9 Classic Chinese Restaurants In California That Locals Have Loved For Generations

My childhood was officially measured in the sticky residue left on a classic Chinese restaurant menu. Before Google Maps, the real sign of a quality establishment was whether my grandpa could successfully navigate the parking lot while arguing about the merits of the $7 lunch special.

While California is swimming in new food trends, sometimes you just need that sweet, crispy familiarity. We’ve unearthed nine generational landmarks-places where the orange chicken recipe hasn’t changed, and frankly, my nostalgic soul is better for it.

1. Sam Wo (San Francisco)

Walking into Sam Wo feels like stepping through a time portal straight into old San Francisco. This century-old Chinatown landmark has been dishing out Cantonese comfort food since before your great-grandparents were born, surviving earthquakes, economic downturns, and even a temporary closure that had locals up in arms.

The narrow three-story building forces diners to climb steep stairs, but nobody complains-that’s part of the charm. Wonton noodle soup here isn’t just food; it’s edible history served in a bowl.

Late-night crowds still pack the place, proving that some traditions never go out of style, no matter how many modern eateries open nearby.

2. R&G Lounge (San Francisco)

If walls could talk, R&G Lounge’s would probably brag about all the birthday banquets, wedding celebrations, and family reunions they’ve witnessed. This longstanding Cantonese banquet spot has mastered the art of bringing people together over enormous lazy Susans loaded with dishes.

Salt-and-pepper Dungeness crab is the stuff of legend-crispy, garlicky, and worth every messy finger afterward. Large family-style meals here aren’t just dinner; they’re events where aunties argue over who gets the last dumpling and uncles toast to good health.

Reservations on weekends? Absolutely essential, unless you enjoy waiting with fifty other hungry folks.

3. House Of Nanking (San Francisco)

Since the late 1980s, House of Nanking has been proof that you don’t need fancy decor to win hearts-just bold flavors and zero pretension. The cramped quarters and sometimes brusque service have become part of the experience, oddly enough.

I remember my first visit: the waiter literally told me what I wanted to order, and you know what? He was absolutely right. Their sesame chicken and Nanking beef pack punches of flavor that make your taste buds stand at attention.

Lines snake down the sidewalk during peak hours, filled with locals and tourists who’ve heard the buzz. Some restaurants chase trends; House of Nanking just keeps doing what it does best.

4. Yank Sing (San Francisco)

Founded in the 1950s, Yank Sing turned dim sum into an art form before most Americans even knew what a dumpling was. Multiple generations of the same families have rolled carts through this institution, perfecting techniques passed down like precious family heirlooms.

The shrimp har gow here features wrappers so delicate they’re practically translucent, while the char siu bao achieves that perfect balance of fluffy and sweet. Weekend brunch becomes a parade of choices as cart after cart rolls past your table.

Sure, prices run higher than your neighborhood spot, but quality like this doesn’t come cheap-or easy.

5. Hang Ah Tea Room (San Francisco)

Dating back to the early 20th century, Hang Ah Tea Room claims the title of one of America’s oldest dim sum houses-and boy, does it wear that badge with pride. Tucked in a Chinatown alley, this humble spot has outlasted countless competitors by sticking to tradition.

Don’t expect Instagram-worthy interiors or fusion experiments here. What you get instead is honest, straightforward dim sum made the way it’s been made for decades, served by folks who’ve probably worked there longer than you’ve been alive.

The pot stickers alone justify the pilgrimage, crispy-bottomed and packed with savory filling that proves simple done right beats fancy done wrong.

6. Sea Harbour (Rosemead / L.A. Area)

Southern California locals whisper about Sea Harbour like it’s a delicious secret, though the weekend wait times suggest the secret’s definitely out. This Cantonese and dim sum destination has earned its reputation through pristine seafood and refined dim sum that borders on edible jewelry.

Every dumpling arrives looking almost too pretty to eat-almost. The shrimp dumplings feature ingredients so fresh you’d swear they were swimming that morning, while the barbecue pork puffs achieve that elusive flaky-yet-tender texture.

My aunt refuses to celebrate any major occasion anywhere else, and after tasting their steamed fish, I completely understand her stubbornness. Excellence like this breeds fierce loyalty.

7. Chef Chu’s (Los Altos / Peninsula)

Since 1970, Chef Chu’s has been feeding Silicon Valley’s hungry masses, from the early tech pioneers to today’s startup founders. This Peninsula institution figured out long ago that success comes from combining Chinese-American classics with genuine hospitality that makes everyone feel like regulars.

The menu reads like a greatest-hits album of dishes people actually want to eat: kung pao chicken with the right amount of kick, mu shu pork wrapped just so, and hot-and-sour soup that clears sinuses while warming souls.

Chef Chu himself became a local celebrity, proving that running a great restaurant means more than just cooking-it means becoming part of the community fabric.

8. Frank Fat’s (Sacramento)

Since 1939, Frank Fat’s has been Sacramento’s worst-kept secret, where politicians cut deals over banana cream pie and locals celebrate life’s milestones. This legendary restaurant became both a political and culinary landmark, with enough history in its dining room to fill a museum.

The Chinese-American comfort dishes here don’t chase trends-they set them, then watched countless imitators try to catch up. Their honey-walnut prawns and New York steak (yes, steak at a Chinese restaurant) have created devoted fans across generations.

Photographs of governors and legislators line the walls, silent witnesses to decades of conversations, celebrations, and the occasional scandal hatched over spring rolls.

9. Yang Chow (Los Angeles)

Downtown LA’s Yang Chow built its entire reputation on one dish: Slippery Shrimp. Sure, they serve plenty of other excellent items, but let’s be honest-everyone orders those sweet, tangy, impossibly addictive shrimp that somehow earned the world’s most amusing name.

Decades of loyal local fans have passed down Yang Chow recommendations like family heirlooms. “You’re going downtown? Stop at Yang Chow,” they’ll say, often unprompted.

The restaurant has expanded to multiple locations, but the original downtown spot carries that special energy of a place that’s watched the city transform while staying deliciously, stubbornly itself. Those shrimp? Still slippery, still spectacular.