We can all agree that most food is better when you eat at the restaurant. But in our current situation, we’re also looking out for the best food that travels well. Chinese does just that. And these 23 places do it better than anyone else in town, at least according to Yelp users.

China Jade 2190 Brookpark Rd., Cleveland “I’ve been coming here since I was a child. When I think of Chinese, this is what I compare everything to. I live in San Diego now, and I can’t find any Chinese like this. Best wonton soup and egg rolls you’ll find anywhere.” David L. on Yelp Photo via China Jade Credit: Scene Archives
Hunan East 724 Richmond Rd., Cleveland “Excellent Chinese food, and very authentic. I love their pan-fried noodles. One order is enough for two people. Their beef stew is delicious too. Prices are very affordable for the amount of food. I would highly recommend,” Ben C. on Yelp Photo via Hunan East/Facebook Credit: Scene Archives
Richie Chan’s Chinese Restaurant 13181 Cedar Rd., Cleveland “This wonderful restaurant has authentic Cantonese food prepared by the owners – a husband and wife team who work hard from morning until late at night. The food is fresh and plentiful. Portions are generous and very reasonably priced. We were delighted with our order, and everything was delicious. Richie Chan’s has become our go-to place for Chinese food. Highly recommended!” Bip N. on Yelp Photo via Wikimedia Commons Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Ball Ball Waffle 2999 Payne Ave., Cleveland Aldous Lau says that egg waffles (also known as bubble waffles) are one of the most popular street foods in Hong Kong, his hometown. Around since the 1950s, the trend has slowly been spreading across the globe, where the picturesque, honeycomb-shaped snacks are consumed throughout the day. Up until now, Cleveland has been surprisingly lacking in the treats. After noticing that dearth, Lau and his wife Alice opened Ball Ball Waffle inside Asia Plaza. Both sweet and savory ($5-$6) options are available, with some coming naked while others feature cheese, chocolate or matcha and mochi. Photo by Douglas Trattner
Szechwan Garden 13800 Detroit Ave., Lakewood “Best Chinese Restaurant in Lakewood. Been getting takeout here for over 20 years. Always good food and reasonable priced. Definitely recommend for a good quick eat dine in or takeout,” Kyle W. on Yelp. Photo via Scene Archives
Sichuan Hot Pot 2162 Rockwell Ave., Cleveland “With all the great Chinese in Asiatown, I thought this would be a pretty good bet for dinner. It was a GREAT experience- incredible food, really friendly staff. We had fun with 8 people, ordered a ton of food, and it was all delicious. Favorites at the table were the cumin beef, spicy fish, and kung pao chicken. My new go-to!” Emily C. on Yelp Photo by Doug Trattner
Szechuan Cafe 2999 Payne Ave. Ste. 142, Cleveland “This is simply one of the best Chinese restaurants in Cleveland in my opinion. Located in the back of Asia Plaza (behind Li Wah), it’s worth the effort to track it down. All the food is awesome – some of the best flavors I’ve ever tasted, hot, fresh and quality ingredients. While I mostly eat lunch here during the week, I’ve come up over the weekend for their hot pots and they are a ton of fun and very tasty,” Dave C. on Yelp Photo via Szechuan Cafe/Facebook
Li Wah 2999 Payne Ave., Cleveland “I’ve only ever done take out from Li Wah, so I can’t speak to the quality of the restaurant interior. However, this is the greatest Chinese food in Cleveland! Authentic, delicious, and their dim sum survives the ride home. Highly recommend, especially for those accustomed to Chinese from NYC,” Sarah S. on Yelp Photo via Li Wah/Facebook
LJ Shanghai 3142 Superior Ave., Cleveland “I love this place and I’m so thankful that they are open during COVID. The quality of the food is always consistent, fresh and full of flavor! My absolute favorite item is the Shanghai pan fried flat noodles, best noodles I have ever had!!! And today I tried the Spicy Chaoshou, amazing tender wonton in an outstanding chili oil sauce! This place has to be the best noodle shop in the US, no doubt about it,” Areej K. on Yelp Photo via Scene Archives
Imperial Wok 33825 Aurora Rd., Solon “We got a takeout order from here and had a great experience. The ordering process was quick and seamless. Even on a very busy night, the customer service was pleasant and efficient. The food was ready on time when we picked it up. We got an order of Szechwan Chicken and an order of Sesame Chicken. Everything was delicious, and the food was warm even after the car ride home. Everything here seemed fresh and well-prepared. We will definitely be ordering again soon and coming to dine in!” J H. on Yelp Photo via Imperial Wok/Facebook
Szechuan Gourmet 1735 East 36th St., Cleveland “This place is the best Szechuanese in Cleveland, and one of my all-time favourite places to eat. Bring a bunch of friends so that A) you can order family-style and get like 20 dishes, and B) so that you can all be uncomfortably full together when you walk out after an incredibly delicious meal. Some of the greatest hits are spicy crispy fish fillet, eggplant in black bean sauce, lamb with cumin, dan dan noodles, the hot pots, and the green beans. Having said that, I also have ordered and devoured almost everything on the menu at this point, and it’s all very very tasty,” Nick D. on Yelp Photo via @Dorjans/Instagram
Siam Cafe 3951 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland “This is some of the best Asian food in Cleveland. Whether you eat in or take out, the food is wonderful. The veggies always taste fresh and any dish I have had has been cooked perfectly. What’s nice is they are open late so after a show downtown, you can stop in for great service and amazing food,” Woody D. on Yelp Photo via @Mayepaz/Instagram
Dagu Rice Noodle 3710 Payne Ave., Cleveland We’re always happy for more additions to our growing Asia Town. Dagu Rice Noodle has hundreds of locations throughout China, where the Shanghai-based restaurant began, a handful in Canada, and only one or two in the States. The house specialty is “crossing the bridge noodles,” a noodle soup-based meal that is similar, but not identical, to hot pot, and it’s quite delicious. Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Doug Trattner
Ho Wah 2101 Richmond Rd., Beachwood “Really enjoy this spot for Chinese food. Fresh and quick with quite a great selection including some items I have not seen on a menu before. Shrimp is large and juicy, chicken dishes tender and the sauces very flavorful. The wonton soup is fantastic as are the giant egg rolls. Did I mention the serving sizes are HUGE!” Susan K. on Yelp Photo via Ho Wah/Facebook Credit: Scene Archives
Han Chinese Kabob and Grill 3710 Payne Ave.., Cleveland “I love a good Chinese restaurant. I’ve been a “regular” at Han for the better part of two years now, and while there are a couple of close seconds in the area, Han for me is the best! I’m in there at least once a week for lunch, if not more. I’ve never had a bad experience at Han, and I often find new things, or specials to try. If you like Chinese, and care to be a little daring, Han is the place to open you up to a whole new world of Chinese food,” Gregg T. on Yelp Photo via Han Chinese Kabob and Grill/Facebook Credit: Scene Archives
Emperor’s Palace 2136 Rockwell Ave., Cleveland “Five stars, to me, means close to perfection, so I don’t award them lightly. But Emperor’s Palace is truly outstanding–and I didn’t even know that it existed until Chinese New Year, when my Chinese friends took me there for a super-delicious meal. I recommended the restaurant to all my friends, regardless of national origin. I haven’t had the opportunity to eat there again, but I am eager to do so. My opinion: well worth a try, if you like authentic, tasty Chinese food. (Obviously I do!)” Debbie J. on Yelp Photo via Emperor’s Palace/Facebook
Bo Loong 3922 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland “Dim Sum at the Bo Loong Restaurant reminds me of growing up in Hong Kong. Going to dim sum over there was done multiple times a week! Bo Loong is always excellent and always authentic from the friendliness of the ladies pushing the carts of dim sum around to the freshness of the food,” Ross B. on Yelp Photo via Bo Loong/Facebook

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