The Top Ten Chinese Takeout Restaurants In San Diego
When you envision an evening of takeout food, perhaps the picture consists of an assortment of Chinese containers scattered across the table, living room floor or wherever you choose to eat at home (we don’t judge!).
Chinese food has been one of the most popular takeout cuisines in the United States for decades, being surpassed in popularity only by the almighty pizza.
Pizza is great, but when I’m craving Chinese food…
I. MUST. HAVE. CHINESE. FOOD!
It’s like something takes over! Feel the same way? Then the next time you get a craving for lo mein, kung pao chicken or broccoli beef, check out one of these delicious options for Chinese takeout in San Diego.
But remember, while these restaurants allow takeout, they don’t offer an in-house delivery service. You’ll have to either make the drive to the restaurant or seek the help of a third-party food delivery service to get the food from their kitchen to your home.
At least you don’t have to cook it!
1. Shan Xi Magic Kitchen
4344 Convoy St, San Diego – (858) 565-2688
For truly authentic Chinese food, place your order at this Kearny Mesa hot spot. Try the Biang Biang noodles, which are extra wide handmade noodles that are served in a spicy sauce and are so delicious on their own that they need no meat or veggies to accompany them.
2. Dumpling Inn
4625 Convoy St, San Diego – (858) 268-9638
Satisfy your craving for Chinese dumplings by picking up a to-go order from this Kearny Mesa restaurant. Choose from boiled pork and chive, deep fried beef curry, steamed vegetarian and many more varieties. Of course, you can also order other Chinese favorites, like fried rice, noodles and stir-fried dishes.
3. Mandarin Wok Restaurant
4227 Balboa Ave, San Diego – (858) 272-3972
Since 1982, Clairemont’s Mandarin Wok Restaurant has amassed a following of loyal patrons. Some of their favorite dishes include the sizzling rice soup, cream cheese wontons and salt and pepper chicken wings.
4. Chop Suey Peking Restaurant
2877 University Ave, San Diego – (619) 295-2610
This family-owned North Park restaurant has been serving incredible Cantonese fare since 1931. With that many years of experience, you know you’re in for a treat regardless of what you order but if you need a few suggestions, a few of the staff’s favorites include crispy beef, walnut shrimp and Szechuan tofu.
5. Minh Ky Chinese
4644 El Cajon Blvd, Ste 101, San Diego – (619) 283-4180
This hole-in-the-wall City Heights restaurant proves that looks can be deceiving. The food, which includes an assortment of egg noodle soups, rice noodle soups and practically any other Chinese dish you could imagine, is highly recommended by regulars. There are so many menu options that you could try something different every time and never run out of options or combinations!
6. Beijing City
12334 Poway Rd, Poway – (858) 486-1483
For Chinese food in North County, give Poway’s Beijing City a try. All their dishes are made fresh-to-order but the kung pao chicken, garlic shrimp and spicy fish and tofu are some of the favorites.
7. Chef Wong Chinese Cuisine
9995 Carmel Mountain Rd, Ste 6, San Diego – (858) 538-1388
Chef Wong, which is located in Carmel Mountain, has only been around for a couple of years but it’s already building a fan base in North County. Try the fried cream cheese wontons for an appetizer and the chow fun noodles or the Xiao Long Bao, a steamed bun with pork.
8. Yenchim Garden Restaurant
13297 Black Mountain Rd, San Diego – (858) 484-7277
Rancho Penasquitos is home to Yenchim Garden Restaurant, which features Szechuan and Taiwanese specialties. From crispy scallion pancakes to crispy beef, you’ll find the perfect dish to take home.
9. Golden House
4370 Palm Avenue, Otay – (619) 690-2688
Although it’s located just miles from the Mexican border, Otay’s Golden House serves up some great Chinese food that’s worth the trek. Be sure to ask for the salt and pepper chicken when you call in your to-go order; no meal is complete without this local favorite.
10. Little Chef Chinese Take-Out
4910 Newport Ave, San Diego – (619) 222-6627
When take-out is included in the name of the restaurant, it’s a given that it makes this list. This Ocean Beach establishment is cash only so come prepared when you pick up your order. Give the wonton soup, egg rolls and chow mein a go and consider eating your meal by the beach, which is just a couple blocks away.
