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.
Location: Shop 3/16 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9251 8328 See Website For Further Locations
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.
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, we are sure that everyone and anyone will find a dish they love at this opulent establishment. It is capable of seating 240 people, making it an ideal place to host a large party.
Lee Ho Fook Sydney is the most recent outpost of the respected and much-loved Melbourne institution.
Happily, Chef Victor Liong has brought many of his finest creations to his NSW venture. Known for his ability to bring traditional Chinese cuisine into the modern era, whilst remaining true to the original dish, the food at Lee Ho Fook is both familiar and yet excitingly different. Quite a feat.
So there’s Chinese take-away favourite, Prawn Toast. Only here it is elevated with Sea Urchin, Green Garlic and Salted Egg Yolk Butter. Yum Cha staple Crispy Eggplant arrives in an ethereally light batter, sticky with a Sichuan-style Spiced Red Vinegar. And then there’s Liong’s take on Peking Duck, burnished with a Maltose Glaze.
For a dynamic menu in sophisticated surroundings, it’s hard to beat this establishment.
Location: The Star Sydney 80 Pyrmont St, Entry via Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont, NSW 2009 Ph: (02) 9566 2328
Editor’s Update: After 27 years and in various incarnations, the Golden Century team served their last bamboo steamer of dumplings at The Star Casino Sydney, at the end of 2024.
However, the much-loved Chinese restaurant has a new location, and you can read all about it below.
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.
So the (Golden) Century has made the trek from one Sydney casino to another.
Now housed in the swish surrounds of Crown, Sydney in bustling Barangaroo, hopefully Golden Century has found its forever home. Or at least for the next 25 years or so.
If any venue can be relied upon to make something as simple as Cold Cucumber with Garlic Vinaigrette ($12) a flavour-blast, we’d bet our socks on Golden Century And we are not disappointed. More complex, but no less delicious is the plate of Live Pippies with XO Sauce on Fried Vermicelli (MP). Sweet shellfish, funky XO and crunchy noodles result in a banger of a dish.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Location: Level 4/25-29 Dixon St, Haymarket, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9212 1777 See Website For Further Locations
Penultimately, but definitely not forgotten, we have 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. Plus, these folks specialise in the fire and drama of Sichuan cuisine. So we are all over it!
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.
Back in the day, our favourite cheap and cheerful Chinese come Malay eatery was the Happy Chef on King Street, Newtown. Oh, the Laksas! Sadly, the much-loved venue was consumed by a fire in 2018.
But all is not lost. Just up the road, the residents of have the bright lights, extensive menu and generous portions of the Best Gourmet Restaurant Newtown. And we envy them.
Whilst it might not be the swankiest of establishments, the food is authentic and delicious. But where to start when there’s so much to choose from?
Well, we recommend the Steamed Shanghai Style Mini Pork Bun ($11.80) or the Shallot Pancake ($9.80) to open. From there, the Sizzling Mongolian Lamb ($27.80) is always great, as is the Beef Stir-Fried Noodles ($14.80). That said, we suspect that half the fun of living near the Best Gourmet Restaurant Newtown lies in making repeat visits and gradually working your way through the menu.
Ok. So confession time. Spice Alley is not exclusively Chinese eateries, but rather more Pan-Asian. That said, there are a number of spots within this dynamic Eat Street to get you fill of Chinese specialities.
First up, Hong Kong Diner is all about the best of Cantonese hawker fare – think BBQ Pork and steamers full of Wontons. Yum! And continuing the bamboo steamer them is the Shanghai Dumpling Bar. And whilst their Du mplings are great, we can’t ignore the pull of their Pork Chop Dan Dan Noodles in their fiery sauce.
Now let us acknowledge that Singapore has a diverse and lively cuisine that many countries can only aspire to. However, amongst the wonderful dishes of Malaysia, Nonya, Indian, Sri Lankan and Peranakan culture, Chinese fare is well-represented. And thankfully, the 2 Singaporean stalls in Spice Alley are totally across this. Ginger & Spice does an really great Char Kway Teow, and Alex Lee Kitchen does a faithful rendition of one of my all-time favourite dishes – Hainanese Chicken Rice. So Simple. So good.
Yep. If you want an authentic Chinese meal. make your way down to Spice Alley for some of the best Chinese restaurants in Sydney.
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.
When it comes to great places to eat in Australia, the list really is endless. There are so many different restaurants, cafés, and chains to try that you really are spoiled for choice. From Italian food, to Japanese food, to a good ‘ole rump steak, the food options are endless.
This is why I decided to set up my blog, Eatability, to share the best food and drink spots in Australia with as many people as possible. Hi, my name is Dylan Cole, and I moved to Australia five years ago from England, UK.
Through this blog, I will be sharing and recommending some of my favorite places you need to visit, such as where to find the best pizza in Adelaide, and the best bakery in Brisbane. Whatever food you are fancying, I have got you covered!
