New York City has a reputation for some of the best Chinese food in the country, and if you dine at any of these seven restaurants listed below, you’ll know why. Forget chicken with lemon sauce and fried rice order, because the menu options at these fine dining establishments are so much more fun. Read on for the best Chinese restaurants in downtown NYC.
Best of NYC Chinese Restaurants: Shanghai Cuisine (Chinatown)
Shanghai Cuisine is no hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant. Exposed brick, dim lighting, and pristine white tablecloths create a lovely atmosphere for feasting… and that’s what you’ll do here. Soft shell crab? Order it. Spicy Fried Chicken? Ditto. Crispy Shrimp? You had better. If you’re looking for a solid reputation and a mix of super authentic and American Chinese food on the same menu, Shanghai Cuisine is your spot. 89 Bayard St., 212-732-8988, shanghaiasiancuisine.com
Best of NYC Chinese Restaurants: Canton Lounge (Chinatown)
Serving up traditional Cantonese dishes, Canton Lounge is exactly where you want to head if you’re looking for some Peking Duck, Beef with Oyster Sauce, Salt and Pepper Shrimp, or Cold House Special Chicken. The prices are also some of the best you’ll find in Chinatown. Now what’s not to love about any of that? 70 Mott St., 212-219-8066, cantonlounge.com
Best of NYC Chinese Restaurants: Mission Chinese Food (Lower East Side)
By now everyone’s heard about Danny Bowien’s non-traditional take on New York City Chinese food. From the Thrice Cooked Bacon to the Squid Ink Peanut Noodles, there’s no dish being served that isn’t packed with flavor and innovative vibes. To top it all off, every table receives a complimentary order of egg and veggie dumplings to start things off. Now that’s good service, especially for a restaurant that towers the list of trendy dining in the city. 171 E. Broadway, 212-432-0300, mcfny.com
Best of NYC Chinese Restaurants: Joe’s Shanghai (Chinatown)
It’s all about the pork and crab meat soup dumplings at Joe’s Shanghai. Seriously, if you don’t order a batch (or two) or each, you’ll regret it. Made with thin skin that still somehow manages to be loaded with meat and broth, these are some of the best soup dumplings you’ll find in the city. Once you’ve had your fair share of them, move on to the Crispy Jumbo Prawns with Lime Sauce and the Shanghai Fried Bean Curd. You’ll be more than satisfied at the end of your meal. Additional location in Midtown West. 9 Pell St., 212-233-8888, joeshanghairestaurants.com
Best of NYC Chinese Restaurants: Grand Sichuan (Chelsea)
Don’t be fooled by the less-than-grand decor at Grand Sichuan, because the food makes up for it in tenfold. Xiaotu “John” Zhang developed a bit of a cult following after opening up the restaurant in 1998, and things haven’t slowed down since. The impressive menu goes so far as to explain the history and cooking process for each dish. Our favorite dishes? Dan Dan Noodles, Gui Zhou Spicy Chicken, and the Sautéed String Beans with Minced Pork. 229 9th Ave., 212-620-5200
Best of NYC Chinese Restaurants: Nom Wah Tea Parlor (Chinatown)
Nom Wah Tea Parlor has earned its reputation, serving as NYC’s first dim sum house when it opened in 1920 in what was then known as “the bloody angle” of Chinatown. Things have changed quite a bit since those days, but the quality of the food is just as authentic. From classics like the Sticky Rice In Lotus to all-time favorites like “The Original” Egg Roll (chicken and mixed veggies rolled in an egg crepe and fried with a homemade batter), there are a gazillion small plates here you’ll want to try with your friends and family. 13 Doyers St., 212-962-6047, nomwah.com
Best of NYC Chinese Restaurants: Spicy Village (Lower East Side)
Four words for you… Spicy Big Tray Chicken. Another tip? Add on their hand-pulled noodles. This dish is a favorite of local New Yorkers, and it’s the perfect thing to order when you want to enjoy some family style Chinese eats. Spicy Village is a no-frills kind of joint, tiny in its size but giant in its reputation. Also worth mentioning are the Pork Pancakes. They will not disappoint! 68 Forsyth St., 212-625-8299
