Your Guide to New York City’s Best Chinese Restaurants

(Courtesy Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao)

New York City’s dining scene is a world-class culinary mosaic, and its Chinese restaurants stand out as some of the most innovative and celebrated. From inventive, modern takes on classic fare to homestyle dishes that transport you to another country, these establishments showcase the incredible diversity of Chinese cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy Sichuan, authentic Shanghainese, or a refined taste of Hangzhou, the city’s top spots offer an unforgettable culinary journey.

RedFarm

After a two-year closure, the original West Village location of the beloved Chinese restaurant RedFarm is once again open and serving its full menu. Known for its inventive and modern approach to Chinese food, the restaurant serves popular dishes like crispy beef, cold sesame noodles with chicken, and a wide variety of signature dumplings. Below the main restaurant, the acclaimed Peking duck service will soon return at its cocktail lounge, Decoy, for those seeking a more elevated experience. The team at RedFarm is thrilled to be back and fully executing their celebrated menu.

(Courtesy RedFarm)
(Courtesy RedFarm)

Grandma’s Home

Grandma’s Home aims to provide a warm and comforting experience with a focus on authentic Hangzhou cuisine. The menu features homestyle Chinese cooking in a modern atmosphere that is both inviting and fresh. Originally from Hangzhou, China, where it has a popular presence, the restaurant has recently opened its first American location in Manhattan’s Flatiron neighborhood, bringing its beloved flavors to a new audience. The welcoming concept has already found a following among those looking for an authentic and delicious meal.

Grandma’s Home (©Liz Clayman)
Grandma’s Home (©Liz Clayman)

CHILI

CHILI is a New York restaurant that transports diners into the vibrant and spicy world of Sichuan cuisine. The restaurant celebrates authentic flavors through time-honored recipes, with a menu crafted by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Peter He. The dishes are known for their bold use of fragrant peppercorns, chili oil, and other classic Sichuan ingredients, creating an exhilarating and lively dining experience. The menu’s spicy specialties are perfectly balanced by a carefully curated list of refreshing cocktails designed to cool the palate.

(Courtesy CHILI)
(Courtesy CHILI)

Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao

Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao is a well-known restaurant that specializes in authentic Shanghainese cuisine, particularly its famous soup dumplings, or xiao long bao. The restaurant has earned a strong reputation for its flavorful, high-quality dishes, which also include crispy scallion pancakes and braised beef. The dedication to traditional recipes and meticulous preparation has made it a popular destination for those seeking an authentic Chinese dining experience, and its clean, spacious interior is often bustling with a mix of local and visiting diners.

(Courtesy Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao)
(Courtesy Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao)

Meili Rooftop

Perched atop the Coda Hotel in Williamsburg, Meili Rooftop offers a sophisticated take on Sichuan cuisine with stunning panoramic views. The space, an extension of the acclaimed Meili restaurant downstairs, is a vibrant and refined setting with a sleek bar, plush seating, and a retractable roof for all-season dining. The menu, crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, features bold, Sichuan-inspired small plates and a curated list of cocktails, making it a perfect destination for an intimate meal or a lively gathering with friends.

(Courtesy Meili Rooftop)
(Courtesy Meili Rooftop)

Noodle Lane

Noodle Lane is a Chinese restaurant in Brooklyn that has evolved from a popular food truck at Smorgasburg into a beloved neighborhood spot. The restaurant, founded by Chef Lane Li, focuses on authentic Sichuan and Cantonese dishes with a mission to showcase the complexity and quality of Chinese cuisine. The menu is celebrated for its hand-crafted dumplings, flavorful noodles, and a variety of dishes that are both traditional and innovative; all served in a cozy atmosphere that has built a reputation for breaking stereotypes about Chinese food.

(Courtesy Noodle Lane)
(Courtesy Noodle Lane)