Why settle for bland takeout when you could savor hand-pulled noodles dancing in aromatic broth, crispy Peking duck with plum sauce, or fiery Szechuan mapo tofu? The next time you crave authentic Chinese flavors, skip the generic spots and head straight to these Williamsburg restaurants, where tradition meets innovation.
Top’s China Restaurant
$ | (757) 220-6868 | WEBSITE
When the craving for Chinese hits, you’re typically not making reservations for a fancy night out. Except at Top’s China. This Cantonese spot in Williamsburg serves up a classic Teriyaki Chicken with tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Despite the familiar flavors, you can still appreciate the quality of the ingredients, which are steaming hot in sturdy, reliable takeout containers.
Plus, this dish comes with a side of professional service that we quietly appreciate, probably.
China Wok
$ | (757) 220-1001 | WEBSITE
This Williamsburg takeout spot has a sign that says, “Fresh food made to order.” And, as it turns out, their way is better. Hot, satisfying dishes come together like a perfect combo plate. Friendly staff and speedy service give a little snap. Watching the food being prepared brings out a genuine authenticity. If you go for the fancier options, the straightforward charm doesn’t come through quite as clearly as it does with the classics. But maybe you’re a “more variety is more” kinda person.
And that’s just fine by them.
Peking Restaurant
$ | (757) 229-2288 | WEBSITE
This is not a meal to eat in moderation. Peking Restaurant’s standout dish is the General Tso Chicken with white rice, made to order and served hot and fresh. It all comes together to make a flavorful, slightly crispy, and satisfying bite—in a deeply enjoyable way. It’s available on both the buffet and à la carte menus at the Williamsburg spot, so if you want a Chinese meal to go all in on, you’ll find plenty of options for the whole family.
New China
$ | (757) 220-5828 | WEBSITE
Fresh, flavorful, no fuss, eight dollars. Need we say more? No, but we will. The egg rolls at this Williamsburg spot are not so different from what you’d get at a family gathering, what with a crispy wrapper, savory filling, and that just-fried crunch. In this case, though, you get to eat in a clean, welcoming restaurant, ideally with a bowl of hot and sour soup or some Singapore Mei fun and generous, well-portioned entrees.
Golden China Chinese and Japanese Restaurant
$ | (757) 229-8888 | WEBSITE
Golden China Chinese and Japanese Restaurant plays around with plenty of crispy textures, generous portions, and efficient service in their takeout-focused operation. But they also make Williamsburg’s best orange chicken as a standout element on the regular menu. It’s straightforward—as great takeout should be. Tender chicken pieces with crispy edges and perfectly balanced sweet-spicy sauce are served alongside fresh crab rangoon and beef teriyaki, all in those reliable white takeout containers.
All value, no fuss.
Ichiban
$$ | (757) 253-8898 | WEBSITE
Our favorite thing at Ichiban, in addition to the delicate maki rolls and the fiery Firecracker Beef, is the General So chicken. It’s served with a perfect, glossy glaze of sweet-spicy sauce, crisp vegetables, and fluffy white rice. It’s up there with the best of Williamsburg’s Chinese classics, and if we lived in the neighborhood, we’d order it on the regular.
Peter Chang
$ | (757) 345-5829 | WEBSITE
The egg fried rice at Peter Chang in Williamsburg is compelling enough to earn a spot on any local foodie’s must-try list. The standout dish features perfectly separated grains, wok-kissed with just the right amount of soy and scrambled egg, a preparation you won’t find at your average Chinese takeout spot. If you appreciate authentic flavors (you’re reading this guide so, presumably, you do, right?) order it every time you visit Peter Chang.
Especially because the quick service means you’ll get it fast, and it tastes even better when paired with their praised shredded duck with onions.
China Star
$ | (757) 253-2828 | WEBSITE
China Star in Williamsburg makes our favorite Chinese fast food in the area. Maybe it’s the generous portions of egg foo young, the savory beef with mushrooms, the crispy crab Rangoon, or all of the above. But something about the Cantonese options has a certain uncomplicated magic. It also comes with quick and friendly service, which we don’t see too often in this city.
Top’s China
$ | (757) 229-7500 | WEBSITE
You could come to Top’s China and have a great time eating General Tso, cashew chicken, and fried rice. But if you don’t order the hot and sour soup, you’re not doing the place justice. The broth is tangy, the tofu is silky, and the chili oil gives it a great kick.