Where to Eat in Las Vegas Chinatown

The almost four-mile stretch on Spring Mountain Road is a destination for diverse Asian cuisine.

Las Vegas is often best viewed through the lens of its culinary culture—and Chinatown is no different. While tourists often roam hotel lobbies for buffets, fancy French restaurants, and celebrity chef steakhouses (which are all great too), some of the most rewarding dining experiences are just a short rideshare west of the Strip.

Chinatown covers a three-to-four mile stretch of Spring Mountain Road. Nobody agrees on the exact boundaries, but they're somewhere between Rainbow Boulevard and Interstate 15. There are no hotels or much of a residential presence. Chinatown is business first—a commercial district with endless plazas and strip malls where, unlike other, tourist-friendly parts of Vegas, parking isn't always easy and walking isn't always ideal. Don't expect much in the way of parks, patios, or promenades. The magic happens indoors, where kitchens and dining rooms serve some of the most compelling food in Las Vegas.

While the Las Vegas version of Chinatown may not have the national profile of counterparts in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, it continues to grow, expand, and craft an identity that defies conventional expectations. It's a hub for Asian cuisine, yet a variety of global fare is well represented—French at Partage, Spanish at EDO, Latin fusion at Tres Cazuelas, or an eclectic international mashup at Sparrow + Wolf—all prepared with a common understanding: if you want to play in Chinatown, you’ve got to bring your A-game.

Even the bars are hard to pin down. If you're not sipping on tequila and mezcal at Mas Por Favor, you're chugging rum-fueled cocktails at Golden Tiki, or just hanging out with a beer at the Leatherneck Club, a Marine bar that treats everyone like brothers in arms.

Yet Asian cuisine remains the heart of Chinatown—an intriguing neighborhood that's earned a reputation without big casinos or fancy resorts. The cuisine and culture represent the very best in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and more. From elevated multicourse meals to quick and easy street food, you've got plenty of restaurants to visit.

Noodlehead
Noodlehead | Photo by Rob Kachelriess for Thrillist

3419 S. Jones Boulevard
Don't let the brick wallpaper fool you. Noodlehead is the real deal, specializing in authentic hand-made Chinese noodle and rice dishes with broths on a continuous simmer of close to 24 hours. The recipes are based on chef Ben Yang's Szechuan heritage. That means a few items, like the Yibin Burning Noodle, pack some eye-opening levels of heat. Others, like the Beef Brisket Noodles, go down nice and smooth with tender meat that falls apart easily with each bite. The Mung Bean Noodles, chopped and served cold, are more complex with a spicy, sour sauce that pops with a touch of vinegar. Balance out all that flavor with a Sliced Beef Roll, layered with onions and cilantro in a wrap similar to a burrito.
How to order: Just walk in or place a pickup order online.

Lamaii
Lamaii | Photo by Rob Kachelriess for Thrillist

4480 Spring Mountain Road
WIth imposing light fixtures and a mix of contemporary and traditional Asian decor, Lamaii is one of the most beautifully decorated restaurants in Chinatown, making it a great choice for date night. However, the food is the best reason to visit, taking inspiration from the varied regions of Thailand. The Gang Pu is a spicy combination of Maryland blue crab and thin coconut milk curry, while the Yum Takrai is a lighter, vibrant mix with poached lobster on a lemongrass and onion salad. A squeeze of lime brightens the filet mignon, spices, and fish sauce in the Steak Tartare. Lamaii was founded by Bank Atcharawan, who formerly ran the acclaimed wine program at Lotus of Siam. His devotion to affordable, but exceptional small-batch producers is seen in not only the wine list at Lamaii (including a newer second location in Henderson), but also his Patio Wine Garden, a lounge that recently shifted greater focus to its menu of Asian tapas.
How to order: Book a reservation on the restaurant's website.

New Asian BBQ
New Asian BBQ | Photo by Rob Kachelriess for Thrillist

5150 Spring Mountain Road
New Asian BBQ doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it prepares authentic Chinese cuisine in a way few others can match. Lunch is all about dim sum, with carts pushing har gow, shumai, egg tarts, fried taro cakes, and other traditional favorites from table to table. Pick out what looks good—and don't be afraid to try something unfamiliar like chicken feet or beef tripe (stomach lining). The dinner hours take on a more formal tone with crispy pork and other Chinese BBQ dishes alongside whole steamed fish selections and other live seafood pulled straight from the tank. The Peking Duck, seen hanging on display by the front entrance, is sliced tableside (head and all) and presented with fluffy bao buns, cucumbers, spring onions, and hoisin sauce. The crunch of crispy skin against the juicy meat is absolutely perfect.
How to order: No reservations. No online ordering. Call 702-202-2262 to place a to-go order.

District One
District One | Photo by Rob Kachelriess for Thrillist

3400 S. Jones Blvd.
Founding chef Khai Vu is no longer actively involved with District One, but his dishes continue to highlight a now-streamlined menu that puts a modern spin on Vietnamese cuisine in a stylish dining room of wood, brick, and sheet metal. The photogenic Lobster Pho put District One on the map with a whole Maine lobster peeking out of a flavorful vegetable broth. For further indulgence, order the Thai snapper, fried whole with a fish sauce glaze. Slow-cooked oxtail works equally well on French fries or fried rice. The recent introduction of a Ribeye Chow Fun reveals that all forms of cuisine are fair game. There's even a hint of fusion in the cocktail program, whether it's a Five-Spice Old Fashioned or La Fiesta, which blends gin and sotol with pomegranate juice and lime.
How to order: Book a reservation online or call 702-413-6868 to place a pickup order.

China Mama Las Vegas Chinese
China Mama Las Vegas Chinese

3420 South Jones
With a charming dining room atmosphere, China Mama has a low-key energy that takes a backseat to the bold, dramatic character of its food. The standalone restaurant aims to cover every region of China, from the north where noodles are popular, to the south where dishes tend to be more rice-focused. The menu is as comprehensive as ever—maybe even a little overwhelming—but that's a good thing for those who crave a variety of complex flavors. China Mama was one of the first places in Vegas to popularize soup dumplings (listed as "steamed juicy pork buns" on the menu), but has a greater ratio of meat to broth in the filling. The Szechuan-style Boiled Cod in chili sauce and the tea-smoked duck are attractive, heartier dinner options.
How to order: Order online for delivery or takeout and call 702-873-1977 to inquire about reservations.

Aburiya Raku
Aburiya Raku

5030 Spring Mountain Road
By adapting Japanese street food to a sophisticated setting, chef Mitsuo Endo not only made Raku an in-demand dining destination, but helped broaden the perception of what's possible in Chinatown. Choose your fresh fish and have parts of it grilled, fried, or prepared as sashimi. Or stick with small bites roasted over charcoal on the robata grill. Beef liver, pork cheek, foie gras—the choice is yours. Even the condiments are given a personal touch, including the Japanese plum soy sauce and a green tea/seaweed/shiitake/sea salt combo, all made in-house. Extensions of the brand include Sweets Raku, an intimate spot for desserts and light bites in the same plaza, and Raku Toridokoro, a yakitori where chicken not only comes grilled, but also in the form of raw sashimi (and yes, it can be done safely).
How to order: Reservations for Raku can only be made by calling 702-367-3511. Make reservations at Sweets Raku by calling 702-290-7181 or order online for takeout. Call 702-337-6233 to make a reservation at Raku Toridokoro.

8 oz. Korean Steakhouse
8 oz. Korean Steakhouse

4545 Spring Mountain Road
Think of 8 oz. as a high-end spin on traditional Korean barbeque. The menu is organized by choice of meat—wagyu, galbi, pork belly, whatever you like—and the size of your party, prepared at your table by a server during dinner hours. Lunch is more informal with self-service. Yes, grilled meats are a must, but don't overlook the noodles and ban chan (sides of pickled and marinated vegetables). The deals during the late-night reverse happy hour are incredibly good, running Monday through Thursday from 10 pm–2 am. The semi-industrial modern dining room of brick and wood is a striking departure from what you'll typically find in the area. Throw in the interactive meal prep and you might have the best place to bring a date in Chinatown. 
How to order: Call 702-909-3121 to place a takeaway order or book a reservation. 

Chengdu Taste
Chengdu Taste | Photo by Rob Kachelriess for Thrillist

3950 Schiff Drive
Chengdu Taste makes a point to take the mystery out of its in-your-face, numb-your-tongue Szechuan-style spiciness. The 30-page menu is full of big photos with heat-level illustrated by the number of peppers next to each dish. Anyone who seems remotely apprehensive is immediately directed to the Toothpick Lamb with cumin, a safe choice with a modest one-pepper ranking. Cuts of lightly fried meat hang off toothpicks like mini-shish kabobs, eliminating the need for chopsticks. Save those for the bowls of hot beef, chicken, or squid in hot sauce. The dining room is even more no-frills than usual for Chinatown, so don't feel guilty about ordering your food to go.   
How to order: Call 702-437-7888 to place a takeaway order or book a reservation. 

Yui Edomae Sushi
Yui Edomae Sushi | Photo by Rob Kachelriess for Thrillist

3460 Arville Street
The minimalism of the dining room is designed to match the simplicity of the food, but don't be fooled. A meal at Yui Edomae Sushi is definitely an elevated experience for a special occasion. Just look at the bill if you're still not sure. Fortunately, every penny is worth it. Pull yourself up to the 300-year-old wood counter and put yourself in the chef's hands. The omakase format is based on the daily selection of fresh fish and never quite the same from day to day—although every ounce of tuna is cut in-house from the same 250-pound bluefin. Beyond delicate cuts of sashimi and sushi, part of the fun is letting the meal gradually build throughout the evening, from the sharp bite of abalone liver and sips of a crystal clear oden broth to authentic kobe beef and the clean, creamy texture of sea urchin. And yes, that's real sharkskin being used to grate the wasabi root. The intimate dining room has a few quiet corners for extra privacy, including a secluded speakeasy-like lounge behind the host stand, which has its own tapas-style menu.
How to order: Book a reservation online or call 702-202-2408.

Trattoria Nakamura-Ya
Trattoria Nakamura-Ya | Photo by Rob Kachelriess for Thrillist

5040 West Spring Mountain Road
A taste of Italy in Chinatown? Don't call Trattoria Nakamura-Ya fusion. Rather, just think of it as the kind of Italian restaurant you'd find in the middle of Tokyo. The pastas are the perfect level of al dente, including the carbonara, which uses miso in place of egg, or the spaghetti and clams, which rivals versions that cost twice as much on the Strip. If you need more recommendations, check out the "Big Ten'' list of popular dishes on the wall. You can't go wrong with sea urchin linguine in tomato cream sauce or spaghetti with squid ink. The restaurant is small with simple decor—including old-school red-and-while checkered tablecloths—but it's a nice change of pace, especially during the daily lunch deals. 
How to order: Order online for takeaway or call 702-251-0022 to make a reservation.

Monta Ramen
Monta Ramen | Photo by Rob Kachelriess for Thrillist

5030 Spring Mountain Road
This tiny noodle house is cozy, crazy busy, and has what could be the most addictive ramen in Las Vegas. It takes 12 hours each day to make the pork broth, and it's worth every minute. (According to legend, a full pig's head is soaked inside it for a full gelatinous effect.) The pork works just as well in the fried rice, gyoza dumplings, or soup-free cold noodle plate. Before the pandemic, guests would just sign their name on the clipboard by the front door and hang out on the sidewalk until a table was ready. Now, it's best to make a reservation well in advance.
How to order: Call 702-367-4600 or place a pickup order or book a reservation.

Izakaya Go
Izakaya Go

3775 Spring Mountain Road
Izakaya Go which likes to describe its menu as Japanese tapas, serving dishes to share in a dining room heavy on wood decor that aims to reproduce the atmosphere of a Far East street market. Sure, you can stick to sushi, but there's so much more. Try something adventurous—stir-fried Jidori chicken gizzard, perhaps?—or keep things safe and familiar with teriyaki salmon or Korean-style BBQ ribs. If you prefer your meal to go, the restaurant introduced bento boxes to make takeaway orders easy and convenient during the pandemic.  
How to order: Book a reservation online or call 702-247-1183 for reservations and to-go orders. 

ShangHai Taste
ShangHai Taste | Photo by Rob Kachelriess for Thrillist

4266 West Spring Mountain Road
You may have heard—xiao long bao are all the rage right now. Also known as soup dumplings, the traditional Eastern Chinese dish has grown in popularity in recent years. If you want them done right, chef Jimmy Li has mastered the concept at ShangHai Taste, where guests can watch each dumpling rolled by hand through tall kitchen windows. They're steamed to order and served hot. Poke a hole in the top, let some of that hot air out, and slurp down the broth filling before finishing 'em off. They're usually stuffed with chicken or pork, but ask about the beef and lamb versions. Chef Li also runs Sea Fresh, a new sit-down counter that's already one of the best seafood restaurants in Las Vegas.
How to order: Call 702-570-6363 to book a reservation or place an order for pickup or delivery.

LaMoon
LaMoon | Photo by Rob Kachelriess for Thrillist

6125 Spring Mountain Road
LaMoon is almost like a French cafe, where jazz plays in the background and customers sit on mismatched furniture while enjoying a menu of Japanese-Thai fusion, coffee, tea, and desserts. The cocktails aren't bad either, skewing toward lighter, fruit-focused recipes to offset the deep flavors of the food. A modified pad thai is basically a wrap, with noodles, dried shrimp, and vegetables surrounded by a thin layer of scrambled egg (instead of being mixed together) with fresh crab on top for a sweet, but balanced bite. The tiger steak (slices of marinated ribeye charcoal-grilled and pan-seared) arrives on a sizzling hot plate with a side of fish sauce and truffle french fries. However, the Japanese-style curry—spicy, but sweetened with lychee and grapes—really seals the deal, especially with strips of savory roast duck added on top.
How to order: Book a reservation or place a pickup order online. Delivery is available via Uber Eats or DoorDash.

Joyful House
Photo courtesy of Joyful House

4601 Spring Mountain Road
While other restaurants focused on takeaway orders in the early days of Chinatown, Joyful House set itself apart by offering an elevated sit-down experience for Hong Kong-style Cantonese dining. Chef and owner Kai Yau is a veteran of former Strip restaurants like Jasmine and Pearl, and now focuses on carrying out his own vision at his family-run business. His wife, Jowai, curates an extensive wine list inspired by the family's own personal collection. The Peking Duck, a big favorite, is carved tableside and utilized in other dishes like the Duck Noodle Soup. Ask about the latest live seafood—visible in tanks that line the dining room—which on any given day ranges from Dungeness crab to geoduck (a large clam pronounced "gooey duck").
How to order: Call 702-889-8881 for reservations or to place a pickup order. Delivery is available with Postmates.

Mian
Mian | Photo by Rob Kachelriess for Thrillist

4355 Spring Mountain Road
The food at Mian is A+. The atmosphere may leave something to be desired, but no one will complain if you take your order to go, and either way, you're getting some incredibly rewarding Szechuan-style street food. Noodles are front and center—often with funky, spicy flavors. The Chengdu Zhajiang house special is one of the best $10-and-under deals in Chinatown with ground pork crumbles mixing well with long noodles, house-made soy sauce, and the numbing taste of peppercorn. The texture is almost like bolognese (so yes, you'll love it). Even something a little more simple, like the pork wontons in chive and bone broth, will offer something new for those looking to play it safe. 
How to order: All ordering is done online, even when dining in-house. 

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Rob Kachelriess has been writing about Las Vegas for Thrillist for more than eight years. His work has also appeared in Travel + Leisure, Trivago Magazine, Sophisticated Living, Modern Luxury, Leafly, Las Vegas Magazine, and other publications. His spice level is "number three." Follow him on Twitter @rkachelriess.