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Guide to Chinatown

Fish Chinese food

You are looking for Chinese food where the fish is the primary reason you sat down to eat.

Based on 702 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Chinese restaurant

Small, unpolished space with an old Chinatown vibe and affordable prices. Atmosphere feels cozy but unkempt, with quick service and a focus on authentic Cantonese cuisine. Regulars appreciate its traditional dishes and consistent quality despite modest surroundings.

Chinese barbecue and Cantonese food stand out here with authentic flavors. Dishes like crispy beef chow mein, salt and pepper squid, and Peking Duck feature prominently alongside good claypot options.

Fish comes very fresh here. The salt and pepper fish stands out as an exceptional and popular dish. Steamed fish also appears in combination meals with BBQ and vegetables.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic Cantonese classics."

"I found the food here to be great and authentic."

"I found the Cantonese Chinese food here to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Prices for lunch dishes are $7.50 each, making it affordable for multiple orders.

2

Cleanliness has been reported as an issue, with some tables appearing unkempt.

3

Expect quick service, as food typically comes out promptly.

02
Mala Sichuan Bistro image 1
Sichuan restaurant

Cozy setting with traditional Chinese decor creates an intimate and inviting atmosphere. The space feels like a hidden gem mom and pop spot with a casual yet authentic vibe. Guests often enjoy authentic Sichuan flavors paired with warm hospitality.

Authentic Sichuan cuisine shines with dishes like Dan Dan noodles and spicy chicken. The food offers a vibrant, mom and pop vibe with consistently delicious and memorable flavors.

Firm and flavorful fish dishes stand out here, especially the Dry Pot Fish Fillet and water boiled fish. The menu also features a Mala pot roast fish that brings a spicy kick.

People are saying

"I thought the Szechuan cuisine here was delicious and authentic."

"I thought the Sichuan Chinese food here was delicious and authentic."

"The boiled fish here is spicy, numbing, and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Mala Sichuan Bistro offers a variety of menu options suitable for different cravings.

2

Prices at Mala Sichuan Bistro are considered great for the quality offered.

3

Portions are generous, often leaving leftovers for guests.

03
Mein image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Contemporary industrial design blends with a modern Asian aesthetic, featuring stylish industrial-inspired decor and authentic-looking chandeliers. The atmosphere is loud and lively, reminiscent of a traditional Hong Kong restaurant, filled with high energy and chatter. Seating is comfortable with good spacing, creating a cozy yet bustling environment.

Beef Chow Fun stands out with its pan-fried beef and broccoli hor-fun. The menu offers solid Cantonese and Sichuan dishes like mapo tofu and dan dan noodles. Xiao Long Bao takes time but delivers, and the V Noodle Soup comes loaded with noodles, char siu, and wontons in a rich broth.

XO Fish Filet offers well-prepared, lightly breaded fish with balanced flavors. The Salt & Pepper Fish comes crispy with mushrooms and peppers, pairing well with white rice. Dishes like squid ink fried rice and steamed pork salted fish add authentic Cantonese touches.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is delicious, especially the crispy pork belly."

"The Fish here is served quickly by attentive and friendly staff."

"The squid ink fried rice was excellent and a standout."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes between lunch and 5 PM.

2

Parking at night can be challenging and you may have to park on the street.

3

Expect to wait during popular times.

04
Spicy Hunan image 1
Hunan restaurant

Hunan cuisine here offers authentic, oily, and spicy dishes with Serrano peppers enhancing the heat. The environment feels messy and dirty, contrasting with the consistently flavorful food that appeals to those who enjoy genuine Chinese flavors.

Spicy Hunan serves authentic Hunan cuisine known for its fragrant, oily, and spicy flavors. The menu features dishes like ma la tofu and spicy beef that deliver satisfying heat and bold taste.

Fish dishes feature spicy grilled fish with cabbage and seaweed, and a tender double pepper fish head served with noodles in broth. Steamed whole fish on soft tofu and a crispy fried fish stand out, along with flavorful spicy fish and a rich fish fillet stew.

People are saying

"The Hunan Chinese food here is authentic, spicy, and incredibly satisfying."

"I loved their spicy fish, it was so flavorful."

"I found the food here to be very authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Monday nights are especially good at Spicy Hunan.

2

The menu states that the lunch special ends at 3 pm.

3

Spicy Hunan does not sell any beer; you can bring your own.

05
Midnight Kabob and Seafood image 1

Restaurant offers karaoke entertainment with a lively party atmosphere and multiple TVs showing different shows. The vibe ranges from laid-back and relaxing with hip hop and rap music to buzzing with grilled meat and seafood aromas. Diners enjoy a family-friendly setting where chatting and laughter create a harmonious mood.

Chinese BBQ dishes stand out with authentic flavors and careful seasoning. The mala grilled fish blends grilled and hot pot tastes well, while baby bok choy and grilled scallops come wrapped or cooked to highlight their natural flavors.

Mala grilled fish blends grilled and hot pot flavors well, offering a spicy kick. Other fish dishes include spicy fish and squid, both solid choices, though the fish maw lacks freshness.

People are saying

"The seafood here is super fresh and delicious."

"The Chinese BBQ skewers are perfectly marinated and grilled."

"The mala fish here is especially good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 9pm to 1am with cheap beer options.

2

Prices for beer during happy hour are only $12 for any kind.

3

The restaurant is open late until 1am for night owls.

06
One Dragon image 1
Shanghainese restaurant

Small, hole-in-the-wall Shanghainese restaurant with a cozy, quaint atmosphere. Space fills quickly, creating an intimate vibe suited for small groups. Known for excellent soup dumplings and crispy bottom baos that stand out in quality.

Soup dumplings stand out with tender skins and juicy, flavorful meat. Other highlights include Xiao Long Bao, pan-fried dumplings, and crispy bottom pork baos, all served hot and highly rated.

Xihu vinegar fish stands out with its tender and fresh texture. The menu also features a spicy fish dish and Shanghai smoked fish known for its rich flavor.

People are saying

"The soup dumplings here have delicate skins and bursting with savory broth."

"The Chinese food here is amazing, especially the soup dumplings."

"The fish here is so tender and fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, and seating is limited to nine tables.

2

Expect long wait times during lunch hours as the place gets crowded.

3

Prices for dishes have increased significantly compared to last month.

07
Spicy Tu Jiazu(土家菜) image 1

Old building houses an authentic Hunan restaurant with traditional decor and a quiet atmosphere during meal times. The menu offers spicy seafood options and affordable, flavorful dishes that encourage sharing. Few diners create a calm vibe, with some tables near the bathroom.

Authentic Hunan cuisine stands out with dishes like spicy twice cooked pork and braised eggplant with beans. Freshly made dim sum and a spicy hot pot highlight the menu.

Steamed fish dishes come in generous portions and include options like fish head with chili and fish slices. Spicy preparations such as fried fish and fish filet add bold flavors alongside other hearty dishes.

People are saying

"I found the fish filet to be delicious and spicy."

"I found the authentic Chinese flavor to be awesome."

"I found authentic Hunan Chinese food here."

Good to know

1

The price during weekday lunch is very affordable.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger groups, as tipping is mandatory for parties over six.

3

Bring your own containers if you plan to take leftovers, especially with sauce.

08
Confucius Seafood Restaurant image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Small dining hall fills with noise and energy, especially on weekends when large, happy tables gather. Bright, simple decor creates a family-friendly atmosphere with a lively vibe. Known for authentic Cantonese seafood, especially lobster specials that draw crowds during lunch and dinner.

Classic Cantonese dishes feature crispy Peking duck skin, pork with Peking duck sauce, and seafood like lobsters and steamed tilapia. The food is authentic, affordable, and popular among Cantonese diners.

Fish dishes feature clean flavors without oily taste. Fried fish with green onions stands out as surprisingly good. Fresh lobster and steamed fish come cooked to order, highlighting their freshness.

People are saying

"The lobster here is delicious and fragrant, not greasy at all."

"The fried shrimp balls are huge, crispy, and full of flavorful shrimp."

"The Chinese Food here, especially the lobster, is a standout."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on weekends; reservations are not required.

2

Enjoy a special promotion of Dungeness crab for $18.99 per pound.

3

Lunch specials offer the best value compared to dinner prices.

09
Yin Ji Chang Fen 银记肠粉 image 1

Small, clean space with tables placed close together creates an intimate, casual vibe. Bright, modern setup reflects authentic Hong Kong style, especially through Cantonese congee and rice rolls. Atmosphere feels lively yet straightforward, focusing on comfort food with freshly made dishes.

Congee here is rich and comforting with a smooth, velvety texture that shows careful cooking. Rice rolls come steamed and pair well with the large, piping hot bowls of congee, making for a satisfying meal.

Fish appears in several dishes like fish balls with a firm bite in the curry trio and in various congees and porridge. The fish rice rolls and fish with ginger congee stand out as notable options featuring fresh fish.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the congee and rice rolls, is amazing."

"The fried chicken is so juicy and crispy."

"The fish rice rolls are fresh with a nice soft texture."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20-minute wait if arriving shortly after opening on weekends.

2

Reservations are not accepted, so expect potential wait times during peak hours.

3

Hot drinks are $0.99 and cold drinks are $1.99 on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

10
Hunan Bistro 湘知湘味 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Black ceiling and soft Chinese music create a calm atmosphere. Large tables accommodate groups alongside smaller ones for intimate dining. Known for authentic Hunan cuisine, the place offers spicy dishes and generous portions with a hidden gem vibe.

Spicy Hunan cuisine shines with authentic flavors like beef hot pot paired with sautéed vegetables and rice. Dishes such as mapo tofu, stir fried pork with pepper, and fried potato chunks highlight the menu's depth.

Signature grilled whole fish stands out with a special grilled tilapia that resembles fried fish. Steamed fish dishes come in large portions and include lots of vegetables and other ingredients. Water boiled fish offers a less oily option, and the Hot Tango Fish Fillet adds variety.

People are saying

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

"I found the Chinese food here to be authentic and spicy."

"The steamed fish here is delicious and large in portion."

Good to know

1

Prices range from $16-19 per dish, making it affordable for groups.

2

The restaurant is busy even on weekdays, so expect potential wait times.

3

Portions are large, suitable for sharing among three people for about $50.

11
X Kitchen 川香阁 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese restaurant offers authentic Sichuan cuisine with spicy dishes that closely match traditional flavors. Interior features clean, renovated private rooms and a visually pleasing, inviting atmosphere. Exterior is modest and not eye-catching.

Authentic Sichuan dishes stand out with bold flavors like the Sichuan peppercorn live fish and hot and sour soup with pork intestines. The menu also features well-textured stir fry chicken and a tasty chicken hot pot.

Grilled whole fish stands out with perfectly balanced spiciness and a substantial portion. The fish head tastes clean without any weird flavor, and the dish can transform into a hot pot by adding extra noodles or vegetables, showing Sichuan creativity.

People are saying

"I found the authentic Sichuan food here to be bold, rich, and perfectly spicy."

"The bullfrog soup here is a 11/10."

"I loved the authentic Sichuan Chinese food; it had bold, rich flavors."

Good to know

1

During Chinese Lunar New Year, special Sichuan items are offered.

2

Reservations are recommended for popular dishes like rabbit; call a day in advance.

3

The prices are reasonable, typically under $20 per person including tip.

12
Peking Impression image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese restaurant offers authentic Peking duck with crispy skin and juicy meat in a quiet, clean but slightly cramped space. Atmosphere supports easy conversation and feels welcoming. Diners often come for northern-Eastern cuisines and enjoy excellent prices.

Peking duck stands out with its crispy skin, tender meat, and rich flavor. Wrapping it in thin pancakes with fresh veggies and sauce creates a perfect balance of savory, crunchy, and a hint of sweetness.

Fish dishes feature crispy skin and tender textures. The Fish soup with pickled cabbage stands out as flavorful and memorable, alongside a Guangdong style steamed fish that is both superb and tender.

People are saying

"The Peking Duck's skin is so crispy and the meat is flavorful."

"The Peking duck here is amazing, with crispy skin."

"I dream about the fish soup with pickled cabbage."

Good to know

1

A half roasted duck costs $28, and a full duck costs $45.

2

Parking is a big lot shared by the entire plaza and there is also a garage.

3

Parking is always crowded.

13
Le Lai image 1
Chinese restaurant

Large round tables accommodate groups of 8 to 10, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere ideal for family gatherings. Bright, clean dining space buzzes with lively energy during busy times. Authentic Cantonese cuisine draws a mix of diners seeking classic flavors at reasonable prices.

Classic Cantonese dishes here taste like homemade cooking with excellent flavors. The General Tso chicken stands out and appeals even to picky eaters.

Salted fish appears in several dishes like fried rice and pairs well with chicken and shrimp tofu. The Salt Pepper Sole Fish stands out for its tender, soft texture and salt and pepper seasoning.

People are saying

"I found the home-style Cantonese flavors here to be wonderfully authentic."

"I found the authentic Cantonese Chinese food here to be the best."

"The fish here tastes like authentic Cantonese home-style cooking."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available from 10 AM to 3 PM every day for under $9.

2

Expect a 20-minute wait for clay rice during busy hours.

3

Cash is preferred as the card reader may not always work.

14
House of Bowls image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Dark, spacious interior with Hong Kong-style fast food vibes creates a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere. The place is always busy and noisy, filled with lively energy. It stands out for its authentic Cantonese experience and consistent popularity over decades.

Savory, plentiful beef chow fun with flat noodles and vegetables stands out as a signature dish. Authentic Cantonese Hong Kong style flavors come through in the slightly greasy, thick rice noodles and the overall menu.

Salt and pepper fish and fried sole of fish stand out with strong flavors. Dishes like eggplant with fish on rice and salty fish fried rice offer solid seafood options with good portions.

People are saying

"The beef chow fun here is amazing, especially dry style."

"I found the Hong Kong-style food here to be truly authentic."

"The salt and pepper fish is a standout dish."

Good to know

1

Parking at House of Bowls can be very challenging during busy times.

2

Expect long wait times during weekend lunch hours.

3

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid crowds.

15
Hong Kong's Cafe 香 港 茶 餐 廳 image 1
Hong Kong style fast food restaurant

Hong Kong style fast food restaurant offers authentic Hong Kong dishes with affordable prices and a cash-only policy. The space is small with typical Chinese decor and a casual, cafe-style atmosphere. It attracts those seeking genuine flavors rather than Americanized Chinese food.

Authentic Cantonese dishes shine here, especially the beef chow fun and sweet and sour chicken. The menu also features baked pork chop over spaghetti, dumplings in broth, and congee, all served in a warm, casual setting.

Curry fish balls appear on multiple orders but the broth in the curry fish ball noodles tastes bland and lacks flavor.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Hong Kong cafe food here."

"I loved the authentic Hong Kong style Chinese food here."

"You have to try their authentic fish dishes, they taste just like Hong Kong."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash or Zelle as payment methods.

2

Expect to find authentic Hong Kong style breakfast options on the menu.

3

Prices are very affordable for the quality and portions.

16
Taste of China image 1
Restaurant

Chinese decoration style shapes the interior, which is clean and spacious despite a confusing layout. Atmosphere stays quiet and family friendly, with a steady pace and low noise. Prices run steep, reflecting a focus on authentic dishes like Mapo Tofu and fresh fish with distinctive flavors.

Mapo Tofu features small, soft tofu pieces with solid flavors. Soup dumplings have a freshly made skin with good thickness and are highly praised. The menu covers many Chinese regions like Hunan and Szechuan, with dishes like Yangzhou Fried Rice containing Cantonese sausage.

Fish dishes feature incredible freshness and variety. Highlights include pepper stir-fry yellow fish, sour pickled fish, and a standout fish soup praised for its flavor.

People are saying

"The food's toothpick lamb has a good flavor with a sugary crust."

"The Chinese food's lamb toothpicks have a sweet, crystallized sugary crust."

"I loved their sour pickled fish."

Good to know

1

Takeout is ready in less than 10 minutes.

2

Parking is ample and the location is accessible.

3

Expect high prices for smaller portion sizes compared to other restaurants.

17
Central China image 1
Chinese restaurant

Typical Hunan-style hole-in-the-wall with dated decor and a basic ambiance. Atmosphere feels very Chinese with authentic hot and spicy dishes like double-pepper fish head and stir-fried pork. Prices remain very reasonable despite the simple setting.

Authentic Hunan Xiang cuisine shines here with dishes that are hot and spicy. The food delivers super flavorful bites that transport you straight to Hunan.

The fish head dishes have a strong pungent smell and intense fishy taste that can be overwhelming. Steamed fish comes soaked in its sauce, adding to the flavor profile.

People are saying

"I found the Hunan cuisine here to be the most authentic I've ever had."

"I found the Chinese food here to be the most authentic Hunan I've had."

"I loved the fish head dish, it tasted just like in China."

Good to know

1

Prices are considered fair compared to other options in the area.

2

Food quality is reported to be poor, leading to negative experiences.

3

Service is described as unhelpful, which may affect your visit.

18
Lucky Bento V.I.P. Cuisine image 1
Chinese restaurant

Northeastern Chinese cuisine defines the menu with authentic flavors and generous portions at very affordable prices. The atmosphere feels casual and noisy, with many diners and staff from the northeast region, adding to the authentic dining experience. BYOB policy offers flexibility for drinks.

Sweet and sour dishes stand out with crispy exteriors and tender interiors. Guo Bao Rou offers a balanced sweet and sour flavor with a crispy outside. Sichuan Crispy Chicken features extra-crispy pieces paired with ruffled sweet potato fries.

Sautéed shrimp and fish appear on the menu alongside other meats. Grilled fish sometimes arrives undercooked.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and authentic."

"The Crispy Yellow Croaker was crispy and tasty, an excellent choice."

"The Guo Bao Rou is a must-try Chinese Food, perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

Ordering three dishes includes a free surprise dish of the day.

2

Lunch offers a great deal with affordable prices.

3

Dinner portions are very large and generous.

19
Arco Seafood Restaurant image 1
Dim sum restaurant

Dim sum restaurant offers an elegant and warm atmosphere with private rooms suited for family gatherings. The space feels quiet and formal, providing a comfortable dining experience. Decor and furnishings show signs of age but the setting remains friendly and welcoming.

Dim sum features fast delivery and a menu with all the favorites. Highlights include Peking Duck, flat noodles with beef and broccoli, and dishes like mapo tofu and soft-shell crab.

Steamed fish with black beans and fish head stew show traditional flavors. Stir fry tendon in abalone sauce adds variety. Cantonese fish comes deep fried, which is unusual for this style.

People are saying

"I found the Chinese food, specifically the dim sum, to be really good."

"The food here is amazing, packed with natural flavor."

"I drove three hours for this authentic Chinese fish."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult on busy weekends.

2

Most dim sum dishes cost around $7.95 each.

3

They have a curated "prix fixe" menu for the holidays that consists of a 9 course meal.

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