Top Best Chinese Restaurants in San Diego

"Just north of the better known Sichuan Province sits Shaanxi Province (not to be confused with the neighboring Shanxi Province), known for the Terracotta Army, the Hukou Waterfall and biang biang noodles, which is famously the most complex Chinese character, having 57 strokes. Long, broad, and chewy, the hand-ripped noodles are smothered in a ground chili and soy-based sauce. Other menu standouts include the Yang Rou Pao Mo, a savory lamb soup studded with cubes of dense bread that take on a dumpling-like consistency after they’ve soaked up the broth, and tofu pidan, a simple, inexpensive dish of silken tofu, a thousand-year-old egg, minced garlic, spring onion drizzled with soy sauce, and Chinese vinegar."

"From burgers and noodle soup to buns and satays, Shan Xi Magic Kitchen serves the best Asian food prepared in an authentic style and presented with modern techniques. The restaurant also features online ordering with the same menu. Their burgers are definitely the opposite of famous American burgers and feature stewed pork and spicy cumin lamb."

"Since 1982, Clairemont’s Mandarin Wok Restaurant has amassed a following of loyal patrons. Some of their favorite dishes include the sizzling rice soup, cream cheese wontons and salt and pepper chicken wings."

"This family-owned North Park restaurant has been serving incredible Cantonese fare since 1931. With that many years of experience, you know you’re in for a treat regardless of what you order but if you need a few suggestions, a few of the staff’s favorites include crispy beef, walnut shrimp and Szechuan tofu."

"If you love Chinese food, you have to visit Panda Country Restaurant, which serves a variety of food items on their menu for lunch and dinner. Most people start with their appetisers and soups. They also serve specialties, like their deep-fried shrimp or chicken, sizzlers, soft noodles with chicken and kung pao san yan with shrimp or chicken."

"This not-for-profit aquarium and zoo connects kids with the animals and plants of the California coast. Located on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista, the Living Coast Discovery Center offers family-friendly activities and events such as shark, ray, turtle, and eagle feedings; guided trail hikes; Overnight Adventures; and VIP Animal Encounters. Seasonal exhibits promote wildlife conservation and educate young visitors about their impact on the environment."

"This nonprofit discovery center is there to provide environmental education related to coastal resource conservation. You park in a parking lot and bus takes you over to the center. Once there you can see the sharks, visit the sting ray touch tank, and see the bald eagles they have there."

"This is located in the Sweetwater Marsh Unit of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista and is a popular choice for school trips. The experience here is pretty unique. You get to feed bat rays and have meet-and-greets with reptiles."

"Get nose-to-nose with a lion, feed a giraffe, see rhinos tending their young, view an elephant herd splashing in a pond, and marvel at the fact that you can have a mini Safari experience right here in the USA. A tram takes you through the heart of the park, which shelters over 3,200 animals on more than 1,800 carefully-designed, African-themed acres. The park recently added a flight line (zip line) for a soaring view over the park at 160 ft."

"For example, if you love animals or are traveling with kids, San Diego Zoo is in the park. It’s huge with many open areas for the animals, and also margaritas and craft beer for the adults. If you just love parks or nature, you can stroll through the park itself or one of its many gardens- including a rose garden, a Japanese garden, and a botanical garden. Note that some gardens (like the last two) close at night."

"The San Diego Zoo is San Diego’s most popular attraction and renowned for conservation efforts. Having visited many zoos across the country and globe, ours is no doubt among the best in the world (some might say the best). Highlights include the pandas, koalas, Polar Bear Plunge, Children’s Zoo (temporarily closed for renovation), Skyfari Tram, Africa Rocks and more."

"The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages showcases the traditions of 34 national groups, some of which have their own cottages (build originally for the 1935 Exposition). The goal is to promote multicultural understanding through exhibits and programming. (Location: Balboa Park)"

"Feel the beauty of the waterfalls and greenery as you stroll the pathways of the Japanese Friendship Garden. Skip right past the entrance fee the third Tuesday of every month. As well, explore the Japanese rock garden and take in the current indoor display."

"The elegant Japanese Friendship Garden is also worth a visit. Grab lunch at The Prado, located within Balboa Park., and try to get a table on the outdoor terrace."

"The Garden originated as a teahouse during the 1915–16 Panama-California Exposition and now lies on two acres near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion."

"Owned and operated by Chef Matt Gordon and his wife, Urban Solace in North Park offers brunch-goers two options. "Blunch" on Saturdays includes breakfast-type items such as Kitchen Sink Biscuits and Gravy, Fried Green Tomato Benny (house biscuit, poached fresh eggs, smoked ancho chili Hollandaise), salads and sandwiches. Bluegrass brunch is only on Sundays, where diners can enjoy live bluegrass music over a larger menu including braised Colorado lamb shoulder hash, butter-pecan french toast and more."

"Urban Solace has a great "Bluegrass Brunch" every Sunday where they serve five different kinds of benedicts (the pork belly benedict is AMAZING), shrimp and grits, beef cheek hash and mussels, among other dishes. While many of the dishes are delicious, the benedicts and beef cheeks are the best. Pork Belly Benedict - Urban Solace"

"Sure you could have mac n cheese from the box, but here’s a grown up version brought to you by Urban Solace. Also stop by for creative and decadent takes on brunch classics, like the hanger steak benedict."

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