The top Chinese restaurants in NYC go far beyond Chinatown, spreading up into Lincoln Square and out into Queens. Edamame dumplings meet truffles in the Meatpacking District, Long Island City is home to crispy Sichuan chicken, and Hong Kong diner fare gets all dressed up in Hell’s Kitchen.
One of NYC’s coolest Chinese restaurants started as a pop-up, another is hidden behind a curtain in an Asian market, and others boast chefs with MICHELIN-Starred kitchen experience.
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For modern Chinese in one of NYC’s most recognizable dining rooms – book Buddakan (Meatpacking District)
Buddakan entrances with its dramatic setting in the Meatpacking District. Towering ceilings and opulent chandeliers create a grand Parisian backdrop for modern Chinese cuisine, securing its place among the best Chinese restaurants in NYC. The truffle-edamame dumplings deliver rich, earthy flavors, while the Peking duck’s crispy skin and tender meat make it a popular order. With a sophisticated atmosphere ideal for group celebrations, Buddakan provides a vibrant yet upscale dining experience.
For a Chinese restaurant in NYC with a celebratory ambiance – reserve a table at Phillipe Chow (Upper East Side and Meatpacking District)
Philippe Chow enhances traditional Beijing-style Chinese dining with crowd favorites like tableside-carved Peking duck and bold-flavored chicken satay with the restaurant’s signature creamy peanut sauce. Both the Upper East Side and Meatpacking District locations create a sophisticated atmosphere for luxurious evenings, with the Meatpacking outpost embracing a slightly more energetic, nightlife-oriented vibe. Specials are served family-style, and many dishes are plated with an engaging presentation.
For elegant Chinese from a celebrated French chef – head to The House of the Red Pearl at Tin Building by Jean-Georges (Financial District)
Tucked away within the Tin Building by Jean-Georges, The House of the Red Pearl evokes an opulent Shanghai speakeasy with vibrant red hues, intricate paneling and wallpaper, and dim lighting. Notable dishes from the acclaimed French chef include the pork and shrimp wontons in fragrant chili oil and richly spiced Wagyu beef. The cocktail menu is also inspired by Eastern ingredients (think: raspberry lychee bellini), and the distinctive space is equally suited to quiet occasions and fabulous celebrations.
For a variety of dining styles at a top name among the best Chinese restaurants in NYC – grab a table at Shun Lee (Lincoln Square, Midtown East, and Shun Lee Cafe in Lincoln Square)
Shun Lee has been known for classic Chinese flair in presentation and décor since its 1971 opening, and its presence has since spread. Shun Lee Palace, the more formal option in Midtown East, is famed for the orange beef it may have invented, while Shun Lee West in Lincoln Square is celebrated for its lively dining room and fresh lobster Cantonese style. The adjoining Shun Lee Café has a more relaxed atmosphere and focuses on lighter fare.
For one of the best Asian restaurants in NYC specializing in Sichuan – secure a spot at HUPO (Long Island City)
At HUPO, Sichuan cuisine takes center stage with bold flavors and intricate spice blends. The Chungking spicy chicken is a fan-favorite with crispy bites in a fiery peppercorn sauce, while the dan dan noodles balance savory heat with nutty richness. Ask for a recommendation from the tea program to pair with your specific meal choices, or go for a cocktail for an alternative experience. The mixed drinks at this top Chinese restaurant in NYC are fruit-forward to balance the deep-flavored cuisine.
For the best Chinese restaurant in NYC Midtown East, book a table at Hutong (Midtown East)
Art Deco details dress the airy, modern dining room of Hutong, a top Chinese restaurant in NYC in Midtown East. With a focus on northern Chinese flavors, the restaurant’s most popular dishes include crispy Peking duck and the red lantern soft-shell crab seasoned with dried chilies for a fiery bite. The Sichuan pepper-infused signature cocktails mirror the bold flavors of the dishes, but the bar mixes plenty of milder drinks, too. The upscale ambiance lends itself best to an elegant meal.
For casual dim sum for two or ten – score some space at Hey Yuet (Chelsea)
Hey Yuet is a Chelsea favorite for Cantonese dim sum. Pan-fried pork buns achieve a golden crisp and soup dumplings come bursting with rich broth. The turnip cake, seared to bring out its savory depth, is another standout. The casual, welcoming atmosphere and efficient service make it a great pick for groups seeking Cantonese flavors in one of the best Chinese restaurants in NYC. Pro tip: order the flavorful lemon tea, balanced with just the right amount of tang.
For creative Sichuan just beyond Times Square: reserve Sky Pavilion (Hell’s Kitchen)
Sky Pavilion is a top choice for variety among the best Chinese restaurants in NYC. Chef Zhong Qing Wang brings MICHELIN experience to Sichuan cuisine with an extensive menu featuring bold dishes like mapo tofu and Sichuan pepper ribs, expertly balancing heat and flavor. Many dishes are plated with flair, befitting the chef’s impressive training and experience, yet the interior remains laid-back and approachable. Come here for high-quality preparation and presentation with no pretense.
For a cool Chinese restaurant in NYC taking diner food to new heights – pop into Cha Cha Tang (West Village)
From pop-up to permanent West Village dining room, Cha Cha Tang stands out for its clever combination of sophisticated Hong Kong diner dishes with elegant service and stylish space. Dishes like XO fried rice loaded with seafood, an extravagantly large egg roll (sliced), and steamed branzino with fermented black beans top a menu of comforting Cantonese with exciting enhancements. Cha Cha Tang is sophisticated and playful, ideal for casual catchups and festive celebrations.
To escape the crowds for a comforting dim sum meal – duck into DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine (NoMad)
DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine brings a modern touch to traditional dim sum with an inviting space in busy NoMad. Among the standout bites here are xiao long bao with flavorful broth encased in delicate dough, and crispy turnip cakes seasoned with zesty scallions. While the tea-infused cocktail list can change, refreshing treats like a jasmine mule are great menu complements. The approachable ambiance makes this a top Chinese restaurant in NYC.
From casual dim sum moments to MICHELIN-adjacent dazzlers, the best Chinese restaurants in NYC appeal to a variety of budgets and styles. Spicy Sichuan, familiar Cantonese, and Hong Kong diner dishes fill many of the top Chinese menus across the city, often accompanied by cocktails, wine, and whisky lists paired to enhance the experience.
