The 15 Best Chinese Restaurants In Sydney

Chinese cuisine is extremely popular across the globe.

It’s not difficult to see why: Chinese cuisine offers a huge variety of dishes to satisfy every type of craving and offers a unique range of sweet and spicy flavours to delight the palate. Chinese food tends to be aromatic and colourful, making it an appealing choice. 

Listing some of the classic Chinese dishes reinforces just how influential this cuisine continues to be: Peking Duck, Kung Pao Chicken, Dim Sum, Sweet and Sour Pork, Dumplings, Chow Mein, Wonton Soup and Chicken San Choi Bao trip off the tongue.

These are much-loved, often-eaten dishes that can be found in virtually every city, in every country, of the globe.

The enormous Chinese diaspora means that you can always find a restaurant offering classic Chinese favourites. Sydney is no different, and there is a wide choice of excellent dining establishments to choose from. And as you would expect of a global city, they range in price points, types of regional food, specialities, quality of decor and types of service.

To help you find an excellent Chinese eatery, we have listed some of our favourite restaurants in Sydney. 

Want to try your hand at making Chinese at home? See our easy Hokkien Noodles Recipe

The 15 Best Chinese Restaurant In Sydney

Lotus Dumpling Bar

Location: Shop 3/16 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9251 8328

If you adore dumplings, this may be the perfect restaurant for you. Located in Walsh Bay, this establishment used to be a warehouse. Nowadays, it feeds locals and tourists alike with delicious dumplings.

However, the Lotus Dumpling Bar honors the past by retaining the warehouse’s exposed bricks and vintage vibe. 

Aside from these iconic dumplings, this bar also offers a range of Pan-Asian and Chinese meals, including seafood, noodles, and rice dishes. Among these dishes includes their delectable crispy skin chicken.

It even has an open kitchen, meaning you can watch the chefs cook up a storm. If you are visiting this beautiful bay, it is well worth visiting the Lotus Dumpling Bar. 

Sydney also has more than it’s fair share of great Dumpling bars. Here are our recommendations.

Mr. Wong

Location: 3 Bridge Ln, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9114 7317

Next up is Mr. Wong, a wonderful restaurant, influenced by Cantonese cuisine. Decorated with oriental decor, this is a great choice if you are looking for a traditional Chinese restaurant.

It also has an inviting and intimate atmosphere, created in part by its dim lights and jazz music. It is located in the Establishment Building, specifically its lower floors. 

Mr. Wong provides a wide and diverse range of food, with up to 80 dishes to choose from. Consequently, there will be a meal for everyone in this opulent establishment.  It is capable of seating 240 people, making it an ideal place to host a large party. 

Pork Chow Mein is such a well-loved dish. Learn how to make it here.

The Century by Golden Century

Location: The Star Sydney 80 Pyrmont St, Entry via Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont, NSW 2009 Ph: (02) 9566 2328

One of Sydney’s most famous and iconic Chinese restaurants, the original Golden Century was a must-see. However, it sadly closed its doors for the last time a short time ago.

Luckily, The Century by Golden Century has sprung up to take its place. Like the original, it is renowned for its array of seafood. However, unlike the old Golden Century, it is chic, sleek and moody. It clearly deserves it’s spot amongst the best Chinese restaurants in Sydney.

It is open later than lots of other restaurants, meaning it is perfect for a late dinner. 

If you consider yourself to be a lover of seafood, we highly recommend checking out this spot. We particularly advise doing this if you love fresh fish. They also serve fine wines, making it an ideal place to dine if you adore wine. 

The Century is very popular for Yum Cha. Check this post for other suggestions on where to find yum cha in Melbourne.

China Lane

Location: City Recital Hall, 2 Angel Pl, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9231 3939

Hidden away among Angel Palace, China Lane is another of Sydney’s stunning Chinese restaurants. If you are in search of a glamorous setting, you will have found it here. Yet, it also gives off more of a relaxed atmosphere. 

The food in this restaurant is intended to be a mix of traditional Chinese cooking with more modern techniques. This will excite you if you are looking for the perfect blend of the old and the new.

Head chef Kristian Vale has created a unique and inventive culinary experience. It’s a little bit different, but definitely one of the best Chinese restaurants in Sydney.

Spice Temple

Location: 10 Bligh St, Sydney NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 8099 7088

This underground restaurant is elegantly designed. If you want to impress someone, take them to this is a marvellous destination.

This restaurant offers food inspired by less well-known Chinese regions, such as Sichuan, Guangxi, and Jiangxi. If you like to celebrate different cultures, Spice Temple will be of interest to you.

Due to its mix of influences, the cuisine provided here is diverse. However, the food here smells of fragrant dried spices and tastes of intense chilies. This food is uniquely served in a banquet style. Spice Temple even offers creative cocktails based on the zodiac. 

Are you interested at trying your hand at making some Traditional Chinese Desserts? Take a look at our recipes.

Holy Duck!

Location: Ground Floor, 10/2 Kensington St, Chippendale, NSW 2008 Ph: (02) 9281 0080

Thanks to its humorous name, you know this restaurant will be a barrel of fun. This restaurant focuses on modern Chinese street food. Do you enjoy BBQ food? If so, we may have found the best Chinese restaurant for you.

Holy Duck’s menu has a solid range, including dishes such as crispy duck, chicken san choi bao, and sweet & sour pork. If you want to try a few dishes, order the specialty platter for a culinary adventure. 

If you’re in Brisbane and hungry for juicy dumplings, check out our guide.

Quanjude

Location: 10.11, 41/680 George St, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9267 7288

The Quanjude group opened its first Sydney restaurant in 2018. The group has a number of respected restaurants around the world and is well known for its specialty, Peking Duck and its long culinary history (the first Quanjude eatery was opened in 1864 in Beijing, China).

The Quanjude Group claims to serve over 2 million Peking ducks in over 400 different styles to over 5 million customers, annually, around the world.

Based in George St, Quanjude is an elegant, restrained restaurant that indulges your taste buds with its traditional recipes and interpretations of this ancient cuisine. If you have a hankering for old-school Chinese dishes (for example, chicken feet in abalone broth), then you’ll find them here.

The roast duck is, as you would expect, exquisite. However, our favourite dish is probably the Wok-Fried Chicken with Chilli and Pepper. It packs a punch.

Editor’s Note: We have been informed that Quanjude has closed. We will let you know when we learn more. As this is the case, why not try this fabulous Hot Pot restaurant instead…?

Haidilao

Locations: Westfield Chatswood, Shop 607/1 Anderson St, Chatswood, NSW 2067 Ph: (02) 9411 2006 & Also Darling Square, Level 5, The Exchange Darling Square, 1 Little Pier St, Haymarket, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 7252 3500

Haidilao is all about the joys of Hot Pot. And theatrics. For this isn’t your average Chinese eatery.

Since opening in the home of the Hot Pot – Sichuan – in 1994, Haidilao has pushed the envelope, both food-wise and in terms of entertainment. Think we’re kidding? The venue in Darling Square features robot waiters – amongst other attractions.

Why not impress your friends by serving Chinese Hot Pot or Japanese Shabu Shabu at home? It’s easier than you think with modern cooking appliances. See here for more information and prices.

But what about the food? Well, whilst Hot Pots definitely come into their own in colder weather, if we’re honest, we’d eat at Haidilao any time of the year. Choose your soup base – we can never resist the Spicy Oil – and protein, then let the serving staff prep some ‘dancing noodles’ for you. This fun inclusion has them stretching the noodles at your table, before adding them to your Hot Pot.

Whether you go for the sideshow or simply the fabulous food, Haidilao is amongst the finest Chinese restaurants in Sydney.

New Shanghai 

Location: Westfield Sydney, Shop 1017/1020 188 Pitt St, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 8386 8368

The 15 Best Chinese Restaurant In Sydney

This dumpling bar offers authentic food from Shanghai, including Shanghainese Xiao Long Bao and handmade dumplings. These recipes have been cultivated from generations of cooking experience. Its decor and styling are clearly influenced by Chinese street food from the 1930s. 

New Shanghai offers a welcoming atmosphere that is designed to enhance your eating experience. If you have a craving for dumplings of Shanghainese food, this is a place that you should visit. We think it’s one of the best Chinese restaurants in Sydney.

Fei Jai 

Location: 31 Challis Ave, Potts Point, NSW 2011 Ph: (02) 8688 4424

Up next is on our look at the best Chinese restaurants in Sydney is Fei Jai, which is split into two separate dining spaces. One side offers conventional Cantonese cuisine while the opposite side is a dumpling bar. This gives you plenty of choices to choose from. 

They also serve signature cocktails. If you call yourself a cocktail fan, this will be an essential business to visit. If you do not feel like eating in, you can order takeaway from Fei Jai.

When ordering from this family-owned restaurant, you have the satisfaction of knowing that you will get amazing food.

Is all this talk of cocktails making you thirsty? Peruse our list of Classic Cocktails and see if one takes your fancy.

Duck & Rice

Location: Westfield Sydney, Level 7/188 Pitt St, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 8014 5663

As the name suggests, this restaurant presents a variety of rice and duck dishes. Of course, the Cantonese restaurant offers more than this. However, their Cantonese roast duck is highly-esteemed for valid reasons, making it a tempting choice to try out. 

Duck & Rice is capable of seating more than 500 people, meaning it is far from small. Because of its size, this establishment is a great place to take a large group of people.

This wonderful restaurant is located in the Westfield Pitt Street Mall, so feel free to try it if you are in the area. 

We have a very family-friendly Satay Chicken Noodles Recipe for you to make

China Doll

Location: 4/6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011 Ph: (02) 9380 6744

Nestled in the Finger Wharf in Woolloomooloo, China Doll offers a broad range of Asian-inspired food. These Asian cuisines include China, Japan, and South-East Asia.

This creates a diverse culinary melting-pot. If you are interested in a wide spectrum of Asian foods, this restaurant will be a haven for you. 

This establishment has a focus on ethically sourced ingredients, meaning you can comfortably dine in the knowledge that your food was responsibly sourced. The head chef is Frank Shek, who has years of cooking experience. His food is entitled with bold and passionate flavours. 

This eatery has a pretty cool cocktail list. If you are looking for other great Cocktail Bars in Sydney, see here.

Marigold 

Location: 683 George St, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9281 3388

At number eleven, we have Marigold. This restaurant has been in Sydney since 1982. It offers authentic Cantonese food and is without doubt one of the best Chinese restaurants in Sydney.

Decked in reds, pinks, and oranges, Marigold gives off a warm and cozy vibe. Its dishes are unpretentious yet effective. When it comes to the menu, there is an emphasis on the freshness and diversity of Marigold’s food.

You can choose between a set menu, an a la carte, or yum cha (available in the mornings and at lunch). 

Editor’s Note: We have been informed that Marigold has closed. We will let you know when we learn more. In the meantime, why not dine at this buzzing spot instead…?

Silks

Location: Crown Sydney, Level 3/1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 8871 7171

Silks Crown Sydney is a genuinely upmarket Chinese restaurant.

Part of the swanky Crown Sydney development in the destination dining Barangaroo precinct, this is Cantonese food with a side of oppulence.

From the ‘Harbour views through the dramatic windows are stellar. The decor speaks of the high class finishes that you find in the top hotel restaurants of the world. And the food is both stunning on the plate and delicious to eat.

The Weekdays All You Can Eat Yum Cha isn’t cheap at $108pp, but it’s a dish after dish of refined beauty. From the A La Carte menu, the Southern Rock Lobster “Sung Choy Bao” is a luxury spin on your local Chinese favourite. And if have a yen for Sea Urchin, MBS+9 Wagyu and Greenlip Abalone, mortgage your house and book at Silk Crown.

Read more about the amazing array of Restaurants at Barangaroo here.

The Eight

Location: Market City Shopping Centre, Level 3/13 Hay St, Haymarket, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9282 9988

The Eight are eager to share their passion for modern Chinese food with their guests. Their food is full of bold and intense flavours. Its atmospheric setting is filled with bright LED lights that create the impression of warmth.

They place an emphasis on the importance of fresh and high-quality ingredients. Offering both modern and classic Chinese dishes, the Eight is a brilliant restaurant to call into if you happen to be in the Haymarket area. 

On the hunt for flavoursome Dumplings in Melbourne? See our guide.

Nanjing Dumpling

Location: 6 Little Hay St, Haymarket, NSW 2000 Ph: 0499 333 808

Though it is a small diner, Nanjing Dumpling offers an impressive amount of Chinese grub, including delicious duck. The food in this establishment is from the Nanjing region of China.

If you are interested in trying food from this area, we highly advise trying Nanjing Dumpling out for yourself. 

If regional Chinese food is your thing and you happen to be in Melbourne, check out our suggestions on the Best Sichuan Food in the Victorian capital.

XOPP

Location: Level M, Shop 31/1 Little Pier St, Haymarket, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 8030 0000

Penultimately, XOPP is a part of the Golden Century Group. This restaurant was named after XO Pippies, a popular dish. It can be found in the busy Darling Quarter and so is worth visiting if you are nearby.

The decor here is exquisite, with bright and striking colours. In fact, the interior decor was designed by Alex Wong. The menu at XOPP focuses on traditional Cantonese cuisine. 

Take your Chinese-themed entertaining to the next level with a quality wok and the right accessories. You’ll be whipping up stir fries in no time! Click here for prices and more information

Spicy Joint

Location: Level 4/25-29 Dixon St, Haymarket, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9212 1777 and other locations

Last but not least is Spicy Joint. Though it is a chain restaurant from China, Spicy Joint has a distinctive yet extravagant appearance. Because of this, it is far from just the basic chain restaurant.

They offer generous portions, meaning you should definitely not visit on a full stomach! It is a large area, meaning you are better off coming with a big group of people. Located in Chinatown, we suggest trying it out if you like decent portions. 

The Chinese are masters when it comes to cooking Pork. See here for some inspired Pork Belly Recipes.

Closing Remarks

This comprehensive list will have given you information on fifteen of the best Chinese restaurants in Sydney. Of course, there are many other amazing eateries in this city that you should also be willing to try out. 

In creating this list, we have attempted to choose a diverse range of restaurants. We tried to capture restaurants that make food from different regions of China, hopefully shining some light on some lesser-known areas.

In addition, we wanted the restaurants featured to have different styles to give you a wide variety of options to choose from. 

Dylan Cole
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