Chinese restaurants

Totem Chinese Restaurant

4.4 248 reviews 11:00 AM - 08:30 PM 1289 Main St, Lillooet, BC V0K 1V0, Canada

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Totem Chinese Restaurant, nestled at 1289 Main St in Lillooet, BC, has quickly become a beloved gem for both locals and visitors. Renowned for its fresh and hot Chinese-Canadian cuisine, patrons rave about the friendly and direct service, with reviews highlighting the restaurant's charming atmosphere and attentive staff. One guest humorously noted that despite ordering multiple dishes, they were playfully scolded for the kitchen's limited capacity—an interaction that reflects the unique and personal service Totem provides.

The buffet, priced at an astonishingly affordable $17, offers a delightful selection that consistently impresses. Diners like Louis Lin appreciate the hot, frequently replenished dishes, contrasting starkly with the staleness found in larger buffets. The stir-fried vegetables, in particular, have become a fan favorite, and the ample portion sizes ensure great value, with one meal easily feeding several guests.

With reviews praising everything from the food quality to the amicable nature of the owner, Johnny, Totem Chinese Restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it's a culinary experience that invites return visits. Whether you're passing through or staying in Lillooet, this restaurant deserves a spot on your itinerary.

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Amenities & More

Service options

No-contact delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for

Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Dining options

Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities

Restroom

Atmosphere

Casual
Cozy

Crowd

Groups
Tourists

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Totem Chinese Restaurant before visiting.

Reviews for Totem Chinese Restaurant

4.4

248 reviews

100%

36%

15%

Review highlights

Based on 248 reviews

Totem Chinese Restaurant in Lillooet is widely praised for its generous portion sizes, fresh ingredients, and affordable pricing, particularly highlighted by its popular buffet option under $20. Customers consistently note the warmth and friendliness of the staff, with many appreciating the personalized and lively service. The cozy atmosphere and accommodating owners contribute positively to the dining experience. While some patrons mention the kitchen’s capacity constraints, this is often viewed as part of the restaurant’s charm rather than a drawback. Overall, Totem Chinese Restaurant is recognized for delivering satisfying Chinese-Canadian cuisine with a balance of value, flavor, and welcoming service.

Angus T. McAllister

Jul 25, 2025

Love this place. They scolded us for ordering 6 dishes because “we only have one wok!”… but that’s how I like my service: Grouchy and direct! Chinese-Canadian Chinese food is fresh and hot.

Oscar Poon

Jul 14, 2025

The buffet costs $17. The stir-fried vegetables are amazing!

Louis Lin

Jun 19, 2025

A Chinese buffet under $20? In this economy?! When I saw this on the maps as were deciding our first meal in our first visit to Lillooet (lots of firsts!) I thought the information must be outdated. What a pleasant surprise it was when we walked in to a fully stocked buffet and a cozy atmosphere The owners (I assume the husband and wife?) that greeted us were extremely kind and accommodating. They sat us right away and offered to take our plates away for new ones everytime we were heading back to the food station for more (we were happy to reuse our used plates to stock up!). The prices, I don’t need to speak more about it, is EXTREMELY kind and affordable. I feel like they are running the business purely out of the joy of it The food was hot consistently and they kept refilling it throughout the night- fresh unlike the other ones we’ve been to where you can clearly see that the food has been out and stale for a long time. That’s what happens when you have a yummy, smaller selection as opposed to 20+ dishes with lower quality in other buffets. Must visit when you’re in Lillooet, as a matter of fact, I think we might go back for dinner again tonight

kenzie st.dennis

Jun 10, 2025

Food never disapoints and neither does Johnny! Great, comical, friendly service and tasty food! Ordered dinner for 3 plus an order of dry garlic pork and it was easily dinner for 4-5.

Darren Yamada

May 07, 2025

Rode motorcycles 4 hours to have lunch here Friendly staff! Great food! Huge portions!. Definitely would recommend if your coming through. Will be back ! Thanks Johnny!

SpottedHorse Fenton

Apr 30, 2025

Johnny's Restaurant is always amazing food, awesome welcoming service with alot of good humor. Thank you very much for being an Awesome host. BOOM

Andrea

Apr 21, 2025

Only been once, but really impressed! Food was great, service was fast, and the place felt clean and welcoming. Seems like a “local favorite” — worth a visit if you’re in town.

S Salil

Apr 11, 2025

Some of the dishes are really good. Rest isn't bad either. You just need to have the right dressing. Ordered for takeaway and food was ready within promised time. Definitely a gem in Little Lilooet! Refer the new menu added in pictures!