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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Chinatown's best

Casual dinner spots

Made for those who want a substantial evening meal without the pressure of a formal dress code.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
Uncle Lou 快樂人 image 1
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Cantonese restaurant

Spacious dining area with Asian decor featuring lanterns and a lion head on the wall creates a modern Chinatown vibe. The atmosphere is loud and lively due to popularity, making conversation challenging. Lazy Susan tables facilitate sharing dishes, enhancing the communal dining experience.

Dinner features a walnut shrimp that is sweet without being too sugary. Service includes accommodating servers who handle busy hours well, making the wait worthwhile.

Easy-going and casual environment suits both everyday meals and special celebrations. It works well for a relaxed dinner without fuss.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is excellent, especially the Peking duck and dim sum."

"The dinner spots here serve authentic, delicious Cantonese food."

"This casual spot serves authentic Cantonese dishes packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Prepare for a long wait during dinner time.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

3

Cash payments warrant a 9% discount.

02
Kiki's image 1
Greek restaurant

Greek restaurant with rustic decor and laid back atmosphere evokes an old Mediterranean tavern. The space includes outdoor seating and a lively, often crowded environment with loud music. Offers an affordable Greek wine selection that complements the energetic vibe.

Offers intimate dinners with easy seating for groups up to five. Provides delicious sit-down meals at a reasonable price, even late at night.

Plenty of seating fits casual dates or small groups. Staff and service stay friendly and casual. The atmosphere feels relaxed and easygoing.

People are saying

"The Grilled Octopus was perfectly charred and tender."

"These dinner spots offer authentic Greek flavors at a great price."

"It's a loud, lively spot with a fun, casual atmosphere."

Good to know

1

No reservations are accepted; you need to put your name down and wait.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait during peak hours.

3

Come early or you might have to wait a bit to get in.

03
Au Cheval image 1
New American restaurant

Graffiti-adorned alley leads into a modern, rustic space with dim lighting and upbeat ambiance. A lively atmosphere fills the restaurant, with a secret speakeasy bar downstairs offering a more intimate setting. The place draws a crowd that appreciates a cozy yet trendy vibe.

Early dinners find the place nearly empty, while peak times require an hour wait for a perfect table. It suits work dinners well with a fantastic meal experience.

A casual hip vibe sets the tone with a soulful location that suits hanging out with friends or casual dates. Classic American fare complements the fun and relaxed atmosphere.

People are saying

"You have to try these burgers; they're perfectly cooked and juicy."

"The burger here is amazing, juicy, and perfectly cooked."

"This casual burger spot's juicy, cheesy burgers just melt in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to avoid long waits, especially during peak hours.

2

The wait to get in is about 20-25 minutes depending on party size.

3

The speakeasy operates from 6-11 pm on certain days downstairs.

04
Deluxe Green Bo image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, cramped space fills quickly with a loud, bustling atmosphere where tables sit close together. Traditional Shanghai style decor supports a local, cozy vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating. Complimentary hot tea arrives at the table, enhancing the casual, authentic dining experience.

Dinner here offers mostly dishes priced under $10, with mains slightly higher. The spot fills up fast, so arriving early helps secure a table during dinner hours.

Seating is tight and the decor is basic Chinese, creating a very casual vibe. The spot suits quick, casual dining with straightforward flavors and larger portions.

People are saying

"You have to try the soup dumplings; they're amazing and juicy."

"I found the authentic Shanghainese cuisine here to be traditional and homemade."

"The soup dumplings here are amazing and worth the wait."

Good to know

1

The lunch special before 3:30 PM allows you to choose 3 dishes for $24.

2

The restaurant is cash only but also accepts Venmo.

3

If you order an entrée, you need to ask for rice as it does not come with it.

05
Kong Sihk Tong image 1
Hong Kong style fast food restaurant

Hong Kong style fast food restaurant offers a tasteful modernization of traditional 茶餐廳 with authentic local vibe and classic Chinatown setting. The space feels cramped and crowded but includes comfortable booths in the back for larger groups. It accepts only cash or Venmo for payment.

A quiet spot for dinner, suitable for dining alone. Fits well into a rotation of Chinatown dinner spots.

Atmosphere feels super casual and relaxed with a hip and clean look. Food delivers a high fidelity reminder of Hong Kong casual dining, making it a solid spot for family meals or casual hangouts.

People are saying

"The golden lava toast is amazing and so buttery."

"The casual food here is amazing, especially the golden lava toast."

"You have to try the golden lava toast; it's a must-get."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash or Venmo for payment.

2

You will likely have to wait 20-30 minutes for a table on weekends.

3

Lunch is only served after 11:30.

06
Scarr's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pizza restaurant combines quintessential New York slice joint vibe with a cocktail bar in the back. Atmosphere feels crowded and lively, with plenty of seating and an NBA Jam arcade adding to the fun. Late hours and gourmet edge distinguish the experience.

Dinner features great music and a perfect vibe for sitting down. Scarr's pizza stands out as a notable option.

Old-school retro vibes set a casual and comfortable tone. The atmosphere feels relaxed and fun, ideal for hanging out with friends.

People are saying

"The Hotboi pizza was amazing and spicy."

"These dinner spots serve delicious pizzas with a variety of flavors."

"The pizza here is legit, with a crispy crust and rich sauce."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait on weekends, especially during peak hours.

2

Seating inside is only available for those ordering a full pie.

3

If you want a whole pie, go inside and order at the bar.

07
King’s Kitchen image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Cantonese restaurant with bright, inviting ambiance and tight quarters creates a cozy yet lively atmosphere. The space features an excellent hanging meats display that stands out visually. It attracts diners seeking authentic clay pot rice and roast meats in a casual, bustling setting.

Offers quick dinner options suitable for early meals. Food to go serves well for next-day meals.

Offers a solid casual dining experience with straightforward Chinese dishes. Atmosphere suits relaxed meals without fuss.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and authentic Chinese."

"This casual spot has amazing Cantonese BBQ and comfort food."

"These dinner spots offer huge servings of delicious Cantonese BBQ meats for a cheap price."

Good to know

1

You need to wait 20 minutes for the claypot rice.

2

The payment machine was broken, and they were only accepting cash.

3

The roasted pork (char siu) rice costs $8.50.

08
Nom Wah Tea Parlor image 1
Dim sum restaurant

Dim sum restaurant preserves an authentic 1920s Chinatown atmosphere with old-school decor like lumpy red vinyl booths and faded calligraphy. The space feels shabby and cramped, reflecting decades of minimal renovation. It offers a quiet alleyway terrace option and serves unique dishes alongside traditional Chinese beers.

Arriving early helps avoid the line since it gets busy on weekends. The spot offers a chill, laid back vibe for dinner and ends with Fried Sesame Balls filled with lotus paste for dessert.

Good spot for a casual lunch with friends or a solo meal while exploring. Offers a satisfying and relaxed dining experience.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is authentic and delicious, especially the soup dumplings."

"The dinner spots here are delicious and authentic."

"The dim sum here is reasonably priced for the quality."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash or American Express.

2

Expect to wait for at least 15-20 minutes during weekends.

3

You should book a reservation at Nom Wah because this iconic spot is always bustling.

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