Locals Swear These Are The 10 Best Chinese Restaurants In Colorado So We Ranked Them
Colorado might be famous for its mountains and outdoor adventures, but locals know there is another treasure worth exploring: authentic Chinese cuisine.
From family run spots serving recipes passed down through generations to modern bistros putting thoughtful, creative spins on classic dishes, the state has quietly become a surprising hotspot for incredible Chinese food.
Menus showcase regional depth, with hand pulled noodles, delicate dim sum, bold Sichuan heat, and perfectly crisp Peking duck appearing far beyond major cities.
Chefs focus on balance, technique, and quality ingredients, creating meals that feel both comforting and exciting.
What makes the scene special is how these restaurants blend tradition with a sense of place, welcoming longtime residents and curious newcomers alike.
Whether you are seeking a quick bowl of noodles or a full celebratory feast, these ten restaurants have earned their place in the hearts and stomachs of diners across Colorado, proving once again that Colorado’s food story is far richer than many expect.
1. Star Kitchen
Walk into Star Kitchen and you’ll immediately feel like you’ve stumbled upon one of Denver’s best-kept secrets. The aroma of garlic, ginger, and sizzling wok-fried dishes fills the air the moment you open the door.
This family-owned restaurant has been serving the community for years, building a loyal following of locals who refuse to eat Chinese food anywhere else. What makes this place stand out is the kitchen’s dedication to traditional Cantonese cooking methods that produce flavors you simply can’t find at typical takeout joints.
The menu reads like a love letter to authentic Chinese cuisine, with dishes ranging from delicate steamed dumplings to robust braised meats that fall apart at the touch of your chopsticks. Regulars swear by the salt and pepper pork chops, which arrive at your table with a perfectly crispy coating that gives way to tender, juicy meat underneath.
The fried rice here isn’t just an afterthought but a carefully crafted dish with each grain separated and flavored just right. Families gather around tables sharing platters of food, while solo diners perch at smaller tables, all united in their appreciation for honest, delicious cooking.
The staff treats everyone like family, remembering orders and offering recommendations based on what’s freshest that day. Address: 2917 W Mississippi Ave, Denver, CO 80219
2. Pepper Asian Bistro
Pepper Asian Bistro brings a contemporary twist to Chinese dining without sacrificing the authentic flavors that make the cuisine so beloved. Located on East Colfax Avenue, this restaurant has transformed what it means to enjoy Chinese food in Denver.
The sleek, modern interior creates an atmosphere that feels special enough for date night yet relaxed enough for a casual dinner with friends. Chefs here take pride in balancing traditional recipes with creative presentations that make every dish Instagram-worthy and, more importantly, absolutely delicious.
The Sichuan-style dishes pack serious heat, with the mapo tofu delivering that signature numbing sensation from Sichuan peppercorns that true spice lovers crave. But don’t worry if you prefer milder flavors because the kitchen happily adjusts spice levels to suit your taste.
Their crispy orange beef has converted countless skeptics who thought they didn’t like Chinese-American fusion dishes. The meat arrives perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside, coated in a tangy-sweet sauce that balances citrus notes with just enough heat.
Vegetarians will find plenty of options that go beyond the usual steamed vegetables, with creative tofu preparations and seasonal vegetable dishes that showcase the kitchen’s versatility. Service here strikes the perfect balance between attentive and unobtrusive.
Address: 2831 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
3. Peter’s Chinese Cafe
Some restaurants feel like visiting a friend’s home, and Peter’s Chinese Cafe absolutely nails that welcoming vibe. This unassuming spot on East 12th Avenue has built its reputation on consistently excellent food and genuine hospitality that keeps customers coming back week after week.
The cafe doesn’t try to be fancy or trendy, instead focusing all its energy on what really matters: cooking food that tastes like it came from someone’s grandmother’s kitchen in China. Regular customers have their favorite tables and usual orders, creating a sense of community that’s increasingly rare in modern dining.
The kung pao chicken here tastes nothing like the overly sweet versions you might have encountered elsewhere, featuring properly toasted Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilies that create layers of complex flavor. Noodle dishes arrive steaming hot with perfectly cooked strands that have just the right amount of chew.
The won ton soup serves as comfort in a bowl, with delicate dumplings floating in a clear, flavorful broth that tastes like hours of careful simmering. Portions are generous without being overwhelming, and prices remain reasonable even as costs rise everywhere else.
The staff remembers faces and often greets returning customers by name, asking about their families and making genuine conversation that enhances the whole dining experience. Address: 2609 E 12th Ave, Denver, CO 80206
4. Little Dragon
Tucked away in a strip mall on Krameria Street, Little Dragon proves that the best food often hides in unexpected places. This tiny restaurant punches way above its weight class, delivering flavors that rival restaurants ten times its size.
The intimate space means you might wait for a table during peak hours, but locals will tell you the food is absolutely worth any wait. What started as a family’s dream to share their regional Chinese recipes has blossomed into one of Denver’s most talked-about dining destinations among those in the know.
The menu focuses on dishes from multiple regions of China, giving diners a chance to explore beyond the usual suspects. Hand-pulled noodles are made fresh throughout the day, and watching the chef stretch and fold the dough is like witnessing edible art in motion.
These noodles then find their way into soups and stir-fries that showcase their superior texture and flavor-absorbing capabilities. The twice-cooked pork belly has achieved almost legendary status among regulars, featuring crispy-edged slices of pork swimming in a savory sauce with leeks and peppers.
Each bite delivers that perfect combination of rich, fatty meat balanced by fresh vegetables and bold seasonings. The restaurant’s small size means the kitchen can focus on quality over quantity, ensuring every plate meets their exacting standards.
Address: 1305 Krameria St, Suite G, Denver, CO 80220
5. Shanghai Kitchen
Shanghai Kitchen brings the flavors of China’s most cosmopolitan city to the suburbs of Denver with style and authenticity. Located in Greenwood Village, this restaurant has become the go-to spot for families and business diners seeking elevated Chinese cuisine in the southern metro area.
The spacious dining room accommodates large groups easily while still maintaining an intimate feel for couples and smaller parties. Dishes here reflect the sophisticated cooking techniques and flavor profiles that made Shanghai cuisine famous throughout China and beyond.
The soup dumplings, or xiaolongbao, are an absolute must-try, arriving in steamer baskets with their delicate wrappers barely containing the hot, flavorful broth inside. First-timers receive gentle instruction on the proper technique for eating these treasures without burning themselves or losing any precious soup.
The red-braised pork belly demonstrates the kitchen’s mastery of slow-cooking techniques, with meat so tender it practically dissolves on your tongue while maintaining rich, complex flavors developed through hours of careful preparation. Seafood dishes showcase fresh ingredients prepared with restraint that lets natural flavors shine through rather than drowning everything in heavy sauces.
The scallion pancakes achieve that elusive combination of crispy exterior and slightly chewy interior layers that separate good versions from mediocre ones. Service is professional and knowledgeable, with servers happy to explain unfamiliar dishes and guide diners toward new experiences.
Address: 4940 S Yosemite St, Suite E-8, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
6. Hong Kong Station 港味小厨
Hong Kong Station transports diners straight to the bustling streets of Hong Kong without requiring a passport or lengthy flight. The bilingual name immediately signals this restaurant’s commitment to serving the local Chinese community while welcoming everyone curious about authentic Hong Kong-style cooking.
Located in Centennial, this spot has become a gathering place for families craving the comfort foods of Hong Kong and adventurous eaters ready to expand their culinary horizons. The menu reads like a greatest hits collection of Hong Kong cafe culture, featuring dishes that locals grew up eating and still crave today.
Roasted meats take center stage, with glistening rows of char siu, roast duck, and soy sauce chicken displayed prominently where everyone can see them. These aren’t just for show because the kitchen chops them to order, serving them over rice with perfectly seasoned vegetables and that addictive sauce that brings everything together.
The congee here deserves special mention, offering a comforting bowl of rice porridge that can be customized with various toppings from preserved eggs to fresh seafood. Noodle soups arrive in generous portions with springy noodles, flavorful broths, and toppings that range from traditional to creative.
The restaurant maintains authentic Hong Kong hospitality, which means efficient service focused on getting good food to your table quickly rather than hovering constantly. Address: 6878 S Yosemite St, Centennial, CO 80112
7. Coal Mine Dragon
Colorado Springs residents know that Coal Mine Dragon serves up some of the most satisfying Chinese food south of Denver. This restaurant has carved out its own identity in a city where good Chinese food can be surprisingly hard to find.
The name itself sparks curiosity, and the food delivers on the promise of something special and worth seeking out. Families pack the dining room on weekends, while weeknight diners enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere perfect for catching up with friends over shared plates.
The kitchen excels at both traditional dishes and creative specials that showcase the chef’s willingness to experiment while respecting classic techniques. General Tso’s chicken arrives with a sauce that balances sweet, sour, and spicy notes without the cloying sweetness that ruins so many versions of this popular dish.
The vegetables in every dish maintain their crispness and natural flavors rather than turning into mushy afterthoughts. Fried rice gets elevated beyond its usual supporting role, with each order packed with eggs, vegetables, and your choice of protein, all bound together with expert wok technique.
The hot and sour soup achieves that difficult balance of flavors, with enough heat to warm you up and enough sourness to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them. Lunch specials offer tremendous value, making it easy to enjoy a satisfying midday meal without breaking the bank.
Address: 1720 W Uintah St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
8. Beijing Noodle (Fort Collins)
Fort Collins gained a culinary gem when Beijing Noodle opened its doors, bringing authentic northern Chinese cuisine to this college town. The restaurant’s focus on noodles isn’t just a gimmick but a deep commitment to one of China’s most beloved and versatile foods.
Students from Colorado State University mix with local families and food enthusiasts, all drawn by the promise of handmade noodles and bold flavors. Walking in, you might catch a glimpse of noodle-making in action, with skilled hands transforming simple dough into long, uniform strands ready for the wok or soup pot.
The beef noodle soup has become legendary among regulars, featuring tender chunks of beef that have simmered for hours in a rich, aromatic broth perfumed with star anise and other warming spices. Hand-pulled noodles provide the perfect vehicle for soaking up every drop of that incredible broth.
Dan dan noodles deliver the authentic Sichuan experience with their sesame paste sauce, chili oil, and that distinctive numbing sensation from Sichuan peppercorns that keeps you coming back for another bite even as your lips tingle. The restaurant also serves excellent dumplings, both steamed and pan-fried, with wrappers that achieve the ideal thickness and fillings that burst with flavor.
Prices remain student-friendly while portion sizes ensure nobody leaves hungry, making this a regular stop for many Fort Collins residents. Address: 1005 W Stuart St, Fort Collins, CO 80521
9. Flower Pepper (Boulder)
Boulder’s food scene has always embraced quality and authenticity, which makes Flower Pepper a perfect fit for this mountain town. The restaurant brings Sichuan cuisine to Boulder with a commitment to traditional flavors and cooking methods that serious food lovers appreciate.
Located on College Avenue, it attracts everyone from university students to longtime Boulder residents who have traveled through China and know the real deal when they taste it. The name refers to the Sichuan peppercorn, that unique spice that creates a tingling, numbing sensation unlike any other ingredient in the culinary world.
This restaurant doesn’t shy away from using these peppercorns generously, though they’ll adjust heat levels for those still building their spice tolerance. The mapo tofu here is revelatory for anyone who has only experienced bland, Americanized versions, arriving at the table bubbling hot with silky tofu swimming in a deeply flavorful sauce studded with ground pork and plenty of chili oil.
Dry-fried green beans achieve that perfect texture where they’re blistered and slightly crispy while remaining tender inside, tossed with minced pork and preserved vegetables for complex, savory flavor. The fish filets in chili oil present an impressive sight, with tender fish pieces floating in a sea of red chili oil that’s far more flavorful than it is painful.
The casual atmosphere encourages sharing multiple dishes family-style, which is really the best way to experience Sichuan cuisine’s variety. Address: 1310 College Ave, Boulder, CO 80302
10. Uncle Henry (Westminster)
Westminster residents feel lucky to have Uncle Henry serving up consistently excellent Chinese food in their neighborhood. This restaurant has built a devoted following through the simple formula of cooking delicious food, offering generous portions, and treating customers like extended family.
The name itself suggests the warm, familial approach that defines the entire dining experience here. From the moment you walk through the door, staff members greet you with genuine smiles and helpful suggestions if you’re having trouble deciding what to order.
The menu spans multiple regions of China, giving diners plenty of options whether they’re craving something familiar or ready to try something completely new. The Mongolian beef has achieved near-cult status among locals, with tender slices of beef and crisp scallions coated in a savory-sweet sauce that works perfectly over steamed rice.
Egg rolls come out of the kitchen hot and crispy, filled generously with vegetables and meat rather than being mostly wrapper like so many disappointing versions elsewhere. The fried wontons make an excellent appetizer, with their crispy exteriors giving way to flavorful pork filling inside, served alongside a tangy dipping sauce.
Combination plates offer excellent value for those who want to sample multiple dishes, and the kitchen maintains quality even during busy dinner rushes. The restaurant’s location makes it a convenient stop for families heading home after activities or friends meeting up for a casual meal.
Address: 1181 W 120th Ave, Suite 200, Westminster, CO 80234