These Classic Chinese Restaurants In Georgia That Locals Swear Have Perfected The Art Of Takeout
I’ll never forget the first time I picked up orange chicken from a tiny strip mall spot in Georgia—the crispy coating, the tangy-sweet sauce, the way it stayed hot all the way home.
That’s when I realized takeout isn’t just about convenience; it’s about finding places that pack every container with love, flavor, and that perfect crunch.
Georgia has no shortage of Chinese restaurants that have mastered this art, earning loyal fans who wouldn’t dream of ordering from anywhere else.
From hand-pulled noodles to sizzling kung pao, these local spots prove that great takeout is worth the drive.
1. Chin Chin (Atlanta)
Stepping into Chin Chin feels like entering a cozy time capsule where the walls have witnessed decades of satisfied diners. Located in the heart of Atlanta, this spot has been slinging some of the city’s most reliable Chinese takeout since the ’90s. Their menu reads like a greatest hits album—General Tso’s chicken that balances sweet and spicy without drowning in sauce, lo mein with perfectly chewy noodles, and egg rolls that crunch like autumn leaves.
What sets them apart is consistency; you know exactly what you’re getting every single time. The staff remembers regulars by name and order, which adds a homey touch to the experience. Plus, their portions are generous enough to feed you tonight and provide lunch tomorrow.
Pro tip: their hot and sour soup is criminally underrated and makes the perfect starter on chilly Georgia evenings.
2. Canton House (Chamblee)
Canton House has earned its reputation as Chamblee’s go-to spot for dim sum that travels remarkably well. While most people associate dim sum with sit-down brunches, this place has figured out how to package those delicate dumplings so they arrive at your door still steaming and delicious. Their siu mai are plump little flavor bombs, and the char siu bao (BBQ pork buns) stay fluffy even after the car ride home.
Beyond dim sum, their roasted meats are legendary—glistening duck and pork hanging in the window like edible artwork. The rice plates are simple yet satisfying, with perfectly cooked grains soaking up all those savory juices. Regulars know to order the turnip cakes, which achieve that magical crispy-outside, soft-inside texture.
They’re cash-only, so hit the ATM first!
3. Bo Bo Garden (Doraville)
Bo Bo Garden specializes in northern Chinese cuisine, which means heartier, wheat-based dishes that stick to your ribs in the most satisfying way. Their hand-made dumplings are the stuff of legend—each one carefully pleated and packed with juicy filling that somehow never leaks. I once ordered their pork and chive dumplings on a particularly rough Monday, and honestly, they turned my whole week around.
The scallion pancakes arrive crispy and layered like delicious, savory pastries. Their beef noodle soup features tender chunks of meat in a deeply flavored broth that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. The menu leans authentic, so don’t expect sweet and sour pork here—instead, you’ll find dishes like ma po tofu that deliver complex, bold flavors.
They’re closed Tuesdays, so plan accordingly!
4. Hsu’s Gourmet (Atlanta)
Hsu’s Gourmet has been an Atlanta institution since 1984, which in restaurant years is practically ancient. This upscale spot manages to make takeout feel special, packaging everything so beautifully you could almost serve it straight from the containers at a dinner party. Their Hunan beef arrives sizzling hot with crisp vegetables and tender meat bathed in a savory brown sauce that’s neither too salty nor too sweet.
The wonton soup is pure comfort in a container, with delicate dumplings floating in clear, flavorful broth. What sets Hsu’s apart is their commitment to fresh ingredients—vegetables maintain their crunch, proteins are never overcooked, and sauces taste made-from-scratch rather than bottled. The menu offers both familiar favorites and more adventurous options for curious palates.
Their lunch specials are wallet-friendly and seriously filling.
5. Royal China (Marietta)
Royal China has been feeding Marietta families for over two decades, building a reputation one perfectly packed takeout bag at a time. Their kung pao chicken delivers that addictive combination of crunchy peanuts, dried chilies, and tender chicken in a glossy sauce that coats every ingredient. The crab rangoon are absurdly creamy, with just enough crab flavor to justify the name and a golden-brown exterior that shatters satisfyingly.
Regulars swear by their Mongolian beef, which features thin-sliced meat caramelized with scallions and served over crispy rice noodles. The portions are generous without being wasteful—just enough to satisfy without leaving you in a food coma. They’ve mastered the art of packaging hot and cold items separately, so your salad stays crisp while your entree stays warm.
Weekend evenings get hectic, so ordering ahead saves time.
6. Golden Buddha (Decatur)
Golden Buddha has been quietly perfecting their craft in Decatur for years, earning devotion from locals who appreciate quality over flash. Their orange chicken achieves that magical crispy-tender texture that’s so hard to nail, with a sauce that’s citrusy without tasting like cleaning products. The vegetable lo mein comes packed with crisp broccoli, carrots, and snap peas tossed with springy noodles in a light, savory sauce.
What makes this spot special is their vegetarian selection—tofu dishes that convert even the most dedicated meat-eaters. The salt and pepper tofu has a crackling exterior seasoned with jalapeños and onions that deliver serious flavor punch. They use quality ingredients and it shows; everything tastes fresh rather than like it’s been sitting under heat lamps. The staff is incredibly friendly, often remembering repeat customers and their usual orders.
They close early on Sundays, so plan accordingly.
7. Lucky Shoals (Norcross)
Lucky Shoals serves the kind of Chinese-American comfort food that hits the spot after a long day when you just need something familiar and satisfying. Their sweet and sour chicken features bright red sauce studded with pineapple chunks and bell peppers, arriving in that classic takeout container that somehow makes everything taste better. The egg foo young is a fluffy omelet situation smothered in gravy that’s way better than it has any right to be.
This Norcross staple doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; they just make the classics really, really well. Their combination plates offer great value, letting you sample multiple dishes without breaking the bank. The fried wontons are addictive little pockets of crunch, perfect for munching while you wait for your main dishes. They’ve been around long enough to have served multiple generations of the same families.
Call ahead during lunch rush for faster pickup!
8. Great Wall (Duluth)
Great Wall in Duluth has mastered the art of the late-night takeout run, staying open later than most competitors when those sudden cravings hit. Their General Tso’s chicken is legendary among night owls and shift workers—crispy, spicy-sweet, and utterly crave-worthy even at midnight. The hot and sour soup has the perfect balance of tangy and peppery, with silky egg ribbons and plenty of tofu and mushrooms floating in every spoonful.
Their moo shu pork comes with thin pancakes that somehow stay pliable even after the drive home, ready to be smeared with hoisin and stuffed with savory filling. The portions are generous enough that one order easily feeds two hungry people. They’ve built a loyal following among Georgia Tech students, medical professionals, and anyone else who needs quality Chinese food outside normal dinner hours.
Weekend late nights get busy, so expect a short wait.