23 Best Chinese Restaurants In CALIFORNIA (Most Tasty)

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

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

Also, expect a lot of pleasant surprises, especially if you’re in California and interested in trying their delightful specialties; this article is for you to satisfy your cravings.

Dive deep into the different Chinese restaurants in California listed below that will surely leave your mouth drooling.

And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Italian Restaurants in California.

Chinese Restaurants in Los Angeles, California

1. Rice Box Kitchen (Multi-Asian Comfort)

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, and it is a multi-sensational takeout restaurant that offers a variety of Asian foods. 

Yes, you’ve read that right; they serve not only Chinese foods but also foods from across Asia.

If you’re traveling and miss home, this restaurant is perfect because it offers home-based Asian meals, specifically Chinese foods, that will melt your heart; that is packed in an environmentally friendly takeout container with natural ingredients, fragrances, and various cuts of delicious meat.

You don’t have to worry if meat isn’t a part of your equation because they offer vegetarian foods, and gluten-free items are also available.

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

2. Twin Dragon Chinese Restaurant & Bar (Quality Chinese Cuisine)

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 a city that you will surely love.

You can explore this place with your friends and family for a more enjoyable trip as they offer various popular Chinese dishes suited for all family members. 

From home recipes to famous Chinese street foods, they got you covered, and their recipes are made in an old yet innovative style to maintain a high standard and great care for their customers.

You can also try their sesame chicken which costs $10.95, and 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, and you’ll surely enjoy every bite of their food!

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

3. Yang Chow Restaurant (Scenic Photo Spots)

Do shrimp hold a special place in your heart? 

If so, Yang Chow is a perfect option for you offering casual, full-service, and grab-n-go, whichever is convenient for you.

You can indulge in some of their delicious food while admiring the elegant and lovely surroundings as this is the world-famous Slippery Shrimp known to originate from Yang Chow Restaurant.

Wok-fried shellfish with a sticky, sweet sauce named “slippery shrimp” first appeared in Chinese-American eateries, and the residents say it’s good.

In addition to this delicacy, they also serve Mu Shu Chicken, wrapped in huge pancakes like burritos, and remember 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.

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

4. Chengdu Taste (Authentic Spicy Fare)

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

Additionally, Chengdu Taste will satiate your craving for spicy meals since most of the food they serve has a spicy coating, and their best-selling dishes are Mapo Tofu and lamb with cumin on toothpicks; they also do hot-sauce-boiled beef, and you will surely love the grilled green beans with pork and green-pepper-boiled fish. 

One of the clients’ favorite dishes is their wontons in chili oil, and 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 and accept credit cards as your mode of payment.

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

5. Lunasia Dimsum House (Variety of Dim Sum)

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

Lunasia Dimsum House offers a variety of teas, like fresh loose-leaf tea and Keemun black tea, that continue to uphold their legacy.

If you enjoy large portions, this restaurant is for you as 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.

Still, if you want more conventional dishes, they have minced chicken bao, famous shrimp fried rice, and the tasty and unique scallop dumplings covered in squid ink, and don’t skip their best-selling steamed buns.

Although they have plenty of parking spots, you must arrive early to avail yourself of their exclusive seats, but if you want to eat outside the restaurant, curbside pickup and takeout are available!

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

6. Chifa (Delectable Chinese Cuisine)

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, and 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, and they also have vegetarian options on Chifa’s menu, which are well-known, just in case the meat needs to be added to your list.

They offer vegetarian meals Wok-Hay vegetable, a wok-tossed fresh Chinese market vegetable, and Vegan Zongzi, and they also 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 (Special Occasion Reservations)

Meizhou Dongpo Restaurant serves a variety of Chinese cuisine.

You don’t only enjoy their dishes; you will also be able to enjoy their stunning architecture because the place’s construction involves a high ceiling, blue silks, gold room screens, and black lacquer accents.

Their whole pig hock simmered in red chile oil is a fantastic, well-balanced dinner for your trip, and also a must-try dish is thick dan noodles encircled by hot, spicy pork that the locals enjoy.

Residents say you should bring your disposable chopsticks when visiting this restaurant to have a more definite feeling of the Chinese resto vibe.

Credit and debit cards are accepted there, and don’t forget to arrive early on weekends to prevent huge lines because they have more customers on Saturdays and Sundays.

Additionally, they arrange special occasions like business gatherings, birthday parties, and holiday parties, and reservations are available for various function halls.

Address: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90067, USA

Also see our article on Ice Cream Shops in California.

Chinese Restaurants in San Fransisco, California

1. Shanghai House Restaurant (Authentic & Spicy)

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

You can choose 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 that melts into liquid or soup when cooked, and 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 as they are very famous for their unique taste that is worth trying, especially if you love spicy foods.

Also, credit and debit cards are not accepted there, so bring cash instead.

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

2. Mamahuhu (Traditional Chinese Fare)

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

Mister Jiu owns this elegant, minimalist restaurant specializing in traditional Chinese American fares like broccoli beef and kung pao chicken. 

You should take the tofu curry with sticky rice that goes great with honey lemon chicken which is one of their saleable menus, and for sweets, they serve Yin Yang Parfait and Chinese Almond Cookies.

People from across the world have become residents and travelers due to its distinctive cuisine, and they have excellent service, too, because they prioritize the comfort of each customer, ensuring they have the best experience at the restaurant.

In addition to their delectable food, you will like their interior, which offers 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 (Traditional Chinese Menu)

When speaking about Chinese food, the Hakka Restaurant in San Francisco can be one of your top choices because their menu says 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, and they are open from noon until 11:00 p.m., making it simple for customers to spend the weekend with friends and family.

It also has a roomy environment with lovely brick walls and antique furniture, which you will adore because of its picturesque architecture!

Prices are affordable, making it simple for customers to visit and take advantage of their offerings.

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

4. Terra Cotta Warrior (Tasty & Reasonably Priced)

Terra Cotta Warrior is a great place to gather with friends and family for tasty, genuine Chinese food, and there is no doubt that the guests fall in love with the area 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, and they will offer you unique menus like pig’s ear, hot and sour wontons, and cumin lamb burgers which are all excellent; you should try some of these.

One of the customers’ favorites is pork Biang noodles, a hand-pulled noodle made of wheat flour, and 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 also provide takeout and dine-in orders for customers.

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

5. Sichuan Home (Elegant Dining Room)

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

Both visitors and residents of Sichuan Home can select from a wide variety of Chinese menus, and they will allow you to savor their crisp cumin-crusted, tender lamb chops.

You should also taste the pot of the chef’s special fish stew or their sour vegetable fish soup, a typical Chinese meal that is robust, spicy, and sour, especially if you appreciate the beauty of heat.

If you want to try some sweet foods, they have creamy peach mousse with juicy pineapple and orange gelato on top, and they also provide a variety of vegan foods and homemade soy milk you may give your kids.

Credit and debit cards are available, so you have a more varied way of payment, which is more hassle-free!

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

Also see our article on Seafood Restaurants in California.

Chinese Restaurants in San Diego, California

1. Din Tai Fung (Live Culinary Demos)

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 and jalapeño soup dumplings are also available! 

You ought to try some of it for a little flavor and kick; it would be ideal for serving it with their tasty and novel mushroom appetizers but expect long waits during peak eating times, so be sure to come early because, during lunchtime, a lot of locals use this location.

A live culinary demonstration with local professional chefs is also available, and 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.

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

2. Taste of Hunan (Three-Course Lunch)

The Taste of Hunan is one of the locals’ favorite Chinese eateries, serving delicious and authentic food since 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, and 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, and 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, or 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 (Special Smoked Chicken)

A tiny restaurant that serves authentic Chinese foods might be an answered prayer for your rest stops, so be sure to 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, but they’re also known for their special smoked chicken and fried chops. 

Other specialties include char key teow, salted egg shrimp, and salted egg custard buns, and 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, and if you want to avoid long waiting hours, arrive before and after lunchtime. 

You also don’t have to worry about parking as they offer ample parking areas for the customers.

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

4. Golden Island (Romantic Dining)

Nothing beats spending a romantic evening eating Chinese food while listening to live music in San Diego because this authentic 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 you enjoy the classy blues, try some of their honey walnut shrimp and kung pao chicken, or 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

Also see our article on Pizza in California.

Chinese Restaurants in Sacramento, California

1. Fortune Chinese Food (Straightforward Flavors)

While enjoying your trip, taste some of Fortune Chinese Food’s specialties as the restaurant’s proprietor opted to only offer takeout 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.

According to locals, the best Chinese-American cuisine in California can be found here, and 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, and remember 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, and undoubtedly, the staff here loves to serve huge portions of food, so you don’t have to worry!

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

2. Sunrise Chinese Restaurant (Vegan & Gluten-Free Options)

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

You can try Salt N Pepper Chicken with jalapeños on the side for a kick but 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 as it won’t disappoint, and 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, and they also offer lots of free parking spaces for their cars and vehicles. 

Also, be sure to be early because long waiting hours often happen since locals and tourists love this place.

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

3. Frank Fat’s (Classic & Aromatic)

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 various flavors, and both of these recipes are traditional and unique, which is one of the menus people return to because of its aroma, big servings, and tasty flavor.

Another longstanding delicacy at the restaurant is their honey walnut prawns, and fortunately, due to its timeless appeal, diners continue to order this meal today.

Additionally, they provide flavorful Peking duck and baby back ribs with unusual textures that the locals adore and promote to tourists.

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

Also see our article on Date Ideas in California.

Chinese Restaurants in Oakland, California

1. Shooting Star Cafe (Wide Food Selection)

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

Almost all of the food you need is here, and your kids will adore this location; without a doubt, because of 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, but remember to ask for more peanut sauce with your rice noodles for a thicker and 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 (Unique Eggplant & Sesame Noodles)

Oakland’s excellent and cutting-edge Chinese restaurant is unquestionably one of the best locations to go when hungry that offers a clean, light environment, especially the inside of Shandong Restaurant.

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

Don’t skip their eggplant and sesame paste noodles because most of their valued 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, and you might fall in love with this dish that will leave you longing and craving for it even when you return home.

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

Also see our article on Cheap Weekend Getaways in California.

Chinese Restaurants in Inglewood, California

1. Little Asia Restaurant (Authentic & Tasty)

In Inglewood, California, at Little Asia Restaurant, you may have authentic and tasty Chinese food that is delectable and famous for locals and even tourists. 

Their restaurant is also quite popular among the residents of Inglewood due to its reasonable prices, handy location, delicious menu options, and premium fresh ingredients, which ensure the best quality of food offered to customers.

You can visit the place to take advantage of its welcoming environment and top-notch service, but you can also check out online through their website for a fast and efficient transaction.

Their menu includes different appetizers, soup, noodles, seafood, beef, pork, vegetables, beverages, and chef’s specialties like sweet and spicy chicken, Kung Pao Sam Shin, Crispy Duck, and many more.

You will surely love this place, and best for family gatherings, so book now or drive to Inglewood to experience this one-of-a-kind restaurant.

Address: 4624 Imperial Hwy, Inglewood, CA 90304

2. Randy’s Donuts & Chinese Food (Unique Chinese Cuisine)

Randy’s Donuts, first opened in 1952, has gained international fame since then, allowing visitors worldwide to see their massive rooftop donut, making it one of Los Angeles’ most recognizable landmarks.   

Its many appearances in films, on tv, and in brand advertising have also made it famous, and customers come for the photo opportunities, but they stay for the doughnuts. 

Hence, it’s no surprise that, after 70 years in business, Randy’s is Inglewood’s highly recommended and highest-graded doughnut store.

Whether you are a regular or just strolling around, once you try their donuts, you won’t be able to get enough because their donuts are lighter, airier, bigger, and stay fresher because of their professional bakers, secret recipes, unique ingredients, and handcrafted awesomeness.

Randy’s Donuts, a Southern California institution for nearly 70 years, is spreading across the United States and beyond, so come and get it!

They also offer different Chinese cuisine to choose from, which are also unique and famous.

Address: 210 N Market St, Inglewood, CA 90301

If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Coffee Shops, Pizza, and Bakeries in California.

Looking beyond California? Check out our article on the Classiest Chinese Restaurants in Texas and Florida.