From noodles, kung pao chicken, dumplings, soups and more, Chinese cuisine encompasses the flavors and dish styles originating in China. A favorite for take-out lovers, comfort dishes like chow fun, pork buns and fried rice are the perfect accessory to any night in or out.
The 2026 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is DJ’s Chinese Cuisine (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Chinese food picks see below.
Our 2026 Dining category sponsor is The Marin Dish. View the rest of the Dining category here.
Southern
Mill Valley – Sausalito – Tiburon
Central
Corte Madera – Fairfax – Greenbrae – Kentfield – Larkspur – Ross – San Anselmo – San Rafael
Northern
Novato
West
Bolinas – Forest Knolls – Inverness – Lagunitas – Marshall – Nicasio – Point Reyes – Stinson Beach – Tamales – Woodacre
Southern Marin
Harmony Restaurant
Mill Valley
Organic, wheat-free and peanut-free menu selections are a boon to many who stop in for the reliably fresh veggie dishes and sustainably-sourced seafood at Mill Valley’s Harmony. Local favorites, the signature beef and signature chicken, are part of its takeout menu and the fried rice includes slivers of BBQ pork for added richness.
800 Redwood Hwy Ste 401, Frontage Rd, Mill Valley, 415.381.5300
Lam’s Kitchen
Mill Valley
Lam’s prides itself on providing Mill Valley with traditional Chinese options. Conveniently located in downtown Mill Valley, Lam’s is known for its orange chicken and Mongolian beef. While not a traditional sit-down restaurant, it is a great option to pick up in Southern Marin.
89 E Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley, 415.383.6123
Mamahuhu
Mill Valley
The second outpost of a no frills, family-friendly restaurant (the first is in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond District) from chef Brandon Jew features nostalgic Chinese-American fare chef grew up eating, like kung pao chicken and crunchy cabbage salad, reimagined for today’s diners. The vegetable-forward and vegan-friendly approach means sweet and sour cauliflower, mushroom mapo tofu and kung pao tofu are given equal billing and care.
173 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, 415.888.3266
Ming’s Restaurant
Tiburon
Ming’s has been described by visitors as a true hidden gem. Right up the road from historic Ark Row in Tiburon, this cozy Chinese restaurant has a wide array of traditional Chinese options, but its highlight might be its lunch special, allowing customers to choose between beef, chicken or pork and chow mein or rice. The large portions will make sure you walk away full and happy.
1550 Tiburon Blvd, Tiburon, 415.435.4312
Shang Hai Kitchen
Mill Valley
Tam Junction’s go-to Chinese option is Shang Hai Kitchen. This small spot has all the essentials for a Chinese take-out restaurant, but is particularly notable for its large portions and delicious fried rice.
247 Shoreline Highway A6, Mill Valley, 415.383.8888
Tommy’s Wok
Sausalito
Fresh ingredients, free-range chicken and traditional dishes like mu shu pork and Hong Kong street style noodles fulfill the Chinese food craving with a nice atmosphere for dining in or takeout for a night at home.
3001 Bridgeway Ste H, Sausalito, 415.332.5818
Central Marin
DJ’s Chinese Cuisine
Larkspur
When choosing to dine at DJ’s, hang out on the cozy back patio with a plate of its kung pao chicken or one of its complete dinner plates, customizable to the size of your party.
435 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, 415.924.0717
Emma’s Restaurant
San Rafael
If you’re looking for a modern twist on traditional Chinese dishes, Emma’s Restaurant provides an array of delicious creations for everyone to enjoy. Chef-owner Wing Pak designed a menu featuring Mongolian beef, orange chicken and crispy rainbow steak. Mu shu, a selection of soups, plenty of seafood and hearty dishes all make this joint a darling in San Rafael.
817 Francisco Blvd W, San Rafael, 415.492.1638
Ping’s Chinese Cuisine
San Rafael
Ping’s Chinese Restaurant serves authentic Chinese cuisine made with fresh ingredients. The menu features traditional dishes, including stir-fries and soups, available for dine-in, takeout and family gatherings.
248 Northgate Dr #1,San Rafael,415.492.8808
Yet Wah
San Rafael
Named for the founder’s wife (“Yet” refers to the moon, “Wah” to brightness), this beloved downtown mainstay has a traditional Chinese menu and daily dim sum. Live music is sometimes on offer in the Kung Fu Lounge and a gluten-free menu is available.
1238 4th St, San Rafael, 415.460.9883
Yu Shang Mandarin Cuisine and Sushi Bar
San Rafael
Marin families flock to Yu Shang for its family-style service and the Japanese and Chinese-American-inclusive menu. That means platters of Mongolian beef and Moo Goo Gai Pan are right at home next to plates of salmon teriyaki and pork tonkatsu.
180 Bellam Blvd, San Rafael, 415.457.9199
Northern Marin
China Palace
Novato
For authentic Chinese cuisine in Novato, China Palace has a variety of tastes and dishes and uses high-quality, fresh ingredients. Stop by for dine-in or take-out when craving your favorite noodle dish.
7089 Redwood Blvd, Novato, 415.892.6563
Explore Marin County’s top restaurants, cafés, and culinary experiences through Marin Magazine’s Best of the County. This annual guide spotlights the dining destinations locals love most — from fine dining to casual favorites.
Each listing is backed by reader votes, ensuring that only the most recommended restaurants make the list. Top-voted businesses earn Readers’ Choice recognition, making this a trusted resource for discovering where to eat in Marin.
See more top-rated spots across categories in the full Best of the County guide, featuring top businesses across dining, wellness, services, shopping, and more.
Know a business that should be included? Submit a suggestion to our editorial team and look out for nominations in early 2027.
Are you a BOC business but want to change your photo, or did we miss including it? Submit your new photo here.
Dining Sponsor
The Marin Dish
The Marin Dish is your go-to guide for food and fun in Marin. From buzzworthy restaurant openings and hidden wine bars to mouthwatering happy hours, can’t-miss foodie events, and live music, we uncover the places that make Marin such a vibrant place to live, dine, and explore.
Founded by lifelong Marin County resident Kevin Blum, The Marin Dish celebrates the people and businesses that give the county its unique flavor. More than just a local guide, it’s a community where restaurants, bars, and small businesses share their stories, promote seasonal specials and events, and connect with an engaged audience of food lovers and local explorers. Whether you’re on the hunt for your next favorite burger, planning an unforgettable date night, or looking for the hottest event in town, The Marin Dish is here to help you make the most of Marin.
The Marin Dish | Mill Valley, CA 415.290.2767 | themarindish.com
