If Peking duck grew on cacti, we’d be planting those things 24/7. Fortunately, it grows in kitchens—where it’s hot and fragrant and full of spices so bold we all just call them “Sichuan peppercorns.” And maybe that’s why great Chinese food feels so special. The good news is, authentic spots exist. Here’s our list of the best ones in Mesa.
P.F. Chang’s
$$ | (480) 218-4900 | WEBSITE
Not to be dramatic, but there is no better celebratory dinner in the city. This Mesa spot is vibrant, with spacious booths and warm lighting, and it’s where you should bring your whole family for a feast. When the game ends, there’s no need to leave—follow your lettuce wraps and dumplings with a plate of Mongolian beef, and maybe a round of cocktails.
Spice Spirit Chinese Cuisine and Bar 麻辣诱惑
$$ | (480) 809-6030 | WEBSITE
Spice Spirit is a great spot to visit when you’re craving a flavorful escape to authentic Chinese cuisine right here in Mesa. The spacious dining room, friendly owner and staff, and consistently delicious dishes make it a perfect place to keep the xiaolongbao and Hunan-style spicy beef coming as the evening unfolds.
Lotus Garden Chinese Cuisine
$ | (480) 357-2720 | WEBSITE
Fried rice fans, here’s a very specific tip just for you. At Lotus Garden in Mesa, the House Fried Rice goes for $14, and select appetizers go for $9. But the $9 wonton soup? It’s also served with a side of crispy tofu. That’s like a bonus on top of a bonus. Savory chicken dumplings and shrimp dishes are also available.
Yen Ching Restaurant
$ | (480) 985-4801 | WEBSITE
Those craving classic Chinese flavors deserve handmade dumplings, too. Come to Yen Ching Restaurant any evening and they’ll prepare your pot stickers fresh to order, and you can also get the egg drop soup and chow mein combination.
Tasty Joe’s Asian Diner Chinese Cuisine
$ | (480) 832-4888 | WEBSITE
Tasty Joe’s Asian Diner is a neighborhood Chinese spot in Mesa, with bright lighting and dishes full of fresh veggies and plenty of meat. If you can swing by during lunch hours, grab a table near the window and enjoy the lunch special, with a generous serving of food for under $9.50.
Original Cuisine
$$ | (602) 625-4405 | WEBSITE
Original Cuisine is the ultimate all-purpose Chinese restaurant. You can use it for family dinners, after-work takeout, and celebratory weekend feasts. But you should also be using it for late-night dining, when they serve generous portions of their authentic dishes and stay open for those craving flavorful options.
Jeong’s Noodle Mesa
$ | (562) 219-6582 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving Korean noodles anywhere near Mesa, you should know about Jeong’s Noodle. The spot, tucked inside the H-Mart food hall, draws us in with its flavorful, traditional dishes like jjampong and jajangmyeon. They serve up generous portions with plenty of seafood and chewy, bouncy noodles, and the jjampong stands out with its strong, savory broth. Come after a day of shopping—it’s worth the quick stop inside the market.
Asian Station Chinese Food
$ | (480) 380-7222 | WEBSITE
At Asian Station Chinese Food, a popular Chinese restaurant in Mesa, you’ll probably order online for convenience, but the food will be worth it. Come by during lunch hours when there’s excellent value, or head over at dinner for the same generous portions.
Ginger Zing
$ | (480) 325-0558 | WEBSITE
Ginger Zing bills itself as one of Mesa’s favorite Chinese take-out spots—and while we’ve never spotted local celebrities there picking up orders of General Tso’s chicken, you will find plenty of regulars waiting for their reliably delicious meals at this cozy restaurant. There are no dine-in tables to go with your flavorful lettuce wraps, but they do include a sweet surprise like fresh sugar donuts with many family orders.
J & M Chinese Restaurant
$ | (480) 986-6882 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving authentic Chinese classics and want to enjoy a cozy meal in Mesa, there’s no better spot to visit than J & M Chinese Restaurant. Their menu is packed with crowd-pleasing dishes, but the sesame chicken is particularly outstanding, as all their generous entrees are priced between $12 and $18.
King’s Chef Chinese Food
$ | (480) 833-9259 | WEBSITE
At this Chinese spot in Mesa, you’ll find a cozy dining room with red lanterns, a mural of a panda chef, and a steady stream of families and takeout regulars. Come for a quick lunch or a casual dinner with the kids during the busy dinner rush from 5-8pm, when combo plates are $12 and egg drop soup comes with every order.