The 11 Best Chinese Restaurants In Arizona Locals Trust
Finding authentic Chinese food in Arizona might seem tricky at first, but the Grand Canyon State has a surprising number of stellar spots that locals swear by.
Arizona nights are perfect for gathering with friends and family over a delicious Chinese meal, and I’ve got just the places to recommend. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring the best Chinese restaurants in the state, and I’m eager to reveal my top picks.
The state is full of hidden gems that locals can’t get enough of. If you think you’ve tried it all, these hidden gems might just surprise you with authentic flavors and hearty portions.
1. China Chili — Phoenix
Tucked on Flower Street in central Phoenix, China Chili serves the kind of home-style cooking that makes you want to order everything on the menu. The kitchen specializes in both Szechuan and Cantonese preparations, so you can go fiery or mild depending on your mood.
Regulars rave about the mapo tofu, which arrives bubbling hot with that signature numbing spice that defines proper Szechuan cuisine. The salt and pepper pork chops are another standout, crispy on the outside and tender within.
Service is efficient without being rushed, and the atmosphere feels genuinely welcoming rather than stuffy. Portions are generous enough to share or take home for tomorrow’s lunch.
Prices remain reasonable despite rising costs everywhere else, making this spot accessible for weeknight dinners or casual celebrations. The restaurant fills up quickly during peak hours, so arriving early or calling ahead helps avoid the wait.
302 E Flower St, Phoenix, AZ 85012
2. Chino Bandido — Phoenix
Some food combinations sound wild until you taste them, and that’s exactly the magic happening at Chino Bandido. This Phoenix institution blends Chinese cooking techniques with Mexican flavors, creating dishes you won’t find anywhere else in the state.
The Jade Red Chicken combines teriyaki-glazed poultry with tangy salsa, served over rice and beans that somehow make perfect sense together. Portions are massive, often requiring a to-go box even for hearty eaters.
Last summer, I watched a family of five share three plates and still leave satisfied, which tells you everything about the value here. The line stretches long during lunch rushes, but it moves faster than you’d expect.
Decor is quirky and unpretentious, with mismatched furniture and walls covered in customer photos and newspaper clippings. Prices are shockingly affordable for the amount of food you receive.
310 W Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85023
3. George Yang’s Chinese Cuisine — Phoenix
When you want Chinese food that feels a bit more refined without losing authenticity, George Yang’s delivers exactly that experience. The dining room strikes a balance between casual comfort and special-occasion elegance, making it suitable for date nights or family gatherings.
Cantonese dishes dominate the menu, prepared with careful attention to technique and presentation. The honey walnut shrimp arrives perfectly crispy, coated in a creamy sauce that’s sweet without being cloying.
Seafood options shine here, particularly the salt-baked fish and ginger-scallion preparations that let fresh ingredients speak for themselves. Service is attentive and knowledgeable, with servers happy to explain dishes or make recommendations based on your preferences.
The wine list is more extensive than typical Chinese restaurants, though traditional tea service remains excellent. Prices reflect the upscale-casual positioning, but portions and quality justify the cost.
Reservations are recommended for weekend evenings when the dining room fills quickly with loyal regulars.
6048 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016
4. Spice Spirit Chinese Cuisine & Bar — Phoenix
Bold flavors and adventurous menu items define the experience at Spice Spirit, where the kitchen doesn’t hold back on heat or creativity. This modern Szechuan spot has quickly built a following among locals who appreciate authentic regional Chinese cooking.
The cumin lamb explodes with fragrance and spice, while the dan dan noodles deliver that perfect balance of nutty, spicy, and savory. Vegetable dishes get equal attention, with options like dry-fried green beans that prove meatless doesn’t mean boring.
The bar program offers interesting drinks and a solid drink selection, making this a great spot for groups who want variety. Spice levels are clearly marked, but don’t underestimate the heat warnings if you’re sensitive to capsaicin.
The dining room feels contemporary without being cold, with comfortable seating and good acoustics even when busy. Weekend evenings bring a lively crowd, so expect some energy and noise.
2160 E Baseline Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85042
5. Dim Sum Cafe — Mesa
East Valley residents don’t need to drive into Phoenix for excellent dim sum anymore, thanks to this Mesa favorite. Weekends bring the traditional cart service, where servers wheel around steaming baskets and plates for you to choose from in real time.
Har gow shrimp dumplings have translucent wrappers and fresh filling, while the char siu bao buns are fluffy and generously stuffed with barbecue pork. The turnip cakes are pan-fried to crispy perfection on the outside while staying soft inside.
My kids discovered egg tarts here last year and now refuse to leave without ordering at least two rounds of the sweet custard pastries. Beyond dim sum, the regular menu offers solid Cantonese dishes like roast duck and stir-fried noodles.
The atmosphere gets loud and bustling during peak hours, which adds to the authentic experience but might not suit those seeking quiet conversation. Prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality and variety available.
2711 S Alma School Rd, Mesa, AZ 85210
6. Yen Ching — Mesa
Sometimes you just want reliable Chinese food without fuss or pretension, and Yen Ching has been delivering exactly that for Mesa residents over many years. The menu covers all the classics you’d expect, executed well and served quickly.
Orange chicken comes with a tangy sauce that’s not overly sweet, while the beef and broccoli features tender meat and crisp vegetables. Fried rice is properly seasoned and not greasy, making it a solid choice for kids or picky eaters.
The dining room is simple but clean, though most customers opt for takeout given the convenient location and fast service. Lunch specials offer excellent value, including soup, rice, and an entree for a price that seems stuck in an earlier decade.
Staff members remember regular customers and their usual orders, creating a neighborhood feel that’s increasingly rare. Portions are generous enough to provide leftovers for the next day.
Online ordering is available, making pickup even more convenient for busy weeknights.
126 S Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85206
7. Wok With Ming — Gilbert / Chandler area
Fast service and authentic flavors make Wok With Ming a go-to spot for Gilbert and Chandler residents who know good Chinese food when they taste it. The kitchen uses high heat and proper technique, resulting in dishes with that characteristic wok hei flavor.
Kung pao chicken arrives with a proper balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch from peanuts and vegetables. The house special chow mein features thin, crispy noodles topped with a generous mix of meats and vegetables in a savory sauce.
Lunch crowds are substantial but the kitchen keeps pace, rarely making diners wait long even during peak hours. The menu is extensive without being overwhelming, covering Szechuan, Cantonese, and Americanized options to please various tastes.
Prices remain competitive with other area restaurants while delivering better quality and larger portions. The space is casual and family-friendly, with booth seating and plenty of parking.
Takeout orders are packed carefully to prevent spills, and food arrives hot even after the drive home.
825 S Cooper Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85233
8. Jun Dynasty — Tucson
Tucson’s go-to destination for serious Szechuan cooking doesn’t apologize for bold flavors or numbing spice levels. Jun Dynasty has built a dedicated following among locals who appreciate regional Chinese cuisine done right.
The water-boiled fish arrives in a massive bowl filled with tender fish slices swimming in fiery chili oil dotted with Szechuan peppercorns. Twice-cooked pork showcases the proper technique, with thin slices of belly meat stir-fried with leeks and spicy bean paste.
During a winter visit, I watched steam rise from hot pots while diners happily sweated through their meals, grinning despite the heat. The menu includes milder options, but the kitchen really shines with the spicy regional specialties.
Service is friendly and patient with questions about unfamiliar dishes or spice levels. The dining room is simple but comfortable, letting the food take center stage.
Prices are fair for the generous portions and quality ingredients used throughout the menu.
2933 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85716
9. China Pasta House — Tucson
Family-run restaurants often have a warmth that chains can’t replicate, and China Pasta House embodies that personal touch.
This Tucson favorite specializes in Northern Chinese cuisine, with handmade dumplings that showcase real skill and care.
The pork and chive dumplings have delicate wrappers and juicy filling, whether you order them steamed or pan-fried. Hand-pulled noodles demonstrate traditional technique, arriving in rich broths or tossed with savory sauces.
The menu ventures beyond typical American-Chinese offerings, featuring dishes like zha jiang mian and lamb skewers that reflect authentic regional cooking. Portions are substantial without being excessive, hitting that sweet spot where you leave satisfied but not uncomfortably full.
The dining room feels cozy rather than cramped, with decorations that add character without clutter. Prices are extremely reasonable, especially considering everything is made from scratch.
Staff members are happy to explain unfamiliar dishes and make recommendations based on your preferences and spice tolerance.
430 N Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719
10. Golden Dragon — Flagstaff
Decades of serving Flagstaff residents have made Golden Dragon a trusted institution in the mountain community. The restaurant delivers consistent quality and friendly service that keeps locals coming back through all seasons.
Classic dishes like sweet and sour pork, egg foo young, and moo goo gai pan are executed reliably well. The combination plates offer variety and value, perfect for families or groups with different preferences.
After hiking around Flagstaff last fall, my friends and I devoured plates of hot food while snow started falling outside, creating a cozy memory tied to this place. The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, with a dining room that feels welcoming to everyone from college students to longtime residents.
Service is attentive without hovering, and staff members genuinely seem to care about customer satisfaction. Portions are generous, often providing leftovers for another meal.
The location is convenient with ample parking, making it easy to visit even during busy tourist seasons.
2730 E Lakin Dr, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
11. Asian Star (Oriental Cuisine) — Yuma
Yuma residents appreciate having a reliable spot for Chinese and pan-Asian dishes without traveling to larger cities. Asian Star delivers consistent portions and flavors that have earned a loyal local following.
The menu covers considerable ground, from Chinese classics like General Tso’s chicken to Thai curries and Vietnamese pho. This variety makes it a safe choice for groups with different tastes or families with picky eaters.
The sesame chicken is crispy and flavorful, while the fried rice comes properly seasoned with a good mix of vegetables and protein. Spring rolls are fresh and not greasy, making them a solid appetizer choice.
The dining room is spacious and clean, with booth and table seating to accommodate different group sizes. Service is friendly and efficient, keeping drinks refilled and checking on tables without being intrusive.
Lunch specials offer excellent value for budget-conscious diners. Takeout orders are ready quickly and packed well for transport.
276 W 32nd St, Yuma, AZ 85364