The Best Chinese Food in San Diego

This elegant spot in North San Diego comes from the creator of the city's celebrated Dumpling Inn. Del Mar Rendezvous continues the owner's streak of creating some of the best Chinese food in San Diego. Inside an upscale dining room filled with Asian art and a lively atmosphere, Del Mar Rendezvous features an interesting menu of Chinese favorites. Take the short walk from Del Mar beach for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Stop in for the "Happy Buddha Hour" with half-off dim sum dishes and select wines. Try the restaurant's signature pungent crispy chicken or sweet and sour chicken dishes for entrees.

One of the San Diego outposts of this celebrated Chinese chain is in the La Jolla Crossroads neighborhood of San Diego. It's a perfect place to go for a family-style dinner or a fine night out with some friends. Head in for one of the P.F. Chang's happy hours, with a selection of cocktail, wine, beer, and food specials for diners. Go for the Mongolian potstickers, made with hand-folded dumplings and beef filling, or the crispy avocado spring rolls for a special treat. The ahi poke bowl, with diced ahi, avocado, mango, and seaweed salad is another highlight.

This upscale installment of the national Chinese chain is a perfect place to go after visiting the highlights around the San Diego Bay or the Otay Open Space Preserve. It's also an excellent destination for movie lovers, as one of the finest theater installments in the area is right down the street. Start the meal at P.F. Chang's with one of their creative appetizers. Try the Chang's lettuce wraps, created from a secret Chiang family recipe, or the steamed-to-order edamame. Chicken at P.F. Chang's is also one of their menu favorites. Diners should try the signature black pepper chicken, with fresno peppers and onion.

The Carlsbad location of the national Chinese favorite called P.F. Chang's is in a prime location. It's a quick walk from the beaches of Carlsbad and McClellan - Palomar Airport. This P.F. Chang's is also a great place to stop in after some time spent at the nearby Karl Strauss Brewing Company or the Carlsbad premium outlets. P.F. Chang's happy hour is one of the restaurant's coolest features. Stop in for $6 "Blushing Geisha" or Asian pear mojito cocktails along with $6 crispy green beans, tuna roll, and California roll. There $5 dim sum happy hour menu features dumplings, crab wontons, and vegetable spring rolls. A reliable choice for a night out with friends.

For some of the best Chinese food in San Diego, go for one of the standby favorites in Temecula. This suburban hot spot is in the Temecula Promenade, delivering plenty of great opportunities for people watching. Stop in before or after a movie at the nearby upscale theater, or a trip to the Get Air Trampoline Park a few blocks away. Actually, probably best if diners stop in before that Trampoline Park trip. P.F. Chang's menu is full of superb Asian classics, like northern-style spare ribs and cauliflower tempura.

The San Diego location of this chain favorite is a perfect spot to go after traveling to the University of San Diego or strolling by the nearby San Diego River. On one of San Diego's most active locations in Friars Road, this P.F. Chang's is an ideal place for a casual Chinese meal in the heart of the city. Stop in during lunch for one of the restaurant's signature spicy chicken bowls, or try the Mongolian beef bowl with soy glaze and flank steak. The family-style dinner meals are an excellent option for any large group visiting the city.

La Jolla is one of the nicest spots in the area, and it boasts some of the best Chinese food in San Diego. A short walk from Seal Rock, the waterfront of La Jolla, and the Museum of San Diego Art is Cherrywine Modern Asian. This intimate, acclaimed restaurant boasts small plates, sushi, and healthy dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. Try their signature spicy beef, grilled salmon, or OG tuna poke dishes, and pair them with one of their many boba drinks. On the sushi menu, be sure to try the crunchy Cali roll with fried onion and the Mexi-Cali roll with spicy mayo and sriracha sauce.