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 2023 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Harmony (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Chinese food picks see below.
Our 2023 Dining category sponsor is Rodney Strong.
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
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
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 34 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
Ping’s Mandarin Restaurant
San Rafael
Whether you want to dine in or order takeout, Ping’s Mandarin is sure to have the Chinese meal you’re looking for. With a wide variety of dumplings, Mu Shu, noodles, soups, traditional flavors and more there is a tasty dish for everyone.
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
Sponsor
Rodney Strong: 2023 Best of the County Dining
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 do you cater to both oenophiles and newbies?
At our winery, we pride ourselves on creating an exceptional experience that caters to both connoisseurs and newbies alike. We offer a diverse range of offerings and services that accommodate the varied preferences and knowledge levels of our guests and are committed to providing a custom experience.
What sets you apart from other wineries?
Our winery has achieved national recognition for its exceptional craftsmanship, with our wines consistently earning high scores and accolades from esteemed critics and competitions.
How do you cater to both oenophiles and newbies?
At our winery, we pride ourselves on creating an exceptional experience that caters to both connoisseurs and newbies alike. We offer a diverse range of offerings and services that accommodate the varied preferences and knowledge levels of our guests and are committed to providing a custom experience.
How to Help
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For more on Marin:
- The Art of a Well-Rounded Education: A Portrait of a Marin Primary and Middle School Graduate
- A Marin City Native Shares His Story: A Conversation With Bishlam Bullock, Owner of Salon B
- Marin’s Small Businesses Owners Share Their Struggle to Cope With the Latest Pandemic Shutdown
Christina Mueller is a long-time Bay Area food writer. She hails from the East Coast and has spent way too much time in South America and Europe. She discovered her talent as a wordsmith in college and her love of all things epicurean in grad school. She has written for Condé Nast Contract Publishing, Sunset, and the Marin Independent Journal, among others. She volunteers with California State Parks and at her child’s school, and supports the Marin Audubon Society, PEN America, and Planned Parenthood. When she is not drinking wine by a fire, she is known to spend time with her extended family.
