In Hartford, where the craving for authentic Chinese flavors hits as often as someone complains about the I-84 traffic, it’s only right to have your go-to spots for dumplings, noodles, and Peking duck. Whether you’re looking for fiery Szechuan heat, delicate dim sum, or a late-night feast, these restaurants deliver the goods—and deserve every dollar you’ll happily part with.
Chinese Kitchen
$ | (860) 278-6460 | WEBSITE
You might know Chinese Kitchen as a place to experience a culinary adventure with delicious shrimp, lobster, and noodles that reviewers consistently praise. But throughout the rest of the dining experience, it’s a mixed bag. The portion sizes are generous, and the parking is convenient with wheelchair accessibility, making it practical for those in need. However, there are concerns about the delivery staff being rude and loud, affecting the overall experience.
It appears that while the food quality is excellent, the service quality, especially with deliveries, may need improvement.
Fortune Chinese Restaurant
$ | (860) 232-7777 | WEBSITE
Fortune Chinese Restaurant serves up delicious and fresh Chinese cuisine in Hartford, with standout dishes like boneless spare ribs, crab rangoons, and kung pao chicken. The portions run a bit smaller, but the quality is consistently high and satisfying. They also cater well to vegetarian diners with their selection of meat-free options.
China Garden
$$ | (860) 727-0011 | WEBSITE
This Hartford spot is a destination for authentic Chinese cuisine—and those boneless spare ribs definitely count, too. Every visit guarantees proper cooking with high-quality ingredients, accompanied by generous portions that satisfy. Pair all those flavors with a particularly delicious crab Rangoon.
Lucky Stars Asian Cuisine
$ | (860) 937-5928 | WEBSITE
Hartford’s top Chinese takeout spot is another place to enjoy consistently fresh and hot food, even after a 25-minute drive. You can also savor generous portions with standout dishes like Mongolian Beef and pork fried rice, featuring customer favorites such as spare ribs tips, Kung pao chicken, and chicken wings. The service is generally quick, and the owners are praised for their friendliness, though some have reported occasional rude behavior from staff on the phone.
Despite being located in a slightly sketchy area, customers feel comfortable dining in at Lucky Stars Asian Cuisine, which is known for its quality food and generous portions.
New China House
$ | (860) 249-5900 | WEBSITE
Ah, New China House. A place to savor sesame chicken, enjoy something fresh with shrimp, and be satisfied. There’s a lot that happens at this Hartford Chinese restaurant staple—beef dishes that melt in your mouth, crab rangoon that’s a hit with regulars, and more. The white rice and egg roll pair perfectly, and the American-speaking staff makes ordering a breeze. Takeout and delivery keep the experience going at home.
Star Chinese Restaurant
$ | (860) 549-6868 | WEBSITE
Usually, we stop by Star Chinese for some rice before heading home after work. But once a week, the restaurant serves its standout BBQ chicken wing special. Vegetarian options include the excellent tofu dishes, vegetable stir-fry, and more.
China King
$ | (860) 236-6600 | WEBSITE
To be clear, you’re absolutely not going to China King for the ambiance—it is not great. You’re going because this is some of the best Chinese food in Hartford. That means generous portions, standout dishes like the House Special Fried Rice and Chicken & Broccoli combo, and perfectly cooked shrimp with broccoli, not to mention flavorful items like the won ton soup and crispy egg rolls.
(Those are just the basics.) There’s delicious crab rangoon and fresh steak hibachi express bowls on the menu, takeout is often recommended due to the location, and friendly service throughout.
First Wok
$ | (860) 249-8367 | WEBSITE
If there’s one thing that a busy weeknight needs, it’s a classic comfort meal paired with warmth. And at this Hartford spot, you can do just that: enjoy huge portions served by the family running the open counter for reasonable prices. If you’re hungry, there’s a ton of flavorful dishes, and First Wok also serves their curry chicken with rice, which comes highly recommended.
Fung Chinese Restaurant
$ | (860) 956-6888 | WEBSITE
This Hartford Chinese restaurant’s General Tso’s Chicken is probably the most difficult dish to resist ordering—getting just one serving is nearly impossible. But it’s the best Chinese food in the city. The craving is worth it for the modern stone-tiled interior, exemplary Crab Rangoon, some serious Beef Teriyaki, and Shrimp Fried Rice served in generous portions.
Oh yeah, and the service—the friendly staff and quick automated ordering are mainstays, along with the convenient off-street parking that rotates (both literally and metaphorically).
Saigon Kitchen
$ | (860) 244-2511 | WEBSITE
This downtown Hartford spot is a very reliable place to grab an affordably crafted Vietnamese meal and subsequently fill your belly right up. Their lunch options vary, so you’ll want to pay close attention to their menu. In the past, dishes have included the hot and spicy chicken, the crab Rangoon, and other fresh-cooked specialties.