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 2024 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 2024 Dining category sponsor is Rodney Strong. View the rest of the Dining category here.
Because there are so many great ones, we’ve broken it down by region: Southern, Central, and Northern Marin.
Southern | Central | Northern
Southern Marin
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, Suite H, Sausalito, 415.332.5818
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 their takeout menu and the fried rice includes slivers of BBQ pork for added richness.
800 Redwood Highway, Suite 401, Frontage Road, 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 ma po tofu and kung pao tofu are given equal billing and care.
173 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, 415.888.3266
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
Ming’s
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 choice between beef, chicken or pork and chow mein or rice. The large portions will make sure you do not walk away wanting more.
1550 Tiburon Blvd, Tiburon, 415.435.4312
Central Marin
DJ’s Chinese Cuisine
Larkspur
The not-so-secret back patio is a scene stealer for its cozy, cheerful vibe where regulars hang out with a plate of kung pao chicken or Hong Kong-style pan-fried noodles. After 30+ years in business and counting, the Mongolian beef still attracts a following for its crispy, saucy, hot and spicy hit of happiness.
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
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
Best of the County Dining Sponsor
Rodney Strong
Rodney Strong was an acknowledged visionary who understood the potential that Sonoma County’s soil and climate held for producing world-class wines and was one of the first to plant Pinot Noir in Russian River Valley and the first to produce a Chalk Hill appellation Chardonnay.
How can I arrange a tasting appointment?
We are open Thursday through Monday from 10:30am – 5:00pm. We recommend making a reservation but we are happy to host walk-ins when we have availability for tastings until 3:30pm. Please visit rodneystrong.com/visit-us to see our tasting options and to make a reservation.
Where can I find a list of upcoming events at the winery?
Please visit rodneystrong.com/events for our upcoming events.
I’m looking for a wine country venue for an upcoming private event; could I host my event at Rodney Strong Vineyards?
Absolutely! Please visit rodneystrong.com/private-events for more information on our private events.
Rodney Strong | Healdsburg | 707.431.1533 | rodneystrong.com
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