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China Moon

4.3 (1.6k reviews)
ModerateChinese, Seafood, Soup
Open 11:30 am - 2:15 pm, 4:30 PM - 9:15 PM
Updated 2 months ago

China Moon Reservations

Order China Moon Takeout or Delivery

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CHINA MOON ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Outdoor seating
Happy hour specials

Recommended Reviews - China Moon

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Reviews With Photos - China Moon

Martina T.

Lots of free parking. Came for dinner and there were lots of empty tables but as we walked in, she asked us if we had any reservations- we said no and she said let me check and she walked back there for a bit and then came back and then seated us, not sure why they were empty if reservations were needed. Maybe they didn't have enough workers. We came before another party, but their order was taken first so they got their food first so we had to wait a while. They should go in order. The server did say that if we ordered steam fish, it would take an extra 15 minutes which we would be fine with however, all the other foods also took a long time. If you pay cash there is 3% discount. The food here is exceptional. The fish fillet is excellent. Noodles were delicious. The stir fry beef was tender with pretty cooked onions. Rice refills complementary. I will definitely be coming back here regularly for the food. The lady at the front said that the restaurant used to be hers but now her kids took over. Glad this place exists! Food is delicious, just have to be patient and have time.

Chicken Fried Rice
David Y.

Finding a true "go-to" spot for Chinese cuisine in South Orange County has always been a bit of a challenge for me. There are plenty of options, but few that consistently deliver on all fronts, flavor, service, and quality. That search finally came to an end when I visited China Moon Restaurant for the first time. Dilemma solved. What initially drew me in were the glowing Yelp reviews, so credit to my fellow reviewers for pointing me in the right direction. The photos didn't hurt either, and they ultimately convinced me to stop by on an early Sunday evening. From the moment I walked in, the experience started strong. I was greeted warmly, and the service remained attentive and friendly throughout my visit. My server was prompt and engaging, sharing that the restaurant has been in business for over 40 years. Judging by the steady flow of customers that evening, it's clear they've built a loyal following. When trying a new Chinese restaurant, I like to keep things simple and stick to classic dishes as a baseline. Dining solo, I ordered the Kung Pao Chicken and Chicken Fried Rice. Both dishes arrived quickly and were prepared with care. The Kung Pao Chicken stood out immediately. The sauce was well-balanced (flavorful without being overpowering in amount) and the ingredients were thoughtfully composed. It featured tender chicken, peanuts, red peppers, and green onions, with a welcome addition of zucchini that added both texture and freshness. Every bite hit the mark. The Chicken Fried Rice was equally satisfying. It arrived hot and fluffy, with high-quality white meat chicken, egg and a nice distribution of green onions throughout. The flavor was solid and comforting; a quick touch of salt and pepper at the table brought it exactly where I wanted it. While I only sampled two dishes, the menu is extensive and offers plenty of options to explore on future visits. Service-wise, there's honestly nothing I would change . . . it was that good. Based on this first experience, I'm comfortable giving a strong four stars, with every intention of revisiting soon and possibly raising that rating. If you've been searching for a standout Chinese restaurant in South OC and haven't quite found "the one" yet, it may simply be because you haven't been here. China Moon Restaurant may not be fancy, but it delivers where it counts: great food, excellent service, and a welcoming, clean environment. I have a feeling it could become a favorite for you, just as it has for me. Enjoy!

Orange Chicken
Maritza S.

I had not been to China Moon in over 5 years. I remembered it being delicious but it was not so. The food was expensive and just ok. The service was great but I'm not sure we'll be going back.

Kung Pao Chicken
Steph G.

Another great dinner at China Moon. We returned after a not so great experience. I'm not sure if that was just a one off night, but the management team reached out. Tonight we opted to have the crabby wontons, and the potstickers to start. And then for our entrées, we had chicken fried rice, Kung pao chicken and the steamed fish. Both the appetizers were served hot and fresh. They were crispy and not greasy. It was the first time trying the steam fish. It took a few minutes longer, which was fine and it was served in a beautiful platter presentation. It was delicious. The fish melted in your mouth. And the sauce was delightful. When we placed the order for the chicken fried rice, we were asked if we wanted soy sauce added to it and we said yes. I thought that was just a normal ingredient, but I guess I was wrong. It tasted delicious. There were a few pieces of white meat chicken that were chewy. It is tossed with rice, egg, and perhaps a green, leafy, vegetable lettuce, perhaps it tasted good, but it wasn't my favorite. The kung pao chicken is a classic dish with red chili pods, peanuts, and chicken and a brown sauce with zucchini. I thought it tasted great. There was a perfect amount of caramelization and spice, except my companion thought it tasted a little burnt. Overall, the meal is very good. We always return. Service was great as always. Parking out front. Nice casual environment. Lots of takeout orders as well.

Egg Roll Sauce
Star J.

Whenever I generally complain about not knowing what to eat (sadly often), my friends and family say "what about that Chinese place" because everyone I've taken here has loved it. Some of my favorites have been every dumpling, egg rolls, the scallops, the filet mignon chow fun, and the pork fried rice. Meat is always tender. The young lady that served us was so attentive, kind, and patient. I think the sun comes out every time she smiles. Cute casual atmosphere. They are busy for a reason.

Complementary fried wonton strips with dipping sauce.
Monica A.

Visited China Moon on the week of Chinese New Year and they had a Special Menu for the celebration. We come here every couple of months when craving Chinese food since it is convenient located near our home and we are so happy that service and food is always pleasant and pleasing. Even though restaurant is always busy we have never had to wait no longer than 5 minutes of wait time and food is always worth the wait & the staff is so friendly and welcoming they make you feel at ease. Ambience is cozy with dim lighting not much of privacy separation from other guest if you're not seated at inner booths located in the middle of the restaurant. Overall restaurant is fairly tight and small for the amount of seating they have, but I guess understandable for the demand & how popular it is. Are go to order is fried rice, lo mein noodles, walnut shrimp and sometimes orange chicken or beef broccoli. And we always like to start with wonton soup always delicious. Food is always fresh and serve steaming hot.

Super fresh .. Wonton soup
Desiree P.

China Moon in Laguna Niguel is a highly regarded, family-run restaurant serving American-style Chinese cuisine, that is a cozy, reliable spot for fresh, high-quality, non-greasy dishes. Popular for its attentive service and dishes like sesame chicken and crispy duck, it is popular with locals.

April 16 2025 menu.  Lunch menu included
Nancy W.

Ambiance very nice decor, clean bathrooms, needs some pleasant Asian music. Staff. We felt service was not consistent. They seemed to have enough staff for the small eatery but we didn't see them much and they always rushed off very quick. Food. We didn't not like the food. 1. Ordered pot stickers. Because the small bits with us were hungry and wanted something to feed and occupy them while the good cooked. This food took literally forever. We finally got them and they were good but needed a little more flavor or salt. 2. We wanted to order the rest of our food and my daughter finally stopped the woman and said can we order lunch. 3. Strange things. No fried rice. No egg flower soup and won ton soup Is a $2.00 upcharge. 4. Hot tea is $2.50 a person. ! 5. We ordered lunch specials. Orange chicken (1 hot 1 mild). and white rice. One won ton soup. 2 hot and sour ( needed salt) or more seasoning. Cashew nut chicken and rice. 6. Lunch came. Both Orange chicken came with the hit dried red peppers in it ! We pulled them out and it still tasted mild so the bits could eat it anyway. However. The orange chicken was dried out hard lumps. Reminded me of cooked chicken feet ( I don't eat that). It wasn't good. 7. The cashew nut chicken didn't have a chicken sauce, it was dark and just a butload of soy sauce. The chicken was dark meat which I don't eat. The sauce was awful. We told her to take it back and take it off the bill. 8. The won ton soup was good actually with lots of vegetables. We will try another restaurant next time. Hoping for good Chinese food. It's hard to come by these days. Or maybe just go for Thai.

Cashew nuts chicken

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15 days ago

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4 months ago

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9 days ago

Super happy with my takeaway meals each time we order. This is a South OC staple! Go here!

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6 months ago

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1 year ago

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4 months ago

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2 months ago

N. Y. Eggrolls were flavorless and tasted like grease. Otherwise, the restaurant was nice and friendly staff

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14 days ago

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1 year ago

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22 days ago

The food is always great and the service is very good. We've been coming here for some time.

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2 months ago

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1 year ago

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4 months ago

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4 months ago

Our absolute favorite! The staff and food are wonderful and it's always a positive experience.

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4 months ago

Great food and very friendly service. The best sweet and sour chicken! The egg rolls are also great tasting.

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7 months ago

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China Moon Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - China Moon

Is there any dairy in the Cashew Nut Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, or Sesame Chicken? We're planning to dine soon and want to know what are the safest options for someone with…

Hi Nick, No, we do not have dairy in the Cashew Nut, Kung Pao or Sesame Chicken. Please let your… 

Is your restaurant wheelchair accessible?

Yes

Do you offer classic Peking Duck?

Yes we do! Please call ahead and reserve a duck. You can choose from the traditional crepes or the duck buns. Ducks are limited each day.… 

Can I be assured there will be no nuts in my food if I let you know ahead of time when ordering?

Absolutely. Please let our staff know when you place your order. Thank you and we look forward to serving you!

Is this a dim sum restaurant?

Nope.

Can we have mushu beef instead of pork?

You'll HAVE to ask the restaurant; no one's going to know their ordering policies. Call them.

Do we need to make reservations?

Reservations are always recommended! Please call us at 949.249.6868 any day except for Tuesdays. Thanks and have a great night.

You still don't offer delivery? Is there a reason? Now with so many delivery apps available, it's hard to find a restaurant that doesn't offer delivery.

We currently are partnered up with ChowNow. Please visit eat.chownow.com Thanks!

Do you offer outdoor seating?

Yes we do! Please call and make a reservation at 949.249.6868 We are closed every Tuesdays. Thanks… 

Hello! Your battered shrimp dishes (sesame shrimp, for example) that are listed as gluten free- what type of flour is used for the batter? thank you!

We use corn starch to batter our sesame and aromatic shrimp! Thanks for asking.

Are there dairy free and gluten free options?

Yes indeed. Anything in a white sauce is dairy and gluten free. Our white sauces are all chicken based!

Do you cook with MSG?

Hi Nicole. I’m in charge of all the sauces at China Moon and I assure you that we use no MSG. Happy… 

Is the Orange Chicken the same recipe that was at Mandarin Place? It was by far the best Orange Chicken I've ever had and I've been looking for some as good ever since.

Yes! It’s the same recipe and hasn’t changed since the beginning of time. Come by and give us a try!

How can I order China Moon for delivery?

Currently, there are no options for delivery. The best way is to either walk in or place an order over the phone. Thank you!

Any steamed bun dim sum options offered here?

No, unfortunately not. We do have Shanghai Dumplings and potstickers as dim sum items!

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Peony Chinese Kitchen

Peony Chinese Kitchen

4.7
(199 reviews)
4.2 mi
$$

Nice little restaurant at the corner of Broadway and pacific Coast highway in downtown Laguna…read morebeach. Met some friends for dinner at Peony on a Saturday evening before we went to a movie at the Rivian theater which is 2 doors down on pch. Our server was cookie, and he was fantastic. Attentive, cheerful, and pleasantly talkative. Offering menu and drink suggestions without being pushy or high pressure. We settled on 3 main dishes and rice. Everything was tasty. I think that the mushu pork was my favorite. My buddy's wife treated me so I can't speak to the prices but everything that I saw on the menu seemed to be reasonable. I'm looking forward to coming back and bringing my girlfriend to try Peony for herself. Also highly recommend Peony if you're going to an event at the Rivian theater. Parking in downtown Laguna beach is always going to be challenging. Unfortunately peony doesn't have its' own lot that I could see so street parking or parking off site and riding the trolley is going to be the best options.

Peony was a last minute dinner stop for me on a solo trip to Laguna. Ended up being a solid choice!…read moreThe location is great, just across the street from the beach in downtown Laguna. I sat outdoors and got to enjoy live music. I am a bit of a mapo tofu snob so I ordered that and a strawberry mojito. The mojito was seriously delicious and very refreshing. The mapo tofu was vegetarian off the bat (yay!) and has a delicious, flavorful sauce. The tofu itself wasn't quite silken or soft enough... it seems like it was very slightly cooked on the outside, which is not how traditional mapo is made. I didn't love that texture personally. But anyway, great flavor and worth a stop! I'm sure their other dishes are great!

Photos
Inside
Inside
Orange Chicken Lunch Special with Egg Fried Rice
Orange Chicken Lunch Special with Egg Fried Rice
20 oz. Hot Tea

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20 oz. Hot Tea
Golden Dragon Chinese Food

Golden Dragon Chinese Food

3.8
(427 reviews)
2.8 mi
$$

I really like this place for a quick take-out Chinese spot. The owners are so, so friendly! I had…read morethe mushroom chicken lunch special and it was great. I'd like to try other things on the menu, as this dish was a bit bland (but to be expected). Prices are reasonable. This might be our new take-out spot!

A generic, Chinese take-out food place in a strip mall…read more Exterior: As it's based in a strip mall, there is plenty of parking in the lot (located in a near Sprout's). Interior: With a handful of tables/chairs and bar seating, it's considered small and casual. Based on the food and atmosphere, this place seems geared towards having people order to-go and delivery as you can eat their dishes family style. Food: My total take-out order came out to approximately $58 (without tip). I ordered enough for 3-4 people. It came with an extra side of rice. I would recommend getting a fried rice dish over a noodle (specifically the chow mein) dish due to taste or repetitive oily fats and heavy meat. Order variety of dishes for a better experience based on texture and savory. Ordered: Pork Chow Mein, Vegetable Fried Rice (could be better with smaller chunks of zucchini), Wonton Soup (small, tasted water down, wonton chips come separately but there's no big change in taste, the vegetable chunks doesn't blend together), and Orange Chicken (similar to other chicken with sweet and sour sauce). Overall, an average restaurant that gives you a good fix of Chinese food in the local area. The service is fast and the workers themselves are cordial and respectful. I wouldn't feel compelled to eat inside or take friends on a daily basis. Service: I was overall impressed with the fast service (my order took less than 15min to prepare for 4 dishes)

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Inside
Inside
House Special Chow Fun. Flat rice noodles with chicken, beef, and shrimp. Bean sprouts and onions top this dish.
House Special Chow Fun. Flat rice noodles with chicken, beef, and shrimp. Bean sprouts and onions top this dish.
Golden Dragon Chinese Food

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Rosewood Social

Rosewood Social

4.7
(369 reviews)
3.4 mi
$$
Outdoor seating
Private events

Our new favorite SJC eatery…read more We have frequented SJC quite often recently, mainly focusing on those new restaurants at River Street Marketplace...but have been disappointed because many places are highly priced but the food quality and quantity did not match the price point. Glad we decided to try Redwood Social today, which is near the Mission SJC side. Don't get me wrong...it's not "cheap" either. But the food quality, quantity, service and atmosphere make the price worth it. My kids already asked to return to this restaurant while we were still dining there. Kids loved the steak frites and Jidori fried chicken. Parents got the coconut curry with chicken and NY steak & eggs. Guava margarita packs a nice punch. There are plenty of indoor seating as well, but if the weather is nice, I'd definitely recommend sitting outdoors. Thumbs up.

We were visiting the Mission church here and decided to have dinner before we took our long drive…read moreback to the Bay Area. What I really enjoyed about this location is the patio seating. It was at a perfect location with the perfect sunlight. We went up the stairs and checked in with the hostess. Honestly, she appeared very confused about what to do with her seating chart. I'm not sure if she's new and is still trying to figure things out but she definitely need to run the front of the house a little better and I say this because our server took a little bit of time to get to us but not to her fault but because she wasn't told she new people in her section. Anyways, once we were seated and greeted by our server Ashley, who is outstanding by the way everything went well. She recommended a couple of good dishes and she wasn't wrong about them. Also, she had to be the one to give us the happy hour menu, the hostess gave us the regular dinner menu and Ashley save the day by telling us they are still on happy hour. So I ordered the Guava Margarita, really refreshing but a bit to strong for my liking but once I gave it a good stir it came out perfect. When then ordered the ff items: Wagyu dumplings Bang Bang Shrimp Pad Thai Adobo Ris Wagyu dumplings was absolutely amazing along with the the bang bang shrimp although I think it needs a little bit of lemon sprinkle. The adobo ribs was probably the best out of all the dishes. The pad thai was okay. Nothing to special about it. All in all great food, amazing atmosphere and great choice for an early dinner. I think a lot of the servers here are college students back for summer so I would say be a little patient but great food.

Photos
Dine and drink in our newly remodeled indoor dining rooms.
Dine and drink in our newly remodeled indoor dining rooms.
The best views in San Juan Capistrano perfect for taking in breathtaking sunsets.
The best views in San Juan Capistrano perfect for taking in breathtaking sunsets.
Perfect for date night

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Perfect for date night
Sunny Dumpling House

Sunny Dumpling House

4.2
(878 reviews)
6.5 mi
$$

This place is tucked in a small strip mall in the corner and a true hidden gem. My daughter was…read morecraving for Xiao Long Bao and I've had this place bookmarked for a long time. Today we finally made it to have lunch here. The scallion pancakes were so flaky and crispy and well layered. It was so good as is and no need additional sauce. Their beef stew noodles got some kicks even I ordered it as less spicy. Just right amount of heat for my daughter's palette. The beef slices were so tender and just fell apart. Their Xiao Long Bao was very good. Thin skin and full of flavors. Service was all done with QR ordering and online payment via Toast. Convenient and east. Once order was confirmed, food didn't take long to show up. Definitely would come back again!

For me, it's always a good time for dumplings... I can eat…read moredumplings all day long! When I'm in Lake Forest, it's Sunny Dumpling House Service is quick here with qr code table ordering. There is no need to wait for menus...it's on your phone! I was previously able to come here with family and try the food...I went back because it was so good This time I was able try additional dishes... Xiao long bao Pan fried dumplings Shrimp and pork wonton soup Sauteed string beans Beef with rice cake Hot and sour soup The only real disappointment of the dishes was the hot and sour soup...it just didn't taste the way I wanted. The xiao long bao and pan fried dumplings are a staple...so tasty and juicy The shrimp and wonton soup was good, but the sauteed green beans were addictive. I plan on getting these every time. The beef and rice cake was good but not sure if I would get it again...there are so many other choices on the menu... I was also able to take frozen dumplings home to eat later. They were perfect for wonton soup in a pinch. This is a yummy place to eat, but getting there early helps to eliminate the wait...they do get busy Enjoy!

Photos
Dining area.
Dining area.
Dumplings
Dumplings
Beef noodle

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Beef noodle
Hai Master Kitchen

Hai Master Kitchen

4.4
(461 reviews)
6.6 mi
$$

This place will always have a special place in my heart. Whenever I'm craving Chinese food, this is…read morethe first place that comes to mind and the one I always go back to. The food is consistently great, the portions are huge, and the prices are very affordable. One of the main reasons we keep coming back is Leo. His service is amazing -- always friendly, welcoming, and very accommodating. He really makes the dining experience even better and makes you feel taken care of every time. The restaurant does get packed during lunch and dinner, which just shows how good the food is. If you want a more relaxed visit, I recommend going around 2 PM, which is usually when we come. Overall, great food, great service, and a place we will keep returning to.

This feedback is for the owner regarding an employee and NOT the food (which has been always good)…read more The young man at the counter, while very efficient, speaks simply way too fast when taking orders over the phone or picking up orders in person. I can barely respond in time until he speaks again or asks the question over. I asked him to slow down when picking up an order today. He said okay, but kept speaking at rapid machine gun rate. Here's the problem: He makes the customer feel rushed when there is no need. As a result, the customer interaction becomes unpleasant and even somewhat disrespectful. I know that's not his intention, but I can tell you that I would prefer to speak to another person if that option is available. I was picking up at an order around 11:30 am on Wednesday morning and there was only one another customer who was waiting for her pickup order. The restaurant was empty. The invoice number on the receipt is 60102. Thank you.

Photos
Interior
Interior
Really good E6. Orange Peel Beef  陈皮牛肉 we love the flavor!
Really good E6. Orange Peel Beef 陈皮牛肉 we love the flavor!
L12a. Pan Fried Cabbage Pork Dumplings (10)

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L12a. Pan Fried Cabbage Pork Dumplings (10)

China Moon - chinese - Updated July 2026

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