You’ve just finished exploring Cannery Row, your camera roll is full of sea otter photos, and you’re craving something beyond tourist-trap chowder. It must be time for real Chinese food in Monterey. If you, too, are ready to trade ocean views for exceptional dumplings and wok-fired magic, our updated guide delivers authentic flavors without the fuss—perfect spots for post-aquarium feasts or foggy-day comfort. Dive in.
Ho Wah Chinese Restaurant
$ | (831) 384-7951 | WEBSITE
If you’re not eating orange chicken and crab puffs and udon noodles, is it even a trip to Monterey? Well, yeah, it is—but you should be eating orange chicken and crab puffs and udon noodles. Do that at Ho Wah, where the explosion of authentic Chinese flavors should get you hungry enough to order everything on the menu all day.
China Delight
$ | (831) 625-3367 | WEBSITE
China Delight is a Chinese restaurant within Monterey’s dining scene—think of it like a culinary gem inside the city’s vibrant food landscape, only with authentic flavors instead of gimmicks, and the health-conscious approach is on full display. And while other spots might be flashier, prioritize China Delight for your family dinners or group gatherings.
It doubles as a haven for clean eating, where they’re serving dishes made with minimal sauces, like a standout beef with pea pods, and Szechuan shrimp that lets the natural taste shine through. And even though the menu offers variety, there are a few (much better) options exclusive to their philosophy, like tofu prepared without heavy additives, and sweet and sour pork that avoids excessive MSG. (And, yes, it’s still welcoming during busy seasons when other places get crowded.)
Great Wall Szechuan and Mandarin Cuisine
$$ | (831) 372-3637 | WEBSITE
After a visit to Great Wall, it’s inevitable that you’ll be headed home with containers of Mongolian beef and Peking Duck tucked into every available bag. This family-friendly spot is just minutes from downtown Monterey, and also happens to be a perfect stop if you’ve got restless little ones in tow. Here, they have vegetarian egg flower soup and fried eggplant with hot garlic sauce that beats any takeout joint’s greasy noodles and bland sauce.
And most importantly, enjoying one-handed salt and pepper wings keeps you wide open for when the walnut shrimp arrives at your table.
Panda Express
$ | (831) 394-1672 | WEBSITE
Why settle for bland, overpriced mall food when Panda Express is right there? This is a fast-casual Chinese spot that serves familiar favorites—and the only thing you really need is the Orange Spicy Chicken, which is crispy and tangy. Either grab it to-go and enjoy it in your car, or sit down to have it in a clean, modern space with bright lighting. It’s a solid and dependable choice when you’re craving Chinese food on the go.
Chef Lee’s Mandarin House
$$ | (831) 375-9551 | WEBSITE
Chef Lee’s Mandarin House is a very welcoming place to have a meal—it doubles as a family favorite (as evidenced by the dining room full of satisfied regulars). The menu has classic Chinese-style things, like fried rice with generous portions and rich flavors, vegetable dishes like stir-fried vegetables and hearty soup, and one of the area’s best vegetarian meals. Plenty of accessible seating makes this a great spot for a group.
Chong’s Szechwan Restaurant
$ | (831) 373-5153 | WEBSITE
Yes, there’s plenty of dining in downtown Monterey, but wouldn’t you rather settle into a clean, old-school space with some special noodle soup, Hong Kong style chow mein, and Kung Pao Chicken? Chong’s Szechwan serves the best broth in the area, and enjoying Michelle’s friendly table service sounds much better to us than rushing through a meal elsewhere.
Annie’s House
$ | (831) 747-1548 | WEBSITE
Fair warning—if you go to Annie’s House for a family dinner, you might not even make it to your next stop. Between the garlic vinegar pot stickers, honey walnut prawns, and crispy tempura vegetables, the Chinese appetizers are so excellent that it’s too easy to have more fun here than at home or another restaurant.
And if you happen to linger over your Mongolian Beef or Cashew Chicken because you’re busy sharing Shrimp Fried Rice and camping out in the cozy, intimate atmosphere, know that the friendly owners provide exceptional service and generous portions, so you won’t leave hungry.
Lee’s Garden Chinese Restaurant
$ | (831) 384-6888 | WEBSITE
Like finding that perfect booth at your favorite diner or discovering the secret parking spot that always seems to be open, pulling up to Lee’s Garden Chinese Restaurant feels like uncovering a Monterey treasure. This cozy neighborhood spot might catch your eye with its lovely design and framed pictures, but the real magic happens at the table.
The Korean sweet and sour beef tenderloin is exceptional—crispy yet tender pieces glazed in that perfect tangy-sweet sauce—and the generously portioned walnut shrimp, tossed in creamy mayo with candied walnuts, is every bit as satisfying as promised.
Orient Restaurant
$ | (831) 394-2223 | WEBSITE
In the great debate over Monterey’s Chinese restaurants, don’t get us wrong—we’re Team Orient. This spot is a convenient place to grab a bowl of sour catfish soup before heading out for the afternoon. If you’re looking for a quiet meal, the clean, modern interior offers a bright, relaxing environment. Then, you’re free to enjoy some sweet and sour pork that’s perfectly crunchy and watch other diners who didn’t read this settle for less flavorful options. Tragic.
Happy Dragon
$ | (831) 372-3541 | WEBSITE
Happy Dragon is technically a 27-year-old establishment, rather than new. But if you’re craving Chinese food in Monterey, there will likely be no better options near any of the other spots on this list, leading to you circle the menu, debate some different dishes, and eventually settle for mediocre takeout when you can’t decide. Don’t do that.
Do the dine-in at Happy Dragon for some great Szechuan Green Bean Chicken, crispy rice soup, and generous tofu dishes that will satisfy you before the evening ends.
