50 Best Chinese Restaurants near Lake Forest

“Our first time at Sunny’s Dumpling House. What an amazing experience, reaching them make each and every dumpling by hand. This made us enjoy the dumplings even more. We had them suggest some of the favorites and they didn’t disappoint. Try Sunny’s, we will be back, so much more to try!“

“So good. I know of no other place near here with Cantonese BBQ, especially duck. I primarily only get the duck but I have had the honey walnut shrimp and the green beans and have never been disappointed.
I use to have to drive to Irvine to get some duck but now that Sam Woo has closed this I the only place. I would argue it is better than Sam Woo was when they were still in business.
So happy this place opened so close to me.“

“Best Chinese food ever! My family and I have been coming here for over 20 plus years and we would never go anywhere else to get Chinese food! Amazing food and amazing people who work here!! Anne and family are the most amazing people we have ever met! You must try!! Best Chinese food there is!! Thank you for everything you all do we love you guys!! 💕🥰🥳😁😋“

“Some of the best Chinese takeout in OC! Fast, friendly service and inexpensive to boot! The staff are very kind and will make dishes to order if the food you want isn't laid out when you order. Delicious, huge portions, always a great meal with leftovers after. Definitely recommend the Kung Pao Chicken! (They'll make it for you if you ask! ?)“

“We just had a great experience at the Panda Express in Lake Forest! Staff member “Jury“ helped us out and what a guy! He was super friendly and my kids said it was the best time they ever had at a Panda Express lol. Food is fresh and tasty, and staff members are courteous and helpful. What more could you want from a Panda?“

“Amazing place with amazing food and amazing people who work here!! My daughter and I loved our food yesterday so much and he was so nice to explain what everything was and answered all of our questions. We can't wait to come back and try more stuff!! This place is a must try so yummy and amazing!! Thank you so much! 🥳💕🥰😋😁💕“

“The food at this Chinese restaurant is delicious. Every dish is bursting with authentic flavors and cooked to perfection. The ingredients are fresh, and the presentation is beautiful. The service is also excellent, making for an overall wonderful dining experience. Highly recommended!“

“First time trying this buffet since we were from out of town, The food was plentiful and freshly hot, sushi was good but missed a little something can't put my finger on. Service removing dishes needs attending to, but overall, we had a great dinner experience.“

“A good local joint for tasty Chinese or Thai food options. Staff are very friendly and service is generally quick, making this an effective work lunch destination. The serving sizes are generous and the prices were reasonable, especially for the lunch specials. I highly recommend trying the Pad Tai as it has a fantastic flavor.“

“Great Chinese food! Right at Laguna Beach, and the prices are pretty good! The food was flavourful and pretty authentic. I recommend going for lunch because the lunch deals are great, although the portion size is smaller if you get lunch deals. There was only one server and the service was a little bit slow, but it’s a really great location, and the outdoor seating is amazing.“

“1st time ordering from here. Food came on time, Quality was amazing. We had Orange chicken, crispy beef, and sweet chili shredded pork. Best all white meat orange chicken in town. Even the rice was fresh and delicious!!! Will definitely be our go to from now on.“

“This place is a gem! The food is truly authentic and even better than Din Tai Fung. Every dish was flavorful, fresh, and served piping hot. The service was exceptional—attentive, friendly, and quick. The staff went above and beyond to ensure we had a great dining experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking for delicious Taiwanese cuisine!“

“This Place is an exciting experience for fans of authentic Sichuan flavors. We chose the half-and-half hot pot base with spicy mala broth and a milder herbal soup. The spicy broth packs a punch with a complex blend of spices, while the herbal soup is a comforting balance. The ingredients, like the thinly sliced beef, shrimp, and vegetables, were fresh and flavorful.

What we ordered:

- Spicy mala broth - 5/5
- Herbal soup - 4/5
- Thinly sliced beef - 5/5
- Shrimp - 4/5
- Vegetables - 4/5
- Tofu - 4/5

Service was attentive, though it can get hectic during busy hours. The staff were friendly and helpful. The restaurant can feel crowded and noisy, but it adds to the lively atmosphere. Prices are reasonable for the quality and variety. If you love hot pot and can handle some spice, YinTang Spicy Hot Pot is worth a visit!“

“The roujiamo in this shop is really amazing! The pancakes are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and fragrant. The meat is tender and juicy, fat but not greasy, and the seasoning is just right, making every bite full of satisfaction. After eating the whole thing, I still feel unsatisfied and want to have another one! Recommended to all friends who like authentic Shaanxi flavor, you must try it!“

“By chance, my wife and I had stopped for lunch at Hai Master Restaurant and discovered that this restaurant is definitely a cuisine that we HIGHLY RECOMMEND. The prepared food distinguishes their dishes from the regular Chinese restaurant and is a taste that is incredibly delicious. The owner and chef is definitely one of a kind that incorporated the taste of her original province in China with her own spin. Tammy is the owner and chef and she just hired another chef with skills preparing Sichuan dishes if you want spicy food. This restaurant is becoming more popular each day because the restaurant is more packed every time we come there. Introduce yourself to Leo who can welcome you and lead you to the different delicious dishes they prepare and the service you can enjoy. 5 STARS“

“Whatever they’re paying Michelle, TRIPLE it. What an absolute gem of a woman. Most attentive and kind server I’ve ever had. She made our dining experience unforgettable. The food was just okay, but I’d come back just because of our exceptional server. Thank you for making our night easy and fun. Michelle, you rock!“

“Kuan Zhai Alley is a real deal Sichuan restaurant in Irvine, near the Spectrum. You know it is the real deal because they serve things that won't appeal to most Westerners; no Orange Chicken here.

What the do have are delicacies like Boiled Duck Blood, Tripe and Ham in Chili Broth, Boiled Frog in Special Spicy Sauce and Double Fried Pork Intestine.

But not everything is so exotic, but most of it is spicy. My favorites include Stir Fried Chicken with Mixed Chili Peppers, Boiled Spicy Hot Pot and any of the Spicy Dry Pot, which means they've been wok fried.

Cancel that trip to Chengdu, come here instead, you'll never know the difference.“

“**Min Chef Review**

Min Chef is amazing! The food is super tasty, with fresh ingredients and flavors that really hit the spot. Every dish feels like it’s made with care, and the specials are always a treat. The service is awesome too—everyone is friendly and makes sure you’re taken care of. It's one of those places where you feel right at home. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or celebrating something special, Min Chef never disappoints. Definitely a place I’ll keep coming back to!

5/5 ⭐“

“Stopped by on a weeknight and found the restaurant relatively full but I get it!

The restaurant itself is open and clean. The service is fast and friendly. Given so many people I was happily surprised how quickly the food came and how attentive the service was.

The food, honestly, loved it! The portions are a good size. The flavors are spot on. They offer a grilled menu after 5pm, which is fun to eat!“

“Food was great! I was apprehensive about the quality of food until we ate here. I had the wonton soup but everyone else had combo meals. The rice and lo mein were great. So was the orange and kong pao chicken. Great prices and customer service.“

“Amazing Food. We ordered quite a few dishes and everything was delicious! The Peking Duck and green beans were my favorite!“

“Nice visit here, this was my first trip and was happy with the experience. The meal was pretty tasty, the presentation was dreadful but I was happy with how it tasted. The service was fantastic, the receipt says Edward was the person I dealt with and he was super friendly and helpful. UPDATE: I returned to this location and ordered the firecracker crispy shrimp with brown fries rice and wow this was a great dish. Again, Edward was super helpful and gave great service! I will say however the restaurant smelled a bit off today. (I’ve been in a lot of commercial kitchens and I know this smell well.)“

“Excellent and delicious food. Flavorful. Portions are generous. Great variety for different dietary needs. Some of best food I’ve had in this cuisine in a long time.“

“A traditional Americanized Chinese restaurant located in Laguna Beach, established in 1984, it has been a local favorite for years. The lunch menu is affordable around $15 per dish which includes fried rice, fried wonton, and fried chicken wing as sides. I ordered the house special beef and it was tender, sweet and tangy. The service was pretty good. We came with a big group of ~15 people on Saturday and they sat us down in the side room so we can have our own space.“

“The best service ever. Delicious food. 💯 recommend“

“Super clean and spacious interior with plenty of seating and very attentive service. Tucked next to a grocery store with lots of parking, and there’s even a Meet Fresh right next door if you’re in the mood for dessert after!

Tons of menu options and the portions are generous. My favorite dish was definitely the Shanghai rice cakes. It was seasoned perfectly and the texture was so chewy and satisfying. Also really enjoyed the juicy pork dumplings and sautéed string beans with sausage. Would definitely come back again for a comforting and filling meal!“

“Great place! Found it on Google maps when were looking for a Chinese restaurant. Glad we went there. Feels like a cozy place where your Chinese grandma would make you super delicious food.
While eating - we noticed multiple customers who looked like returning customers as they were taking and sharing family memories with the cute lady host.

Food was awesome!
The only suggestion is to make sure that whoever smokes cigarettes backdoor - to do that farther (or not to do at all) so smell doesn't come to the dinning area 👌

Thank you!“

“The food was delicious and the service was great! The restaurant is beautiful. Highly recommend!“

“Last week me and my two friends try this restaurant. Food is really good. Delicious. We had our lunch. Customer service not that much good, but we are okay. We like the place because it’s clean looks nice. You can go with your family and enjoy. We enjoyed the food. Thank you for your hospitality and the food 🥘🙏🏾❤️“

“Laura was so super nice and helpful! I came in for my lunch, the service was fast, she and the cook both welcomed me when I walked in the door, and she was so sweet talking to me while we waited for my food to be done. 10/10 this place rocks!“

“Went here for lunch, (they have amazing lunch specials on weekdays) and got my food quickly. Highly recommend trying this on your lunch break or whenever you get a chance. Food is high quality with great taste. Definitely going to be a regular here now!“

“01SEP2024 | Nice to Meet You Skewer Hot Pot is a chic hotpot restaurant. My first impression was that it was clean, with delicious food and attentive service. The prices are just right for the quality of the food and ingredients. I would give it a 10 out of 10, and we will definitely be coming back.“

“Their service is great, and you can feel that they are paying a lot of attention to customers.

We brought our dog with us so we sit the outdoor area, and they have been very attentive all the time.

Food is great, they are noodle house but their rice is out of question also great as well.

I'll come here soon again.“

“When I signed up for P.F. Chang’s Rewards they sent a coupon to redeem a FREE dessert! I never tried P.F. Chang’s before so this was a great way for me to discover a new taste!

The Red Velvet Cupcake comes with a candy-sweet drizzle to pour on top, but it was a bit sweet combined with the dessert. By itself though, it’s good.

As far as the cupcake itself, it was really tasty! I enjoyed this treat with my dinner and I’m glad I tried it.

I would give their Red Velvet Cupcake a 5/5. ✨“

“Orange Blossom Chinese Restaurant is a good solid choice for a satisfying meal. The portions are generous, making it easy to leave full, the missus left with leftovers. The appetizers that come with the dinner meals are a nice touch—fresh, flavorful, and a great way to start off. The prices are budget-friendly, great value for the quality and portion sizes. The atmosphere was another plus. It’s quiet and comfortable, making it easy to enjoy your conversation without loud background noise.“

“A beautiful spot with authentic food and delicious flavor. My favorite were the Samsa triangles, filled with delicious meat. My wife loved the “big chicken plate”, the portion was amazing and went really well with the naan. My kid loved the skewers and naan.“

“This restaurant serves the most authentic food I've ever had in the United States. The owner and the staff are extremely kind and friendly. The food is of high quality while the prices are affordable. It's truly a gem. I'll definitely be back!“

“Friends and I got to celebrate and spend time with a dearly beloved little sister. There is typically a written waitlist to put your name on. We waited for about 10 minutes to get seated. Many Asians gather about here! The service is speedy and diligent.

For a group of three adults and a high school mentee we got three individual dishes and one main to share
1) tangsuyuk - the sauce had a good amount of vegetables and the meat was a good portion that filled our stomachs!!
2) jjang pong and rice - I love the variety of seafood included in here and the vegetables as well
3) jjang pong and noodles
4) jja jjang myeon (black noodles)

The spiciness of the jjang pong wakes up the taste buds in a good way!

We all ate quite happily. I wish service wasn’t too hasty however. For the remaining food, we got to take to-go. I love the side dishes offered - spicy radishes 깍두기 and pickled yellow radishes (takuan) 단무지. It pairs nicely with the dishes we got.

The ambiance reminds me of a fast food restaurant to some extent. The place is great to grab a hearty Chinese-Korean fusion food. God bless you all.“

“Chicken pot thing was weird. Noodles were bomb!!!!!!“

“Very good food. Many choices on menu. Downside is they are very hard to get on phone. Also the hours they have posted online, even on this page, show “OPEN” Sunday, when we found out the hard way they are indeed NOT open. Please change your online presence to state correct days/hours. Including Yelp. This would be very helpful. Other than that, I give it “2 Thumbs up”.“

“Great service and the best food. One of our favorite places to go for many years.“

“The best spicy Chinese Food in OC/LA area hands down! They have been Michelin recommended for a reason. Their food has lots of depth of umami flavors with a good amount of spice with a refined touch. Their none spicy broths are especially good too. My faves are their dry pots, toothpick lambs, Qiao Jiao Beef. We also like their spicy ribs and boiled fish in chilli sauce, and Mao cai. Service is great too!“

“Golden Dragon is always my go-to spot for Chinese food! The food is consistently fresh, and the flavors are spot-on. My favorite is their beef Mapo Tofu—crispy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The service is always friendly and fast. It’s a cozy and clean environment, making it a great place for both family dinners and quick takeout. Highly recommend!“

“I've only tried a couple of dishes, but they were really good. There aren't many Asian restaurants in south OC with flavor like they have here. I got the pork soup dumplings and chicken fried noodles. The flavor on the soup dumplings was really good. The noodles were really good also. You could definitely taste the garlic and the hot wok flavor.

The restaurant itself is decorated nicely, it looks very modern. The staff were all friendly also. It's cool to be able to see into the kitchen. I look forward to coming back and trying some more of their dishes.“

“👍👍👍👍, very clean and nice. Good service too.“

“I came here after looking at the reviews on Google and I'm thankful I did. The food was absolutely delicious and the service was also phenomenal. I highly recommend this place if you want great food that can be prepared quicker than other places. Personally an awesome experience for me being here. Thank you 🙏“

“The cauliflower rice is a great option. Great menu....“

“I just wanted to take the time to really thank Pick Up Stix at the Lake Forest location. I always have had a great experience here - whether it be for the food or the customer service.

Recently, I decided to venture off my usual choice - Chow Mein - which I think is the best ever. Unfortunately, the new dish I ordered was subpar, I called the restaurant and spoke to a nice lady (I forgot her name unfortunately), she went above and beyond just replacing the meal. And I really appreciated it. Customer service like this is now rare - but she was so nice about it. A) didn't make me feel low or stuck-up (I hate that feeling esp when the vendor makes the mistake) - this was not the case here B) replaced the meal with another of my choice C) And added a generous extra item on the house

Thank you so much! My family loved the dinner - per usual :)“

“This place is exactly what they say. A classic Chinese restaurant. I've eaten here a couple times and am very happy. Excellent lunch menu until 4 pm. Everything I could ever want on the main menu. All cooked right. All classic.
I'll be back.
Thank you.“

“This place is probably one of the few places in Irvine providing BBQ skewers. I usually visit this place at night with friends. We really enjoyed the great food and drinks, it is not the best but overall is good and authentic with a lot of variety. The price is relatively fair considering the location of the restaurant. There are not many waiters and waitresses so they are pretty busy but they are helpful.“