The Absolute Best Chinese Restaurant in Evanston [Updated 2024]

Having dined at and reviewed twelve different establishments in the area, I’ve developed a keen understanding of what makes a Chinese restaurant truly exceptional.

From authentic flavors to a welcoming atmosphere, each visit has been a culinary adventure, showcasing the diverse richness of Chinese cuisine.

In this article, I’ll share my insights and recommendations, highlighting the standout dishes and the unique qualities that set the best apart from the rest.

Whether you're a longtime resident or just passing through, I hope to guide you toward an unforgettable dining experience in Evanston!

Peppercorns Kitchen

Highlights
Authentic Sichuan flavors
Unforgettable hot pot fish
Efficient and friendly service
Unique beef short ribs
Reminiscent home-cooked dishes

Peppercorns Kitchen in Evanston has quickly gained a special place in my heart—and my stomach! Stepping inside, the warm atmosphere instantly transports you to the bustling streets of Sichuan and sets the stage for an authentic culinary adventure.

Let’s talk about the dishes: their hot pot fish is an absolute must-try. The flavors are nothing short of intoxicating, perfectly balancing heat with an intricate palette of spices. My taste buds danced with delight! Another standout was their unique beef short ribs, which offered a delectable blend of tenderness and rich flavor that left me longing for more bite after bite.

The service, too, deserves a rave review. The staff was not just efficient; they were genuinely friendly, making sure I felt right at home—a nice touch that enhances the overall dining experience. I particularly appreciated the remnants of home-cooked dishes that reminded me of family gatherings, delivering comfort in every bite.

If you’re searching for the best Chinese restaurant in Evanston, look no further than Peppercorns Kitchen. It’s a fabulous fusion of flavor, warmth, and exceptional service that’s hard to beat!

You might also want to check out the best chinese restaurant in Schaumburg.

Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge

Highlights
Fantastic service
Delicious vegetarian options
Great for group celebrations
Attentive staff during happy hour
Welcoming environment

Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge truly deserves a spot in the conversation about Evanston's best Chinese restaurant. From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by a warmly decorated ambiance that instantly set the mood for a delightful evening. The fantastic service I experienced was a breath of fresh air; the staff were attentive without being overbearing, ensuring that my dining experience was seamless.

As a lover of vegetarian cuisine, I was thrilled to discover an impressive array of options that didn’t compromise on flavor. The dishes were not only beautifully presented but bursting with taste that left me yearning for more. Whether dining solo or with a group, the atmosphere is perfect for celebrations, and the energy during happy hour felt positively electric.

While savoring the exquisite flavors, I couldn’t help but appreciate the thoughtful attention given to every detail by the staff, who were always ready to recommend dishes and refill my tea. If you find yourself in Evanston craving a fusion of delectable Asian flavors, make Koi your go-to destination. They truly elevate the dining experience, making every meal memorable. Bon appétit!

You might also want to check out the best chinese restaurant in Oak Park.

Lulu's

Highlights
Exceptional service
Wide variety of food choices
Delicious calamari and peanut noodles
Fair prices

First and foremost, the service at Lulu's was exceptional. The staff was friendly and attentive, making me feel like a VIP. As I perused the menu, I was impressed with the wide variety of food choices, from traditional dishes to unique items I had never seen before.

I started off with an order of calamari which was cooked to perfection and seasoned just right. And let's talk about those peanut noodles - they were a game changer! I couldn't help but go back for seconds.

But what really stood out to me was the fair pricing. At Lulu's, you get high-quality food at a reasonable price, making it accessible to everyone.

Overall, Lulu's exceeded my expectations in every way possible. From the delicious food options to the outstanding service, this is definitely one of Evanston's best Chinese restaurants. If you're looking for a place that has it all, Lulu's is where you want to be!

You might also want to check out the best chinese restaurant in Glenview.

Siam Splendour

Highlights
Best Thai food
Elaborate menu
Authentic tasting
Friendly service
Satisfactory spice

First off, let me just say that Siam Splendour may not be a Chinese restaurant, but their Thai food is so good that it deserves a spot on the list of the best Asian restaurants in Evanston. The elaborate menu was impressive and had me drooling over all the options available.

I decided to try their Pad Thai, which is one of my go-to dishes at any Thai restaurant. From the first bite, I could tell that this was something special. The flavors were authentic, and it tasted like it was freshly made with high-quality ingredients. I also appreciated that they got the spice level just right - enough to give a kick without overpowering the dish.

The service at Siam Splendour was top-notch. The staff were very friendly and accommodating, making sure that everything was satisfactory throughout my meal.

Overall, if you're looking for some delicious Thai food in Evanston, I highly recommend giving Siam Splendour a try. Their dishes are flavorful, authentic-tasting, and have just the right amount of spice to satisfy your cravings. Don't let their name fool you - they may not be Chinese, but they definitely deserve a spot on any list of the best Asian restaurants in town!

You might also want to check out the best chinese restaurant in Elgin.

Little Wok - Evanston

Highlights
Delicious and fresh food
Large portions
Attentive customer service
Free parking

The moment I walked into the restaurant, I was greeted with a warm smile and seated promptly. The menu offered a wide variety of dishes, making it hard to decide what to order. But after much contemplation, I settled on the Kung Pao Chicken and Fried Rice.

When my food arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by the large portions that were served. The Kung Pao Chicken had the perfect balance of spice and flavor, and the vegetables were fresh and crunchy. The Fried Rice had a beautiful blend of spices that made it stand out from other restaurants.

What impressed me even more than the food was the attentive customer service. The staff checked in on me frequently to make sure everything was to my liking – it made me feel like royalty!

To top it all off, Little Wok - Evanston offers free parking which is a rarity in Evanston.

Overall, if you're looking for delicious and fresh chinese food with large portions and excellent service, Little Wok - Evanston is definitely worth a visit!

You might also want to check out the best chinese restaurant in Naperville.

Joy Yee Noodle

Highlights
Huge drink menu
Unique toppings
Delicious food
Extensive menu

First of all, the drink menu at Joy Yee Noodle is massive. It's like a phone book, but instead of numbers, it's filled with refreshing beverages. From fruity smoothies to bubble teas and even cocktails, there's something for everyone. I ordered the lychee smoothie and it was exquisite - sweet, creamy and perfect for a hot day.

The toppings at Joy Yee Noodle are also worth mentioning. They have some unique options like jellyfish and squid, which might sound odd, but they added an interesting texture to my dish that I really enjoyed. The food itself was absolutely delicious. I ordered the Spicy Beef Noodles and they were bursting with flavor. The beef was cooked to perfection and the spice level was just right.

Lastly, the menu at Joy Yee Noodle is so extensive that I had trouble deciding what to order. There are so many options to choose from - soups, stir-frys, rice dishes, noodles - you name it! If you're indecisive like me, this might be a bit overwhelming but trust me when I say that everything on the menu is worth trying.

Overall, my experience at Joy Yee Noodle was fantastic. Great drinks, unique toppings and delicious food make this restaurant stand out amongst others in Evanston. It's safe to say that Joy Yee Noodle deserves a spot on any list of the best chinese restaurants in Evanston!

You might also want to check out the best chinese restaurant in Aurora.

Shang Noodle & Chinese

Highlights
Authentic and delicious food
Taiwanese beef noodle soup is a must-try
Amazing dishes with delicious noodles
Fish casserole is highly recommended

First of all, let me just say that the food at Shang Noodle & Chinese is absolutely authentic and delicious. I could tell from the moment I walked in that they use only the freshest ingredients and take pride in their culinary creations.

I highly recommend trying their famous Taiwanese beef noodle soup, which is a must-try for any noodle lover. The tender beef mixed with flavorful broth and chewy noodles was simply divine. Every spoonful was a burst of flavor in my mouth.

In addition to their amazing noodle dishes, they also offer a variety of other delectable options on their menu. I tried their fish casserole, which came highly recommended by the friendly staff, and it did not disappoint. The dish was perfectly cooked with just the right amount of spices to give it a kick.

Overall, my experience at Shang Noodle & Chinese was nothing short of delightful. The food was amazing and the service was top-notch. If you're looking for an authentic chinese restaurant in Evanston, this is definitely one worth checking out!

You might also want to check out the best cajun restaurants in Chicago.

Lao Sze Chuan

Highlights
Attentive service
Huge menu with great choices
Delicious and well-deserved awards
Water refills aplenty

First of all, the service was extremely attentive. My water glass was constantly being refilled, which is a rarity these days. Now let's talk about the menu - it's huge! There are so many great choices that I had a hard time deciding what to order. But don't worry, because everything on the menu is delicious.

In fact, Lao Sze Chuan has received several well-deserved awards for their amazing food. And trust me, I can see why. The flavors were bold and the ingredients were fresh. I highly recommend trying their spicy dishes if you're feeling up for it.

Overall, my experience at Lao Sze Chuan was fantastic. The attentive service made me feel like royalty and the food left me speechless (which doesn't happen often). If you're looking for an authentic Chinese restaurant in Evanston with an extensive menu and award-winning flavors, then Lao Sze Chuan should be at the top of your list!

You might also want to check out the best asian restaurants in Schaumburg.

Hunan Star

Highlights
Unique flavors
Delicious food
Great for kids
Accommodating to dietary needs
Ample parking

From the moment I walked in, I was immediately impressed with the restaurant's atmosphere. The decor is tasteful and modern, with just enough Chinese influence to make you feel like you're in a true Asian eatery. The staff was friendly and accommodating, making sure that my dietary needs were met.

Now let's talk about the food! The flavors at Hunan Star are truly unique compared to other Chinese restaurants in Evanston. Each dish I tried had its own distinct taste that kept me wanting more. From the crispy egg rolls to the savory General Tso's chicken, every bite was delicious.

If you have kids, this is definitely a great spot for family dinner. There are plenty of dishes that even picky eaters will enjoy. Plus, ample parking makes it easy to get in and out with little ones.

Overall, I highly recommend Hunan Star as one of the best Chinese restaurants in Evanston. With its unique flavors and accommodating staff, it's definitely worth a visit. Plus, who doesn't love a good excuse to indulge in some delicious Chinese food?

You might also want to check out the best tamales in Aurora.

Hunan Spring

Highlights
Amazing Sesame Chicken
Nicely spiced dishes
Good appetizers
Popular Evanston restaurant

As soon as I entered the restaurant, I was greeted with a friendly smile by the staff. The first thing that caught my attention was the smell of delectable spices wafting through the air. I couldn't wait to dig into their menu.

I started off with their appetizers and they were really good. The crispy spring rolls were simply amazing, and the potstickers were perfectly cooked with a nice filling. But what really stole my heart was their sesame chicken, which was out-of-this-world! The dish had a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors and the chicken was cooked to perfection.

The dishes at Hunan Spring are nicely spiced, which gives an extra punch to each bite. They don't shy away from adding heat, but it's not overpowering either. It's just enough to give your taste buds a little kick.

It's no wonder that Hunan Spring is such a popular restaurant in Evanston! The food is delicious and reasonably priced. Even though it can get busy during peak hours, their efficient service ensures that you don't have to wait long for your food.

Overall, Hunan Spring is definitely one of the best Chinese restaurants in Evanston. If you're looking for great food at reasonable prices, then this place should be on top of your list!

You might also want to check out the best thai food in Schaumburg.

Shangri-La Asian Bistro Evanston

Highlights
Outstanding dishes
Best indo-chinese food
Good customer service
Tasty momos and drinks

First of all, let me tell you that this place serves some outstanding dishes! From the first bite, I could tell that the chef puts a lot of effort into each dish. The flavors were complex and well-balanced, making every bite a delightful experience.

But what really stood out for me was their indo-chinese food. I've had plenty of Chinese food before, but this fusion cuisine really took it to another level. The spices used were just perfect and it didn't overpower the taste of the food at all.

On top of that, their customer service was simply amazing! The staff was attentive and made sure we had everything we needed throughout our meal. They also offered great recommendations on what to order based on our preferences.

Lastly, I have to mention their tasty momos and drinks. The momos were cooked perfectly with a juicy filling that just melts in your mouth. And their drink menu has a variety of options that cater to different palates.

Overall, Shangri-La Asian Bistro Evanston definitely deserves a spot in the article about the best chinese restaurant in Evanston. If you're looking for delicious indo-chinese food, great customer service, and an overall delightful dining experience, then look no further!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Schaumburg.

527 Cafe

Highlights
Generous portions
Delicious Taiwanese food
Quick and friendly service
Flavorful beef noodle soup
Highly customizable shaved ice

Firstly, I must say that the portions here are nothing short of generous. You'll definitely leave with a full stomach and maybe even some leftovers. But don't let the size fool you - the quality is top-notch.

Now onto the food itself. I was pleasantly surprised by their Taiwanese cuisine options. It's not often you find a chinese restaurant that offers such variety. Everything we ordered was delicious, from the classic beef noodle soup to their unique take on scallion pancakes.

What really stood out to me though, was their shaved ice dessert. It's highly customizable so you can choose your own toppings and flavors. The end result is a refreshing and flavorful treat that's perfect for any time of day.

Additionally, the service here is both quick and friendly. Our waiter made excellent recommendations and even gave us some insight into Taiwanese culture.

If you're looking for a great chinese restaurant in Evanston, 527 Cafe should definitely be on your list. Don't miss out on their flavorful beef noodle soup or highly customizable shaved ice desserts!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Naperville.