Take a ‘peking’ at these 10 best Chinese restaurants in Sydney!
Chinese cuisine is more than just honey chicken and sweet and sour pork. In fact, China’s many regions make up one of the most diverse cuisines in the world. Whether spicy Sichuan chicken, or hearty Cantonese cuisine, there is plenty of variety to chew through. Across Sydney there is a cornucopia of exquisite Chinese dining options, from food court bain marie to fine dining excellence.
That’s why we’ve come up with a list of Sydney’s best Chinese restaurants of 2024. So plan a night out with friends on this globe-trotting trip around the many regions of China!
Image via Destination NSW.
China Doll
Sitting on Woolloomooloo’s historic Finger Wharf, it’s no wonder why China Doll is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Sydney. Experience a modern take on Chinese and other Asian cuisines with fresh, premium produce on this extensive menu. On top of the generous portions and exciting flavours, China Doll is the perfect place to visit with friends and family for any occasion thanks to the stylish interior and stunning views from the wharf and Sydney’s skyline. Thankfully, with China Doll, you’re getting the complete package for a great night out!
Photographed by Israel Albornoz. Image via Unsplash.
The Eight
Count your blessings at The Eight, one of the best fine dining Chinese restaurants in Sydney. Stylish, sophisticated, and unique, The Eight aims to provide a memorable dining experience whether you’re dining by yourself, with friends or with family. Named after the eight schools of traditional Chinese cuisine, The Eight pushes the very limits of Chinese cooking. With special crispy duck, roast suckling pig and their BBQ tasting platter are just a few of the succulent dishes sure on offer to Sydneysiders.
Photographed by Boomtown Pictures.
Image via Destination NSW.
The Gardens by Lotus
Set against the backdrop of the heritage-listed Chinese Friendship Garden in Darling Harbour, The Gardens by Lotus is a dining experience unlike any other in Sydney. Housed inside the tranquil gardens, guests will find a unique escape from the hustle of Sydney, letting you take a breath at this teahouse style restaurant. And once given a menu, you are sure to be overwhelmed with choice: a wide breadth of dumplings, hearty mains and desserts, you won’t be leaving on an empty stomach from The Gardens. For those in groups, be sure to check out the Pearl and Diamond Banquets to taste the full selection at The Gardens by Lotus.
Image via Destination NSW.
Mr. Wong
When it comes to Mr. Wong, expect big things. A big venue that seats 240 guests, a big menu with up to 80 traditional Cantonese-style dishes and, of course, even bigger portions. Yet, in all that bigness, this Chinese restaurant on Sydney’s Bridge Lane also finds space for the small, more intimate moments. Nooks for two, dim lighting and moody jazz create a captivating ambience more akin to a smooth jazz bar than a bustling Chinese restaurant in Sydney’s CBD. Bring a special someone to this stylish adventure through Chinese cooking at Mr. Wong.
Photographed by Michele Blackwell. Image via Unsplash.
Palace Chinese Restaurant
In the heart of Sydney’s CBD lies a palace of sensational traditional and modern Cantonese cuisine. Set up in 2000, Palace Chinese Restaurant at Piccadilly Tower strives to serve one of the best fine Chinese dining options in Sydney. Seating 250 guests, there is plenty of spacious room to enjoy this exquisite food with friends and loved ones for any occasion. Open everyday for lunch and dinner, be crowned at Palace Chinese as soon as you can!
Photographed by 五玄土 ORIENTO. Image via Unsplash.
Queen Chow
Queen Chow truly is royalty among Chinese restaurants. Opened by the restaurateurs at Merivale, Queen Chow serves up a fresh take on traditional Cantonese cuisine. Think hanging BBQ duck, fried wok dishes and plenty of Australia’s best seafood. These simple yet beloved dishes offer a satisfying taste and texture for any night out, whether you’re looking to host a special occasion, or need a quick bite after work. With locations in Manly and Enmore, Queen Chow is bringing a taste of the east to Sydney.
Image supplied.
Spice Temple
For those looking to add a little punch into their dining, look no further than Spice Temple. Step on down to the underground restaurant full of mystery, intrigue, a little romance, and a lot of food. With a banquet-style menu, Spice Temple lets you go beyond special fried rice to sample sensational flavours from across the lesser-known regions of China. Chilli plays a huge role at Spice Temple, offering a powerful selection of flavours sure to make your dinner ‘pop’. For great food and a world-class dining experience, book in at one of the best Chinese restaurants in Sydney’s CBD!
Photographed by jirayu koontholjinda. Image via Unsplash.
Spicy Joint
The Sichuan province of southwest China is famed for their fire-breathingly spicy cuisine. And it is from that burning bowl that Spicy Joint is drawing from, becoming one of the best Sichuan restaurants in Sydney. Setting up shop on Dixon Street in Haymarket, make sure to try stand-out dishes like the Dry Braised Beef Tendon, Fish Fillet in Hot Chili Oil and other mouth-watering treats. That dedication to tradition is not just on the plate, but also the walls, ceiling and floor; the interior decor featuring intricate wooden features and languid vines to create a feeling that you’re being transported to the streets of Shanghai. So get in early and grab a seat at one of the best Chinese restaurants in Chinatown.
Image supplied.
White + Wong
East meets west at White + Wong, one of the best Chinese restaurants in the Sydney CBD. Taking classic street foods from China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand, White + Wong remixes and reimagines these vibrant cuisines with fresh, seasonal Australian produce. You can expect favourites like hand-made dumplings, curries, and BBQ meats all with a flavourful punch across their eclectic menu. A fun dining experience for friends and family, book a night with White + Wangs for a little cultural exchange!
Photographed by Hanxiao. Image via Unsplash.
XOPP
A spin-off from the renowned Golden Century, XOPP has a big claim to fame: their clams. Named after their renowned XO Pippies (Wok Fried Pippies with XO Sauce), the rest of the menu at this Cantonese diner revolves around fresh, high-quality seafood. Live lobster and crab, salt and pepper squid, and roasted kung pao cod fish fillet are just a few of the many fishy dishes on offer. Beyond the mouthwatering dishes, XOPP is elevated by its lavish interior design that makes it one of the best Chinese restaurants in Sydney.
For noodles and more things to freshen up your palate, check out this list of the Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Sydney. Or enjoy a drink after your delicious meal at one of Sydney’s Top 10 Cocktail Bars.
