14 Best Chinese Restaurants in Salinas

“This is an experience you should not pass on. So far this is the best Chinese restaurant we have eaten at in Salinas, CA. Limited parking. Staff is friendly and attentive.

Wonton soup was flavorful with soft wonton. The chow mein noodles were soft and chewy (not for everyone) but the flavor was amazing. The fried rice did not have peas and carrots in it, as it should be. They did use green onions. The fried prawns were crunchy and non greasy but hot, same with the egg rolls. The sweet and sour pork was had hand dipped quality and cooked. The breading on the outside was not traditional like what you would find at a buffet. They seem to take pride in the food they serve and it shows. We will be going back as this is a place that is save on our phone and in our stomachs.“

“Every single time I go to this restaurant, the food is excellent! Ana is the best server! My family and extended family love, love, love everything we have tried. My current favorite is Hunan Beef. The Singapore Rice Noodles are great, eggplant, every variation of rock cod, Peking pork… They can vary any dish to your liking. The lunches are a good deal, enough food for two meals for me. However, going with my family and getting a variety of dishes is what we like the best. Usually there are six to eight of us and we get to eat all of our favorites.“

“Mandarin Garden Review

Currently traveling and wanted Chinese food, looked at the reviews of all the Chinese restaurants in the area and chose this place based on other people's experiences!

Small House Wonton Soup: White fish, charsiu, lots of plump handmade pork wontons, carrots, zucchini, napa cabbage, mushrooms, and bok choy in a clear, light broth. Hearty, and good for about 3 people. 7.5/10

Beef Chow Fun: Wok stir-fried wide rice noodles in soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, ginger, green onion, perhaps a little shaoxing wine and sugar. Well seasoned with the distinct taste of wok-hei. Generous with the beef. Not too much mung bean sprouts and shredded carrot, which I appreciated. Amazing, I was very pleasantly surprised. I grew up eating beef chow fun and it is my go-to order at Chinese restaurants, and this is one of the best I have tasted. 9.5/10

Mongolian beef: Requested to be non-spicy. Looks amazing, lots of beef, good texture, but flavor was okay. Had just a slightly off taste that I personally didn't like. Tasted like the meat is just a little old or sitting in the marinade for too long and the flavor has oxidized. 6/10

Walnut Honey Shrimp: Huge shrimp pieces deep fried in a light batter and tossed in a light sweet mayo sauce, and topped with perfect lightly candied walnuts. So so so good. 10/10

Ice Tea: Tastes like McDonald's sweet tea but less sweet. Not bad, just not my cup of tea (no pun intended). 6.5/10

Overall, I enjoyed this restaurant. Big portions. Very fair price. Clean restroom. Hard working and attentive staff with big smiles. Thank you for a great meal! I would definitely recommend this place for anyone looking for a quick and hearty lunch or dinner.

这个饭馆的做饭很好。 我最喜欢你们的牛肉炒粉！好吃了😋 你们的家人很努力。一定要好好休息。“

“The place is clean!!!
The food is good, if you’re craving for noodle and soup, We highly recommend #14 ox tail noodle soup.
Lunch meal: fried rice, egg roll, egg soup and steamed chicken feet!!!
Watch out for that fried rice😂

And yes!!!! We will be back over and over again…

Hey, almost forgot… we are asians, so………“

“Best place ever. Super friendly staff and amazingly delicious food!“

“Great food, the best in town. I have been eating here for over 25 year, probably one of their original customers as I worked near by.“

“I love this place have been going to it since I was 7 I’m almost 18 now !! This place is very good never had any problems it’s family owned prices are amazing my whole family loves this place and we get it pretty often and the workers always recognize my family super sweet the food is honestly amazing no other place can top this !! China center is my favorite and always will be !!💗“

“Greatness 💯🔥. Very friendly. Good good food.“

“Been coming here since I was 7 years old .. some of the best times of my life have been in the China garden the food is fresh and the atmosphere is relaxing

Wheelchair accessibility: It is very easy for people with disabilities to get in and out the door entrance and the workers are very respectful“

“Chef Lee's is hands down the best Chinese restaurant in town! The food is always fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. Their General Tso's Chicken is crispy and tangy, the dumplings are handmade and packed with flavor, and the hot & sour soup is the best I've had. The portions are generous, and the service is top-notch—friendly, fast, and attentive. Whether dining in or taking out, the experience is always fantastic. Highly recommend this spot for anyone craving authentic and delicious Chinese cuisine!“

“First time trying this place & I’d definitely come back in the later hours. Food was debatable but I feel like it has a good & okay days. Stuff was friendly & really loved the bar area you can eat alone if you decide to. Wine list was nice as well. Loved the decor even if looked a bit dated.“

“Excellent Chinese food. Superior and less expensive to a Chinese restaurant I patronized in downtown Salinas.“

“This location is good for late night , but only drive-thru is open. I mostly use the app to order ahead & usually I’m able to get in and out within 5 min or less. Interaction with employees are pleasant and friendly. Depending on the time of day if you dine in can be really busy , although others might not tend to clean their area when done eating . I do clean my area when finished eating & usually the staff is good about cleaning up the dining when need be.

Only suggestion is that their fountain drinks aren’t consistently good. On multiple different visits to this location , the sugar in the soda is very minimal. It’s as if you’re drinking carbonated water with a hint of flavor , so I don’t get drinks from
This location anymore.“

“This isn't your ordinary Panda Express. The owner or the GM is breaking All the rules for a Panda Express of the past! The food was freshly made with vegetables you haven't seen before. Crunchy broccolini and the like. The steak bowl sirloinAppeared and tasted like Angus!! We ate there three times and it was consistent, you may as well have been in a three-star Chinese restaurant. SIX STARS for a Mall resteraunt!?“