Whether you spotted it on a foodie’s Instagram story, heard whispers from a coworker, or simply felt that deep, undeniable craving for dumplings, there will come a time when you need to find truly great Chinese food in Arlington. And, if you consider a perfect plate of mapo tofu a necessity, you’ll want to know where to go.
Grand Hunan Restaurant
$ | (703) 536-6267 | WEBSITE
A search for Arlington’s best Chinese food without at least one stop for reliably tasty Cantonese? We wouldn’t dare, and neither should you. Choose Grand Hunan Restaurant, a welcoming spot for affordable and flavorful dishes in the area. Order the Orange chicken with plain rice or fried rice for a little extra—it’s the perfect amount of savory for a satisfying meal. Two popular dishes and a side will run you about $18.
Panda Bowl Restaurant
$ | (703) 271-9881 | WEBSITE
In the heart of Arlington, you’ll find a high density of office buildings, the entrance to the Metro station, and—if you’re hungry—more than one Chinese delivery option. Locate your nearest Panda Bowl, and be prepared to spend $12 on a meal. Then find somewhere to unpack it, hopefully with plenty of utensils and napkins included. You did it. You never have to cook again. Now go enjoy your hot and delicious wontons.
Panda Cafe
$ | (703) 524-1988 | WEBSITE
Panda Cafe is absolutely one of the best Chinese takeout spots in Arlington, and we’ll never regret our decision to order the Singapore noodles and General Tso’s chicken here, and then enjoy them at home with their generous portions and fresh ingredients. However, if we did it again, we might consider trying their house lo mein with shrimp, or sampling the vegetable fried rice for a slightly different flavor profile.
NiHao Arlington
$$ | (703) 512-4109 | WEBSITE
We planned to try that new fusion spot across from the metro, but the wait was ridiculous. A story we all know too well. That’s what led us to NiHao Arlington, an authentic Chinese restaurant in Crystal City that’s been serving up tapas-style classics. When you arrive, grab a seat at one of the cozy tables—we know, you might not expect such a lively yet welcoming vibe—and then watch as plates of Shanghai Soup Dumplings and Chongqing Spicy Chicken float by.
Order the Husband & Wife and the Mandarin Branzino—the dumplings are solid, but the branzino’s sauce is perfectly balanced.
China Express
$ | (703) 522-0707 | WEBSITE
Right in the heart of Arlington you’ll find China Express. (A quick stop for takeout—perfect for those busy evenings.) This compact spot is home to a Singapore noodle dish that might even impress your most skeptical friend who thinks all takeout is the same. Order the chicken and broccoli, which they prepare with such care you can taste the quality in every bite. Even if you’re not in the mood for a full meal—long day at work, we get it—grab some mu shu to go.
Your dinner plans are sorted, and even reheated the next day, this food holds up beautifully.
CHIKO
$$ | (571) 312-0774 | WEBSITE
As the age-old saying goes “but first, food.” For you, that’ll happen at CHIKO, a Chinese fusion restaurant in Arlington. The casual, bustling space has a lot of tables where it might seem like you should sit back and relax for a while. Don’t do that. Order whatever gets you going for the evening, and then make a beeline for dinner.
Eastern Carryout & Cafe
$ | (703) 807-2121 | WEBSITE
For a reliable Chinese American fix—essential on a busy weeknight—head to Eastern Carryout & Cafe, a neighborhood spot in Arlington that’s been serving generous portions since it opened. There are also gluten-free options like spicy tofu, but stick to their classics on your first visit. We like the General Tso’s Beef, because it’s satisfying and has the perfect balance of crispy coating and savory-sweet sauce. They also have outdoor seating, if you’re in the mood to dine al fresco.
Peter Chang
$$ | (703) 538-6688 | WEBSITE
We find the Arlington location of Peter Chang to be a surprisingly nice restaurant. It also happens to have a large, family-friendly dining room, quiet unassuming decor, and excellent eggplant small plates that are like Asian fries. Order the ghost chicken, cooked to perfection—spicy but not overwhelming—or the Mongolian beef, tender pieces in rich sauce that can be made spicy upon request. Then share the large dishes meant for families, though be prepared for the extra charge for white rice.
You’re almost at the end of a satisfying meal.
P.F. Chang’s
$$ | (571) 517-8242 | WEBSITE
Yes, we’re proposing a full meal at the airport. First of all, P.F. Chang’s at DCA is a reliable spot, and if you’ve never tried it, a layover is as good a time as any. Second, they have outlets. The seating might be tight, but they do have them. And third, a bowl of wonton soup after hours of travel takes the edge off immensely. You’ll spend that last hour before your flight feeling satisfied. Your stress will feel unused.
Lucky Danger
$ | (703) 817-5213 | WEBSITE
This recommendation will only apply to you if you crave Chinese comfort food. Sorry. But if you do, Lucky Danger is the spot in Arlington where you should order whatever pork dumplings they’ve got. We ate Orange Chicken all the way through dinner, leaving a trail of satisfied smiles at our table.
Peking Pavilion
$ | (703) 237-6868 | WEBSITE
Driving anywhere near Arlington and not stopping for at least one order of dumplings feels like a culinary crime, so we had to make a detour. Among the solid choices, there’s Peking Pavilion, a family-run spot where a steaming plate of four vegetarian dumplings will set you back about $8. Drizzle them with their house-made soy-ginger sauce, and then enjoy them at one of their cozy booths.