Updated: August 10, 2026
In this guide
Columbus has a lot of really good Chinese food, and I feel like we don’t talk about it enough.
There are the reliable takeout spots, obviously, but there are also restaurants serving more traditional and authentic dishes, and those are often the ones that end up becoming favorites. Honestly, this is one of those food categories where I’m always finding somewhere new to try.
Here are a few Chinese restaurants around Columbus that are worth checking out.
Jump to: Jiu Thai | Golden Chopsticks | Peking Dynasty | Chuan Jiang Hao Zi | Ding Ho | Lucky Dragon | Tai’s Asian Bistro | Xi Xia | Sun Tong Luck | Helen’s Asian Kitchen | N.E. Chinese | Tiger + Lily | Hunan Lion | Main Moon | ChiliSpot | Fiery Sky Asian Kitchen
Jiu Thai
Confusing though its name may be, Jiu Thai actually serves Shaanxi Chinese food, not Thai food. It’s okay, it threw me off the first time too. It’s not every day that you can find authentic tasting biang biang noodles in the middle of Ohio.
So if it’s an experience you’re waiting to check off your bucket list, I highly suggest Jiu Thai. Oh man, I almost forgot. Don’t forget to try the cold noodles. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Location: 787 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43214
Website: Click here for more info
Golden Chopsticks
This is your typical, American Chinese takeout. I would never suggest this first, not because the food isn’t good, but just because it won’t be pushing you out of your comfort zone anytime soon.
If you aren’t feeling adventurous, you can go with the old stand-by’s, the typical American take out options. But there are often specials that are made to order, which improves your chances of them being perfectly cooked and extra delicious.
Location: Two locations, in Hilliard and Columbus
Website: Hilliard | Columbus
Peking Dynasty
View this post on Instagram
Don’t give me that look, I know what you’re thinking. Another Americanized takeout place. But I just cannot in good conscience leave Peking Dynasty off this list. Not only are they insanely fast and nearly always the happiest part of my day, they have some delectable food.
The Hunan chicken combines two of my all time favorite things, spicy flavor and water chestnuts. But for those of you who don’t like the heat, they have plenty of options you’re used to seeing, like sweet and sour chicken, General Tso’s, etc.
Location: 2210 East Livingston Avenue, Bexley, OH 43209
Website: Click here for more info
Chuan Jiang Hao Zi
When Fortune Chinese Restaurant closed, its owners didn’t stay gone for long. They returned in late 2023 with Chuan Jiang Hao Zi, on the corner of the rebuilt Olentangy Square center, and the kitchen is Szechuan through and through. Regulars order the wontons in chili oil first, and the dry pots arrive with more heat than the timid expect. Breakfast With Nick put it on his list of favorite Chinese restaurants in Columbus in 2025, and the packed dining room backs him up.
Location: 496 Ackerman Rd, Columbus
Website: Click here for more info
Ding Ho
Confession time. Over the years, I’ve decided that Cantonese-style Chinese food is my favorite. And that journey began at Ding Ho’s West Broad St. location when I was a kid.
Perhaps it’s part nostalgia, but I would venture to say that Ding Ho will always hold a special place in my heart. There are plenty of options for the picky eaters in your party, but for the daring ones, the ones who came here ready to conquer their plates, please try the Pineapple Duck.
Location: 120 Phillipi Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
Website: Click here for more info
Lucky Dragon
View this post on Instagram
Lucky Dragon is the perfect Chinese restaurant to take a big group of friends. You can order tons of food conveniently, the rotating table top makes for easy sharing. The best-salted pork I’ve had in my entire life was at Lucky Dragon, so I’d be remiss not to suggest it to you.
It is on the hot side, after all, it is called Spicy Salted Pork Chop, but it’s worth it. Just order some extra water and some creamy crab rangoon. You’ll be alright. P.S. They also have really yummy tiki cocktails.
Location: 2800 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Website: Click here for more info
Tai’s Asian Bistro
View this post on Instagram
Tai’s Asian Bistro was introduced to me a few years ago by a friend, and it’s been one of my favorite places to eat ever since. There are two different menus here, Chinese food and Japanese food, and while both have some YUMMY treats to offer, we’re going to focus on the Chinese options. Like every place on this list, there are some Americanized options.
Tai’s may not be the most authentic place on this list, but it is affordable and appetizing. As you now know, I’m a fan of all things Cantonese, so my go-to at Tai’s is the Cantonese Chicken Chow Fun. I have on occasion ordered the Dan Dan noodle bowl, and on those occasions, I couldn’t have been more satisfied.
Location: 1285 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43221
Website: Click here for more info
Xi Xia
With a focus on authentic Western Chinese food, Xi Xia has quickly catapulted itself onto the favorite list since they opened in 2019.
The restaurant is named after the 11th Century Chinese empire that once covered Ningxia Province and the neighboring lands near Mongolia. This area of China has quite a unique food culture and that’s reflected in the menu at Xi Xia.
Location: 1140 Kenny Centre Mall, Columbus, OH 43220
Website: Click here for more info
Sun Tong Luck
Sometimes, your Chinese food craving hits and you just want something fast and casual. That’s the perfect time for a visit to Sun Tong Luck. On their website, the restaurant says they are “committed to delivering fine dining quality Chinese cuisine combined with fast food convenience.” And that’s the truth.
The dishes aren’t strictly authentic and there are a lot of Americanized dishes on the menu, but they’re done so freaking well. You really can’t go wrong here, so pick your favorite dish and go for it.
Location: 2500 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
Website: Click here for more info
Helen’s Asian Kitchen
Helen’s Asian Kitchen offers patrons a variety of Chinese and Asian dishes. The restaurant is known for its soup dumplings and its authentic Boiled Fish in Chili Sauce, and for good reason. The flavors are authentic and wonderfully balanced, and the fish is cooked to perfection.
Location: 1070 E Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43229
Website: Click here for more info
N.E. Chinese
View this post on Instagram
I’ll never stop telling people how good N.E. Chinese is. Out of all the incredible restaurants on this list, N.E. Chinese is my comfort food. They have two menus here, one full of American classics and one with authentic Chinese dishes.
It’s a great place for both people who are just starting to branch out into authentic Chinese food and those die-hard fans who are looking to be impressed.
Location: 2620 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Website: Click here for more info
Tiger + Lily
View this post on Instagram
When you are in the mood for delicious Asian food and Happy Hour vibes, Tiger + Lily is the way. While they don’t offer only Chinese food, they do have some dishes inspired by classic Chinese flavor profiles. My favorite of those is the Szechuan Mala Turkey.
While you usually see Szechuan Mala Chicken on menus, the Tiger + Lily version is delicious. In addition to the incredible cocktail menu, they also serve sake, bubble tea, beer, and wine.
Location: 19 E Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Click here for more info
Hunan Lion
Hunan Lion spent 685 days closed after a kitchen fire in 2023, but judging by the crowds when it finally reopened, Columbus hadn’t forgotten about it. The longtime Bethel Road favorite is known for its classic Chinese-American dishes, generous portions, and the kind of old-school neighborhood restaurant feel that’s getting harder to find. After all that time away, there’s a reason people were ready to come back.
Location: 2038 Crown Plaza Dr, Columbus
Website: Click here for more info
Main Moon
Main Moon runs out of a small family storefront in Linworth, next door to The Hungarian Butcher. Main Moon serves both familiar Chinese-American favorites and a bigger selection of Sichuan dishes. The menu runs from General Tso’s chicken, lo mein, and Mongolian beef to Szechuan beef, mala string beans, Peppercorn Calamari, and Spicy Triple Delight, so there’s plenty to explore beyond the usual takeout staples.
Location: 2173 W Dublin Granville Rd, Worthington
Website: Click here for more info
ChiliSpot
ChiliSpot is a great place to go when you’re craving Sichuan food with some serious flavor. The menu is packed with spicy dishes, including dan dan noodles, Chongqing-style chicken, Sichuan wontons, and plenty of other dishes loaded with chiles and peppercorns. It’s tucked into Kenny Centre Mall, right next to Xi Xia, so you can easily make a trip to the area when you’re in the mood for some of the city’s best spicy Chinese food.
Location: 1178 Kenny Centre Mall, Columbus
Website: Click here for more info
Fiery Sky Asian Kitchen
Fiery Sky comes from Lu Sha, who opened Xi Xia and sold his stake in late 2021 before returning to Bethel Road with this follow-up. Columbus Monthly named it one of the best new restaurants in Columbus for 2026, and his signature beef stirred noodles carried over from the old Xi Xia menu. The dry pots are what people come for. Order the fried fish filets or the cauliflower, stir-fried and served over a tabletop flame.
Location: 1450 Bethel Rd, Columbus
Website: Click here for more info
