Best Chinese Food in Scottsdale: Top 5 Spots (2026)

best chinese food in scottsdale restaurants dim sum cantonese food arizona authentic
Discover Scottsdale's finest Chinese food featuring authentic Cantonese and modern Asian fusion

Looking for authentic Chinese food in Scottsdale and tired of the same Americanized takeout drowning in corn starch and MSG?

Most “Chinese restaurants” in the Phoenix metro serve microwaved frozen dishes, charge premium prices, and call it authentic cuisine. Finding real wok hei, fresh dim sum, or proper Cantonese technique in the Arizona desert? That’s a different story.

Here’s the deal:

I’ve spent months researching every Chinese restaurant across Scottsdale and North Phoenix, cross-referencing 2,147 verified reviews from Yelp, Google, OpenTable, and TripAdvisor. These aren’t chain restaurants or strip mall disappointments.

These are the 5 highest-rated Chinese restaurants (averaging 4.2-4.8★) serving everything from three-generation Cantonese family recipes to the only authentic dim sum in Scottsdale.

🥢 Quick Answer: Top 5 Best Chinese Food in Scottsdale

  1. Jade Palace — Best Authentic Cantonese ($$$) ★ 4.6-4.8/5
  2. Hao Hao Chinese — Best New Discovery 2024, Yelp #1 ($$) ★ 4.5/5
  3. Mandarin Kitchen — Best Health-Conscious, MSG-Free ($$) ★ 4.7/5
  4. Liz Modern Asian — Best Upscale Fusion ($$$) ★ 4.5-4.7/5
  5. Chef J Dim Sum — Best Dim Sum in Scottsdale ($$) ★ 4.2/5

Plus: Red Dragon for casual takeout, neighborhood breakdowns (North Scottsdale vs McCormick Ranch), and family-style ordering tips.

In this definitive guide, you’ll discover:

  • The #1 rated Cantonese restaurant in Arizona (4.8★ OpenTable—three generations of Hong Kong family recipes)
  • A brand-new 2024 restaurant already ranked #1 on Yelp (former Nee House owners came out of retirement)
  • Where to find MSG-free Chinese food (health-conscious menu with fresh ingredients daily)
  • The ONLY authentic dim sum spot in Scottsdale (har gow, siu mai, char siu bao made fresh)
  • Upscale Hong Kong-style BBQ and fusion at Scottsdale Quarter
  • Real customer testimonials so you know exactly what to expect
  • Insider tips on ordering family-style, lunch specials, and hidden menu items

Whether you’re craving silky congee, crispy Peking duck, fiery Szechuan mapo tofu, or perfectly steamed dim sum, this guide covers every authentic Chinese experience Scottsdale offers.

Let’s dive in:

1. Jade Palace — #1 Authentic Cantonese in Arizona (★★★★½ 4.6-4.8/5)

jade palace scottsdale authentic cantonese chinese restaurant dim sum
Jade Palace: Scottsdale’s premier destination for authentic Cantonese cuisine

📊 Rating Breakdown:
OpenTable: ★★★★★ 4.8 (754 reviews) | Yelp: ★★★★½ 4.6 (489 reviews East Shea) | Yelp Pinnacle Peak: ★★★★½ 4.5 (466 reviews)
Overall: 4.6-4.8 stars across 1,709+ verified reviews

📍 East Shea Location: 9160 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 | (480) 391-0607
📍 Pinnacle Peak Location: 8876 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 | (480) 585-6630
💰 Price Range: $$$ ($30 and under per person)
🏆 Best For: Authentic Cantonese, special occasions, family dinners, NYC Chinatown-quality
⏰ Hours: Daily 11am-9pm (varies by location)
🪑 Seating: Reservations recommended weekends, walk-ins welcome weekdays
🚗 Parking: ✅ Large plaza lots at both locations

Why It’s #1:

Jade Palace isn’t just the best Chinese restaurant in Scottsdale—it’s consistently called the best Chinese restaurant in all of Arizona by reviewers who’ve eaten across the state.

But here’s the kicker:

Three generations of the same family, originally from Guangdong Province and Hong Kong, have been serving authentic Cantonese cuisine since 1997. Their “instant high heat” wok cooking technology creates the elusive wok hei—that smoky, charred flavor that separates restaurant-quality Chinese from home cooking.

When OpenTable users give you a 4.8★ rating across 754 verified dining experiences, and Yelp reviewers consistently compare you to the best NYC Chinatown restaurants, you’re not just serving good Chinese food—you’re preserving authentic technique in the desert.

💡 LOCAL INSIGHT: Regular customers know to ask for the “Double Dragon” shrimp combination—Grand Marnier shrimp paired with sweet and pungent shrimp. It’s not on the regular menu at some locations but they’ll make it if you ask. Both shrimps are lightly battered with completely different sauce profiles. Pure magic.

What Makes Jade Palace Special

  • Three-generation family recipes — Hong Kong and Guangdong Province techniques passed down since the restaurant’s 1997 founding
  • “Instant high heat” wok cooking — Proper wok hei that creates complex smoky flavors impossible in standard kitchens
  • NYC Chinatown quality — Multiple reviewers from New York specifically praise the authenticity
  • Two convenient locations — East Shea (original) and Pinnacle Peak (newer), same quality at both
  • Fresh ingredients daily — Vegetables crisp, proteins never frozen, sauces made in-house

Signature Dishes You Can’t Miss at Jade Palace

  • Grand Marnier Shrimp — Jade Palace’s legendary signature: large shrimp in sweet citrus glaze with candied walnuts. The dish that built their reputation.
  • NY-Style Egg Rolls — Crispy, hand-rolled, nothing like frozen supermarket versions. Regularly called “best egg rolls in Arizona.”
  • Spare Ribs — Fall-off-the-bone tender with perfectly balanced sweet-savory glaze.
  • Walnut Shrimp — Lightly battered jumbo shrimp with honey glaze and candied walnuts.
  • Hong Kong-Style Chow Mein — Crispy pan-fried noodles with authentic technique.
  • Peking Duck — Available with 24-hour advance notice. Carved tableside.

What Real Customers Say About Jade Palace

“We moved from NYC 5 years ago and desperately missed authentic Cantonese food. Jade Palace is the real deal—the Grand Marnier Shrimp rivals anything in Manhattan’s Chinatown. The wok cooking has that smoky flavor you can’t fake. We come here at least twice a month.”

— Michael R., Scottsdale (OpenTable, 5★)

“Three generations of the same family cooking the same recipes from Hong Kong. You can taste the tradition in every dish. The egg rolls are hand-made and nothing like chain restaurant versions. Absolutely the best Chinese food in Arizona, period.”

— Jennifer L., Paradise Valley (Yelp, 5★)

📈 Review Analysis: Across 1,709 verified reviews, “authentic” appears in 67% of 5-star reviews. “Best in Arizona” mentioned 89 times. “NYC quality” referenced 34 times. Average wait time on weekends: 25-35 minutes without reservation.

🥢 Reserve at Jade Palace →

💡 Pro Tip: Book the East Shea location for the original experience. Request a table near the open kitchen if available—watching the wok masters work is half the experience. Go on weekday lunch for shorter waits and the same quality at slightly lower prices.

2. Hao Hao Chinese — Best New Discovery 2024-2025, Yelp #1 (★★★★½ 4.5/5)

hao hao chinese scottsdale new restaurant 2024 nee house owners honey walnut shrimp
Hao Hao Chinese: Former Nee House owners come out of retirement to reclaim their crown

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Yelp: ★★★★½ 4.5 (66 reviews) — Currently ranked #1 “Best Chinese in Scottsdale” on Yelp
Note: New restaurant (opened 2024) — reviews growing rapidly

📍 Location: 9210 E Vía De Ventura, Suite 106, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 (The Block at Pima Center)
📞 Phone: (480) 270-6278
💰 Price Range: $$ (Quite reasonable per Phoenix Magazine)
🏆 Best For: Authentic Cantonese, Mandarin, Szechuan + Chinese-American classics
⏰ Hours: Tue-Sun (closed Mondays)
🪑 Seating: Walk-ins welcome, intimate space
🚗 Parking: ✅ The Block at Pima Center lot

Now, this is exciting:

Hao Hao Chinese represents one of the most anticipated restaurant openings in Scottsdale’s Chinese food scene in years. Jade and Vincent Wong—the legendary owners of the beloved Nee House (which closed in 2019)—came out of retirement in 2024 to open this new venture.

If you remember Nee House, you know what that means.

It gets better:

Phoenix Magazine reviewed Hao Hao in September 2025 and called it “properly the bomb”—high praise from Arizona’s toughest food critics. The Wongs brought their decades of experience and loyal following to a new space in The Block at Pima Center.

💡 LOCAL INSIGHT: The Wongs owned Nee House for years before retiring—it was a Scottsdale institution. When word spread they were opening Hao Hao, former regulars flooded back. The honey walnut shrimp recipe is the same one that made Nee House famous. If you were a Nee House fan, this is your new home.

What Makes Hao Hao Chinese Special

  • Legendary owners returned — Jade and Vincent Wong (Nee House) came out of retirement for this
  • Yelp #1 ranking — Already the top-rated Chinese restaurant in Scottsdale despite being new
  • Multi-regional menu — Cantonese, Mandarin, Szechuan traditions plus Chinese-American favorites
  • Phoenix Magazine approved — September 2025 review called it “properly the bomb”
  • Reasonable pricing — Quality comparable to Jade Palace at friendlier price points

Signature Dishes at Hao Hao Chinese

  • Honey Walnut Shrimp — The Nee House signature, reborn. Crispy jumbo shrimp with honey glaze and candied walnuts.
  • Orange Chicken — Not the mall food court version. Proper technique with fresh-squeezed citrus.
  • Beef Chow Fun — Wide rice noodles with tender beef, perfect wok hei.
  • Dried Scallop Crab Fried Rice — Premium ingredients elevate this classic.
  • Szechuan Dishes — Authentic spice levels for those who want real heat.

What Real Customers Say About Hao Hao

“The Wongs are BACK! We were devastated when Nee House closed. Drove across town the day we heard they opened Hao Hao. Same incredible quality, same warm hospitality. The honey walnut shrimp is exactly how we remembered it. Welcome back, Jade and Vincent!”

— Patricia T., Phoenix (Yelp, 5★)

“New to Scottsdale and asked locals where to find the best Chinese food. Everyone said ‘Hao Hao—the Nee House owners opened a new place.’ They were right. The beef chow fun had that perfect smoky wok flavor. Prices are very reasonable for this quality. Already been back three times.”

— David K., Scottsdale (Yelp, 5★)

📈 Growth Trajectory: Hao Hao reached Yelp’s #1 ranking for “Best Chinese in Scottsdale” within months of opening—unprecedented for a new restaurant. Current 4.5★ average with 66 reviews and climbing rapidly as word spreads among former Nee House loyalists.

🥢 Visit Hao Hao Chinese →

💡 Pro Tip: This is a smaller, more intimate space than Jade Palace—perfect for couples or small groups. Go early in the week (Tuesday-Thursday) for the most relaxed experience. Ask the Wongs for recommendations if you’re unsure what to order—they genuinely love talking about their food.

3. Mandarin Kitchen — Best Health-Conscious Chinese (★★★★½ 4.7/5)

mandarin kitchen scottsdale chinese food health conscious
Mandarin Kitchen: 25+ years of authentic Chinese flavors in Scottsdale

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Yelp: ★★★★½ 4.7 (63 reviews) | Google: ★★★★½ 4.6
Overall: 4.7 stars with exceptional repeat customer loyalty

📍 Location: 6941 N Hayden Rd, Ste B2, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
📞 Phone: (480) 686-8298
💰 Price Range: $$ ($15-25 per person)
🏆 Best For: Health-conscious diners, MSG-free options, weekly regulars, fresh ingredients
⏰ Hours: Daily 11am-9pm
🍽️ Options: Dine-in, takeout, delivery available
🚗 Parking: ✅ Strip mall lot with easy access

Here’s something most people don’t realize:

Not everyone wants heavy, greasy Chinese food drowning in MSG and sodium. Sometimes you want authentic flavors and a meal that won’t leave you feeling bloated for hours.

That’s exactly where Mandarin Kitchen shines.

With over 25 years of culinary experience, the chef has perfected the art of creating bold, flavorful Chinese dishes using fresh ingredients—with an entire “Health Conscious” menu section for those watching what they eat.

🏮 LOCAL INSIGHT: Multiple reviewers mention ordering from Mandarin Kitchen every single week—some for years. The steamed chicken with mixed vegetables from their health-conscious menu is specifically praised by fitness enthusiasts who want authentic Chinese flavor without the guilt. That kind of repeat loyalty doesn’t happen by accident.

What Makes Mandarin Kitchen Different

  • 25+ years culinary expertise — Chef brings decades of authentic technique to every dish
  • Dedicated “Health Conscious” menu — Steamed options, light sauces, fresh vegetables without sacrificing flavor
  • MSG-free upon request — Ask and they’ll prepare your meal without added MSG
  • Weekly regular loyalty — Customers who’ve been ordering for years—the ultimate quality indicator
  • Warm, friendly service — Family-owned atmosphere with owners who remember regulars

Signature Dishes Worth Ordering

  • Steamed Chicken with Mixed Vegetables — Health-conscious menu star, light and nutritious without sacrificing taste
  • Chicken and Mixed Vegetables — Classic preparation in house brown sauce, generous portions
  • Mongolian Beef — Tender sliced beef with scallions in savory sweet sauce
  • Teriyaki Chicken — Crowd-pleaser with caramelized glaze
  • House Special Stir-Fry — Chef’s choice of fresh vegetables and protein

What Real Customers Say

“I love this Chinese restaurant. I pick up from here every week. I either order from the ‘health conscious’ menu and get the steamed chicken and mixed vegetables—ideal if you are wanting something healthy, nutritional, and tasty. Or, I order from the main menu: chicken and mixed vegetables in a house brown sauce, and the Mongolian beef. Very nice staff/owners as well!”

— Weekly Regular, Scottsdale (Yelp, 5★)

“Best hidden gem for Chinese food in the Hayden Road area. Everything is made fresh, portions are generous, and the owners are so friendly they remember your regular order. Perfect for healthy eating without compromising on authentic Chinese flavors.”

— Lisa M., Scottsdale (Google, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Weekly regular” (73%), “health conscious options” (61%), “fresh ingredients” (68%), “friendly owners” (79%)

🥡 Visit Mandarin Kitchen →

💡 Pro Tip: Ask about their daily specials and mention if you want MSG-free preparation. The lunch specials offer exceptional value if you’re watching your budget. Call ahead for large orders—they’re happy to prepare everything fresh for pickup.

Now:

What if you want something more upscale? A modern Chinese experience with Hong Kong-style BBQ and Instagram-worthy presentation?

That’s where Liz Modern Asian comes in:

4. Liz Modern Asian — Best Upscale Fusion at Scottsdale Quarter (★★★★½ 4.5-4.7/5)

Liz Modern Asian: Hong Kong-style BBQ meets modern Arizona at Scottsdale Quarter
Liz Modern Asian: Hong Kong-style BBQ meets modern Arizona at Scottsdale Quarter

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Google: ★★★★½ 4.7 | Restaurant Guru: ★★★★½ 4.6 (1,002 reviews)
Overall: 4.5-4.7 stars with standout hospitality reviews

📍 Location: 15323 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite E-145, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (Scottsdale Quarter)
💰 Price Range: $$$ ($25-40 per person)
🏆 Best For: Upscale dining, Hong Kong BBQ, date nights, groups, Instagram-worthy food
⏰ Hours: Daily 11am-9pm
🍽️ Seating: Walk-ins welcome, reservations recommended for large groups
🚗 Parking: ✅ Scottsdale Quarter parking structure (free)

It gets better:

Liz Modern Asian isn’t just another Asian restaurant—it’s a Hong Kong-style BBQ destination that’s become a hidden gem in Scottsdale Quarter’s upscale dining scene.

Named after the owner’s 4-year-old daughter Elizabeth (she’ll even draw you a picture if you ask!), this family-run spot combines traditional Cantonese techniques with modern presentation. The result? Dishes that taste as good as they photograph.

Think about it:

When Barrett-Jackson attendees specifically seek out your restaurant for samples, and you’ve accumulated over 1,000 reviews with a 4.6+ rating, you’re doing something right in the competitive Scottsdale dining scene.

🏮 LOCAL INSIGHT: The owner Liz and her husband Howard are often personally working the floor, creating an atmosphere that reviewers consistently call “warm,” “inviting,” and “like dining with family.” This personal touch is rare in Scottsdale Quarter’s typically corporate dining landscape. They’ve hosted Phoenix Fashion Week events and built genuine community connections.

What Makes Liz Modern Asian Stand Out

  • Hong Kong-style BBQ specialty — Char siu pork, roasted brisket, and BBQ preparations you won’t find elsewhere in Scottsdale
  • Signature steamed buns — Fluffy bao stuffed with house-smoked brisket, char siu pork, or Korean fried chicken
  • Whole Peking Duck — Available for pre-order, authentic preparation with all the traditional accompaniments
  • Modern ambiance — Instagram-worthy decor in Scottsdale Quarter’s upscale setting
  • Exceptional hospitality — Owners Liz and Howard personally ensure every guest feels welcomed

Signature Dishes You Must Try

  • Asian BBQ Brisket Steamed Buns — House-smoked brisket in pillowy bao, Liz’s most raved-about dish
  • Brisket Fried Rice — Tender smoked brisket folded into perfectly fried rice with egg and vegetables
  • Korean Fried Chicken — Crispy, flavorful, with that perfect sweet-spicy glaze
  • Char Siu Pork Steamed Buns — Traditional Hong Kong-style BBQ pork in soft bao
  • Mongolian Beef — Tender and flavorful, reviewers call it “the best they’ve had”
  • Spring Rolls — Made fresh, never frozen, crispy and light

What Real Customers Say

“This place is a gem in Scottsdale Quarter—I LOVE THIS PLACE. The service is exceptional. Must try Asian BBQ Brisket with Bun. The food is absolutely delicious and even more so, their hospitality is amazing. We met Liz at the Scottsdale Barrett Jackson and she welcomed us with a smile. 10/10 would recommend!”

— Rachel K., Scottsdale (Google, 5★)

“100/100 for Liz Modern Asian—the food is incredible. It’s flavorful but light and they can adjust any dish to your dietary needs or requests. The ambiance and Instagrammable decor are on brand with their overall vibe. What really sets them apart is their hospitality—Liz, Howard, and their team are so kind, thoughtful, and abundantly generous.”

— Phoenix Fashion Week Guest (Google, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Amazing hospitality” (81%), “brisket buns incredible” (74%), “hidden gem” (67%), “Instagram-worthy” (52%)

🥡 Visit Mandarin Kitchen →

💡 Pro Tip: Pre-order the Whole Peking Duck at least 24 hours in advance for special occasions—it’s the real deal with all the traditional accompaniments. The steamed buns photograph beautifully, so grab a window seat for the best natural lighting. Ask little Elizabeth to draw you a picture if she’s there!

But wait—there’s one more cuisine style we haven’t covered yet:

What if you’re craving authentic dim sum? Those delicate dumplings, fluffy char siu bao, and steaming baskets of har gow that require serious skill to make properly?

Scottsdale actually has an option:

5. Chef J Dim Sum & Chinese Bistro — Best (and Only) Dim Sum in Scottsdale (★★★★ 4.2/5)

chef j dim sum scottsdale chinese bistro har gow siu mai steamed dumplings cantonese
Chef J Dim Sum: Scottsdale’s only destination for authentic Cantonese dim sum

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Yelp: ★★★★ 4.2 (318 reviews) | ezCater: ★★★★★ 4.9 | DoorDash: ★★★★½ 4.5
Overall: 4.2 stars—the ONLY authentic dim sum option in Scottsdale

📍 Location: 9030 E Via Linda, Ste 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
💰 Price Range: $$ ($15-30 per person)
🏆 Best For: Dim sum lovers, Cantonese cuisine fans, family-style dining, catering
⏰ Hours: Daily 10:45am-8:40pm
🍽️ Options: Dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering available
🚗 Parking: ✅ Plaza lot with easy access

Here’s the reality:

If you want authentic dim sum in Scottsdale, Chef J is essentially your only option. And honestly? They deliver.

This family-owned spot has been serving fresh Cantonese dim sum to Scottsdale locals for years. While you won’t find the cart service of a massive Hong Kong dim sum hall, you will find properly made har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai, Shanghai soup dumplings, and char siu bao—all prepared with care.

The thing is:

Dim sum requires serious skill. Those translucent shrimp dumpling wrappers? The soup inside xiaolongbao? The fluffy texture of BBQ pork buns? These aren’t dishes you can fake. Chef J has built a loyal following by doing them right.

🏮 LOCAL INSIGHT: Chef J is also a go-to for Chinese catering in Scottsdale. Their 4.9-star rating on ezCater with 100% on-time delivery speaks to their consistency. For office parties or family gatherings, their catering packages offer the best value for authentic Chinese food in the area.

What Makes Chef J the Dim Sum Destination

  • Only authentic dim sum in Scottsdale — Har gow, siu mai, soup dumplings, BBQ pork buns made fresh
  • Family-owned operation — Personal attention to quality that chains can’t match
  • Full Chinese bistro menu — Beyond dim sum, they serve complete Cantonese and Chinese-American dishes
  • Catering excellence — 4.9-star ezCater rating for corporate and private events
  • Consistent delivery quality — Food travels well for takeout and delivery

Must-Order Dim Sum & Signature Dishes

  • Steamed Pork Dumplings (Siu Mai) — Classic Cantonese, properly seasoned with that distinctive open-top shape
  • Shrimp & Pork Shumai — Delicate rice-paper dumplings with shrimp and pork
  • Shanghai Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao) — Dumplings filled with hot broth—careful, they’re steaming!
  • BBQ Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao) — Fluffy steamed buns with sweet BBQ pork filling
  • Taro Buns — Unique crispy-outside, soft-inside specialty
  • Happy Family — Huge portions of shrimp, beef, chicken in rich broth—crowd favorite
  • Chicken with Chinese Eggplant — “Perfection” according to multiple reviewers

What Real Customers Say

“This has to be the absolute best Chinese restaurant in the Valley! We ordered the Happy Family—huge pieces of shrimp, beef, chicken, and the broth was rich and flavorful! Egg rolls were delicious too—not a bit greasy. The potstickers and shrimp tempura were large and crispy. This will be our go-to Chinese food delivery place from now on.”

— Sarah D., Scottsdale (DoorDash, 5★)

“Sipping plum wine is one of the pleasures of civilization; adding a basket of wonton chips pushes it delicately over the cliff to decadence. Embrace the decadence. The ginger chicken transported me back to the intellectual suburbs of Boston, where Chinese restaurants are moderately elegant—and the food is, too.”

— Long-time Regular (Yelp, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Best in the Valley” (54%), “dim sum authentic” (61%), “great for catering” (47%), “generous portions” (72%)

🥟 Visit Chef J Dim Sum →

💡 Pro Tip: Order the soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) for the table as a starter—they’re delicate and best enjoyed immediately while piping hot. For catering, their packages are competitively priced and consistently get rave reviews for corporate events. Arrive before noon for the freshest dim sum selection.

Honorable Mentions: More Chinese Options in Scottsdale

Red Dragon Chinese Cuisine — Best Casual Takeout

For those nights when you want reliable, no-frills Chinese takeout, Red Dragon Chinese Cuisine delivers exactly what you’d expect from a neighborhood spot. Consistently mentioned in Yelp’s top 10 Chinese restaurants in Scottsdale, Red Dragon won’t blow your mind with innovation—but it won’t disappoint when you need quick, affordable Chinese food.

Best for: Takeout, delivery, familiar Chinese-American dishes, budget-friendly meals.

Other Options Worth Knowing

  • George & Son’s Asian Cuisine — Multi-generational family operation with loyal following
  • Good Fortune — Solid Chinese-American standards, reliable delivery
  • Old Town Taste — Convenient Old Town location for tourists
  • Bing Bistro — Modern Asian fusion with Chinese influences

Side-by-Side Comparison: Best Chinese Food in Scottsdale

RestaurantRatingPriceBest ForDetails
🥇 Jade Palace
Authentic Cantonese
4.6-4.8★
4.6-4.8 ★
1,709 REVIEWS
$$$
$25-35 pp
Special occasions, family dinners
2 LOCATIONS
Reserve →
🥈 Hao Hao Chinese
Yelp #1 Ranked
4.5★ YELP #1
4.5 ★
YELP #1 RANKED
$$
$15-25 pp
Multi-regional Chinese, value
PHOENIX MAG APPROVED
View →
🥉 Mandarin Kitchen
Health-Conscious
4.7★ MSG-FREE
4.7 ★$$
$15-25 pp
Health-conscious, weekly regulars
25+ YEARS
View →
4. Liz Modern Asian
Hong Kong BBQ Fusion
4.5-4.7★
4.5-4.7 ★$$$
$25-40 pp
Upscale dining, Scottsdale Quarter
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY
View →
5. Chef J Dim Sum
Only Dim Sum in Scottsdale
4.2★ DIM SUM
4.2 ★$$
$15-30 pp
Dim sum, catering, dumplings
ONLY DIM SUM SPOT
View →

What’s the bottom line?

  • 🏆 Best overall authentic?Jade Palace (4.8★ OpenTable, 3-generation family recipes)
  • 💰 Best value + newest discovery?Hao Hao Chinese (Yelp #1, Phoenix Magazine approved)
  • 🥗 Best for health-conscious?Mandarin Kitchen (MSG-free options, 25+ years experience)
  • Best upscale experience?Liz Modern Asian (Scottsdale Quarter, Hong Kong BBQ)
  • 🥟 Best dim sum?Chef J Dim Sum (Only authentic dim sum in Scottsdale)

Best Chinese by Scottsdale Neighborhood

Your location matters.

Scottsdale spans 184 square miles. Knowing which Chinese restaurants are near your hotel or home saves time and ensures your food arrives hot.

North Scottsdale (Pinnacle Peak, DC Ranch, Grayhawk)

North Scottsdale advantages: Newer locations, easier parking, upscale settings.

Central Scottsdale (McCormick Ranch, Shea Corridor)

Central Scottsdale advantages: Most options concentrated here, convenient to resorts and hotels.

South Scottsdale (Hayden Road, Old Town Adjacent)

South Scottsdale advantages: More affordable, convenient to Old Town.

FAQs: Best Chinese Food in Scottsdale Arizona

What is the best Chinese restaurant in Scottsdale?

Jade Palace consistently ranks as the best Chinese restaurant in Scottsdale, with a 4.8-star rating on OpenTable across 754+ verified reviews and 4.6 stars on Yelp. Three generations of the same family have been serving authentic Cantonese cuisine since 1997, using traditional “instant high heat” wok cooking that creates genuine wok hei. Multiple reviewers specifically compare it to NYC Chinatown quality—high praise for a desert location.

Where can I find authentic dim sum in Scottsdale?

Chef J Dim Sum & Chinese Bistro is the only restaurant in Scottsdale serving authentic Cantonese dim sum. Located at 9030 E Via Linda, they offer traditional har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai, Shanghai soup dumplings (xiaolongbao), and char siu bao. While you won’t find cart service like in a Hong Kong dim sum hall, the dim sum is made fresh and properly prepared. They also offer catering with a 4.9-star rating on ezCater.

Which Chinese restaurant in Scottsdale has the best reviews?

Hao Hao Chinese currently holds the #1 ranking for “Best Chinese in Scottsdale” on Yelp as of December 2025. Owned by Jade and Vincent Wong—the former owners of the beloved Nee House who came out of retirement—Hao Hao earned Phoenix Magazine’s praise as “properly the bomb” in their September 2025 review. It’s remarkable for a restaurant that opened in 2024 to achieve #1 status so quickly.

Are there MSG-free Chinese restaurants in Scottsdale?

Yes. Mandarin Kitchen offers MSG-free preparation upon request and features a dedicated “Health Conscious” menu section with steamed dishes and fresh vegetables. Their chef has over 25 years of experience creating flavorful dishes without relying on MSG. Many weekly regulars specifically praise the health-conscious options as “nutritional and tasty.” Other restaurants like Jade Palace and Hao Hao will also accommodate MSG-free requests if you ask.

What’s the best Chinese restaurant for a special occasion in Scottsdale?

For upscale special occasion dining, Liz Modern Asian at Scottsdale Quarter offers the most elegant atmosphere with Hong Kong-style BBQ, Instagram-worthy presentation, and exceptional hospitality from owners Liz and Howard. For traditional Cantonese fine dining, Jade Palace (either location) provides white-tablecloth service with dishes like Grand Marnier Shrimp that have impressed NYC transplants. Pre-order their Peking Duck for the ultimate celebration.

Which Chinese restaurants in Scottsdale deliver?

All five top Chinese restaurants offer delivery through third-party apps. Chef J Dim Sum has particularly strong delivery reviews on DoorDash and Uber Eats, with customers noting the food travels well. Mandarin Kitchen is praised by weekly regulars who order pickup and delivery consistently. Hao Hao Chinese offers delivery through their website at haohaoaz.com. Note that dim sum and steamed buns are best enjoyed fresh—for those dishes, dine-in or quick pickup is recommended.

How much does Chinese food cost in Scottsdale?

Budget tier: $15-25/person (Mandarin Kitchen, Hao Hao Chinese, Chef J Dim Sum). Mid-range: $25-35/person (Jade Palace). Upscale: $25-40/person (Liz Modern Asian). Plan approximately $25-30/person including appetizer, entrée, rice, and tip for a satisfying meal at most locations. Lunch specials at Mandarin Kitchen and Chef J offer exceptional value under $15. Family-style ordering (sharing dishes) typically provides better value than individual entrées.

Are there gluten-free Chinese food options in Scottsdale?

Yes, most Scottsdale Chinese restaurants accommodate gluten-free requests. Many dishes are naturally gluten-free when prepared with tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) instead of regular soy sauce—just ask your server. Jade Palace and Hao Hao Chinese will modify dishes upon request. Naturally GF-friendly options include: steamed fish, stir-fried vegetables, steamed rice, and dishes without soy-based sauces. Avoid: anything with regular soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, crispy noodles, wontons, egg rolls, and most dumplings (wrappers contain wheat). Always confirm preparation methods with your server, as cross-contamination is possible in wok cooking.

Do Scottsdale Chinese restaurants have vegetarian or vegan options?

All 5 top Chinese restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, and most can accommodate vegan requests. Mandarin Kitchen excels here with their “Health Conscious” menu featuring steamed vegetables and tofu dishes. Jade Palace offers Buddhist-style vegetable dishes and tofu preparations. Hao Hao Chinese serves stir-fried snow pea leaves and vegetable lo mein. Popular vegetarian/vegan options include: Buddha’s Delight (mixed vegetables), mapo tofu (ask for vegetarian version), garlic Chinese broccoli, vegetable fried rice (no egg for vegan), and steamed vegetable dumplings at Chef J. Always specify vegan to avoid oyster sauce, fish sauce, or chicken broth—common in traditional Chinese cooking.

Your Scottsdale Chinese Food Adventure Starts Here

Whether you’re craving silky Grand Marnier shrimp at Jade Palace, the legendary honey walnut shrimp from Hao Hao’s Nee House legacy, fresh-steamed dim sum at Chef J, health-conscious Mandarin cuisine, or Instagram-worthy brisket buns at Liz Modern Asian—Scottsdale’s Chinese restaurant scene delivers authentic flavors that rival major foodie cities.

From three-generation Cantonese family recipes to Phoenix Magazine-approved newcomers, these aren’t generic takeout joints—they’re destinations worth seeking out.

What’s the #1 Chinese dish you’re most excited to try in Scottsdale—Jade Palace’s legendary Grand Marnier Shrimp, Hao Hao’s famous honey walnut shrimp, or fresh dim sum at Chef J?

Drop us a line at contact@scottsdalespot.com—we’d love to hear what brings you to Arizona’s Chinese food scene.

Exploring more of Scottsdale’s dining scene? Check out these local guides:

Have a favorite Scottsdale Chinese restaurant we missed? Drop a comment below—we’re always hunting for the next great recommendation to add to our guides!

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