Sydney’s Best Chinese Restaurants Right Now
Eloise Luke
Contributor | Urban List
Every region, province, and ethnic group that makes up the 1.4 billion people in China is so varied and distinct—so you can be sure the cuisine is too. When it comes to eating Chinese food in Sydney, we're covered for all things Sichuan-spiced, sizzling Mongolian, unique Uyghur, crispy Cantonese, and everything in between.
These are the best Chinese restaurants in Sydney right now.
Lee Ho Fook
Level 1/203 Castlereagh Street, Sydney
Image credit: Lee Ho Fook | Instagram
Melbourne institution Lee Ho Fook has landed in Sydney, with chef-owner Victor Liong bringing his acclaimed new-school Chinese restaurant to the CBD. Sitting inside the Porter House precinct, the restaurant carries over the spirit of the original—thoughtful, boundary-pushing Chinese cooking filtered through an unmistakably Australian lens.
The menu draws from across China’s regions, balancing precision and play, with signatures like the cult crispy eggplant in spiced red vinegar joined by premium seafood, luxe meats and dishes that nod to Liong’s fine-dining pedigree. There’s an equally sharp drinks offering too, spanning international wines and cocktails designed to match the kitchen’s layered, punchy flavours.
Insider Intel
- The crispy eggplant is non-negotiable—and if you’re going with a group, settle in for the banquet to get the full Lee Ho Fook experience.
Grandfathers
Angel Place, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Grandfathers | Instagram
A newcomer on the Chinese restaurant scene is Grandfathers. Tucked away in Angel Place right in the heart of the CBD, you’ll find a moody, dimly-lit restaurant serving elevated Cantonese classics with a friendly and attentive service to match. As soon as you step through the sleek glass door onto the plush carpeted entryway, you’ll notice a warm red-hued glow from every diffused antique lamp filling the entire space. In contrast, your eyes will drift to the cool-blue fish tanks that serve as an interactive backdrop behind every cosy banquet booth, adorned with perfectly folded napkins and classic, slightly nostalgic china.
Once you’ve settled in, it’s time to tackle the (very extensive) dinner menu, along with a seasonal live seafood offering, of course—all things we can appreciate (and expect) from a good Chinese spot. Take your time to go through it all before placing your order. They offer banquet set menus ($88 or $138 per person), which are great for the indecisive; however, we’d suggest skipping them and picking a few entrees and mains that tickle your fancy instead.
Peking-style pork ribs are a standout—sweet, tangy, crispy, and fall-off-the-bone tender. Strange Flavour cold-cut chicken swims in a delicious peanut- and sesame-infused chilli oil bath—with a hint of that “strange” numbing Sichuan spice (that’s actually very far from strange and incredibly addictive for those who are familiar). Grandfathers’ signature fried rice may sound simple on paper, but it is done extremely well—every separate rice grain is coated in a combination of smoky-caramelised char siu, sweet tiger prawn and rich fried egg flavours.
Insider Intel
- Don’t leave without ordering the Apple Pie ham siu gok (Cantonese deep-fried dumplings) for dessert, served with a sensible scoop of spicy yet creamy cinnamon ice cream. They’re shaped like green apples (which adds a nice touch of novelty) and rolled in the perfect combo of cinnamon and sugar. Trust us when we say: every chewy, crispy bite is life-changing.
- Portions are generous, and everything is meant to be shared. Dining with a group is the perfect way to try everything. However, if you’re coming here for date night, don’t be afraid to da bao (takeaway leftovers), because over-ordering is inevitable.
Young’s Palace
1 Kellet Street, Potts Point
Image credit: Young's Palace | Instagram
Neon-lit and dripping in vibrant red, Young’s Palace is Potts Point’s newest local Chinese with all the added drama you’d expect in a restaurant in the 2011 postcode. Inspired by all the best Chinatowns that renowned chef Sam Young (AKA Big Sam Young) and partner Grace Chen loved from across the globe, Young’s Palace gives humble Cantonese dishes—like silky steamed egg drizzled in housemade soy, comforting XO egg fried rice and sticky sweet and sour pork—the love and attention they deserve.
For dessert, opt for the fried mantou (bun). Dip generously in condensed milk and enjoy simple flavours done right. And for drinks, indulge in signature cocktails, where every drink highlights Chinese flavours like the fruity Mango Pancake spiked with vodka or the Hong Kong Island Ice Tea—a boozy tipple created from the sweet and herbaceous Chinese tea, Wong Lo Kat.
Insider Intel
-
If you’re heading here with the crew, consider booking the private dining room for a cheeky yet intimate group setting—hidden behind flirty red string curtains.
Lucky Prawn
8/12 Sydney Street, Marrickville
Image credit: Lucky Prawn | Instagram
Retro box lights, simple wooden tables and chairs, and obviously a gigantic golden prawn (rumoured to be the largest golden prawn installation in the southern hemisphere) are all grounded at Lucky Prawn by a plush dark-red carpet sprinkled with busy floral motifs that remind you of all the Chinese restaurants you once visited as a kid.
Helmed by former Cho Cho San chef, Nic Wong, you know you’re in good hands. Residing in the iconic Bob Hawke Beer and Leisure Centre in Marrickville, Lucky Prawn’s menu leans heavily into the Australian-Chinese palate of the late 80s to early 90s—where jarred Kan-Tong sauces defined the Chinese cuisine in Aussie households. Expect sweet and sour pork and king prawns dripping in thick honey—hallmarks of this era—served to every table. And don’t leave without trying their signature prawn toast that’s quartered into neat triangles for easy sharing.
Insider Intel
-
Don’t skip the deep-fried Viennetta for dessert, because everything is better deep fried…even ice cream.
Hong Kong Seafood Stall
2 W Parade, West Ryde
Behind the loud, Broadway-esque name plaque that’s hard to miss as you drive through West Ryde is Hong Kong Seafood Stall. With patronage filled with Chinese aunties and uncles (and the occasional ABC, Australia-Born-Chinese, crowd), you know you’re in for a stellar time.
Take a seat on a slightly unsteady red fold-out chair and peruse an A3 double-page laminated menu filled with all the classics you’d expect at a dai pai dong (street food stall) in Hong Kong. Standouts include the turmeric-stained steamed chicken, braised pork belly that comes in a dramatic sizzling pot, and the classic whole steamed blue cod swimming in a sweet soy sauce, topped with a generous heaping of fresh aromatics like spring onions and julienned ginger.
Insider Intel
- Things here are fast-paced, expect to be rushed to order and dishes to come out in lightning speed. But don’t worry, staff are incredibly friendly and are happy to recommend things off the menu if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed.
- Book a table in advance, or expect a long wait—especially on weekends. Trust us.
You Might Also Like:
- The Best All-You-Can-Eat Buffets In Sydney
- Sydney’s Best Hidden Bars To Try In 2026
- Sydney’s Best Cheap Eats And Dining Deals
Mr Great Hot Pot
53 Burwood Road, Burwood
Image credit: Mr Great Hot Pot | Instagram
If you’re new here, it won’t take you long to realise that Chinese cuisine dominates Burwood. And if you’re not new here, you know that Burwood is the spot for a succulent Chinese meal. Mr Great Hot Pot (a name that screams confidence), is no exception. From the artfully decorated interior, taking cues from street food stalls in China, to the extensive hot pot sauce bar (with upwards of 15 sauces and garnishes for you to choose from), this is the kind of hot pot spot that’s perfect for casual catchups or birthday get-togethers alike.
Each table is fitted with an in-built gas stove for you to cook your favourite hot pot staples right in front of you. Choose two soup bases (we recommend the tomato one) and start plopping in your hot pot heavy-hitters as soon as the soups start bubbling away. From a homemade prawn paste (where you scoop small spoonfuls straight into the soup to create your own prawn meat balls), to a mushroom medley consisting of enoki, king oyster, shiitake, and more, you’ll find something to suit your taste without breaking a sweat.
Insider Intel
-
The sauces set you back $4 per person, so make sure you take advantage of it and get creative. Mix and match your favourites and make a few concoctions to rotate between throughout the night.
Chan Kun Kee
Shop 5/42 Walker Street, Rhodes
Image credit: Chan Kun Kee | Instagram
In an unassuming corner in Rhodes, the first thing you’ll notice are the tanks of live seafood right outside the door. And with a few excited steps within the establishment, you’ll likely be greeted by the in-house fish monger (dressed to the nines in bulky gum boots and an oversized apron, of course) asking you if you’ve booked a table—welcome to Chan Kun Kee.
With over 40 years of history in Hong Kong, Chan Kun Kee opened its doors in Sydney in 2023—drawing crowds who are hungry for authentic flavours (and vibes). Surprisingly, the mountain of single-use plastic tablecloths on each table seem to be the drawcard for those seeking out something intrinsically Hong Kong—where efficiency reigns supreme and the quality of food speaks for itself. The menu is (you guessed it) extensive—from classic XO pipis, beef rice noodles with the perfect amount of wok-hei, to their signature umami claypot fish-flavoured eggplant, there’s something for everyone. Don’t overthink it—just order whatever you’re in the mood for and you’ll be ‘right.
Insider Intel
-
Prices here are surprisingly affordable (music to our ears in this economy), but portion sizes aren’t as generous as you’d expect—however, this isn’t an entirely bad thing, as you’ll get to taste a bit of everything without feeling too stuffed.
Pearl Dining
Entry on Young St Quay Quarter Tower, AMP Building, Level 1/50 Bridge Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Pearl Dining | Instagram
An elevated take on a Chinese restaurant by the beloved Lotus Dining Group, Pearl takes inspiration from Hong Kong with a menu spanning the three main elements of dim sum, barbeque and seafood.
Expect textbook Peking duck (which takes three days to prepare), char siu pork and live seafood alongside dim sum, soups, rice and noodles integrating plenty of premium ingredients, plus a 200-strong wine list and signature cocktails.
Insider Intel
- Book a private dining room with primo Sydney Harbour Bridge views for the top-tier experience.
Spicy Joint
Various Locations
Spicy Joint does exactly what it says on the tin: a tin that should come slapped with a heavy warning label. It’s a Chinese restaurant chain restaurant hailing from Szechuan Province, and the Haymarket venue is a luxurious setting to feast on fiery fish dishes like chilli chicken, brisket hotpot, and handmade dumplings.
Insider Intel
- Portions at these Sydney Chinese restaurants are huge, so bring some backup.
Mr Wong
3 Bridge Lane, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Mr Wong | Instagram
Make a booking at Mr Wong for Cantonese classics in an intimate atmospheric setting that's a level up from your neighbourhood Chinese restaurant. With a whole room dedicated to producing incredibly crisp-skinned roasted ducks, they better be on your order, plus a few serves of dumplings, king crab fried rice, and crispy fried Balmain bugs.
Insider Intel
- Tunes wise, expect moody jazz to accompany your meal—untraditional for a Chinese feast, but not unwelcome.
Steam King
5/203-209 Thomas Street, Haymarket
Image credit: Steam King | Instagram
Hearty, wholesome and home-style, Steam King is hands-down one of the best Chinese restaurants in Sydney for its welcoming feel alone. Order up traditional Cantonese soups, steamed Chinese delicacies and wok-fried dishes served generously.
Insider Intel
- This is not quite a cheap and cheerful Chinese—their signature dishes will set you back a pretty penny, but if you're after delicacy, you've reached the right place.
Zilver Restaurant
Level 6 600/1 Anderson Street, Chatswood
The original location has shut up shop, but you can still check out Zilver if you’re hungering for great Chinese classics and top-notch yum cha.
The typically Cantonese offering of dim sum is delivered with an eye for authenticity and flair alongside a live seafood spread including lobster, mud crab, abalone, pipis and fish, and an old-school Peking duck service.
Insider Intel
- If in doubt, go for a banquet—there are three, starting at $68pp.
Lotus
Various Locations
Image credit: Lotus Dining | Instagram
With a few locations, the refined Chinese cuisine at Lotus is absolutely some of the best in Sydney. Our pick is The Gardens by Lotus, set in the Chinese Gardens of Friendship and overlooking red-tiled pagodas and trickling ponds.
The hand-pleated dumplings like scallop siu mai and crystal prawn dumplings are a must-order, as are the Balmain bugs with soy bean, chilli and lemon.
Insider Intel
- To avoid the pain of decision-making, there are banquets that start at $69pp, and a couple of weekend grazing menus too.
Northern Chinese Noodle Restaurant
186-188 Harris Street, Pyrmont
Image credit: Northern Chinese Noodle Restaurant | Instagram
There’s a reason Northern Chinese Noodle Restaurant has a queue out the door every single lunchtime. The no-frills northern Chinese cuisine like peanut chicken and chilli eggplant is addictive while their dumplings, hand-pulled noodles and plates of crispy fried veg are worth making saving room for too.
Taste Of Shunde
Shop15 A5, A7/1 Lakeside Road, Eastwood | 9-11 Crofts Avenue, Hurstville
Proudly repping the hometown of Bruce Lee, Taste of Shunde is a Chinese restaurant focused on Shunde cuisine (from the Shunde district of Foshan, in China’s south-east).
You can try a textbook example of crispy skinned roast goose—the signature dish of the region—as well as massive steamed seafood platters, and a solid selection of Chinese desserts like double-skinned milk and walnut buns.
Insider Intel
- Our pick? The leopard coral trout, served as sashimi for market price.
Kowloon Cafe
Various Locations
Image credit: Kowloon Cafe | Instagram
A Hong Kong-style cafe serving a menu divided between quick bites and larger meals, Kowloon Cafe serves authentic street food like pineapple buns with thick slabs of butter and fried rice with prawn covered in soft scrambled eggs in a mock market setting.
Insider Intel
- The Hong Kong-style French toast is a must-try, as is the fish ball noodle soup.
Fortune Village
209 Clarence Street, Sydney CBD
Fortune Village is a family-run establishment that's been serving up modern and classic Chinese food since 1981. Expect a range of all of your favourite Chinese dishes like beef and black beans, Szechuan chilli fish, and salt and pepper prawns, and definitely try their signature tamarind chicken.
XOPP By Golden Century
Level M, Shop 31/1 Little Pier Street, Haymarket
Image credit: XOPP By Golden Century | Instagram
If you consider yourself a veteran of Sydney’s food scene, you’ll no doubt be acquainted with Golden Century’s pipis with XO sauce.
While the original venue is no longer, the dish remains at XOPP, as well as stunners like kingfish with doubanjiang and finger lime, scallop and edamame san choy bao, and chicken liver parfait with Shaoxing wine on Chinese doughnuts.
Insider Intel
- Expect contemporary Cantonese along with private dining spaces, a separate bar area with an edited menu and a 250-strong wine list.
Chiu Chou Garden Chinese Seafood Restaurant
a7/2-10 Central Avenue, Thornleigh
This Chaozhou-style restaurant serves authentic eastern-Chinese cuisine in an unassuming setting. It’s a local hot spot for families and those looking for a big feed with friendly service and a strong reputation, so make sure to try the congee and the fried flat noodles to see what all the fuss is about.
China Doll
4/6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo
Image credit: China Doll | Instagram
Perched waterside on the historic finger wharves, China Doll has been one of Sydney's favourite Chinese restaurants since 2004. Described as modern Asian, you'll catch influences here from Korea, Indonesia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Macau, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Taiwan and Vietnam, and all regions of China.
Start your visit with xo seafood crispy rolls and dumplings or five spice-fried tofu with ginger and soy before mains like salt and pepper king prawns with wok-toasted chilli and garlic, and masterstock-braised pork belly with chilli caramel and nam pla phrik.
Insider Intel
- Head to the Baby Doll Bar for elevated drinks and a small plates-focus.
Yummy Chinese Barbecue
1 Dixon Street, Sydney CBD
You can’t cover the range of Chinese food without mentioning Chinese BBQ and Yummy Chinese Barbecue is one of the best in Sydney.
They offer all-you-can-eat skewers that rotate freely over hot coals right in front of you and their lamb is perfectly juice.
Insider Intel
- It’s worth branching out beyond the BBQ too as their spicy beef soup and red bean dessert buns are awesome.
Main image credit: Youngs Palace | Instagram
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy, or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.
Sydney’s Best Markets To Explore In 2026
The Best Delis In Sydney For Stuffed Sandwiches And Gourmet Goodies
