The US has some incredible Chinese restaurants, from longstanding Chinatown mainstays serving roast duck and chop suey to popular dim sum spots. There’s so much good food, in fact, that picking the best place to eat can be as overwhelming as selecting a favourite dish. We’ve done the hard work by seeking out the most highly rated Chinese restaurant in every state and Washington DC, from sleek modern spots to family-run favourites. Be sure to check state travel advisories and individual websites for the latest opening information before visiting.

Among the crowd-pleasing favourites served at the Great Wall Chinese Restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama, it’s the wontons in spicy peanut sauce that people really rave about. Along with this tasty Chinese-American hybrid, the restaurant offers a range of Shanghai-style dishes, pad Thai and Korean-style noodle soup.

As the name suggests, it’s not just traditional dishes on offer at Charlie's Bakery in Anchorage. It's a classic American bakery with a twist – it serves dim sum too. As well as turning out everything from Thai curry chicken to Mongolian beef, this place is known for its phenomenal dumplings, steamed buns and Cantonese-style egg tarts.

Run by Ted and Swanie who relocated to America more than 40 years ago, Little Szechuan in Tempe is the most adorable restaurant around. Pretty much everything on the menu is delicious but the most consistently raved-about customer favourites include its potstickers (fried and steamed dumplings, sometimes served crispy – pictured) and kung pao chicken.

This modern, Chinese-influenced café in Little Rock is the perfect place for a light and healthy lunch of dumplings, noodle salad and noodle soup. The menu at Three Fold is simple and pared back with only a few options, but everything gets rave reviews. The taro chips are praised for being unique and tasty; the plump, tender dumplings are the perfect comfort food; and the beef noodle soup is just delicious.

Chinatown spot Yang Chow has been serving its famous slippery shrimp since the restaurant opened in 1977. It consists of fried shellfish in a sweet and sticky chilli, ginger, garlic and vinegar sauce, and is the resounding favourite dish here. Yang Chow also has locations in California’s Long Beach and Pasadena.

The dining experience at this cosy restaurant has been compared to eating in someone’s kitchen – assuming that someone happens to be a master of Chinese cuisine. Flower Pepper is said to serve some of the best Sichuan food in the States. Dishes include spicy dan dan noodles, pork belly stew over rice and soup dumplings, as well as more interesting options such as Tiger Food – a zingy combination of shredded cucumber with jalapeño and coriander – and tofu stewed in a spicy, umami-rich broth.

Located in Stamford, this restaurant from award-winning chef Peter Chang is regularly cited as the best in Connecticut and, for some, the best Chinese food anywhere. Elevated dishes include seafood simmered in a complex stew and served in a hot stone pot. The Peking duck (pictured) is legendary and said to be better than what you get in world-class restaurants.

Love this? Follow our Pinterest page for more food inspiration

Upscale Confucius specialises in Hunan-style cuisine and, appropriate given its coastal setting in Rehoboth Beach, seafood. Devotees describe it as the best in Delaware and perhaps the entire USA, particularly praising the use of fresh ingredients that you can really taste in the dishes. Favourites include walnut shrimp and steamed halibut.

This tiny, cash-only spot has few tables and even fewer frills but it has developed a reputation as the best place around for dim sim and other Chinese favourites like pork fried rice. Rice noodles are made fresh in house and used in many of the dishes – or people can buy them to cook with at home, a detail that many customers love.

Family-run restaurant Zom Hee has been a fixture in Seminole since 1985 and is regularly described as Florida’s best, with everything on the menu more than living up to expectations. The huge dining room has a warm, welcoming ambience that, together with delicious and generously portioned dishes like pork lo mein and crunchy noodles, makes this a reliably good option.

Masterpiece in Duluth is a Sichuan restaurant known for perfectly prepared, flavoursome dishes like the sour cabbage with streaky pork pot, spicy aubergine and steamed fish in chilli oil. Although fans reckon there really isn’t a bad choice on the menu and everything is joyous. The portions are wonderfully generous too and best shared (or saved for leftovers).

Discover your state's best Thai restaurant

This small, locally owned restaurant bucked trends by opening in Honolulu’s Chinese Cultural Plaza in December 2020 and has already won fans thanks to its flavoursome, florally fragrant Sichuan specialities. Praiseworthy dishes include the sliced beef with chilli sauce (pictured) which is designed for sharing, pickled cabbage fish soup and kung pao beef. Customers also love the complimentary plum juice served to every table, and the fact that spice levels can be adjusted to suit individual tastes.

All the main dishes at family-owned restaurant Guang Zhou are made to order, and it shows. For many customers it’s the best Chinese food around. The menu is comprehensive and the portions are generous, with standout dishes including the orange beef and chicken in teriyaki sauce. Wait times can be slightly longer than usual because of the fact it’s all freshly made, but it’s well worth it.

With several locations in and around Chicago, MingHin Cuisine is a far cry from a standard chain restaurant. The menu combines style and substance, with its Chinatown restaurant on Archer Avenue particularly renowned for dim sum. Standout dishes include siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), pan-fried turnip cake, rice noodle rolls, vegetable crêpes and egg tarts.

Check out the best local chain restaurant in every state

The menu at Oriental Inn, tucked away on the east side of Indianapolis, features plenty of crowd-pleasing dishes alongside some unexpected delights. The fried crab rangoon, egg drop soup, Mongolian beef and bean curd with vegetables (pictured) come highly recommended – although the restaurant’s many long-time devotees reckon there isn’t a bad dish. The friendly service also helps it to stand out from the competition. The restaurant is closed temporarily following a kitchen fire in late 2021, so check the website for the latest opening information.

Casual in style and ambience but serious when it comes to flavour, popular takeout spot Long Xing serves American-Chinese dishes such as General Tso’s chicken, vegetable lo mein, crab rangoon and hot and sour soup to much acclaim. For many customers, this is simply the best food of its kind that can be found anywhere in the US – and it’s great value too.

The loyal customers of Blue Koi know it’s the place for Chinese cuisine in Kansas, with one customer describing it as the best restaurant around. Besides friendly staff, it offers consistently great food in large portions. The ginger basil chicken, crispy tofu, seafood noodle soup and Fire Bird (roast duck, chicken or tofu sautéed with chilli, spring onions and bamboo) are top picks.

Oriental Wok is a local institution in Fort Mitchell. It was opened in 1977 by Mike Wong who still runs the business with his family. The orange chicken is said to be phenomenal and the egg rolls excellent. General Wong’s Chicken is a favourite with diners thanks to its tender meat and beautifully balanced, sweet and spicy sauce. The service also gets great reviews. There’s a second location in Hyde Park, Ohio.

It can be tricky to get a table at this small restaurant in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter, simply because the food is so good. Dian Xin has plenty of favourites like wontons, bao and salt and pepper squid on the menu, alongside specialities like jianbing (Chinese-style crêpes traditionally eaten for breakfast) and xiao long bao (soup dumplings). It’s a great spot for brunch too.

This stylish dim sum restaurant serves what some have described as the tastiest Chinese food around, with customers raving that the bao and other dishes are simply perfection. On the menu are small plates such as honey walnut shrimp and crispy orange beef, plus shu mai (pork, shrimp and shiitake dumplings) and Shanghai soup dumplings. The ramen bowls are also a bone-warming favourite.

The star dish at popular strip-mall joint Bob’s Shanghai 66 is the xiao long bao (pork and crab soup dumplings). Each huge dumpling is filled with a hot, rich broth and they're regularly described as the best in Maryland (or perhaps anywhere). They also come filled with shrimp and pork, chicken, shrimp and chicken, or just pork and are a real speciality of the place. Other notable dishes are the spicy fried tofu, sweet and sour pork chop and dan dan noodles.

Cambridge’s Dumpling House offers a varied range of Chinese dishes and each of them – from soup dumplings and chicken noodle soup to orange chicken – is fragrant, moreish and delicious. Among customer favourites are the mini soup dumplings, while people also rave about the hot and sour soup. Attentive, friendly service further elevates the experience.

This is your state's best independent family-friendly restaurant

Located in Detroit’s historic Chinatown, The Peterboro is a stylish yet laid-back spot with colourful, industrial-chic decor and serves a contemporary take on traditional Chinese cooking. Standout items include the crab rangoon and inventive twists on classics such as these cheeseburger spring rolls (pictured). The restaurant also serves an impressive range of cocktails.

Hand-pulled noodles are the order of any day at Master Noodle, a cosy Chinese restaurant in St. Paul (formerly named Magic Noodle). They come in different thicknesses and sizes, and served in a variety of sauces and broths. Shanxi shaved noodle soup (with beef brisket, tomato, coriander, pickled mustard and spring onion) and Lanzhou noodle soup (beef shank, radish, spring onion and coriander) are the favourites, while the Sichuan wontons are melt-in-the-mouth perfection.

Despite the name, Asian Foods’ restaurant specialises in Chinese cuisine and is considered something of a hidden gem, serving tasty wontons and more substantial dishes like seafood chow mein. The huge menu at the restaurant, which is attached to the grocery store, includes familiar favourites like sesame chicken and General Tso’s chicken, with a great-value all-day special menu with a choice of main, sides and a drink.

A St. Louis staple, Wonton King, a Hong Kong-style Chinese restaurant, is known for its excellent dim sum selection which is especially good for a weekend brunch. The pork buns are described as hot, steamy and amazing, the roast pork is crispy and lean, and the shrimp dumplings also get a lot of praise. The restaurant even gets the approval of Hong Kong natives.

A modest family-owned restaurant, Jade Garden has become known for its great food and service. The menu is classic, with mainstays such as egg rolls and wonton soup, and everything is delicious, fresh and cooked to order. The fried rice with barbecue pork wins praise, while people also love the range of vegan and vegetarian options.

The dragon motif features heavily in this Omaha restaurant’s dining room and branding – there’s even a resident fire-breathing (toy) mascot, Jev. But it’s the freshly cooked, made-to-order food that really makes an impression at Dragon Wok, described as consistently exceptional. Standout dishes at this hidden gem include crab rangoon (crisped dumplings) and the egg drop soup.

There’s so much hype around Shang Artisan Noodle but it lives up to the high expectations. Customers consistently rave about the hand-pulled and knife-cut noodles, and the incredible depth of flavour packed into every dish. The Shàng noodle soup with braised beef in a rich, flavourful broth (pictured) is among the dishes that get people talking (once they’ve stopped eating, that is).

One of the most popular Chinese restaurants in the Granite State is Manchester’s Golden Tao. Its casual ambience and unassuming exterior belie the intense deliciousness of its dishes, with the chow mein described as the best by far. Other favourites include the huge, tender chicken wings, perfectly crisp egg rolls and ‘build your own’ combo plates. Fans reckon it’s incredible value for money too, especially with such generous portion sizes.

Find your state's best fried chicken joint

This ornately decorated restaurant in Denville has gained a reputation for serving top-quality dishes in beautiful surroundings. It has picked up a string of glowing reviews since it was opened by the Hsiung family in 1986. Customers particularly love the crispy sesame chicken and the Grand Marnier shrimp (a twist on walnut shrimp). There’s a second outpost in Montclair too.

The owners of Rising Star Chinese Eatery in Albuquerque pride themselves on their winning customer service. Family-run for more than 30 years, the restaurant serves Chinese-American classics to loyal customers who return again and again. Expect all the usuals such as General Tso’s chicken, sweet and sour pork and egg rolls – all reliably delicious and dished up with a generous side of warm, friendly service.

A relative newcomer on a scene with many old timers, Chili opened in 2021 and has already won rave reviews for its Sichuan cuisine served with plenty of drama. People particularly love the atmosphere and service, with waiting staff going above and beyond for customers. The food, though, is even better – phenomenal, in fact, with diners wowed by everything from the dim sum to the fried rice with tea-smoked duck.

Raleigh has a growing reputation for great food and Ni Asian Kitchen, which serves Chinese, Malaysian and Thai cuisine, is a local favourite. With a focus on healthy cooking, meals are prepared using fresh ingredients. The restaurant never lets its customers down, with consistently delicious dishes from egg rolls and fried rice to bang bang shrimp and crab rangoon.

The peanut chicken is among the must-try dishes at Mandarin Kitchen Express, which fans describe as the best Chinese food around. The bourbon chicken is pretty top-notch too. People also praise the warm, welcoming atmosphere and accommodating staff, who are happy to amend dishes to suit customers’ needs. The prices are pretty reasonable as well.

Cleveland locals (and visitors) in the know head to LJ Shanghai, a cute and homey restaurant in the city, for melt-in-the-mouth soup dumplings and warm, attentive service. Other must-orders are the spicy noodle soup with beef, the seaweed salad and spicy chaoshou (spicy sauce over meat dumplings). Some dishes are pretty fiery, though customers agree they’re all mouthwateringly good.

This dim sum restaurant in Oklahoma City takes classic Chinese dishes and gives them a modern spin. It’s especially known for its sensational seafood dishes: customers rave about the soft shell crab and salt and pepper squid. Dainty dim sum dishes like potstickers and perfectly cooked greens are also to die for.

This cool, modern Chinese restaurant is much-loved in Portland. Dānwèi Cāntīng focuses on Beijing-style street food dishes served as small plates, plus delicious dumplings and incredible noodles. Customers describe the flavours as simply delicious even though food can be on the spicy side. Top choices include the crispy chicken wings, dan dan noodles and cucumber salad.

There are several Han Dynasty restaurants in Pennsylvania but the Old City branch on Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, is particularly highly rated – not only for its incredible Sichuan food but also its elegant location. The restaurant is inside the Old Corn Exchange with vaulted, ornate ceilings and original features that add to its charm. The menu of much-loved dishes includes flavourful dan dan noodles, spicy, crispy cucumbers and kung pao tofu.

Discover the best burger and fries in every state

Fabulously fragrant and spicy Sichuan cuisine is the speciality of Cheng Du Taste in Providence, and it’s won fans with its fresh, flavourful dishes that use the best ingredients. The spicy country-style tofu is praised for its tender, silky tofu and deeply flavoured sauce, while the Chongqing chicken – hot with dried red chillies – is described as crispy and delicious. For many customers, the food is so good they instantly want to come back for more.

One of a handful of upscale Chinese restaurants in South Carolina, Red Orchids Bistro is the place to go for incredible food in a stylish setting. Top dishes include Hunan chicken – packed with delicious veg like snow peas, mushrooms and broccoli in a spicy mung bean sauce – plus chicken in a coconut curry sauce and crab rangoon. Although customers insist everything is amazing. The knowledgeable staff and great service add to the appeal.

Phnom Penh Restaurant does, as the name suggests, serve some delicious Cambodian specialities alongside dishes from other Southeast Asian countries but it’s also one of the most highly rated spots in the state for Chinese-American food. People praise the steamed buns (particularly the pork), sticky rice and zingy stir-fries – though pretty much everything gets rave reviews.

Steam Boys’ mission was to bring Chinese comfort food to Nashville and they’ve definitely succeeded. The menu (served at three locations in the city) is made up of fluffy bao, dumplings and noodle bowls. Customers can’t say enough about how incredible the soup dumplings are, describing them as one of the best things to eat in the city and too good to share. It’s the sort of place people return to time and again, dreaming about those buns in between.

This laid-back Chinese fusion spot impresses with classic dishes prepared well. On the menu are traditional favourites like dan dan noodles and pan-fried pork dumplings, alongside some more adventurous dishes. People particularly love the dry pots – with choices from cauliflower to squid – and the sweet-skinned duck, a take on Peking duck and a firm customer favourite.

Take a look at the best independent bakery in every state

Mandarin Restaurant has gained a loyal following – and legions of fans – since it first opened its doors in 1977. The sweet and sour almond chicken is a must-try, as are the house rice and the imperial noodles (chicken and shrimp with crunchy veg and egg noodles). Customers also appreciate that it offers a dedicated gluten-free menu with some very tasty options.

Burlington’s A Single Pebble is as charming as its name and it’s a real favourite for a special meal, with some customers describing it as among the best Chinese restaurants in the country. The hot and sour soup is a real favourite, while the mock eel and garlic broccoli are also among the menu highlights. When on offer, the nine-course tasting menu – with the decisions left to the chef – is a winner.

This is a must for lovers of Peking duck. The Peking Gourmet Inn in Falls Church opened in 1978 and has become legendary for its tangy-sweet and crisp-skinned duck carved tableside and served with house-made hoisin sauce, freshly prepared pancakes and home-grown jumbo spring onions. All of the extra effort and care clearly pays off as one customer describes it as the best in the world.

This is the best waffle restaurant in every state

When a restaurant’s fans have included Bruce Lee, you pretty much know it’s going to be good. Tai Tung, Seattle’s oldest Chinese restaurant, was founded in 1935 and even has a Bruce Lee Booth, where the actor apparently liked to sit while eating beef with oyster sauce and garlic shrimp. Today people still love the food, including potstickers, flavoursome fried chicken wings and sweet and sour pork ribs.

Rice Bowl's menu is all about showcasing fresh ingredients in its classic dishes, which can be ordered à la carte or presented on an impressive platter. While the restaurant also serves sushi, it's the Chinese food that really shines. People love that you can taste the amount of care that goes in to every dish, from egg rolls to orange chicken. The service is great too with friendly, welcoming staff.

This is your state's best hole-in-the-wall restaurant

With colourful murals on the walls, bright red lanterns and decorative vases, family-run The Emperor of China certainly has ambience, which is one of the things that keeps customers coming back. The food is another, with must-orders including orange chicken, sesame chicken and prosperity shrimp. This slightly sweet speciality dish consists of crispy prawns in a sweet and creamy glaze with pineapple and candied walnuts.

People love the atmosphere at this cosy Jackson spot, which serves fabulous Cantonese, Sichuan, Peking and Hunan cuisine. The family-run restaurant’s menu favourites include volcano shrimp (lightly battered prawns in a fiery red sauce), chicken lo mein and amazing spring rolls. It’s all this – along with the warm service and decent value for money – that has earned the restaurant many loyal regulars.

Now take a look at your state's best Greek restaurant