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Best of Oakland

Chinese lunch spots

You want a lunch spot that treats Chinese cuisine with the speed and efficiency of a midday break.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Nature Vegetarian Restaurant image 1
Nature Vegetarian Restaurant image 2
Nature Vegetarian Restaurant image 3
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Vegetarian restaurant

Vegetarian restaurant offers calming atmosphere with beautiful decor and peaceful vibe. It serves vegetarian Chinese food praised for its taste and variety of meat substitutes. Portions are large and affordable, attracting both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Vegan beef and broccoli and vegan Mongolian beef stand out with rich flavors. Egg rolls and crispy vegan sesame chicken add great texture, while mapo tofu and vegetarian wonton soup bring solid traditional tastes.

Lunch specials offer a good deal with a price around 13 dollars. Meals include 2 scoops of rice, an entrée, an eggroll, and a bowl of soup.

People are saying

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

"The lunch specials here always come with soup, egg roll, and rice."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant recently opened for dine-in after being takeout only.

2

The lunch deal costs $12.50 and includes an entree, rice, a spring roll, soup, and tea.

3

The portions are generous and prices are very reasonable.

02
KungFu Mala 쿵푸마라 功夫麻辣 image 1

Modern hot pot restaurant offers a spacious, clean interior with a casual, lively atmosphere enhanced by TVs playing mukbang and K-pop videos. Crowds gather for semi-casual dates and hangouts, enjoying a self-service bar and a variety of flavorful, spicy broths and fresh ingredients.

Sichuan style noodles and mala dumplings stand out with bold flavors. The hot pot offers rich, tasty broth and pairs well with skewers and cream shrimp.

Calm atmosphere defines lunch hours with a mix of people on breaks. It serves as a casual spot for both lunch and dinner.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be super tasty and delicious."

"I loved the customizable Chinese food, especially the hot pot and mala options."

"You can fully customize your own hot pot lunch spot."

Good to know

1

There is a small parking lot available behind the restaurant.

2

The restaurant offers build-your-own noodle or noodle soup bowls with Ala Carte grilled items.

3

Caution, it can get pricey if you load up your bowl.

03
Ming's Tasty image 1
Chinese restaurant

Dim sum spot with authentic dishes and friendly, casual atmosphere. Interior feels spacious yet simple, contrasting with a rundown exterior and yellow lighting that softens the space. Busy and lively at lunch, it quiets down while maintaining a genuine vibe.

Dim sum here stays authentic and fresh, with a kitchen technique that keeps fried items crisp by venting steam. Unique dishes like durian puff and steamed ube rice cake add variety beyond typical offerings.

Lunch features dim sum with a busy, loud atmosphere. Expect a 30-minute wait during peak times and a brief service pause around 3 pm.

People are saying

"I thought the dim sum here was truly tasty and amazing."

"The Chinese food here is delicious and amazing."

"This lunch spot has delicious dim sum, I loved it."

Good to know

1

Arrive early on weekends to avoid long lines; expect wait times during peak hours.

2

Parking is limited; nearby public parking is available and affordable.

3

Prices are very reasonable, offering great value for dim sum dishes.

04
Gangnam Jajang image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant offers authentic K-Chinese cuisine in a steamy, crowded space with a friendly atmosphere. The vibe includes two music stations playing simultaneously, creating a lively but sometimes distracting background. Seating is limited, so arriving early is common during busy times.

Sweet and sour pork stands out with its familiar flavor similar to Korean style. Mapo tofu and various noodle dishes also feature alongside crispy fried chicken.

Lunch draws a crowd, with waits for tables common during peak hours. The Gangnam Jajang stands out as a satisfying choice after a long night, and kids often call it their best lunch ever.

People are saying

"The Korean food here, especially the jjampong, is great and reminiscent of Korea."

"This Lunch Spot's popcorn chicken is super crispy and delicious."

"The sweet and sour pork in their Chinese food is really delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait for a table during lunch hours, especially on weekends.

2

The parking lot is tiny and probably big enough for ten cars.

3

Arriving early is recommended due to limited seating.

05
Laughing Buddha Vegetarian Bistro 福林素食 image 1

Spacious Chinese restaurant with a covered patio that feels like a warm, greenhouse-like outdoor space. Atmosphere stays peaceful and meditative, with tasteful, modest decor and beautiful seating areas. Quiet enough for group celebrations, offering a cozy dining room and a stylish vibe uncommon among vegan Chinese spots.

Chow mein noodles and eggplant come out delicious. Crispy basil tofu and green dumplings stand out as incredible. Hot and sour soup offers a classic flavor, and fortune cookies finish the meal.

Lunch happens often in a back sunroom that fits groups well. Meals suit both small and large gatherings, with frequent visits showing consistent options for vegetarian choices.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"I loved the Chinese food, especially the noodles and fresh vegetables."

"This lunch spot's food was amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

The entire menu is vegetarian with many vegan options available.

2

Prices are very affordable, making it a budget-friendly dining option.

3

Expect great portion sizes for the price.

06
Dumpling Hours - Oakland image 1
Asian restaurant

Modern, clean space with shaded indoor seating and a cozy ambiance. Atmosphere is lively and somewhat chaotic with loud noise levels and poor acoustics. Guests watch chefs craft dumplings through a glass window, adding an interactive element.

Dumplings have super thin skin, are juicy and tender with perfect flavor. Pan-fried pork xiao long bao and chicken dumplings stand out for their freshness and authentic taste similar to those in Taiwan.

Spicy beef noodles offer a hearty lunch option with bold flavors. The spot serves comforting meals suitable for casual midday dining.

People are saying

"The dumplings here are delicious and authentic, just like in Taiwan."

"The soup dumplings here have wonderfully thin wrappers."

"This Lunch Spot's noodles and dumplings are freshly made and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Phone ordering is available for dine-in, ensuring your order is confirmed.

2

A convenience fee applies for online takeout orders.

3

The menu includes a variety of vegetarian and vegan options marked with a green dot.

07
Shan Dong image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, simple space with hand-pulled noodles made in view and tight seating creates a bustling, noisy atmosphere. The vibe is cozy and functional, packed during meal times with a diner-like charm. Authentic flavors and a strong vegetarian selection define the experience.

Fresh hand pulled noodles and homemade dumplings stand out here. Dishes like sesame paste noodles, stir fried rice cakes, and a unique take on General Tso's chicken offer a solid range of flavors.

Staff make lunch enjoyable with attentive service. The lunch special includes generous portions like eggplant with rice and offers amazing food quality.

People are saying

"You've got to try the dumplings; they're juicy and delicious."

"I found the Chinese food here incredibly good and delicious."

"This lunch spot's sesame noodles and green beans were amazing."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Shan Dong accepts credit and debit cards, but not Apple Pay.

3

The restaurant offers a large selection of vegetarian options.

08
Huangcheng Noodle House 山西刀削面 image 1

Robot servers deliver food with comically happy music, creating a unique dining experience in a casual, cozy space with both indoor and flower-filled outdoor seating. The atmosphere mixes dim lighting and lively conversation, reflecting a simple, authentic noodle house vibe.

Fresh hand pulled noodles stand out with a chewy texture and bold flavor. Soft dumplings come with delicious fillings, and the hot and sour soup offers a spicy, rich taste.

Noodles serve as a perfect lunch option here, suitable for a quick meal or a weeknight dinner. Expect a lunch hour rush that may require waiting.

People are saying

"The spicy, numbing noodle flavors are truly unique."

"The noodles at this Lunch Spot are fresh, chewy, and perfectly bouncy."

"The hand-pulled noodles here have tons of flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash or Venmo for payment.

2

Expect to wait during the lunch hour rush.

3

The menu has limited vegetarian options despite being large.

09
Hunan Yuan image 1
Chinese restaurant

Dining room offers a quiet, relaxed atmosphere with mostly indoor seating and one outdoor table suitable for dogs. The space feels sparse but comfortable, with views of a peaceful hillside enhancing the calm vibe. The place attracts a local crowd and suits larger groups, providing quick and affordable meals.

War wonton soup stands out with its full meat filling and satisfying flavor. Dishes like honey walnut prawns, Sichuan chicken, and beef and broccoli feature well-cooked ingredients and consistent quality.

Lunch specials run daily until 3 pm, including weekends, offering a great deal. The atmosphere stays quiet during lunch hours.

People are saying

"The salt and pepper pork chop is a flavorful favorite."

"This Lunch Spot has great food, especially the Mongolian Beef."

"I found the Chinese food here to be consistently great."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located behind Peets and Jamba Juice near the dry cleaners.

2

Parking is easy to find in the area.

3

There is wheelchair access to the left and stairs to the right.

10
Sakura Bistro Sushi & Sake Bar image 1

Sushi restaurant offers a warm, inviting ambiance with a traditional Japanese vibe and seating for both small and large groups. The atmosphere feels cozy yet modern, suitable for casual or group dining. Many sake options complement the fresh, high-quality sushi served here.

Soup dumplings deliver solid flavor and texture. The mala tang offers an incredibly flavorful broth. Szechuan dishes like cucumber salad, mapo tofu, and fried green beans stand out for their authentic taste.

Lunch features a 3-Item Bento Box with choices like beef teriyaki, spicy salmon roll, and chicken katsu. Each set includes soup and salad for a complete meal.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, it practically melts in your mouth."

"The lunch spot's bento box comes with rice, salad, and miso soup."

"The sushi here is fresh, generous, and sublime."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM with food and drink specials.

2

Parking is validated at the restaurant for customers.

3

The restaurant offers a unique menu combining Japanese and Szechuan cuisines.

11
United Dumplings - Rockridge image 1

Bright lighting and reflective surfaces create a loud, fast-paced environment with a focus on quick table turnover. Large dining area includes an open kitchen where dumplings are made in view, adding a lively touch. The space feels clean but somewhat uninviting due to harsh noise and minimal decoration.

Soup dumplings stand out with their fresh, full flavor and tender, juicy filling. Other dishes like chicken truffle dumplings, sichuan noodles, and Mongolian beef are all tasty and authentic with quick, straightforward service.

Offers a solid option for Sunday lunch with choices for a quick bite or a leisurely meal with friends and family.

People are saying

"The dumplings here are delicious and cooked perfectly tender."

"The Chinese food dumplings here are delicious and cooked perfectly."

"The dumplings here are cooked to perfection with flavorful fillings."

Good to know

1

United Dumplings is closed on Tuesdays.

2

They offer takeout and delivery services.

3

There is only indoor seating at United Dumplings.

12
Tao Yuen Pastry image 1

Local Chinese food market vibe defines the space with takeout-only service and cash-only payments. Dim sum and fried chicken stand out for affordable prices and generous portions. Parking is tight and timing matters to avoid lines.

Huge portions of dim sum and Chinese bakery foods come at a cheap price. Dumplings, chow fun, and fried chicken stand out as excellent choices.

Lines get long during lunch rush but move fast to serve customers quickly. Offers dim sum options and lunch boxes that fill you up on a budget.

People are saying

"I loved the dim sum and Chinese bakery foods here."

"I thought the fried chicken was the star of the menu."

"This lunch spot has generous portions of really good food."

Good to know

1

Tao Yuen Pastry accepts only cash payments.

2

The bakery offers takeout service only.

3

Most items sell out by 2 pm, so arrive early.

13
Shooting Star Cafe image 1

Hong Kong style cafe with bright, bustling energy and modern, cute decor featuring star lights on the ceiling. Small, cozy space with a lively, vibrant atmosphere reflecting multicultural influences. Sounds of kitchen sizzle and clinking teacups add to the warm, inviting vibe.

Dim sum includes huge portions like half chicken with Chinese broccoli and tofu. Beef Chow Fun stands out with tender beef and wok hay flavor. Egg rolls and Mongolian beef rice also feature prominently.

Flexibility to order breakfast, lunch, or dinner anytime stands out. The lunch specials offer good value, like the Short Rib with Black Pepper Sauce combo.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's beef chow fun has amazing wok hay."

"The mango sticky rice dessert is sweet, creamy, and perfectly balanced."

"The Chinese food here is so good and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The lunch special deal is only available for dine-in customers.

2

A 15% gratuity is automatically added to the bill regardless of party size.

3

The place is open late, making it convenient to grab a bite.

14
Tastee Steam Kitchen image 1
Hot pot restaurant

Hot pot restaurant offers all-you-can-eat menu with a wide variety of fresh seafood and unique broths, including a notable coconut soup. Atmosphere is comfortable and quiet during lunch, with a bit of chill in the air. A robot server adds a modern touch to the dining experience.

Mini hot pots come larger than expected with options like lamb featuring a unique spice blend and a vegetarian version filled with enoki mushrooms and tofu. The seafood boil hot pot stands out for being very spicy and flavorful, and dim sum is consistently on point.

Lunch features mini hot pots with a free drink choice of green or black tea. Prices stay reasonable, and the place stays quiet during lunch, fitting meals into a lunch hour if ordered quickly.

People are saying

"The hot pot here is awesome with lots of different ingredients."

"The seafood here is super great and really high quality."

"The lunch hot pot special here is unbelievably fresh with varieties."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat option is available for $29.99 during lunch hours.

2

Lunch special mini hot pots come with a free drink, either green or black tea.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of Asian dishes, including sushi and hot pot.

15
Peony Seafood Restaurant image 1
Dim sum restaurant

Large space with banquet-style tables suits family gatherings and big groups. Atmosphere is lively and noisy, with a welcoming vibe despite crowding. Dim sum is fresh and authentic, offering a wide variety and traditional flavors.

Dim sum features a wide variety of dishes that are fresh and flavorful, including hand-made beef balls, steamed spare ribs, and rice rolls. Traditional items like Peking duck and beef tripe stew complement the authentic and well-prepared offerings.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is fresh, flavorful, and traditional."

"Their dim sum is fresh, flavorful, and a must-try Chinese food experience."

"This Lunch Spot has amazing, authentic dim sum that's a must-try."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the basement, providing easy access to the restaurant.

2

Dim sum can get busy, especially on weekends, so arrive early.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

16
C&M Bistro image 1
Chinese restaurant

Simple decor and affordable prices define the space, which has a loud atmosphere and a steady flow of people. Small tables accommodate diners, but no large family seating is available. Lines form regularly, and dining in involves navigating separate queues and occasional extra charges.

Char siu BBQ pork and crispy pork stand out as some of the best in Chinatown. The Peking Duck lunch plate comes with two sides, and wonton soup often includes char siu pork, though service can be slow and inconsistent with orders.

Lunch specials offer a choice of three dishes for around $40, including options like BBQ pork and soup. Lunch boxes come with thick rice, broccoli, and protein choices such as duck, chicken, or pork, making it a popular spot for locals working or shopping nearby.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's BBQ pork is juicy, tasty, and ranked in the top 3."

"I found the food here to be delicious and affordable."

"The Chinese food here, especially the roasted meats, is so authentic."

Good to know

1

Dine-in prices are $11.55 per dish, which is less than 1 pound.

2

Card payments under $20 are not accepted, so cash is needed.

3

Expect long lines for both takeout and dine-in options.

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