If you’re seeking a quiet, authentic Chinese meal, this list might disappoint. But if you’re looking to spot North Bay’s movers and shakers over dim sum, or that local influencer whose food posts you secretly stalk, welcome. Some spots have been local institutions for decades. Others are the new hotness. But all guarantee you’ll be seen savoring, socializing, and maybe wearing your fortune-cookie luck on your sleeve.
Loi’s Restaurant
$$ | (705) 472-2855 | WEBSITE
Inside Loi’s Restaurant, a Chinese eatery so popular in North Bay it may as well be the only one, everything tastes hot and fresh with decent portion sizes. And someone’s always at the counter picking up an order while waiting for their General Tso’s chicken.
But the best way to enjoy the food is at home, where the aroma of lemon sauce mingles with crispy breaded chicken, and regulars who’ve been coming since early 2022 settle into their sofas with containers scattered all over the coffee table—like a feast on a weeknight.
Dave Green Papaya
$$ | (705) 476-8883 | WEBSITE
This cozy Thai spot in North Bay has been a local favorite since it opened, but the owners’ meticulous attention to quality and the kitchen’s standout General Tao and Pad Thai have effectively turned it into a must-visit destination. On a recent evening, we saw every table filled with a steady stream of regulars and newcomers, but the friendly staff’s welcoming service just makes it feel more inviting when you finally settle in.
Anyone who appreciates flavorful soups of the day like the praised Hot and Sour, or considers exploring vegetarian options a priority, will feel right at home.
Green Applelicious Asian Cuisine
$ | (705) 474-8666 | WEBSITE
Don’t let the spotless tables fool you. They aren’t just for show. That’s what sterile cafeterias are for. Like everyone else at this North Bay gem, they’re here to savor authentic Chinese cooking and share generous family-style plates. On busy nights, enjoy your DINNER FOR 2A in the bright dining room, where you’ll find a mix of regulars lingering over their dim sum and first-time visitors marveling at the MSG-free flavors that keep them coming back.
Chopsticks
$$ | (705) 840-6988 | WEBSITE
Some Chinese restaurants fade after their initial buzz. But the steady stream of customers at Chopsticks has only grown since it became North Bay’s go-to spot. It’s takeout-focused, which in practice means there’s efficient delivery and patrons who appreciate generous portions. Chopsticks also happens to serve fantastic food, so there’s technically quality, and sometimes people even rave about it. Most importantly, this little hidden gem is a reliable place for a satisfying meal.
Lee’s China Garden Restaurant
$ | (705) 474-1334 | WEBSITE
Whether you grew up eating Chinese food every Sunday or discovered dim sum during a layover in Hong Kong because of your deep, spiritual connection with dumplings, Lee’s China Garden is the proper place to be enthusiastic about it. The North Bay spot offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for sharing, with efficient and hospitable waitstaff who keep things moving.
It’s a satisfying simulation of a casual Chinese restaurant where families and friends tackle fishbowl-sized portions of delicious dim sum and other consistently good dishes while attempting to finish everything—though leftovers are practically guaranteed given the incredibly generous quantities. With reasonable prices and exceptional value, it’s a great choice for anyone seeking some of the best Chinese food in the area without pretense.
George’s China Kitchen
$ | (705) 472-8980 | WEBSITE
By day, this North Bay Chinese spot is a mix of regulars and families grabbing takeout: worn-in baseball caps from local teams, possibly purchased at the sporting goods store down the street, and reusable containers stacked up by the register. By night, expect couples in comfortable sweaters who look a little like they’ve been coming here for years, trying to reconnect with the flavors they remember from better times over General Tso’s chicken.
The evening crowd skews nostalgic, quietly loyal, and also more likely to have their order here remembered by the longtime staff. But the memories aren’t just personal. Regulars have their own rating system for which dishes still deliver, and the kitchen staff regularly shares their portion reports from the lunch and dinner rushes.
Golden China Restaurant
$ | (705) 476-4530 | WEBSITE
It’s been around for years, but Golden China Restaurant has always known exactly what it is. When you walk in, the North Bay establishment offers exactly what you’d hope for, serving Chinese food that’s better than it needs to be. First, it’s the reliable choice for families craving generous portions at fair prices. Now, it’s a local staple with a steady stream of regulars and a crowd that ranges from hungry student to retiree who just finished shopping downtown.
Manshou Restaurant
$ | (705) 476-4174 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a North Bay strip mall, Manshou Restaurant is an unexpected destination for families craving authentic Chinese takeout. But thanks to consistently fresh ingredients and accommodating service, this modest eatery has become a go-to spot for budget-friendly meals. Manshou has been serving the community for years and is typically frequented by pad thai enthusiasts at the counter, or chicken fried rice devotees on busy weekend nights.
More recently, it’s also become a favorite for egg roll aficionados. (They make excellent ones here, perfectly crispy.) Drifting in after sports practices, the family crowd tends to gather around 6:30, filling the small but cheerful dining area where the friendly owners make everyone feel welcome.