Best Chinese Restaurants In Chicago

Best Chinese/Chicago

Chinese cuisine follows the concept of yin and yang, a philosophy which lies at the heart of Chinese culture. The best Chinese foods always have a balance of color, flavor and texture, making it a popular type of cuisine all over the world.

Every year, thousands of diners embark on the city of Chicago to please their palates with a variety of culinary creations from some of the best restaurants in the world.

Many of these diners end up in Chinese restaurants to sample traditional favorites such as Sesame Chicken, Peking Duck and Sweet and Sour Pork.

With the amount of Chinese restaurants located in the city, it's hard to pick just one. Visiting the Chinatown neighborhood is one way to find a traditional Chinese restaurant.  This neighborhood is home to more than 50 restaurants covering cuisine from Shanghai, Cantonese, Hunan and Sichuan. Besides Chinatown, there are a slew of other restaurants to try if you want some of the best Chinese in the city.

Ben Pao
52 W. Illinois St.
(312) 222-1888
Average Dinner Entree: $8-$15

This is Lettuce Entertain You's first venture into Asian cuisine, and it has done very well. The menu here features Mandarin, Cantonese, Szechwan and Hunan foods; there are also vegetarian options. The décor is minimalist and sleek. Ben Pao also offers a Hot Pot Cafe, where diners can cook their own food at one of the four tables featuring electric hot pots. This was voted as Chicago's best Chinese restaurant on the AOL City Guide.

Dee's Mandarin
1114 W. Armitage Ave.
(773) 477-1500

Located in Lincoln Park, this restaurant features Szechwan mandarin cuisine made with the freshest of ingredients. While it is a popular carry-out spot, the dining room is very comfortable, boasting three unique eating spots. The host, owner Dee herself, is very hospitable and welcoming.

Won Kow
2237 S. Wentworth Ave.
(312) 842-7500
Average Dinner Entree: $10 or more

Established in 1929, this historic restaurant was Chinatown's first Chinese restaurant. It is located on the second floor of the building and can only be reached by climbing a steep staircase. It features some of the city's best Chinese food, featuring Cantonese and Northern-style cuisine and Dim Sum service daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lao Sze Chaun
2172 S. Archer Ave.
(312) 326-5040
Average Dinner Entree: $8-$15

This restaurant, known for having some of Chicago's best Chinese food, features Szechwan-style dishes ranging from mainstream to authentic, making it perfect for a variety of palates. Hot pots are also available, which makes for fun and interactive dining. This restaurant, which features some of the best Chinese food in the city, also caters and has private rooms for large parties.

Phoenix
2131 S. Archer Ave.
(312) 328-0848
Average Dinner Entree: $8-$15

This popular spot for some of the city's best Chinese food is located just around the corner from Chinatown's main street. The inside looks like a hotel dining room. Phoenix specializes in catering large parties in the restaurant; one of the two dining rooms even has a small dance floor. They serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, with Dim Sum service also available. They also have a special Chinese New Year menu.