19 Best Chinese Restaurants in Charlottesville

“Wow! Ate dinner here and it exceeded my expectations. As someone who’s previously lived in New York City, I temper my expectations when getting dim sum elsewhere. However, this was excellent and satisfying

Vegetarian options: Plenty of options

Parking: Limited number of spaces

Kid-friendliness: High chairs available

Wheelchair accessibility: Didn’t notice any stairs“

“A long time favorite in Charlottesville, the price has gone up over the years but still a delicious way to fill up for not much money. The fried dumplings are average, mass produced frozen dumplings. They are cooked and the fried to achieve that perfect crispiness. The sauce is the star. It is a combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce and hot sauce. I have never been able to replicate it at home“

“Have never made a review before but this place deserves the praise for being the best takeout I have ever had. Not only is the food amazing but consistent as-well. And the service is second to none, the lady who takes our call and checks you out is a pure soul, the service and food made me become a regular. After a little bit of time she began to recognize me and chat just as a friend would. She truly is the nicest person in service I’ve known! Definitely recommend going if you’re ever in the middle for Chinese takeout.“

“We have been going to this restaurant for decades for the most authentic Chinese food you can find in Cville. The dishes are all great, starting from their delicious hot and our soup to all of the Chef specialties. The ambiance is also great: a spacious nicely decorated place made welcoming by the friendly waiters“

“It was great love it I will be back again“

“This restaurant falls in line with the life lesson of fast, good, and cheap (you only get to choose two). It was fast and good. The server at the counter was very friendly and I did not have to wait long. A good solid choice for Chinese in the Charlottesville area. The sweet and sour chicken was very good, I really enjoyed the sauce on the side. The fried rice was good, not overly oily. A solid 4/5, liked it, and will most likely be back.

Wheelchair accessibility: Street level, would be able to get in with a wheelchair rather easily. Would need two spots, though.“

“This is the best and only place I go for Chinese food in the whole city. I could eat here every day, $2 for extra protein and it will blow your mind how much food you get. If you haven’t already stop and get yourself some dinner form here, today!“

“The food is good for Chinese American classic take out. Reliable, good portions. They are good at honoring requests for removing things where possible (like no veggies in fried rice). And if your app of choice offers adding extra sauces and such for a small charge, they do pretty good at putting it in the bag. (Aside - I really appreciate when that's an option on an online ordering app menu. I'll pay for extra dumpling sauce or whatever, just give me the option to add it to my order. Which this restaurant does on the app I used and I got plenty of extra sauce. ) Important to note though - if you want something subbed (white meat instead of dark, etc.) you should call your order in.

Parking: Parking is limited but cars aren't there for long. Just get it delivered.

Kid-friendliness: It's very much a take out only place. You won't be staying there to eat so it's not really an issue.“

“The food here is so good and the service is very fast. It’s in the perfect spot to walk to the corner and grab lunch if you work at UVA. The chicken curry combo comes with dumplings and a bun and is a great deal. The dumplings are perfection!“

“Finally found what I'm looking for! This is the type of experience I've missed for years at this point. Now and then I'll get the craving for Chinese food and I'll try some new place only to be disappointed with watery beef w/ broccoli or flavorless fried rice, but not this place! The food tastes great and they really give you a lot for your money. I'm happy to say Chopsticks Express is my new go-to place for Chinese food :)“

“We can always count on a delicious meal when we visit the Tea House. The food is fresh, the menu is diverse, and the service is excellent. The owners and staff are kind and hardworking people and we love supporting this local small business.“

“Sesame noodles are delicious as are the sesame balls. Not a fan of the bun. Steamed veggie dumplings good. Atmosphere could use some updates but the food makes up for it. Always prefer washable plates and utensils for eat in, none of which present to limit trash. Nice employees. To go is usually what I do.“

“We were going here since they opened, before that we went to Red Lantern. I’m assuming we will go back to Red Lantern because the last two times the shrimp lomein was terrible and so was the egg rolls! I always complemented them on Yelp, gave great reviews on Yelp. This last time the lo mein was chopped up, which I have never seen before as many times as I have ordered it.. I work hard for my money and expect decent food when eating out. The food was being replaced from where they messed up the first time on this order and I was told if it was messed up this time there was no replacement and that overcooking happens, but for the egg rolls to be burnt and chewy. I guess we will be going back to Red Lantern. It’s bad when you drive 15 miles to go to a restaurant at 15 miles back home and your food is not correct or cooked properly!“

“I am addicted to the fried shrimp appetizer! It is huge ring of goodness! Crispy on the outside and melt in your mouth soft on the inside. It comes with a delish red sauce (like sweet and sour shrimp). I have been back repeatedly for just this one item! It should be street food or a new fast food staple! I had the crispy beef--very nice! The food I ordered is def cooked by someone who enjoys adding taste to traditional Chinese menu items. Great food!“

“I have never gone to a buffet restaurant that wasn't disgusting. The food at Garden East is fresh and very well prepared; the mixed vegetables, five slice chicken, string beans with garlic sauce, and whole mushrooms with oyster sauce were of homemade quality--deliciius and simple. The pan fried dumplings contain a perfectly respectable pork, ginger, and scallion filling, but the time they spend in the service try reduces the actual wonton leathey and unpleasant. Of course, avoid the sushi and I would not recommend that you eat the large pieces of fried frozen fish sitting in murky liquid. The dessert area offers tiny pieces of tasty chocolate and coconut cakes, but you must avoid the chocolate pudding (because it's tacky to eat pudding in public) and the rock hard lychees.
I want to stress that this is easily the only buffet restaurant I would ever go back to, and if I had to choose between going to Garden East or any of the Chinese of Thai places in Charlottesville, I would pick Garden East every time.“

“I have been coming here since I was a kid and have not found another Chinese spot that tastes as good as this. I don't live in the area anymore but I always get Jade Garden when I am here. The food is always so hot and fresh. The flavors have remained consistent throughout the years. I am not sure why the ratings are low because it is hands down the best Chinese food I have ever had. The fried chicken wings with pork fried rice and sesame chicken are my favorite. Hot oil on the side is a must. I wouldn't be so quick to judge a book by its cover with this one.“

“I cannot believe we have this restaurant here! Authentic Taiwanese food. The popcorn chicken made me cry. The beef noodle soup was average good. The bento box was amazing. The restaurant was run by an old couple. The service may not be the greatest, but they got the job done. Will definitely visit again to try other dishes.“

“Quiet quality restaurant with a calming atmosphere and flavorful food.
I came to try it for lunch in the middle of a busy day, and it was a lovely pause that I enjoyed with all my senses.
I look forward to coming back with my family next time. Or just come by for a nice warm tea on my own.“