Hop Kee first opened in 1968, and since then has become a staple on the list of best Chinese restaurants in the city. Everyone from families to late-night partiers counts Hop Kee among their staple restaurants. While you can find all the basics at Hop Kee like chow fun, sweet and sour pork or won ton soup, the real reason for the restaurant's popularity is the menu of specialty items. Staple delicacies include pan-fried flounder, Cantonese-style snails and Peking-style pork chops. If you're looking for casual and reliably good Chinese dishes, Hop Kee is the place for you.

Wo Hop is the quintessential Chinatown joint. From the wall of framed photos of famous customers to the checkered linoleum floor, the feeling is one of a well-loved, favorite restaurant; and that it is, it has been thriving since it opened in 1938. From the kitchen come huge portions of Cantonese dishes like dumplings, duck lo mein, subgum vegetables and much more. What's even better, they stay open late, so you can always satisfy your late-night cravings.

Serving the people of New York since 1920, Nom Wah Tea Parlor is one of the longest-running dim-sum restaurants in the neighborhood. The interiors are simple with a brown chequered floor and yellow walls with pictures hanging on them. One must try their chef's special- Shanghainese soup dumplings, Minced beef dumplings in soup, Shrimp and snow pea leaf dumplings, Salt and pepper pork chops. Do not forget to try their teas, available in varieties of flavors like Jasmine, Long-jing (dragon well tea), Chrysanthemum, Shui Hisen, and more. To finish the meal on a happy note, their almond cookies, steamed red bean buns, and steamed lotus buns seem to do wonders for customers. So if you are looking for authentic Chinese cuisine with great dim sum head straight to Nom Wah Tea Parlor and you won't be disappointed.

Taste amazing pork and crab soup dumplings at Joe's Shanghai in Chinatown. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere, and you'll see diners wearing a satisfied expression in the dining room. Although prices are a little above the average for the neighborhood it's worth it once you get a taste of the dim sum served here. Only cash is accepted at the restaurant, so make sure to plan for that.

Great New York Noodle Town is a bustling restaurant in Chinatown serving salt-baked soft-shell crabs and other delectable Chinese dishes. You'll find that they're not too picky about the presentation, placing the most emphasis on the taste of the food. You won't find any fancy décor here, but the food and value more than make up for this. For those with late-night cravings, Great New York Noodle Town is open late to keep you happy. Make sure to bring cash, since they don't take credit cards.

Having already made waves and picked up a slew of awards in Philadelphia, Han Dynasty's New York outpost brings the zesty flavors of Sichuan to the East Village. The menu offers an array of meat in such delightful preparations such as dry pot style, hot saucy style, pickled chili style and kung pao style. There's a little selection for the kids as well. The interiors are done up in vibrant hues, with clean lines and striking Chinese-inspired artwork adorning the walls.

Buddakan offers modern Asian cuisine to New York foodies. Located on the east side of Chelsea Market, this 16,000-square-foot (1486-square-meter) restaurant has an ultra-chic yet dramatic look featuring dim lighting and awe-inspiring chandeliers. Indulge your taste buds and choose from exotic dishes made from vegetables and meats, including shrimp, fish, chicken, beef, duck, and lamb, all served with a Chinese twist. The trendy restaurant has even been featured on television and in movies like Sex and the City.

The Peking Duck House is one of those Chinese restaurants that has a loyal fan following among New Yorkers who enjoy good Chinese food. Of course, the famed status is not without reason. Besides the usual chicken, beef and pork, you must try their namesake Peking duck, which is authentically prepared.

Treat yourself to Chinese cuisine the next time you are in Lincoln Center. Located very close to the performing arts center, Shun Lee offers elegant cuisine, complete with ornate decorations and romantic lights. The dragon sculpture that greets one in the dining area bears testimony to the authenticity of the restaurant, making it a preferred choice of locals in the mood for the real thing. Duck liver with Chinese mushrooms, smoked fish and noodle soup with braised tendons are classic favorites.

If you are craving some delicious Chinese dishes, Hand Pull Noodle & Dumpling House is the place to head to. Famous for its delicious Chinese cuisine, this restaurant offers some of the best dumplings in the city. Their braised pork with soy sauce and scallion pancakes have won them won the hearts of many food lovers.