Eat · Chinatown · 2026
The best restaurants in Chinatown.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 19 places.
Chinatown was one of the first neighborhoods I fell in love with when I moved to New York. I remember wandering down Mott Street completely overwhelmed by the smells and the menus and having no idea where to start. Years later, I’ve eaten my way through enough Chinatown restaurants to finally feel confident telling you exactly where to go, whether you want perfect dumplings or the best Peking duck in the city.
For more on irresistible desserts Chinatown, see my guide to 10 Irresistible Desserts in Chinatown, NYC (Foodie Guide).
- Banh Mi SaigonRestaurant · ChinatownThe baguette is perfectly crisp, the BBQ pork is juicy.
- Cha Chan TangRestaurant · ChinatownCha Chan Tang is a great spot to experience the unique fusion of flavors in Hong Kong’s food scene or grab a classic American meal in a fun and vibrant setting.
- Hop KeeRestaurant · ChinatownOpened in 1968, it was one of Anthony Bourdain’s top-five NYC restaurants and was featured in Parts Unknown’s last episode (filmed just two months before his death).
- House of JoyRestaurant · ChinatownThere’s often a wait (up to an hour long), but trust me, unlike your high school fling, this dim sum is worth waiting for.
- Jing FongRestaurant · ChinatownDespite downsizing in 2021 due to the pandemic, Jing Fong maintains its reputation for top-notch dim sum served on roving carts filled with fried, baked, and steamed treats.
- Joe's ShanghaiRestaurant · ChinatownJoe’s Shanghai’s success in delivering an authentic and memorable dining experience helped garner a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Chinatown.
- Mai Lai Wah Wonton NoodleRestaurant · ChinatownFolks are still happy to make the pilgrimage for the life-changing wonton noodle soup, which features expertly cooked noodles with flavorful broth and savory meat.
- May Wah Fast FoodRestaurant · ChinatownAt the same time, unbeatable prices (nothing over $10!) make it one of the most affordable restaurants in Chinatown.
- Mei Lai WahBakery · ChinatownThe buns pull apart effortlessly, and the meat is tender and juicy.
- Nom Wah Tea ParlorRestaurant · ChinatownChinatown’s unequivocal darling, Nom Wah Tea Parlor, is the oldest dim sum restaurant in NYC.
- Ping'sRestaurant · ChinatownKnown for crispy skin and succulent meat, this really good dish is carved tableside.
- Shu Jiao Fu ZhouRestaurant · ChinatownAn order of the pork and chive dumplings will cost you less than $3 (for 6) or $4 (for 10).
- Spicy VillageRestaurant · ChinatownSpicy Village’s ability to offer a genuine taste of Henan and its friendly service make it a cherished spot for those seeking one of the best restaurants in Chinatown.
- Tasty DumplingRestaurant · ChinatownThe pork & chive dumplings (available steamed or fried) are the best $2 you will ever spend.
- Wah Fung No. 1 Fast FoodRestaurant · ChinatownDespite the unassuming exterior, Wah Fung No. 1 Fast Food has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional meals at affordable prices.
- Wo HopRestaurant · ChinatownIn fact, Wo Hop was named an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation in 2022, a distinction awarded to restaurants that contribute to America’s food culture and heritage.
- Wok WokRestaurant · ChinatownThe rest of the menu is a laundry list of Malaysian and Thai street food, with tantalizing classics like Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and char kway teow.
- Wu's Wonton KingRestaurant · ChinatownAlthough Wu’s is far from one of those places you only hear about from locals, the restaurant has manageable wait times compared to other popular restaurants in Chinatown.
- Yi Ji Shi Mo NoodleRestaurant · ChinatownOptions like marinated beef, fresh shrimp, and char siu pork are all tempting, and a side of curry fish balls is always a good idea.
Banh Mi Saigon
Restaurant · Chinatown · 198 Grand St, New York, NY 10013
The baguette is perfectly crisp, the BBQ pork is juicy.
Cha Chan Tang
Restaurant · Chinatown · 45 Mott St, New York, NY
Cha Chan Tang is a great spot to experience the unique fusion of flavors in Hong Kong’s food scene or grab a classic American meal in a fun and vibrant setting.
Hop Kee
Restaurant · Chinatown · 21 Mott St, New York, NY 10013
Opened in 1968, it was one of Anthony Bourdain’s top-five NYC restaurants and was featured in Parts Unknown’s last episode (filmed just two months before his death).
House of Joy
Restaurant · Chinatown · 28 Pell St, New York, NY 10013
There’s often a wait (up to an hour long), but trust me, unlike your high school fling, this dim sum is worth waiting for.
Jing Fong
Restaurant · Chinatown · 202 Centre St, New York, NY
Despite downsizing in 2021 due to the pandemic, Jing Fong maintains its reputation for top-notch dim sum served on roving carts filled with fried, baked, and steamed treats.
Joe's Shanghai
Restaurant · Chinatown · 46 Bowery, New York, NY 10013
Joe’s Shanghai’s success in delivering an authentic and memorable dining experience helped garner a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Chinatown.
Mai Lai Wah Wonton Noodle
Restaurant · Chinatown · 23 Pell St, New York, NY 10038
Folks are still happy to make the pilgrimage for the life-changing wonton noodle soup, which features expertly cooked noodles with flavorful broth and savory meat.
May Wah Fast Food
Restaurant · Chinatown · 190 Hester St, New York, NY 10013
At the same time, unbeatable prices (nothing over $10!) make it one of the most affordable restaurants in Chinatown.
Mei Lai Wah
Bakery · Chinatown · 64 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013
The buns pull apart effortlessly, and the meat is tender and juicy.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor
Restaurant · Chinatown · 13 Doyers St, New York, NY
Chinatown’s unequivocal darling, Nom Wah Tea Parlor, is the oldest dim sum restaurant in NYC.
Ping's
Restaurant · Chinatown · 22 Mott St, New York, NY 10013
Known for crispy skin and succulent meat, this really good dish is carved tableside.
Shu Jiao Fu Zhou
Restaurant · Chinatown · 295 Grand St, New York, NY 10002
An order of the pork and chive dumplings will cost you less than $3 (for 6) or $4 (for 10).
Spicy Village
Restaurant · Chinatown · 68 Forsyth St B, New York, NY
Spicy Village’s ability to offer a genuine taste of Henan and its friendly service make it a cherished spot for those seeking one of the best restaurants in Chinatown.
Tasty Dumpling
Restaurant · Chinatown · 42 Mulberry St, New York, NY
The pork & chive dumplings (available steamed or fried) are the best $2 you will ever spend.
Wah Fung No. 1 Fast Food
Restaurant · Chinatown · 79 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002
Despite the unassuming exterior, Wah Fung No. 1 Fast Food has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional meals at affordable prices.
Wo Hop
Restaurant · Chinatown · 17 Mott St, New York, NY 10013
In fact, Wo Hop was named an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation in 2022, a distinction awarded to restaurants that contribute to America’s food culture and heritage.
Wok Wok
Restaurant · Chinatown · 11 Mott St, New York, NY 10013
The rest of the menu is a laundry list of Malaysian and Thai street food, with tantalizing classics like Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and char kway teow.
Wu's Wonton King
Restaurant · Chinatown · 165 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002
Although Wu’s is far from one of those places you only hear about from locals, the restaurant has manageable wait times compared to other popular restaurants in Chinatown.
Yi Ji Shi Mo Noodle
Restaurant · Chinatown · 88 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10013
Options like marinated beef, fresh shrimp, and char siu pork are all tempting, and a side of curry fish balls is always a good idea.
Best restaurants in Chinatown, 2026
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 21 Chinatown Restaurants You Can’t Afford to Miss (Hungry Foodie Guide).