Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in California

Interesting Chinese food

Made for those who hunt for unconventional menus and unexpected flavor combinations that push the boundaries of traditional dining.

Based on 838 Opinions
+835
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Chubby Mart image 1
Chubby Mart image 2
Chubby Mart image 3
View all
Hot pot restaurant

Market-style setup combines with futuristic decor and robot servers to create a Blade Runner-esque vibe. Bright, clean space feels modern and creative despite some crowding and smoky BBQ aroma. Touchscreen ordering and induction heat tables add a unique interactive element to the hot pot experience.

Self-service hot pot lets you customize your meal with high quality meats that stay tender whether grilled or boiled. The dual hot pot setup offers different broths like sukiyaki, making the flavors pop.

Hot pot and barbecue create a fun and engaging food experience. The store's new concept makes shopping and dining feel fresh and interesting.

People are saying

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh."

"The Chinese food's hot pot broth is so flavorful and the ingredients are super fresh."

"The new food concept here is really interesting and fun."

Good to know

1

Chubby Mart offers quality cuts of meat, seafood, and live seafood options.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours due to popularity.

3

Desserts are priced at $16 each, which may be considered expensive.

02
Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Basement setting with grotto-like atmosphere and remnants of previous restaurants creates a unique, slightly shabby but welcoming vibe. Latin American music plays softly, adding to the peaceful and cozy environment. Spacious and clean interior feels like a blend of casual dining and cultural character.

Dumplings and potstickers stand out with homemade fillings and great flavor. The Cantonese roast duck and sweet and sour pork chop offer crispy, well-cooked meat with tasty sauces.

Fusion of Asian and Latin cuisines creates an interesting mix of traditional and new dishes. Spicy flavors add to the unique taste experience.

People are saying

"The empanadas are huge, with delicious fillings like shredded beef."

"The Chinese Food here is drenched in oil and delicious."

"The spicy, interesting new tastes really impressed me."

Good to know

1

The restaurant celebrates its one-year anniversary in December with special events.

2

Expect a diverse menu featuring unique Asian-Venezuelan dishes.

3

Portions are generous and reasonably priced for the area.

03
Haidilao Hot Pot Century City image 1

Spacious hot pot restaurant with clean, stylish decor and kid-friendly seating offers an energetic yet cozy atmosphere filled with the sounds of chatting and laughter. Guests enjoy interactive dining with attentive service, free snacks, and entertainment like dancing noodle performances and robot servers. The environment balances premium dining with thoughtful extras such as aprons and eyeglass cleaning services.

Offers an interactive hot pot dining experience with a wide variety of fresh ingredients. Known for its high-quality broth and consistent excellence in hot pot preparation.

A new concept shapes the experience with a ton of interesting options to explore. The workers add to the vibe, making it a really good and interesting hot pot place.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The Chinese Food service was attentive and fast."

"The experience here is really interesting and a must-try."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 31% off on all dishes from Sunday to Thursday after 9 PM.

2

Daily specials before 5 PM on weekdays feature angus beef short plates and Australian lamb shoulders for under $3.00.

3

The restaurant provides a unique noodle dance performance during dining.

04
Little Skewer image 1
Chinese restaurant

Restaurant offers ancient China-inspired decor with live Chinese singing and karaoke that create a lively atmosphere. Small space fills quickly on busy nights, featuring private rooms styled as casitas for groups. Energy ranges from comfortable to loud depending on live performances.

Skewers and hot pots define the menu with authentic Chinese BBQ flavors. Dishes like the spicy hot pot and chive dumplings offer a taste close to what you'd find in China.

Durian pizza stands out with its unique flavor. Skewers include lamb, beef, and a potato option that tastes interesting and tasty.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic Chinese barbecue, full of flavor."

"The skewers here are top-notch, especially the lamb and squid."

"I considered the Chinese BBQ skewers superb."

Good to know

1

The restaurant takes a lunch break between 3-5pm.

2

Expect a long wait on Friday nights with more than four people.

3

Arrive early or be prepared to wait about 20-30 minutes.

05
Meet Up Chinese Cuisine 遇见音乐餐厅 image 1

Robot servers deliver food in a setting with retro '80s decor and a feminine interior. The atmosphere feels warm and inviting, suitable for dates or dinners with friends, though noise can carry off tile walls. Round tables with lazy Susans facilitate sharing dishes.

Authentic Sichuan cuisine delivers numbing heat from peppercorns with savory, smoky, and aromatic layers. Dan Dan noodles and steamed potstickers stand out, while chow mein offers a magical Cantonese-style flavor. Americanized sweet and sour chicken appeals to kids.

Robot servers add a fun, interesting touch. The menu features many unique dishes with ingredients like pork intestines and pork bellies not found elsewhere on the central coast.

People are saying

"The authentic Sichuan flavors here are bold and beautifully balanced."

"The robots serving Chinese food were a blast to watch."

"The robot servers here are a fun and interesting touch."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available daily from 11am to 3pm.

2

Parking is plentiful and free for restaurant patrons.

3

Expect higher prices for authentic dishes compared to Americanized options.

06
Youpeng Seafood · Go Believe 友鹏海鲜·狗不理 image 1

Seafood steams directly at the table under a glass dome, creating an interactive dining experience. The space feels clean and elegant with bright lighting and a cozy atmosphere suitable for gatherings. Lines and some chaos occur outside, but inside the vibe remains inviting and comfortable.

Fresh handmade dumplings and steamed buns arrive right at the table, with soft wrappers and juicy fillings. Noodles and other dishes also come freshly made and steamed on site.

Steam-at-your-table cuisine creates a unique dining experience. Buns and dumplings get steamed right at the table, adding an interactive and fresh touch.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh, especially the steamed lobster."

"This Lunch Spot's buns and dumplings are exceptionally good."

"The Chinese food here is so fresh and perfectly steamed."

Good to know

1

Parking is very convenient with options including rear and underground parking.

2

The EV charging station is super convenient.

3

The lunch special with buns and a soup is reasonably priced.

07
Hengry image 1
Chinese restaurant

Restaurant combines Guizhou cuisine with a modern art style and mid-century modern seating. Atmosphere feels welcoming and chill with curated pop artwork and colorful sofas. Ordering happens via tablet at the table, and a large private room accommodates groups.

Guizhou cuisine features mountain pepper oil with an intense, citrusy flavor blending Thai tom yum and Szechuan spice. Sichuan dishes include authentic sour soup with a lingering sweetness and numbing Green Sichuan Pepper Beef Tongue that is thick and flavorful.

Cuisine features interesting twists with Guizhou dishes that stand out as very tasty. Paintings from the owner's personal collection add an interesting visual element to the space.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The Chinese food here is so authentic and delicious."

"I found the Guizhou cuisine interesting with its complex flavors."

Good to know

1

At noon, they serve beef noodles and spicy chicken noodles.

2

At night, they mainly serve Guizhou snacks.

3

Parking is easy due to the small structure behind the restaurant.

08
Happy Valley Village/ Shanlitun image 1

Decor reflects Northeast China style with large iron pots and wooden tables creating a cozy, authentic atmosphere. Private rooms resemble traditional kang beds, suitable for families and larger groups. The vibe is warm and welcoming, evoking a nostalgic sense of home and community.

Hot pot stands out with options like live fish, pork rib, and lamb spine, each offering rich, herb-infused broths. Dumplings come in generous portions, and dishes like sweet and sour pork taste very authentic.

Northeastern iron pot stew offers an authentic taste. The pancake-making process and pie menu add unique elements. The interior and decorations create a fun atmosphere.

People are saying

"The iron-stew pot dishes are packed with authentic Northeastern Chinese flavors."

"This Chinese food is packed with authentic, rich flavors."

"The authentic Northeastern decor creates a really interesting atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least a few days in advance for the goose dish, especially on weekends.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, particularly on weekends.

3

The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a big pot for choosing soup, meat, and vegetables.

09
Jun Bistro image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Asian fusion restaurant offers an elegant environment with cozy booths and cute forest-themed decor. The atmosphere feels warm and community-focused, with dimmed lighting creating a romantic vibe. Tables sit close together, and a background playlist adds to the inviting mood.

Hot pots offer great value with tasty broths like soy milk beef and chicken potato. Chow fun stands out as exceptionally good. Mushroom Hot Pot with Wagyu and seafood is a notable choice.

Dishes feature layered flavors with sour, savory, and aromatic notes. The menu offers Yunnan fusion with interesting takes like beef bones, rice noodles, and fried chicken with a hint of lemon.

People are saying

"The food here is packed with umami and fragrant sauces."

"The food here is interesting, with layered flavors and creative fusion dishes."

"The Chinese food hot pot here has such a flavorful broth."

Good to know

1

Jun Bistro updates its menu frequently with new dishes for tasting.

2

The noodles at Jun Bistro could be refilled for free.

3

The portion size is small for the price.

10
yun tea house image 1
Bubble tea store

Spacious tea shop with modern minimalist decor and ample seating draws many who come to study or relax. The atmosphere stays cozy and lively with good music and free WiFi, while board games add a playful touch. High-quality tea offerings and unique toppings like sticky rice set it apart.

Soup dumplings stand out with good flavor. The menu includes dim sum and hot bowls, paired well with tea and a mango sticky rice drink.

Interesting drink flavors stand out with a unique espresso method for tea. The menu includes a variety of smoothie drinks and customizable milk teas that differ from typical offerings.

People are saying

"I found the tea here to have a great, strong flavor."

"I loved the freshly brewed tea and dim sum here."

"The drink flavors here are really interesting and unique."

Good to know

1

All milk teas are dairy free, making them suitable for lactose-intolerant customers.

2

Prices are slightly cheaper than other boba places in the area.

3

They offer free samples of their popular drinks.

11
Flama Llama image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Peruvian restaurant with authentic flavors and a lively, energetic design featuring hanging plants and an outdoor patio. Atmosphere is cozy with fantastic music enhancing the vibe. Popular for unique cocktails and well-balanced drinks alongside standout dishes like mojo fries and lomo saltado.

Wonton soup stands out as a flavorful choice here. The Tipacay Chicken offers a unique take on orange chicken, and the chow mein comes without excess grease.

Fusion of Latino American and Asian cuisine creates unique food combinations. Drinks lean sweet and pair well with the menu. Ambience features good music and screens showing interesting videos.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible, full of flavor and fresh."

"The wonton soup here is savory and delicious."

"The food combinations here are really interesting and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are not required but recommended during busy hours.

3

Expect a casual dress code; no formal attire needed.

12
Hello Shabu image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Tables feature individual boiling broth pots for cooking, creating an interactive dining setup. Robot servers deliver fresh meat, adding a modern and unique touch to the experience. The atmosphere is welcoming and lively, with loud music and a clean, modern interior that feels cozy despite being busy.

Hot pot stands out with an interactive cooking style that may require some guidance for first-timers. Chow mein offers a perfectly cooked texture that complements the meal. Desserts lean toward traditional flavors fitting the hot pot experience.

A robot delivers the meat, adding a unique touch to the meal. The hot pot experience feels new and interesting but can be confusing without prior guidance.

People are saying

"You can get bottomless noodles, veggies, and meats for your hot pot."

"The robot servers were interesting and added flare to the dining experience."

"I found the Chinese Food hot pot experience interesting and plan to visit again."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charges a mandatory 13% gratuity for all bills.

2

Children over a certain height are charged as adults.

3

Food service stops at 9:20 PM, and ice cream is available until 9:45 PM.

13
formoosa image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Small Taiwanese restaurant features a wrap-around bar with chic modern decor and classic 90s and 2000s hip hop music. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, with lively energy and good music. Seating focuses on bar spots, offering a unique view of food preparation and torch-lit bowls.

Dumplings stand out as a delicious highlight here. The menu also features beef noodles, chili dumplings, sesame balls, scallion pancakes, and sesame noodles, all prepared with care.

Noodles have a very interesting shape and texture. The restaurant offers a funky vibe and the food overall feels very interesting.

People are saying

"The beef noodle soup here is so flavorful and the beef is tender."

"The Chinese food here, especially the sesame noodles, is amazing and fresh."

"The food here is spot on, especially the tender beef and tasty sauces."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday, 2-5 pm, with discounts on drinks and appetizers.

2

Most happy hour items are $1-3 off, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

Parking is available in a plaza lot, but payment is required.

14
Wallflower image 1
Southeast Asian restaurant

Indonesian fusion restaurant offers intimate atmosphere with eclectic music and a beautiful interior featuring an outdoor space draped in plants. Cocktails stand out as outstanding, complementing creative dishes like beef rendang and tofu noodles. The vibe suits cozy gatherings and casual people watching in a trendy setting.

Crispy Sichuan beef stands out with its soy chili sauce that is flavorful and slightly spicy. Other notable dishes include beef rendang, duck lumpia, and char kway teow.

Drinks feature an egg white that adds a unique texture and balance. Food and drink flavors combine in interesting ways that stand out.

People are saying

"I found the cocktails here to be genuinely some of the best I've ever had."

"I tried practically everything and found every Chinese dish delicious."

"The vibe here is cool, with a magnificent room and good playlist."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available, but it can be difficult to find.

2

Last orders are taken 15 minutes before closing time.

3

The restaurant has multiple vegan options on the menu.

15
Chubby Skewers | Authentic Chinese BBQ image 1

Self-serve refrigerated skewers and hands-on grilling create an interactive dining experience. The space feels cozy and lively with low seating that some find unusual. Music adds energy, making it suitable for gatherings and chats.

Authentic Chinese BBQ skewers offer an East Southern taste with a spicy hot pot option. The setting is lively and encourages a communal dining experience.

Eating at a food stall offers a very interesting experience. Trying duck tongue for the first time stands out as a unique moment.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful, authentic, and perfectly grilled."

"The Chinese BBQ skewers here are authentic and flavorful."

"The wagyu skewers here are amazing and tasted excellent."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 2am for late-night snacks.

2

The skewers cost $1 each, with discounts available late at night.

3

They have karaoke at the restaurant for added fun.

16
Star Chaat Cuisine image 1
Indian restaurant

Large space with bold orange walls and a live pani puri counter creates a vibrant setting. Atmosphere is family-friendly with Punjabi music playing, sometimes loudly. Seating is comfortable and the vibe suits small gatherings well.

Chow mein stands out with a separate cup of ketchup to adjust flavor. The menu includes chaat basket, gobi mamchurian, and paneer tikka as notable dishes.

Rotating specials offer diverse and unusual dishes. Monthly specials bring interesting options to try.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the Amritsari Kulcha."

"I found some interesting and unusual dishes on the menu."

"I found the Chinese food here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant just opened today, offering a fresh menu.

2

Monthly specials feature unique dishes not available regularly.

3

The restaurant is completely vegetarian, catering to plant-based diets.

17
Good To Eat image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Taiwanese restaurant offers a refreshingly airy, simple space with a gentle, relaxed atmosphere that encourages quiet conversations. Outdoor patio features twinkle lights and space heaters, creating a down-to-earth setting for gatherings. The menu blends eclectic fusion of old and new with many vegetarian options.

Sichuan dishes feature numbing peppercorn flavors with crispy chicken and a fragrant sauce. Taiwanese Sesame Noodles balance sesame, chili, and sweetness, while Numbing Fried Chicken offers well-battered thigh meat with a spicy dipping sauce.

Dishes show nostalgic Taiwanese flavors with a fine dining twist. Simple items like dou bao and spicy noodles deliver surprisingly good taste and look.

People are saying

"The Taiwanese food here is uniquely delicious with classic and innovative twists."

"The Taiwanese food here is surprisingly good and interesting."

"You have to try the Whole Squid "Yi-Ye-Gan" with Chinese Food."

Good to know

1

They host new specials every day, so check the menu often.

2

Dinner parties featuring Taiwanese street food are held regularly.

3

Street parking is free on weekends, making it easier to visit.

18
HK Macau Bistro image 1
Chinese restaurant

Neon lights and mahjong-themed decor create a vibrant, trendy atmosphere reminiscent of Hong Kong and Macau's gambling heritage. The space feels lively and busy, often noisy with energetic crowds. Unique design elements like a bus-shaped drink station add to the authentic, fun vibe.

Char siu rice bowls combine savory pork, a runny egg, and sweet soy sauce for a comforting meal. Congee, pineapple buns, and wok hei-rich chow fun and chow mein offer solid, flavorful options.

Decor stands out as very interesting and eye-catching. The ambiance adds to the overall intriguing feel.

People are saying

"The chicken rice food is fragrant and the chicken is tender."

"The congee and pineapple bun are excellent Chinese Food options."

"The decor here is interesting, with Mahjong pieces and neon lights."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult during weekends; there's a large lot available.

2

Expect long wait times on Friday and Saturday nights.

3

They don't take reservations, so arrive early to avoid waiting.

19
Four Kings 四大天王 image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Small space with izakaya-style decor and walls adorned by classic Cantonese artists creates a nostalgic, cozy vibe. Energetic atmosphere buzzes with 80s and 90s Canton-pop music and lively chatter. Tight bar seating and warm service add to the intimate, vibrant experience.

Classic Cantonese dishes come with a twist, mixing in fusion items like mapo spaghetti and XO escargots with milk bread. Free pickled cucumber and roasted peanuts set the tone for an authentic, old school Cantonese vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the spicy XO escargot."

"The Chinese food's escargot and milk bread are unique and excellent."

"The fried squab here is amazing, with well-balanced spices."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, and should be made at least three weeks in advance.

2

Expect a long wait if you arrive without a reservation, especially after 5:30pm.

3

Certain signature dishes may be unavailable if you arrive late, so plan accordingly.

20
24 Suns image 1
Restaurant

Small, modern restaurant with dim lighting and incense aroma creates a relaxing atmosphere despite a cramped layout. Guests enjoy innovative cuisine and unique cocktails in a setting that contrasts its upscale menu with modest decor and tight seating.

Dumplings stand out with options like scallop & shrimp jiaozi and a crispy bird's nest. The green Sichuan peppercorn adds a numbing kick to fresh salads. Dan Dan noodles and Dongpo pork belly offer rich, authentic flavors.

Small menus change every two weeks, featuring lesser-known flavors and ingredients. Dishes like Brown Butter Fried Chicken offer a tasty, interesting twist.

People are saying

"The food here was excellent and everything I ordered was great."

"The Chinese food, especially the dumplings and Dan Dan noodles, is amazing."

"The food here is really interesting, exploring lesser-known flavors."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Expect longer wait times on weekends; arrive early to secure a table.

3

The kitchen closes at 9 pm, so plan your arrival accordingly.

21
ARTIFACT at Mingei image 1

Open-concept design inside a museum creates a classy, modern vibe with a loud, energetic atmosphere that sometimes resembles a cafeteria. Outdoor seating offers scenic park views and a quieter experience. The space combines clean European decor with a casual, inviting feel.

Dan dan noodles stand out with a solid 4 out of 5 rating. Pork potstickers come highly recommended as a savory option.

Creative menu offers interesting dishes with unique flavors. Pork dumplings stand out with a light zing and thoughtful preparation.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's food is tasty and beautifully presented."

"The dan dan noodles here are amazing Chinese food."

"The menu is creative and the food is interesting."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity and limited hours.

2

Parking can be challenging around the museum location.

3

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers, making it a popular time to visit.

22
Chinatown Central Plaza image 1

Outdoor areas showcase early 1920s Chinese architecture with lanterns and decorations creating a picturesque setting. Atmosphere varies from quiet and empty to lively during events featuring food trucks and live performances. The place blends cultural heritage with family-friendly activities and traditional Asian food options.

Lunch features dim sum with a focus on endless dumplings. Chicken dumplings, fried pork chops with spicy salt, and rice stand out, while wonton soup and egg rolls lack strong flavor.

Asian curiosities fill the shops, offering a variety of interesting items at great prices. The place buzzes with unique smells and a distinctive style of construction that draws attention.

People are saying

"It's interesting to see the variety of shops and Asian curiosities."

"I always get the strawberry cake here; it's delicious."

"I loved the Chinese food, especially the dumplings and fried pork chops."

Good to know

1

Many shops are closed on Sundays, limiting shopping options.

2

Chinatown Central Plaza hosts various cultural events throughout the year.

3

The Lunar New Year parade is a major event attracting many visitors.

Discover more

California

Area guide
Loading Map...