23 Chinese Restaurants in California (High-quality, Traditional, and Cozy)

Chinese Restaurants in California / iHeart

When traveling, choosing where to eat requires a lot of time and decisions, and Chinese food might be the best option!

There’s no doubt that Chinese dishes are prominent throughout the world. Chinese restaurants are very adept at capturing the soft side of tourists from all over the world, delivering everything from several hot pot dinners to multiple dim sum portions.

Also, expect a lot of pleasant surprises! If you’re in California and interested in trying their pleasant specialties, this article is for you. What are you waiting for? Dive deep into the different Chinese restaurants in California listed below!


Chinese Restaurants in Los Angeles, California

1. Rice Box Kitchen

Rice Box, Los Angeles / Eater LA

Make yourself smile by enjoying some of Rice Box Kitchen’s comfort food in Los Angeles! Rice Box Kitchen is the creation of Perapol, the founder of Gossip Kitchen.

It’s a multi-sensational takeout restaurant that offers a variety of Asian foods. Yes, you’ve read that right! They don’t only serve Chinese foods; they also serve foods from across Asia. If you’re traveling and miss home, this restaurant is perfect. It offers home-based Asian meals, specifically Chinese foods, that will melt your heart.

They pack their foods in an environmentally friendly takeout container with natural ingredients, fragrances, and various cuts of delicious meat. Also, you don’t have to worry if meat isn’t a part of your equation because they offer vegetarian foods. Gluten-free items are also available.

Address: 541 S Spring St #131, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA

2. Twin Dragon Chinese Restaurant & Bar

The Bar Area of Twin Dragon Chinese Restaurant / Wikimedia

Considered the leader of Chinese restaurants in Los Angeles for its quality, Twin Dragon Chinese Restaurant is a place you shouldn’t skip if you’re visiting the city.

Explore this place with your friends and family for a more enjoyable trip. They offer a wide variety of popular Chinese dishes. From home recipes to famous Chinese street foods, they got you covered. Their recipes are made in an old yet innovative style to maintain a high standard and great care for their customers.

Try their sesame chicken that costs $10.95! This dish is said to be one of the most popular dishes they offer. Pan-fried potstickers, barbecued pork ribs, and strange aromatic chicken are among their best sellers. You’ll surely enjoy every bite of their food!

Address: 5100 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042, USA

3. Yang Chow Restaurant

Front view of Yang Chow Restaurant in Los Angeles / Roadview / Wikimedia

Do shrimp hold a special place in your heart? If so, Yang Chow is a suitable, perfect option for you.

You can indulge in some of their delicious food while admiring the elegant and lovely surroundings. The world-famous Slippery Shrimp is known to originate from Yang Chow Restaurant. Wok-fried shellfish with a sticky, sweet sauce named “slippery shrimp” first appeared in Chinese-American eateries. Residents say it’s good!

In addition to this delicacy, they also serve Mu Shu Chicken, wrapped in huge pancakes like burritos. Don’t forget to taste their fried chicken wings with a unique sauce, crispy duck, and steamed dumplings. They also have picturesque backgrounds, perfect for photo souvenirs with family and friends. For their manners of service, they offer casual, full-service, and grab-n-go.

Address: 819 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA

4. Chengdu Taste

Front view of Chengdu Taste / Gastronomy Blog

Enjoy a variety of Chinese platters in Los Angeles with your family and friends! They serve authentic Chinese food and you surely won’t regret going here if you like Chinese foods such as wontons, noodles, hot pans, and baked dumplings.

Additionally, Chengdu Taste will satiate your craving for spicy meals. The majority of the food they serve has a spicy coating. Try some of their best-selling dishes; Mapo Tofu, lamb with cumin on toothpicks, hot-sauce-boiled beef, green pepper-boiled fish, and grilled green beans with pork.

One of the clients’ favorite dishes is their wontons in chili oil! Due to the limited interior seating, waiting times are frequently longer. The establishment is spotless, and the courteous staff takes pride in the food they provide. They also accept credit cards.

Address: 828 W Valley Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91803, USA

5. Lunasia Dimsum House

Function hall of Lunasia Dimsum House / Tripadvisor

One place to go when you want to sample a variety of dim sum served with a refreshing tea is Lunasia Dimsum House.

By offering a variety of teas like fresh loose-leaf tea and Keemun black tea, they continue to uphold their legacy. If you enjoy large portions, this restaurant is for you! They appear to have no restrictions on how they can present their meals.

For a more enjoyable experience eating Chinese food, try some of their luscious, plump chicken feet. They provide conventional dishes like minced chicken bao, shrimp fried rice, scallop dumplings covered in squid ink, and steamed buns. Although they have plenty of parking spots, you need to arrive early to avail their exclusive seats. Curbside pickup and takeout are available!

Address: 500 W Main St, Los Angeles, CA 91801, USA

6. Chifa

Interior design of Chifa / Eater LA

Chifa is a family-run restaurant that serves up delectable and nutritious Chinese cuisine wherever in the world.

One of their most popular meals is Si Yao Chicken, a half-free-range chicken cooked in Popo’s flavorful aged soy sauce with garlic steamed rice. Don’t forget to treat yourself to their Dan Dan Mian. Fresh noodles are served with a hot Szechuan sesame sauce and pickled radish as a garnish.

The vegetarian options on Chifa’s menu are well-known, just in case the meat isn’t on your list. Among the vegetarian meals they offer are Wok-Hay vegetable, a wok-tossed fresh Chinese market vegetable, and Vegan Zongzi. Additionally, they offer The Qi Whole Flower Tea, a concoction of royal chrysanthemum, blue lotus, and Shangri la rose, as one of their teas.

Address: 4374 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90041, USA

7. Meizhou Dongpo Restaurant

Interior design of Meizhou Dongpo Restaurant / Eater LA

Meizhou Dongpo Restaurant serves a variety of Chinese cuisine. You don’t only enjoy their dishes; you’ll also be able to enjoy their stunning architecture.

The place’s construction involves a high ceiling, blue silks, gold room screens, and black lacquer accents. A fantastic, well-balanced dinner for your trip is their whole pig hock simmered in red chile oil. Also, a must-try dish is thick dan noodles encircled by hot, spicy pork! The locals enjoy this dish.

Residents say you should bring your disposable chopsticks when visiting this restaurant. Credit and debit cards are accepted there! Don’t forget to arrive early on weekends to prevent huge lines. Also, they arrange special occasions like, business gatherings, birthday parties, and holiday parties. Reservations are available for various function halls.

Chinese Restaurants in San Fransisco, California

1. Shanghai House Restaurant

Front view of Shanghai House / Flickr / Gary Stevens

One of the top Chinese restaurants in San Francisco is Shanghai House Restaurant. They serve authentic, spicy, delicious dishes that capture the visitor’s heart.

You’ll never get tired of choosing from their menu, which features everything from basic fare to top-tier and distinctive delicacies. One of their most popular dishes is Sheng Jian Bao, a pan-fried baozi stuffed with pork and gelatin, which melts into liquid or soup when cooked.

Locals claim that the sauce and flavor of the food will still be detectable after you return home. Among the most popular foods they sell are Xiao Long Bao, Bok Choy, Spicy Spare Ribs, and Spicy Won Tons; you shouldn’t miss them. Friendly reminder to bring cash because credit and debit cards are not accepted here.

Address: 3641 Balboa St, San Fransisco, CA 94121, USA

2. Mamahuhu

Interior design of Mamahuhu / Architectural Digest

San Francisco’s Mamahuhu is an Asian-American eatery that serves affordable, wholesome, and delectable meals.

Mister Jiu is the owner of this elegant, minimalist restaurant where he specializes in traditional Chinese American fares like broccoli beef and kung pao chicken. You shouldn’t skip the tofu curry with sticky rice that goes great with honey lemon chicken. For sweets, they serve Yin Yang Parfait and Chinese Almond Cookies.

People from all over the world have become residents and travelers due to its distinctive cuisine. They have excellent service, too. In addition to their delectable food, you’ll like their interior. There are many photo chances, from the bright room to the vibrant tiles around the location! Since they don’t accept reservations, arrive early to avoid long waiting hours.

Address: 517 Clement St, San Fransisco, CA 94118, USA

3. Hakka Restaurant

Front view of Hakka Restaurant / Foodnut

When speaking about Chinese food, the Hakka Restaurant in San Francisco can be one of your top choices.

It’s undeniable that their menu speaks highly of how they uphold tradition, which gives guests a better sense of security at the establishment. This restaurant serves its patron many Chinese cuisines, from noodles and wonton soup to the unique Pecking ducks, tender lamb meat, and pearl noodle with chicken. It also features a roomy environment with lovely brick walls and antique furniture inside. You’ll adore their picturesque architecture, no doubt!

Prices are affordable, making it simple for customers to visit and take advantage of their offerings. They are open from noon until 11:00 p.m., making it simple for customers to spend the weekend with friends and family.

Address: 4401 Cabrillo St, San Fransisco, CA 94121, USA

4. Terra Cotta Warrior

Main dishes of Terra Cotta Warrior / Uber Eats

Terra Cotta Warrior is a great place to gather with friends and family for tasty, genuine Chinese food.

There’s no doubt that the guests fall in love with the place because of how pleasant their food is. Spend some time here if you want to get good, delectable Chinese food that is nonetheless reasonably priced. The pig’s ear, hot and sour wontons, and cumin lamb burger are excellent; you should try some of these.

One of the customers’ favorites is pork Biang noodles, a hand-pulled noodle made of wheat flour. Additionally, the welcoming staff will make you have a good time while staying there, serving food with care, and taking the initiative to assist you. They provide takeout and dine-in orders for customers, too.

Address: 2555 Judah St, San Fransisco, CA 94122, USA

5. Sichuan Home

Front view of Sichuan Home / Tripadvisor

Enjoy Sichuan Home’s elegant, pristine dining room with wood paneling and mirrors; you’ll be in love with its stunning architecture.

Both visitors and residents of Sichuan Home can choose from a wide variety of Chinese dishes. Savor their crisp cumin-crusted, tender lamb chops! You should also taste the pot of the chef’s special fish stew. If you love the sensation of heat, consider trying out their sour vegetable fish soup, a typical Chinese meal that is robust, spicy, and sour!

Want to satisfy your sweet tooth? Taste their creamy peach mouse with juicy pineapple and orange gelato on top! Also, they provide a variety of vegan foods and homemade soy milk that you may give your kids. Credit and debit cards are available.

Address: 5037 Geary Blvd, San Fransisco, CA 94118, USA

6. Gourmet Carousel

Chicken mushroom dish of Gourmet Carousel / DoorDash

Chinese food that is distinctive, authentic, and delectable has been offered to the public by Gourmet Carousel for more than 25 years. Residents claim that due to its excellent service and delectable fare, this is one of San Francisco’s hidden jewels.

They offer a friendly staff, roomy seating, and many parking for patrons. Customers adore straightforward yet creative dishes, such as Westlake soup, pork belly, salt fish, chicken tofu, and chicken mushrooms. The cost is also affordable. Expect to spend between $1 and $4 on each meal.

They offer free water and copious servings of meals. However, it is entirely up to you whether you want to use their free water or bring your own. Prepare for a feast and enjoy the bites of dumplings!

Address: 1559 Franklin St, San Fransisco, CA 94109, USA

7. Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant

Interior view of Old Mandarin / Tripadvisor / Wikimedia

Visit a Chinese restaurant that serves Islamic food with your traveling companions in San Francisco!

Their sumptuous, time-honored, well-seasoned dinners in a picturesque and captivating setting will amaze you. The cumin lamb is the meal that clients like the most out of everything they provide. It is a dish with a pleasantly surprising amount of heat and acidity. Its soup is creamy and flavorful, with flavors of peanut and chestnut. They serve beef pancakes as an appetizer! It has a delicate, crunchy, oily flavor that pleases your lips.

In addition, they provide stir-fried chicken and green bean tofu, which give the meals you order some heat. For dessert, they offer a variety of mochi flavors that will delight your mouth. Make sure to purchase one!

Address: 3132 Vicente St, San Fransisco, CA 94116, USA

Chinese Restaurants in San Diego

1. Din Tai Fung

Exterior view of Din Tai Fung / Foursquare

Visit Din Tai Fung in San Diego if you’re seeking a neighborhood Chinese eatery offering a large selection of dumplings.

They sell beef and vegan dumplings of many flavors and aromas to suit your palate. There are also jalapeño soup dumplings available! For a little flavor and kick, you ought to try some of it. It would be ideal to serve it with their tasty and novel mushroom appetizers.

A live culinary demonstration with local chefs who are professionals is also available. You can watch them make and design your dumplings! The interior provides enough space, the staff is knowledgeable and goal-oriented, and the restrooms are fresh and clean. Friendly reminder to expect lengthy waits during peak eating times. During lunchtime, a lot of locals use this location.

Address: 4301 La Jolla Village Dr #2000, San Diego, CA 92122, USA

2. Taste of Hunan

Sunday situation in Taste of Hunan / Eater San Diego

The Taste of Hunan is one of the locals’ favorite Chinese eateries, serving delicious and authentic food. They provide you and your traveling companions with a three-course Chinese lunch.

Try some of their specialties, such as ‘Eggplant in a Jar,’ ‘Spicy Lamb,’ and ‘Fresh Pepper Whole Fish,’ to make the most of your enjoyable trip. Even though you may be familiar with these names, their tastes are distinctive and varied.

Their lamb with cumin, with a flavorful and peppery sauce, is one of their most well-known meals. The guests keep returning because of something special about the meal. You can place orders for food using your phone, eliminating the need to travel to the counter. You only have to scan the QR code they provide.

Address: 9880 Hilbert St Ste E2, San Diego, CA 92131, USA

3. Mr Holy Gao

Mongolian beef, salted egg shrimps, shredded pork, and sushi / Uber Eats

A tiny restaurant that serves authentic Chinese foods might be an answered prayer for your rest stops! Drop by Mr. Holy Gao with your friends and family and indulge in their variety of wontons, noodles, and dumplings.

Don’t forget to order these top-tier foods they serve; Chicken Pot Stickers, Mongolian Beef, and Shredded Pork! They’re also known for their special smoked chicken and fried chops. Other specialties include char key teow, salted egg shrimps, and salted egg custard buns!

Their price ranges from $10 to $25, which isn’t bad because they serve high-quality and decent foods. Everything here in Mr. Holy Gao is affordable. If you want to avoid long waiting hours, arrive before and after lunchtime. They offer ample parking areas for the customers.

Address: 10066 Pacific Heights Blvd, San Diego, CA 92121, USA

4. Golden Island

Architectural design of Golden Island / Hungryones

Nothing beats spending a romantic evening eating Chinese food while listening to live music in San Diego. Genuine Chinese restaurant Golden Island provides its patrons with the best support they could ask for.

This place is unquestionably top-notch, from its inventive and good food to its excellent live music performances! While enjoying the classy blues, try some of their honey walnut shrimp and kung pao chicken. Another dish you must try is a bean curd roll! Because of its distinctive texture and flavor, locals adore ordering this dish.

The hottest jazz musicians perform at their weekly Dim Sum and Jazz event every Friday at 6:30 p.m. They also accept table reservations, particularly for special occasions like birthday parties, holiday dinners, business meetings, and wedding anniversaries.

Address: 10660 Camino Ruiz, San Diego, CA 92126, USA

Chinese Restaurants in Sacramento, California

1. Fortune Chinese Food

Front view of Fortune Chinese Food / USA Restaurants

While enjoying your trip, taste some of Fortune Chinese Food’s specialties! The restaurant’s proprietor opted to only offer take-out because of the epidemic years ago, so everyone can eat there because they won’t have to wait long hours for a seat to open up.

The best Chinese-American cuisine in California, according to locals, can be found here. Locals and visitors both adore their food’s straightforward flavor for some reason. Only a few places can make flawlessly battered, crispy fried chicken and shrimp as they do!

Additionally, don’t forget to order their dinner and lunch dishes! You can get udon noodles, an egg roll, a spicy wonton, and fried rice once you place your order. Indeed, the staff here love to serve huge portions of food!

Address: 2805 12th Ave, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA

2. Sunrise Chinese Restaurant

Menu of Sunrise Chinese Restaurant / Sunrise on Mack

One of Sacramento’s most famous Chinese restaurants is the Sunrise Chinese Restaurant. With over 500 customers to serve per day, this place sure knows how to please locals and visitors.

Try Salt N Pepper Chicken with jalapeños on the side for a kick. Don’t forget to order General Chicken! Aside from the chicken dishes they serve, they also have fried ribs. If that’s your first time reading that dish, you should order it. It won’t disappoint.

You don’t have to worry if you’re not into meats; they offer vegan cuts and gluten-free recipes too. People who go to the gym visit this place for a vegan breakfast. They offer lots of free parking spaces for your cars and vehicles. Also, long waiting hours often happen.

Address: 4689 Mack Rd, Sacramento, CA 95823, USA

3. Frank Fat’s

Interior view of Frank Fat’s / The Sacramento Bee

Enjoy Sacramento’s Frank Fat, an American Chinese restaurant, and its classic architecture. Because it has a longstanding history as a place where some significant city politicians hang out and eat with campaigners privately, this restaurant is one of the city’s award-winning establishments.

Chow mein and chow fun come in a variety of flavors. Both of these recipes are traditional and unique. Another long-standing delicacy at the restaurant is their honey walnut prawns. Fortunately, due to its timeless appeal, diners continue to order this meal today.

Additionally, they provide Peking duck and baby back ribs, which are flavorful and have unusual textures. The locals adore this dish. Reservations for tables and function spaces are also available for life events such as birthday, Christmas, and wedding parties.

Address: 806 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Chinese Restaurants in Oakland, California

1. Shooting Star Cafe

Famous banana crepe of Shooting Star Cafe / Oakland Central

Shooting Star Cafe is one of Oakland’s most prominent venues for Chinese cuisine. They have a wide selection of foods, including lunch specials that include soup and drinks; and pastries like crepes and egg puffs.

Almost all of the food you need is here! Your kids will adore this location, without a doubt. With the refreshing breeze of trees and the aroma of the foods they prepare, you’ll never be able to get away from the charisma of this place. Their Portuguese chicken and rice noodles work together!

Don’t forget to ask for more peanut sauce with your rice noodles for a thicker and more savory lunch. For its price, you’ll have to pay $10 to $20, depending on the services you want to avail.

Address: 1022 Webster St, Oakland, CA 94607, USA

2. Shandong Restaurant

Interior design of Shandong Restaurant / California Through My Lens

Oakland’s excellent and cutting-edge Chinese restaurant is unquestionably one of the best locations to go when hungry. The inside of Shandong Restaurant won’t be a problem if you prefer a clean, light environment.

Delicious Chinese cuisines like spicy dumplings, Dim Sum, wontons, and hand-pulled noodles are available. Additionally, they have a family plate that is ideal for you and your loved ones. The wontons, two pork dumplings, and shrimp fried rice are all included in the family platter.

Don’t skip their eggplant and sesame paste noodles! Customers love and crave this dish, making it one of the best sellers. Also, one of their best meals, with a distinctive flavor and scent, is their chicken with lotus leaves. You might fall in love with this dish.

Address: 328 10th St, Ste 101 Oakland, CA 94607, USA


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