Best Chinese Restaurants in Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Lilli and Loo
Dedicated gluten-free Chinese and pan-Asian menu in a relaxed UES dining room.
Notable Picks
8.4
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Lilli and Loo is a long-running Upper East Side spot known for its extensive gluten-free Chinese and pan-Asian menu, from dumplings to General Tso’s. Locals treat it as a rare celiac-friendly place where they can order classic American Chinese dishes with confidence and still sit down for a casual neighborhood meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gluten Free Crispy General Tso's Chicken, Gluten Free Lo Mein Noodles, Gluten Free Thai Spring Roll
What Makes it Special: Dedicated gluten-free Chinese and pan-Asian menu in a relaxed UES dining room.
Island is a neighborhood American restaurant and bar on Madison Avenue known for polished comfort dishes, strong martinis, and a clientele that has treated it as a default Upper East Side dining room since the 1980s. White tablecloths, smart lighting, and a seafood-leaning menu make it a flexible choice for both business-adjacent dinners and quiet celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ahi tuna burger, Crab cakes, Skirt steak
What Makes it Special: Decades of steady Upper East Side service have turned Island into a reliable, white-tablecloth standby for seafood, steaks, and martinis.
Worthy Picks
7.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Dragon Family is a straightforward Chinese takeout counter on First Avenue turning out the familiar New York combo-plate canon. Regulars rely on it for fast, customizable orders of fried rice, stir-fries, and saucy classics that travel well for couch nights or desk lunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
General Tso's Chicken, Chicken with Broccoli, Shrimp Fried Rice
What Makes it Special: Classic New York Chinese takeout spot focused on speed and value.