Passed this place more times than I can count and, given the abundance of "Chinese" restaurants in the area, always assumed it was just another case of same menu, different sign. Then curiosity finally won. I arrived mid-afternoon to a surprisingly packed house--always a promising sign. As luck would have it, one table remained, and an older woman kindly waved me over to claim it. About five minutes later she returned with a place setting, menu, and the essential opening question: "What would you like to drink?" (Water, in my case.) Three minutes after that, a younger server zipped past, apologized for the brief wait, and efficiently took my order. I went with the Sweet & Sour Pork lunch special ($13.95), which came with an egg roll and fried rice. The portion was generous enough to qualify as both lunch and a future encore at home. The egg roll and fried rice were solid. The sweet and sour pork was decent--loaded with pineapple chunks, though curiously missing the usual bell peppers. The sauce leaned a bit enthusiastically toward the "sweet" side as well. Still, it was a filling meal and I ended up boxing half for later. Friendly service, hearty portions, and reasonable prices--three good reasons I'll likely return and give the rest of the menu a spin. Value: 4 out of 5 Atmosphere: noisy, 3 out of 5 Service: 4 out of 5 Bathroom: one unisex, so it's popular Verdict: 4 out of 5 read more

China Center Restaurant - Sweet & Sour Pork Lunch Plate - Chinese Near Me - Salinas, California

Food was good. Gave us huge portions and we really enjoyed the fried potstickers. First thing I noticed was that the menu prices have increased from the pictures provided here on Yelp. Prices have increased by about $2-4 each item, which isn't too bad. Second thing we encountered was an additional charge on my friend's card. The receipt stated that it was $58. We used my friend's card for the food and had extra cash so we opted out of an on-card tip. When my friend received the charge, it was $70!!! We brought it to a staff members attention and were quickly shut down by the lady that charged us. She said that it's what banks do and that it would give us back what wasn't charged??? She said to come back next month with a bank statement to prove it was actually taken to get his refund, if needed. We sat there in awe being yelled at by the team so we kept our mouths shut and left. It was MY first time here (my friend said he and his family come often and order large amounts) and that they've never had problems. Although, he did say his family tends to pay in cash. Not sure if I'd come again because of this sticky interaction. read more

See all

Amazing service! We ordered Mongolian beef, rice, fried rice, and shrimp. Amazing food with wonton soup.

Some of the food is good but the service sucks. The guy at the front is rude and he says it will be ready in 20-30 min when it actually takes an hour or more read more

I've been eating here for decades and have never been disappointed. Service is prompt and the presentation is consistently good. I've never tried a dish I didn't like. Very family oriented, but never overrun with noise. Love the Hot and Sour Soup, Mongolian Beef, Kung Pao Chicken. The prices are still competitive, even with recent increases. The portions are always generous. read more

we both were hungry for Chinese food, i've never eaten here but my friend has many times, it wasn't my favorite but it was good, our waitress was nice & our food was fresh & hot read more

See all

Food is always good!! Wait time is perfect! Big amounts , small dinning space. Avoid going during lunch hours, extremely busy. Order to go!

My favorite place for egg foo young! A few years ago I went to almost every Chinese restaurant in the area, looking for the best egg foo young, and theirs was the best, hands down. Every now and then I order something new and different, and it has always been delicious and reasonably priced. Mary is a lovely waitress, and has been there for going on twenty years. Cosy family atmosphere; every so often the owners' children help out during summer breaks. Highly recommended! read more

So I have to admit, I ended up in here because the place I intended to go was closed...and I have to say I'm so glad they were! Walking in, you are greeted by the slight smell of Chinese food, but just enough to tickle your senses..they must have amazing fans in the kitchen. 11 tables are cozily arranged in a small but inviting space. I was greeted right away and invited to sit where I wished. The menu is expansive and very reasonably priced. I came at lunch, but opted for my favorite mapo tofu instead of a lunch plate. When you ask for water, they automatically bring you lemon...I'm already impressed. Each plate that is brought out wafts deliciously savory smells, and when I get my plate I am so pleased. Piled high with pillowy, silken tofu, the flavor is spot on. Efficient service with a smile, and excellent food. I just found my new go to spot for Chinese food in Salinas...proof that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. read more

China Center Restaurant - Water with lemon they automatically bring...it's those little touches I love - Chinese Near Me - Salinas, California

See all

Good place to eat! Great service! Placed order and food was out in a timely manner! Good size portion. If you are taking out your food is also out in a timely manner! Heads up! Place is small, but there is seating. read more

I ordered about 15 mins before closing. They still took my order and made it no problem at all. I apologize for the inconvenience once I got to the store. My wife and I, really enjoyed the food! read more

This place is homey and comforting. My family and I have been coming here for 15 years and I started bringing my husband, a self proclaimed Chinese food hater, here soon after we were married and even he's obsessed. The one time we even considered "cheating" on this restaurant with another in town, it was closed. A sign from the universe to never stray from what's good. I went in recently and ordered some classics: combo fried rice, combo chow mein, combo won ton soup, beef and broccoli and some red port. The food is usually good; however, on this particular day the food was so good, I went out of my way to call them to tell them the food came out EXTRA good that day and to tell the chef to be proud. I will be returning until I'm good and dead. And maybe even then throw in some egg rolls into my casket. read more

This will forever and ever be the best Chinese food spot in Salinas every other Chinese restaurant I go to never hits like this one been coming here for 21 years and everytime I step in doors it feels like home and the food is always great never had an issue my whole time being here. I am in love with this restaurant forever. read more

My fave chineseeeee close by mamas account!!! So good and simple but very tasty!!! Service is awesome and very attentive. Clean and normal Chinese ambiance like all other restaurants but the food sets them apart for sure!!!! read more

Delicious and great food! Love their welcoming spirit and nice atmosphere. Family vibes when you eat her and the food is always smacking at least in my experience! Yummy! read more

China Center Restaurant - General Chicken with Pork Fried Rice Delicious - Chinese Near Me - Salinas, California

Great food that's not overly salty like other spots. Best fried rice I've had. Food is always made to order . Consistent spot and it's my go to every time I'm craving Chinese food. read more

I also ordered their cream cheese crab puffs...to die for! Sorry, no pic! I've been going here for years now,my favorite Chinese restaurant in Salinas! Brian (the son) and Mae (one of our servers) they are extremely awesome! Part of my reason for coming here is because they are on it and awesome! Sometimes they get soooo busy it takes a few minutes to get a refill, but very seldom! Brian always backs up Mae and she him!!! Teamwork! I have no complains about theiir food! Thank you China center! Always a customer!!! read more

See all

The food is served fast and hot. It's delicious and savory. Nothing complicated and fancy, just great tasting food. Everyone is genuinely friendly and helpful if unsure what to order. You'll be happy you came in and will leave full and satisfied. read more

China Center Restaurant - Dinner selection COMBO D. Awesome deal - Chinese Near Me - Salinas, California

See all

Best chinese food in salinas. Ever since i was a kid, i been coming here and the flavor never changes its always been good.

I love love love their pot sticker. I have been coming here for years everything is consistently delicious. If you get an order to go they package it in a way that the sweet and sour chicken or pork or whatever does not get soggy. Their service is fast. You can call in an order and it's ready for pickup within 10-15 minutes. I have enjoyed the food here for years. read more

Very friendly staff ordered combination chow mein to go. Stuff is garbage a couple pieces of chicken to shrimp. Noodles were stiff and terrible. Very disappointed Golden China is 1000 times better. read more

On a Tuesday night in Salinas our number one and two Chinese restaurants were closed so I took a chance on China Center. The menu looked pretty complete online and it had four stars with pretty good reviews, so I felt pretty confident. The phone survice was polite and efficient, too. They told me my orderwould take about twenty minutes and when I arrived in ten they asked me to wait. The place was busy and, sure enough, my order was ready in twenty minutes. So far I was pretty impressed. When I got home and unpacked the order I found generous portions of hot cooked-to-order appitizers and entrees. Our appitizers were Crab Rangoon and BBQ Pork. The Rangoon was pretty bland and there was very little crabbiness to the flavor. The Pork was cut a lillte thick and kinda tough, also a little bland. I tried to dress it up by making some Chinese Mustard and sprinkling sesame seeds on it, but that didn't help much. Our Entrees were Orange Chicken and Vegetable Chow Mein. These were also disappointing. The Orange Chicken was very bland, had too much breading, not enough sauce, and that sauce wasn't very orangey. The Chow Mein, which should be an easy Chinese restaurant dish, had hardly any vegetables, and the mostly noodle remainder were tough and tasted kinda scortched. I really was hopeful of finding a Tuesday night alternative for Chinese food here in Salinas and, as much as I wanted to like this family run neighborhood favorite, I was pretty disappointed. The lack of Asian customers should have tipped me off. read more

Great food. Great service. I've been coming here for years and their food never disappoints. Loyal customer since day

The food and Service is beyond perfect. ive been going there for years now snd they treat you like their own.

Excellent food and some of the quickest service I've ever gotten at a Chinese spot. Absolutely the best Chinese food in Monterey County. Their char siu is top tier, and the combo wonton soup is the only thing I'd ever want on a cold day or a sick day. The people here are friendly and attentive, and the cost is pretty in line with what you would expect from a Chinese food place. Definitely recommend. read more

The most amazing Chinese food I have ever had!!! Amazing food, service, environment. Very clean and kind people who care about what they serve. Will be my first choice for the rest of my life. read more

Good food enjoyed the evening dinner with my sweetheart Great service will come again

The best fried rice and chow mein in town. Friendly staff and clean business. Must try, Delicious read more

My husband and myself stop by his place the day before Mother's Day two years ago on a whim. I was unbelievably hungry borderline psycho path mode and decided to go into this please because it was right outside of the store we just came from. We ordered all of our food and may I say we were unbelievably surprised of the freshness quality of service and that unbelievably wonderful friendliness of our server who I believe is the son of the owners. A few years later now we have been there countless amounts of times and never had a bad meal never had have anyone be rude to us never had an order messed up or really any problems at all. You can tell when a restaurant uses fresh oil when cooking your food by the look and the taste of things we have been here countless amounts of times and never have had a "dark gross "fried anything there chicken wings are the bomb and egg rolls are off the chain. We always get a family meal and yes it's too much for us 2 however the options are our favorite. Reading some of the reviews I can't believe people say that anybody in this establishment have been rude I have never seen anybody be treated anyway but stellar here their pricing is unbelievably low for the quality you're receiving and let me again mentioned the freshness of the vegetables, being cooked ale dente never soggy is admirable for any restaurant especially one that's cooking in sauces steaming etc. again sir who I believe is the owner son is unbelievably friendly funny and always appreciative of our business. Once we have tried this Chinese food restaurant we have never eaten at another place as long as were at home in town. We probably never will. We've tried plenty of places in Salinas let me tell you we were faithful patrons of Golden star until we moved across town and we're so lucky to have found this place. Very thankful to have found them after one time ordering our usual from Chef Lee's on North Main both of us getting food poisoning and being unbelievably sick for 2 days (yes both of us) and not eating any type of Chinese food for a months because we were emotionally scarred LMAO but so for real. If you try this little family owned and operated restaurant you won't be disappointed and a matter of fact you will be happy full and satisfied. Yes it's not fancy shmancy but you already know you aren't doing into a 5 star restaurant you are going into a fast casual family restaurant. Hey everyone has different tastes butttt I promise you if you love good quality flavorful FRESH food you'll be happy here! read more

Good, friendly service the whole time. The food was delicious and well served. We ordered the combo sizzling soup along with the combination fried rice. Will be going back. read more

I absolutely love the food , amazing customer service and great ambiance. Would 1000% recommend this restaurant to all my friends and family. If your in town is a MUST. read more

I've been going here for my whole life... literally!! I can't find anything to compete with them. I love their food, its made with so much love, and they treat me like family. I can't wait to go back home. My personal favorite is wor wonton soup and the shrimp/chicken fried rice :)) They have never failed me not even once read more

Great local Chinese food! Service is excellent and workers are very friendly. Highly recommend

Haven't been here in decades but recently went back and Im glad i did!!! The food is super fresh and good!!! Service is great!

Whenever me and my friends are craving chinese food this is the place! It is honestly the BEST Chinese food place in Salinas due to the fact that their dishes are not super oily. Tasting the freshness is what draws me in the most. My go to orders when I come here is the Wonton Soup, Crab Ragoons, Beef and broccoli, and orange chicken. The service provided is A1, especially when there is like 1-2 servers whenever I come. Trust me, get your chinese food fix here! YUMM read more

Always the best food. Delicious and authentic. The service is great. They are so friendly and welcoming. Never disappoints.

We ordered: Crab Rangoons - 5 Stars, Yum War Won Ton Soup - 3 Stars , my favorite is still Golden China On S Main Pork Chow Mein - 3 Stars Orange Chicken - 5 Stars, Really, really good. One of the few places that the Chicken stays crispy Mongolian Beef - 3 Stars I will be back to try more. The Service was friendly, but the server was by herself and it was busy. If it's busy, don't expect to have prompt service. read more

China Center Restaurant - War Won Ton - Chinese Near Me - Salinas, California

See all

Really good food. Pretty fast. Friendly staff sadly the owner isn't here anymore. It's somewhat modern tables. The price is good for the amount of food. The won ton soup is actually really big about four to five people can share this. The almond chicken is my favorite. read more

See all

Stopped here because it had 4 Yelp stars, but my experience was much less than that. I ordered chicken with snow peas. The chicken had too much fat, and tasted undercooked, the snow peas were overcooked, and the overall taste was bland. Even the fortune cookie at the end tasted like it was not fresh. Sorry... read more

So this Chinese restaurant for the past 20 years was our go to Chinese food place. But in the last two years we've noticed a decline in the quality of the food and have noticed some things that aren't so pleasant. So we would come for the food but the cleanliness was not there. The restrooms are always dirty and the carpet is sticky when you walk on it so I take it hasn't been cleaned in a very long time. But the last straw was when we saw one of the cooks wiping the sweat off his face then cleaned his hands on his apron and proceeded to pick up noodles with his bare hands and put them in the frying pan. Enough!! Customer service is great here and we like all the employees but until they take care of these other problems we won't be returning!! read more