Lunar, An Authentic Chinese Food Restaurant, Set to Open on West Putnam Ave

After months of speculation about the former Panda Pavilion restaurant at 420 West Putnam Ave, there is good news.

Bill Xia will soon open Lunar, an authentic Chinese restaurant. His promise is traditional Chinese fare with favorites including Peking Duck and dim sum, in a clean, refreshed setting.

Mr. Xia, who said he hopes to have a soft opening later this month, noted the property has many advantages including abundant parking and outdoor seating on a patio with abundant landscaping.

The restaurant name Lunar derives from the Chinese calendar.

“Greenwich doesn’t have many choices for authentic Chinese food.”

Mr. Xia said he was aware of Greenwich’s nostalgia for family meals at Panda Pavilion.

“It represents a lot of people’s Greenwich memories. It used to be very busy,” he said. “We have spent lots of time cleaning.”

Mr. Xia said the restaurant has an entirely new kitchen and a new grease trap. The layout is the same, but there is new furniture, fresh paint and a full service bar. Gone is the sushi bar, and in its place will be authentic Chinese food.

“Expect the best Peking Duck in the area. We’ll have bamboo fish, dried eggplant, barbecue style dishes and clay hot pots that are popular at Peter Chang’s in DC,” Xia continued, adding that the menu will also feature kid friendly items like flavorful boba teas.

“I want families and kids to experience traditional Chinese food.”

As for his menu, Mr. Xia said he wants to pick up where chef Peter Chang left off in Stamford last year, having operated the successful Peter Chang Restaurant in the Stamford Town Center. Today, Peter Chang operates 18 namesake restaurants in the Washington, DC area.

“I want to continue in the tradition of Peter Chang,” Xia said. “We will have a full liquor service, lots of takeout and seating for people to come and stay. There is so much space here.”

Mr. Xia owns STEAM on Greenwich Avenue, which he took over in August of 2023 and by all measures has had huge success.

“Some food will overlap,” he said of the STEAM and Lunar menus. “It’s hard to make god Chinese food, but people appreciate it.”

“Right now there are more Chinese restaurants closing. Greenwich needs a traditional Chinese restaurant, and we have a very strong team.”

Xia said his head chef for Lunar previously to worked as a head chef for Peter Chang.

As for his team, he said he has is a firm believer in community service and frequently hires high school and college students from Greenwich for part time work.

“It’s a good experience for them,” he said. “It gives them the opportunity to learn about the restaurant business and experience a different life. Restaurants are the hardest service business.”

Mr. Xia said he many people have shared their old memories of meals at Panda Pavilion and of high quality food.

“I want people to continue making good memories,” he said. “I want them to enjoy high quality food and be happy.”

Mr. Xia shared photos of some must-try dishes patrons can anticipate at Lunar.