Cleveland, Ohio, has an incredible food scene, and its Chinese restaurants stand out for their rich flavors, diverse menus, and authentic culinary traditions. Whether you’re craving dumplings, hot pot, or a plate of General Tso’s chicken, the city offers a wide range of options.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best Chinese restaurants in Cleveland, categorized by authenticity, style, and specialty. We’ll also cover must-try dishes, insider dining tips, and frequently asked questions. Get ready to satisfy your cravings!
Best Chinese Restaurants in Cleveland
| Restaurant Name | Specialty | Location | Must-Try Dish |
| Li Wah | Dim Sum | Chinatown | Shrimp Dumplings |
| Szechuan Gourmet | Spicy Sichuan | Midtown | Mapo Tofu |
| LJ Shanghai | Soup Dumplings | AsiaTown | Xiaolongbao |
| Hunan Coventry | American-Chinese | Cleveland Heights | General Tso’s Chicken |
| Emperor’s Palace | Takeout & Dine-In | Parma | Mongolian Beef |
| Pearl of the Orient | Fusion Chinese | Rocky River | Orange Chicken |
| King Wah | Dim Sum Buffet | Westlake | Char Siu Pork Buns |
| China Sea | Buffet | Parma | Sweet & Sour Chicken |
Best Authentic Chinese Restaurants
Li Wah – A Dim Sum Lover’s Dream
Overview: Li Wah is a staple in Cleveland’s Chinatown, known for its traditional dim sum service and extensive Cantonese menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow) – A dim sum classic with delicate, translucent wrappers.
- BBQ Pork Buns – Soft, fluffy buns filled with sweet and savory BBQ pork.
- Peking Duck – Crispy-skinned duck served with pancakes and hoisin sauce.
What Makes It Special?
Li Wah’s traditional push-cart dim sum service brings an authentic experience. It’s one of the few places in Cleveland offering this unique dining style.
Szechuan Gourmet – The Spice Haven
Overview: Specializing in Sichuan cuisine, this restaurant is a paradise for spice lovers.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Mapo Tofu – Silken tofu in a bold, numbing chili sauce.
- Szechuan Fish Fillet – Flaky white fish in a spicy, peppercorn-infused broth.
- Dan Dan Noodles – Spicy, nutty, and full of umami flavors.
What Makes It Special?
Szechuan Gourmet is famous for its use of mala (numbing spice), a signature of Sichuan cuisine. The bold flavors set it apart from other Chinese spots in Cleveland.
LJ Shanghai – Home of Soup Dumplings
Overview: This cozy eatery specializes in Shanghai cuisine, particularly its famous Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
Must-Try Dishes:
- Xiaolongbao – Steamed dumplings filled with hot, flavorful broth.
- Scallion Pancakes – Crispy, flaky, and packed with savory scallion flavor.
- Braised Pork Belly – Tender, slow-cooked pork in a rich, sweet-savory sauce.
What Makes It Special?
LJ Shanghai offers a taste of true Shanghai-style dishes, which are hard to find in Cleveland.
Best American-Chinese Restaurants
Hunan Coventry – A Local Favorite
Overview: Located in Cleveland Heights, Hunan Coventry serves up delicious, familiar American-Chinese dishes.
Must-Try Dishes:
- General Tso’s Chicken – Crispy chicken tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce.
- Egg Rolls – Crunchy rolls stuffed with fresh veggies and pork.
- Sesame Beef – Tender beef coated in a rich sesame glaze.
What Makes It Special?
Hunan Coventry blends traditional techniques with American-Chinese flavors, making it a hit among locals.
Emperor’s Palace – High-Quality Takeout & Dine-In
Overview: A well-loved spot for both sit-down dining and takeout, Emperor’s Palace delivers consistency and quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Mongolian Beef – Sautéed beef with scallions and a sweet-savory sauce.
- Kung Pao Chicken – Spicy, nutty, and packed with flavor.
- Crab Rangoon – Crispy wontons filled with creamy crab mixture.
What Makes It Special?
Their generous portions and excellent service make this a go-to for Chinese food lovers in Cleveland.
Pearl of the Orient – Fusion-Style Excellence
Overview: Combining traditional and modern flavors, Pearl of the Orient brings a unique twist to classic dishes.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Orange Chicken – Crispy chicken coated in a tangy citrus sauce.
- Lo Mein – Stir-fried noodles with fresh vegetables and protein options.
- Peking Pork Chops – Juicy pork chops in a sweet-savory glaze.
What Makes It Special?
This spot balances authentic recipes with modern flavors, making it a great choice for all tastes.
Best Chinese Buffets & Dim Sum Spots
King Wah – The Dim Sum Experience
Overview: Known for its weekend dim sum service, King Wah is a favorite among locals.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Steamed Shrimp Dumplings
- Char Siu Pork Buns
- Salt & Pepper Squid
China Sea – Affordable Buffet
Overview: A great choice for those who love variety at an affordable price.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Fried Rice
- Szechuan Green Beans
Conclusion
Cleveland’s Chinese food scene is vibrant and diverse. Whether you prefer authentic regional dishes or American-Chinese classics, there’s something for everyone. Explore these restaurants and enjoy the best flavors Cleveland has to offer!
FAQs
What is the best Chinese restaurant in Cleveland for dim sum?
Li Wah is the top spot for authentic dim sum.
Which Chinese restaurant in Cleveland offers the spiciest dishes?
Szechuan Gourmet specializes in bold, spicy flavors.
Where can I find the best Chinese takeout in Cleveland?
Emperor’s Palace and Hunan Coventry are great options.
What’s the best place for Chinese noodles in Cleveland?
LJ Shanghai is famous for its hand-pulled noodles.
Which Chinese buffet in Cleveland is worth visiting?
China Sea offers a great selection at an affordable price.
What’s the best vegetarian-friendly Chinese restaurant?
Many places, including Li Wah and Pearl of the Orient, have excellent vegetarian options.
Where can I find an authentic Peking duck in Cleveland?
Li Wah and Emperor’s Palace serve excellent Peking duck.
What’s the best Chinese spot for large groups?
King Wah is great for family-style dining.
Where can I get the best soup dumplings in Cleveland?
LJ Shanghai specializes in Xiaolongbao.
What’s the best upscale Chinese restaurant in Cleveland?
Mister Lee’s Fine Asian Dining offers a more refined experience.