Dim Sum Dining: The Haute 5 Chinese Restaurants in Orange County

What’s a night in without Kungpao Chicken? No one wants to remember that mistake they made, you know when they tried the new Chinese place around the corner. These Haute 5 Chinese restaurants will have you investing in some sturdy chopsticks so you can enjoy their Chicken Chow Mein and Mushu Pork on a daily basis.

Shanghai Pine Garden
My personal favorite, I grew up going to this classic island joint with my family. Our Sundays were spent fighting over the last wonton or predicting each other’s fortunes. Decorated in kitschy Chinese décor from gold dragons to red lanterns, it’s the closest thing Balboa has to a taste of China Town.

Shanghai Pine Garden is located at 300 Marine Ave., Newport Beach, CA., (949) 673-3802.

Ho Sum Bistro
After a day beach cruisin’ on the peninsula, take a break and head to Ho Sum for their renowned Chinese-California fusion. Take-out is a good plan since the place is a hot spot for locals and you can almost always expect a wait. What to order? Their top dishes are definitely the Combo Salad and the Crispy Crab Bellies. Vegetarians can delight in meat-free options for almost every dish.

Ho Sum Bistro is located at 3112 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, CA., (949) 675-0896.

Golden Dragon
Tucked away in a strip mall, the unassuming Golden Dragon is a foodie’s dream. The freshest ingredients and none of that cheap take-out grease, have drawn back familiar faces for the past thirty years. Their top items tend to be the Wor Wonton Soup and KungPao Shrimp. Hit up this Mom and Pop restaurant and you’ll be feelin’ golden.


Golden Dragon is located at 2023 Harbor Blvd., Ste. A, Costa Mesa, CA., (949) 642-7162.

California WOK
Do you want delicious take-out at your front door…now? California WOK takes pride in fast to-go service, preparing your meal in 15 minutes or less. Known for their generous portions, plan on sharing the Hot and Spicy Chicken and the Black Bean Shrimp.

California WOK is located at 3033 Bristol St. Costa Mesa, CA., (714) 751-0673.

Asian Tapas
Combining European sensibility and Asian cuisine, Asian Tapas puts a modern twist on gourmet Chinese by serving family style food in small, delectable portions. Their scallion pancakes bring me back to yummy hole-in-wall spots in San Francisco, but their unique attention to detail brings the simple fare to a whole new level. Mmm chow down!

Asian Tapas is located at 6380 Irvine Blvd. Irvine, CA., (949) 651-8999.