivery are available through partners such as Wolt and Lakomlacen.si.
• Payment: In addition to the usual payment methods, they also accept student vouchers.
• Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday, closed on Mondays. Weekday hours are usually longer than weekends.

Final Verdict: A solid choice with a few caveats

The Chinese restaurant "Rdeče Jabolko" is a reliable choice for those who live nearby and want classic Asian cuisine , served by an exceptionally friendly staff. However, it is not a destination worth crossing the entire city for, especially due to the parking difficulties. Mixed reviews on the prices and quality of some items, such as soy sauce and bubble tea, show that the experience can be very subjective. Potential guests are advised to check the menu and prices before visiting and adjust their expectations to reality - they can expect a solid, but not necessarily exceptional, culinary experience.