Best of 19 restaurants in Chinatown
Chinatowns around the world are known for their vibrant culture and delicious cuisine. When it comes to dining, restaurants in Chinatown offer a wide variety of authentic Asian dishes that will surely satisfy your cravings. Whether you're in the mood for dumplings, noodles, or a steaming hot pot, these restaurants will not disappoint. Immerse yourself in the rich flavors and traditions of Chinese culinary art at the many restaurants in Chinatown.
- 1. Shan Dong
- 2. New Gold Medal Restaurant
- 3. Gum Kuo
- 4. Lounge Chinatown
- 5. Peony Seafood Restaurant
- 6. Ming's Tasty
- 7. Imperial Soup
- 8. Yung Kee
- 9. Ying Kee Restaurant in Chinatown
- 10. Shooting Star Cafe
- 11. Battambang in Chinatown
- 12. Hay Yue Restaurant
- 13. Gum Wah
- 14. Oakland Cafe
- 15. Tastee Steam Kitchen
- 16. T & K Cafe
- 17. Sun Hing Restaurant in Chinatown
- 18. Spices Noodle House
- 19. Yummy Dim Sum
1. Shan Dong
Authentic and traditional dishes, using fresh ingredients

Shan Dong is a well-known restaurant that specializes in Chinese cuisine, particularly famous for its handmade dumplings. The restaurant's dumplings are widely regarded as the best in town. Besides that, Shan Dong also offers excellent noodle dishes, which are definitely worth trying.
One of the must-try noodle dishes at Shan Dong is their hand-pulled noodles, which are made fresh in-house. The green beans are another popular dish that has received many praises from customers. In summary, Shan Dong is an excellent restaurant to visit if you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, especially their handmade dumplings and noodles.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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2. New Gold Medal Restaurant
Family-owned since 1987, uses traditional cooking techniques

New Gold Medal Restaurant is a well-known establishment in Chinatown, famous for its traditional American Chinese cuisine and late-night operating hours. One of the most popular items on the menu is the BBQ pork wonton soup, which boasts a delicious blend of savory and sweet flavors, along with generously-sized pieces of shrimp and pork.
The staff at New Gold Medal Restaurant are commendably friendly and eager to please. Apart from the excellent wonton soup, they also offer chili oil that is a must-try for those who enjoy a bit of heat. The restaurant is a beloved fixture in the community, serving as a go-to spot for both regulars and newcomers seeking authentic Asian-American fare.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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3. Gum Kuo
Family-owned and operated, focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients

This location is a hidden gem, offering exceptional congee/jook and gai lan. Their won ton noodle soups and accompanying greens are also highly recommended. The noodles are a standout feature, with a variety of options such as rice noodle crepes, BBQ pork noodle rolls, steak and noodles, and dim sums.
In addition to noodles, the menu includes rice dishes, congee, and xa xiu pork rice. All of these options are delicious and highly praised. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty bowl of noodles or something more traditional like congee, this place has something for everyone. The high-quality ingredients and attention to detail in every dish make this a must-visit destination for any food lover.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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4. Lounge Chinatown
Spacious seating, comfortable for large groups, and retro decor

Our first visit to this restaurant in Oakland was unplanned, but we were pleasantly surprised. The establishment had received positive reviews on Google Maps, and we were looking forward to trying it out. What we didn't expect was the enjoyable and memorable night we ended up having. The food was flavorful, and the staff was friendly and welcoming. The restaurant's late-night hours and karaoke sessions added to the overall fun atmosphere.
We highly recommend this Szechuan Chinese restaurant, especially for late-night dining. The smashed garlic cucumber and beef shank were standout dishes that we loved. The food had the perfect amount of spice and flavor, and the chili oil added an extra kick. We were impressed that the restaurant was open late after visiting a local bar. Overall, our experience at this restaurant was beyond our expectations, and it was the perfect way to start our stay in Oakland.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Fusion Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Celebrations
5. Peony Seafood Restaurant
Extensive menu, fresh ingredients, family-friendly environment

The dessert of deep-fried mochi balls with custard is a unique and delicious dish. The mochi balls are skillfully prepared, with a crispy exterior and a chewy, satisfying interior. The custard is rich and creamy, complementing the mochi perfectly. This dessert is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
During the meal, the cart service was attentive and helpful. Despite visiting towards the end of lunch, there was still a decent selection of offerings available. The restaurant appeared to be well-managed, with staff who were friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Overall, the experience was enjoyable and left a positive impression.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Asian Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
6. Ming's Tasty
Small, family-owned restaurant with authentic dishes

Ming's Tasty, a restaurant located in Oakland Chinatown, provides customers with an authentic dim sum experience. The dishes offered, such as the savory shrimp dumplings and flavorful siu mai, receive high praise for their excellent quality and taste. The venue itself is unassuming, yet it boasts a charming atmosphere that adds to its overall appeal. The staff is known for their friendly service, and the restaurant even accepts credit cards for customers' convenience.
The reviewer expresses their strong admiration for Ming's Tasty, noting the high-quality ingredients and freshness of every dish. Whether ordering for events or family/friend dining, the restaurant consistently delivers delicious food. The employees' friendly and engaging demeanor, coupled with quick service and a caring attitude, make for a positive dining experience. Overall, the reviewer cannot recommend Ming's Tasty enough, emphasizing that it is the best option for those seeking authentic and delicious Chinese cuisine.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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7. Imperial Soup
One of the best Chinese soups in Oakland

Imperial Soup in Oakland's Chinatown is the perfect place to go for those in search of restoration and healing. The restaurant specializes in serving a variety of herbal soups, which are not only delicious but also contain medicinal benefits. Diners can choose from a range of options, including meat and seafood-based soups, as well as rice and noodle plates.
At Imperial Soup, customers can expect to find unique and authentic specialty steamed soups that are different from what other restaurants offer. The soup selection is prepared with high-quality ingredients, carefully chosen herbs, and other medicinal components, making them both flavorful and beneficial for one's health. Whether you're looking for a comforting meal or a natural remedy to boost your immune system, Imperial Soup is the ideal destination.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Fusion Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
8. Yung Kee
Famous for 50 years in the Bay Area, family-owned

Yung Kee restaurant in Oakland Chinatown is a great spot for a tasty and affordable meal. Their menu includes a variety of options, but their steaming bowl of won ton soup is a customer favorite. You can complement your meal with a selection of side dishes, such as barbecue pork, roast duck, soy sauce chicken, large prawns, or bok choy (Chinese greens). Despite the quality of the food, the prices are quite reasonable, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious diners.
During my visit to Yung Kee on a Saturday afternoon, I was surprised to find the restaurant nearly empty. I had anticipated a busy lunch crowd, but there were only a few customers in sight. This lack of business was unexpected, given the quality of the food and the affordable prices. Nonetheless, the quiet atmosphere made for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Dinner
- Mid-Range
9. Ying Kee Restaurant in Chinatown
Specialized in traditional Cantonese cuisine with a wide variety of dishes and featuring a spacious dining area.

Ying Kee Restaurant in Oakland Chinatown is known for its delicious Chinese food offerings, such as shrimp dumplings with noodles and chao chow ho fun. The restaurant stands out for its affordability, with low prices and generous portions. Adding to its appeal is a friendly and welcoming staff that contributes to a positive dining experience.
However, there is some room for improvement in the soup's flavor, as it can come across as lacking. Nevertheless, the other dishes more than make up for it with their taste and seasoning. Overall, the restaurant's tasty and well-prepared dishes, coupled with its affordability and great service, make Ying Kee Restaurant a popular choice for those seeking delicious Chinese cuisine in Oakland Chinatown.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Dinner
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10. Shooting Star Cafe
Cozy atmosphere with a shooting star theme

The dessert menu at this establishment is well-regarded for its diverse and extensive selection of Chinese desserts, which can be enjoyed hot or cold. These desserts are a popular choice among patrons, who appreciate the opportunity to finish their meals on a sweet note with a range of options to choose from.
In addition to the dessert menu, the establishment also offers a varied and large selection of non-alcoholic drinks. These drinks include options that are inspired by the Chinese zodiac signs, providing a unique and culturally-relevant choice for patrons. The availability of these drinks adds to the overall dining experience and gives customers a well-rounded range of options to choose from.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Dinner
- Downtown Spots
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11. Battambang in Chinatown
Family-owned with authentic recipes passed down through generations.

A wonderful local restaurant, offering excellent food and service, is a great option to support local businesses, which have reported a significant decline in revenue due to remote work and the decreased number of people coming in for lunch. The restaurant had no wait time, making it a convenient choice.
During a recent tech conference in Oakland, the area surrounding the Oakland Convention Center was observed to be open and well-lit, but still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 shutdown. Many stores stood empty, and services were limited. Despite this, the BART station at 12th Street provided easy access to the area and the airports. Using TripAdvisor as a guide, a hidden gem was discovered only a block away from the two Marriott hotels in the area. The restaurant offered delicious food, a good selection, and above-average portions, accompanied by friendly service. It was an experience that would warrant a return visit, possibly even during the same week.
TOPICS
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
12. Hay Yue Restaurant

TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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13. Gum Wah
Offers vegetarian and halal options, unique spice blends

Gum Wah is an excellent restaurant to experience authentic Cantonese and Chinese cuisine. The star of their menu is undoubtedly the Roast Duck, which is a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant. The duck is perfectly cooked with a crispy skin and tender meat that simply falls off the bone.
In addition to the Roast Duck, Gum Wah also offers other delicious dishes such as prawns and pork roast. The prawns are fresh and cooked to perfection, while the pork roast is tender and full of flavor. Whether you're a fan of Cantonese food or looking to try something new, Gum Wah is definitely worth a visit. Their extensive menu and high-quality dishes make it a great place to enjoy a meal with family and friends.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
14. Oakland Cafe
Caters to dietary restrictions, popular Sunday brunch spot, community-oriented

Oakland Cafe is a Hong Kong-style restaurant that provides delicious Chinese food at a reasonable price. The restaurant is known for its popular dishes such as beef chow fun and Peking pork chop, which generally meet expectations, although there may be some inconsistencies in the quality of the food. Nevertheless, Oakland Cafe is a viable option for those looking for affordable and tasty Chinese food.
The restaurant offers generous portions and is budget-friendly, making it a great choice for large groups or families. While some dishes, particularly the dinner options, may be a bit salty or hit or miss, the lunch menu items such as fried rice and noodles are decent. One of the best values is the fixed family menu, which includes three entrees and house soup, providing a satisfying and filling meal for customers.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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15. Tastee Steam Kitchen
Asian fusion cuisine with a focus on steaming techniques

The service at the establishment is described as mixed and inconsistent. While some customers found the staff to be friendly and attentive, others had a different experience. These customers reported poor service and long wait times, which affected their overall dining experience.
On the other hand, the seafood served at the establishment is praised for its freshness, delicious taste, and variety. The steamed Asian seafood is a popular choice, and customers can add different toppings to enhance the flavor. Overall, while there are some issues with service, the food is a highlight of the dining experience.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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16. T & K Cafe
Local coffee shop with an emphasis on community and sustainability

This restaurant is a charming Hong Kong-style cafe, known for its friendly staff and excellent service. It is a popular spot for local elderly Chinese patrons, which is a testament to its affordability and delicious food.
I particularly enjoy their fried rice, which is always satisfying and flavorful. The cafe has a casual and unassuming atmosphere, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal. Despite its simple appearance, this cafe is a culinary gem that never fails to impress.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
17. Sun Hing Restaurant in Chinatown
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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18. Spices Noodle House

TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
19. Yummy Dim Sum
Traditional handcrafted dim sum, Friendly service

The author's favorite place offers delicious man tao and Malaysian cake. The pastries are reminiscent of homemade baked goods, being not too sweet and very comforting. This location is an excellent choice for those seeking affordable, quick, and tasty food.
Highlighting the value and service, the food is noted to be comparable to a mother's cooking. The pastries are specifically called out for their perfect level of sweetness and comforting quality. The affordability and efficiency of the service are also mentioned, making it an appealing option for potential visitors. The author is confident that those who try it will not be disappointed.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Dinner
- Cheap Eats
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