+1 505-662-4433
Nestled in the heart of Los Alamos at 121 Central Park Square, China Palace Restaurant offers a delightful journey into Chinese cuisine with a distinct American twist. Specializing in classic Chinese dishes, this local gem is a favored destination for both quick lunches and leisurely dinners. From the very first bite, patrons are treated to an explosion of flavors that balance sweet, savory, and tangy notes, creating a comforting yet exciting dining experience.
The menu shines with crowd-pleasers such as the crispy and tender Sesame Chicken, the fiery yet balanced Kung Pao Chicken, and the refreshingly light Moo Goo Gai Pan. Seafood lovers will savor the Shrimp in Lobster Sauce, Coconut Shrimp, and the subtly crunchy Shrimp with Cashew Nuts. Each dish is crafted with care, bringing vivid colors and enticing aromas right to your table. The chow mein options—ranging from mixed vegetables to shrimp and house special varieties—provide satisfying textures and a harmonious blend of seasonings that complement the mains perfectly.
China Palace also boasts a thoughtfully curated beverage selection. Whether you're in the mood for the delicate warmth of Hot Sake, the fruity complexity of Plum Wine, or a crisp glass of Chardonnay, there’s a pairing to suit every palate. Beer enthusiasts can enjoy both local favorites like Budweiser and international brews such as Kirin and Sapporo, enhancing the relaxed, inviting atmosphere.
Many guests appreciate the friendly, attentive service that complements the inviting ambiance—described by diners as efficient and warm, making it easy to feel right at home. While some visitors note the pronounced sweetness typical of Americanized Chinese cooking, this element brings a nostalgic comfort to many, balancing bold spices and tender textures. Whether grabbing a quick lunch from the popular buffet or savoring a freshly prepared evening meal, China Palace consistently delivers satisfying portions and memorable flavors.
Customer experiences echo this sentiment vividly: Dathan Tsosie emphatically praises the restaurant’s delicious offerings and welcoming service, declaring a willingness to drive from Albuquerque just to dine here. Maura L highlights the prompt seating and hot, plentiful plates shared among her group, lauding the professionalism and inviting atmosphere. Even those with a discerning palate, like Jurann McRea, acknowledge the solid quality and friendly staff, though noting the sweetness that characterizes the dishes.
In essence, China Palace Restaurant is a standout Chinese dining option in Los Alamos, blending familiar favorites with heartfelt hospitality. Whether you’re a local craving comfort food or a traveler exploring the area, this restaurant invites you to indulge in richly flavored dishes, attentive service, and a warm environment that lingers long after the last bite.
Friendly staff, nice buffet with a decent (not great) variety of options for lunch. I'm a bit picky about Chinese food since I grew up in Taiwan, and this is highly Americanized with SO MUCH sweetness in every dish. Even the black pepper chicken is SUPER sweet, which is very weird to me (despite that, it was actually really good, though!) Buffet and a drink ran me around $25 after tax and tip, so be warned it's not cheap. Hard to beat the speed of buffet when you're on a short lunch break, though!
Traveling through town and our group decided to try this place. It was very good. Our group of 6 was seated quickly and ordered within a few minutes and our food was out relatively quick as well. We ordered the shrimp lo mein, chicken lo mein, beef broccoli, sesame chicken, and dumplings. Plenty of food. Came out hot. Service was very friendly and professional. Would definitely recommend. We would eat here more often if we lived closer.
Oh My God! The food here is so delicious, I would drive from ABQ all the time just to eat here. The service was fast, efficient and friendly. Love this place!!
Good not buffet in the evening. The food was good