Palm Desert’s Chinese restaurants span from sprawling banquet halls to cozy takeout counters. While we’ve endured our share of bland General Tso’s in spaces as inspiring as a strip-mall lobby, there are culinary gems we’re genuinely thrilled about. Here are the 8 spots in Palm Desert to visit when you crave authentic, unforgettable Chinese cuisine.
P.F. Chang’s
$$ | (760) 776-4912 | WEBSITE
P.F. Chang’s converted a cozy corner of Palm Desert into a culinary playground for Chinese food enthusiasts, complete with sizzling woks, attentive servers, and dishes arriving with impressive speed (advice: order an extra potsticker while that honey chicken makes its way to your table). We especially like the absolutely delicious lettuce wraps when the ambient lighting glows in this beautiful space.
And while you could come for the amazing customer service, their flavorful Kung Pao chicken warrants a visit alone. Bring your entire family to enjoy the consistently delicious Mongolian beef on a Saturday evening.
China Wok
$$ | (760) 772-2291 | WEBSITE
At China Wok, your mission is to grab a table in the busiest corner of Palm Desert and find a dish you want to order again and again for the whole meal. The lively restaurant is mostly filled with regulars and serves as a gathering spot for families and a place for food lovers to have some honey walnut shrimp while their kids enjoy the pot stickers.
While the décor isn’t fancy—it’s mostly straightforward and functional—this is a great spot to duck in, so come here when you want a satisfying place to eat some general chicken without worrying you’ll leave hungry. Plus, if you become obsessed with a dish at China Wok, you can order generous portions to-go.
Canton Bistro
$ | (760) 854-7259 | WEBSITE
With an extensive full menu and a kitchen that delivers fresh, light, and flavorful Cantonese dishes, Canton Bistro is where true Chinese food lovers go. The restaurant in the Palm Desert strip mall is mostly a space to relax with friends. And with solid lunch specials and a Happy Hour menu with a variety of choices, the dining portion of Canton Bistro has just as much to offer as the takeout does.
Come here if you take your Cantonese cuisine seriously or want a restaurant that won’t leave you feeling cramped in a crowded space.
Panda Express
$ | (760) 776-8728 | WEBSITE
The main appeal of Panda Express, as expected, is the convenience. The restaurant doesn’t offer much in terms of ambiance, seating, or leisurely dining (it’s designed for grab-and-go). However, they do have a reliable spot with classic Chinese-American dishes on the steam table and fresh options in generous portions, like the orange chicken, a sweet-and-savory staple with a crispy coating, or the broccoli beef, a tender stir-fry with a savory sauce.
If you want to grab a quick, consistent meal with friendly service, this is one of the best spots to do so.
Soul of China
$ | (760) 564-4469 | WEBSITE
As one of the smaller Chinese restaurants in Palm Desert, Soul of China still manages to fit a lot of flavor in a modest space. The Palm Desert spot technically has an indoor dining area, but with its open layout and old-school charm, it feels like one cohesive room under warm lighting. Soul of China offers a varied menu for vegetarians, vegans, and meat-lovers alike, so you can try a few different options before committing to your favorites.
Plus, the friendly staff and excellent service are always there to help you savor dishes like the crispy Orange tofu or garlic fish before diving into the next course.
China 8
$ | (760) 324-3323 | WEBSITE
If you’ve ever craved Americanized Chinese food that doesn’t skimp on portions, then check out China 8 in Palm Desert. It’s filled with as much value as flavor and is known for its generous egg foo young and satisfying Szechuan tofu. We also like their eggplant dishes, the snow peas, and lunch deals pumped up with tea and an egg roll. So grab a couple of takeout boxes, take advantage of the strip mall parking, and enjoy the leftovers you’ll likely have for later.
City Wok
$$ | (760) 341-1511 | WEBSITE
Designed for Palm Desert’s casual crowd, City Wok feels like the neighborhood’s laid-back clubhouse—the kind where you can wear jeans and not worry about being too fancy. The interior has that California Club vibe rather than traditional Chinese decor, with an atmosphere that seems equally comfortable as a bar, sports spot, or restaurant.
Let yourself relax in the spacious dining area while digging into tasty appetizers like the Crispy Veggie Egg Rolls or BBQ Spare Ribs, both served with those great dipping sauces. The servers are pleasant and helpful, keeping beverages topped off throughout your meal. While some dishes like the orange chicken earn that “boom” reputation, others might show the occasional inconsistency.
Still, with friendly staff and a decent dining experience, it’s worth stopping by when you’re craving Chinese food without the formality.
Palm Tree Palace
$ | (760) 289-6633 | WEBSITE
Palm Tree Palace has the same energy as that one neighbor who’s always cooking up family feasts in their kitchen, blasting Mandarin pop or old Cantonese classics, and definitely has a dedicated takeout counter. This strip-mall-turned-restaurant in Palm Desert isn’t luxurious to dine in for very long (thanks to the bright lighting and basic plastic chairs), but it does have a massive dining room and speedy delivery, and it’s basically within walking distance of most local hotels.
Whether you’re here to eavesdrop on families celebrating reunions or for a midday lunch, try the easy-eating steamed dumplings or the walnut-coated, flavor-packed walnut shrimp. A warning for purists: every dish, no matter the style, is served with generous portions.