The best Chinese restaurant in Washington DC

The best Chinese restaurant in Washington, D.C. is the one that fulfills your own personal expectations. And let’s face it: we all want something different. Some of us want authentic, traditional Chinese dishes (like mouth-searing noodles), while others are happier when the menu items show international influences (Southwestern egg rolls, anyone?).

That’s why it’s lucky for us, the eclectic diners who change our tastes and needs every five minutes, that the District has such a wide variety of Chinese restaurants. From the ethnic authenticity of D.C.’s Chinatown neighborhood to the funky, fusion eateries of Dupont Circle, there’s a “Best Chinese Restaurant” for every need. The following five restaurants represent the best of their particular niches, so you can find Chinese food in D.C. for every mood.

#1) Full Kee: The Best Chinese Restaurant in D.C.’s Chinatown

509 H Street, NW (202) 371-2233 (Mon-Sun 11:00am-2:00am)

If you assume that any Chinese restaurant in Chinatown has to be authentic, you will be sorely disappointed when you end up in one of the cookie cutter chain places that dot the area. Even worse are the eateries that serve authentic cuisine, but you practically have to wear blinders to escape the dismal, hole-in-the-wall surroundings. Full Kee is a standout, and that may be why they’re not just one of the top places in the neighborhood, but also made the list of Top 100 Chinese Restaurants in the U.S.

Full Kee also gets my pick as one of the best Chinese restaurants to take kids. Not only is it within walking distance to MCI Center (so you can have dinner before seeing a game or a show), but it has a menu that will please everyone. Kids can choose simpler items they’re used to, like crunchy egg rolls and Pepper Beef, while adults with more exotic tastes can sample the Deep Fried Spicy Frog or a Sea Cucumber Saute. The wait staff will always let you make a special order too, so if you don’t see it; ask for it. My top pick: the Dungeness Crab in Ginger Scallions.

#2) Raku: The Best Chinese Fusion Restaurant in D.C.

1900 Q St. NW (202) 265-7258 (Sun-Thu 11:00am-10:oopm, Fri-Sat 11:00am-11:00pm)

I have a rule when I visit Washington, DC that I must try a new restaurant every day. Raku, however, is one of the few that I insist on visiting on each and every trip. It’s in a fantastic location in Dupont Circle, so you merely have to hop off the Metro and you’re there. If it seems too busy, Kramerbooks is right nearby, so you can browse the bookstore