After scrolling through endless delivery apps, dismissing every spot whose menu photo is a blurry, generic takeout box, and staring blankly at the mounting pile of disappointing fried rice containers, you finally decided to seek out real Chinese cuisine worth savoring. Now the work begins. You need a place that’s authentic and flavorful enough to impress, but not intimidating.
It’s got to have solid dumplings and hopefully exceptional noodles in case the craving strikes hard enough that you feel like bravely exploring a new regional specialty. Maybe it should also have great ambiance, or history, or a secret menu. Got all that? Good. Here are some of our favorite Chinese restaurants in Arlington right now.
Rice Xpress
$ | (817) 472-7333 | WEBSITE
Rice Xpress, a cozy spot in Arlington, serves satisfying Chinese food in a brightly lit, no-frills space. Counter staff hand you generous portions on sturdy paper plates with plastic utensils so you can focus on your meal instead of fussing with presentation. The dishes riff on familiar favorites, but add in tasty twists with proteins and vegetables like shrimp, chicken, and cashews. It’s a restaurant without pretension, or table service, which is great for a quick (or filling) lunch.
Or a reliable end to a busy day. Walk-ins are welcome, but it’s better to arrive early for the freshest options.
Pei Wei Asian Kitchen
$ | (817) 466-4545 | WEBSITE
Pei Wei Asian Kitchen, a family-friendly spot in Arlington, is almost always bustling, but luckily there are plenty of tables and quick-service counters, so it never feels overwhelming. There are also so many consistently fresh and hot dishes that you could bring your family here every week and have a different but equally satisfying meal. Grab the Mongolian beef, some egg rolls, and the Spicy Drunken noodle and get your fill.
China Harbor
$ | (817) 466-3888 | WEBSITE
The sprawling parking lot welcoming you to China Harbor, a reliable and affordable Asian buffet in Arlington, is practical, as is the consistent quality of the regularly refreshed offerings. Choosing China Harbor for a family dinner is a safe bet, and one your wallet will appreciate (seriously, check those reasonable prices). Because you’re not at China Harbor for fine dining—although the food is fresh and satisfying—you’re here to either feast, or watch others feast.
Head to the buffet line with your plate and an appetite, and then settle into one of the relaxed tables. Focus on the chicken wings—they’re absolutely the best—or don’t. We’re not going to judge. The sushi bar is a highlight, the dessert section a must-visit, and the timely table service keeps everything moving. It’s all about variety here: beef egg roll, chicken teriyaki, steak, salad bar, and more, with lunch at $10.99 per adult.
Just bring your hunger and maybe a kid whose height qualifies for the discount.
Mr Wonton Chinese Restaurant
$ | (817) 419-8700 | WEBSITE
The inside of Mr Wonton Chinese Restaurant in, well, Arlington, feels exactly like what it is: the inside of a local takeout spot. But the straightforward service and friendly staff could easily be in a neighborhood joint anywhere, where expectations are simple and honest, especially after a long day. The food here also plays into that reality. What’s comfort if not feeding yourself orange chicken, sweet and sour dishes, and egg rolls?
Lean into the simplicity under the fluorescent lighting, and lose yourself to the familiar flavors—oh, and the occasional miss, like the hot and sour soup with its weird sweet taste or the white rice that lacks seasoning. It’s a hit-or-miss affair, but at around $20 a meal, it’s a nice local spot, even if it’s closed on weekends, possibly for family time.
Snow Cones & Chinese Food To-Go
Take a friend to Snow Cones & Chinese Food To-Go in Arlington and impress them with your knowledge of the perfect Tiger Blood snow cone and the subtle art of syrup customization. This place looks like a well-maintained neighborhood spot, which ups the charm factor, as do the pleasant, soft-spoken staff who make you feel right at home.
If you’re braving the Texas heat, there are also icy snow cones in flavors like blue raspberry and Hawaiian to cool you down, plus other treats like the Guayaba Freeze and chicharrones to round out your visit.
Skillman Wok
$ | (817) 265-3777 | WEBSITE
Weeknight dinners sometimes require a lot of contingency plans, especially if you’re short on time and energy. Do you want to cook, or order delivery? Do you prefer something healthy, or comforting? Will the food arrive hot and fresh enough to satisfy everyone’s cravings? Enter: Skillman Wok, a small Chinese takeout spot in Arlington. The food here is delicious and consistent, especially the orange chicken and combo fried rice.
The portions are generous and affordable, but the service will also be quick and reliable if that’s your priority. Order at the counter, by phone, or online. At Skillman Wok, you can choose-your-own weeknight dinner solution, and dig into the tasty takeout if needed.
Ocean Chinese Seafood Restaurant
$ | (817) 261-5929 | WEBSITE
If you’ve ever wanted to gather the whole family and immediately watch everyone dig into steaming platters of authentic Chinese food, you’re in luck. Ocean Chinese Seafood Restaurant, a long-standing Arlington favorite, has you covered. Savor the generous portions of vegetable lo mein, share the rich beef brisket & tendon hotpot, or debate the merits of the Triple Delight seafood platter.
There is an endless array of flavorful, fresh dishes to keep your table engaged, or at least thoroughly satisfied.
FORTUNE COOKIE EXPRESS CHINESE RESTAURANT
$ | (817) 462-0208 | WEBSITE
Take your craving for Chinese food somewhere absolutely nobody expects fine dining: Fortune Cookie Express Chinese Restaurant, the cash-friendly spot in Arlington. Known for its generous portions, Fortune Cookie Express has all the trappings of a reliable take-out joint: a simple counter with a giant menu board, steam tables keeping the classics hot, friendly yet efficient staff who remember your usual order, and containers that may or may not stay closed on the drive home. It’s perfect.
The Orange Chicken arrives in a box so large you could share it with two friends, each piece coated in that amazing sticky-sweet sauce that makes you forget the unglamorous location. The General Tso’s chicken and sweet and sour chicken burst with the same bold flavor, while the Chinese spare ribs swim in their own delicious glaze.
You won’t find white tablecloths or mood lighting here—just solid value, attentive service, and food that tastes exactly how you hope it will when you’re too tired to cook. For a no-fuss meal that delivers on every promise, this is your spot.
ABC Seafood
$ | (817) 861-8818 | WEBSITE
Nearly everyone else here is on a family outing, so you probably should be, too. The Arlington Chinese spot ABC Seafood is great not only for its weekend Dim Sum carts, but also for the modern clean interior, recently remodeled space, and fun lively vibes. Whether you sit at a table or near the cart path, service is always friendly and attentive.
Share plates over chicken feet, slowly snack on siu mai or ha gau, or order the salty fish tofu pot for the table with someone you want to share a meal with.
Splendid China
$ | (817) 468-2888 | WEBSITE
If you want family-friendly vibes but authentic Chinese flavors, Splendid China in the Polycrest Plaza can set you up. Choose your own adventure at Splendid China: dress it up with the Happy Family meal (do that) or keep it simple with honey garlic chicken wings (do that too). So grab some hot and sour soup by the bowlful, coax your kids into trying the vegetarian options, and admire the consistently fresh food or the fact that the service switches from kind-hearted to attentive and back again.
Rice Wok
$ | (817) 419-8882 | WEBSITE
Taking your family to Rice Wok, a charming Chinese spot in Arlington, shows you mean business—if your business is getting everyone fed without breaking the bank. You probably just got done running errands or picking up the kids, so it only makes sense to swing by Rice Wok and order up a plate of that must-try combination fried rice or some phenomenally good curry. Settle into the warm, welcoming atmosphere, or grab your order to go.
You’ll be satisfied, and full of great food, no matter when you dig in.
Asian Bowl
$$ | (817) 483-2729 | WEBSITE
Asian Bowl, a Chinese spot in Arlington, is for takeout lovers. The restaurant serves classic but highly flavorful Chinese dishes and generous portions (that are great for sharing with your family). The ordering process—which is fully streamlined online with spice options and quick delivery—is simple with very few complications, so plan for a weeknight if you want to keep things easy.
