I love this restaurant. They have some of the best Salt and Pepper Wings I've ever tasted. The rest of their menu is very delicious too and the friendliest staff ever!

Nice local Chinese food spot! Great food & plenty of it! Quick polite service with a good size dinning room. My family has been going here for many years.

Been dining here for nearly 25 years... they have the best food, but the secret gem?... Their wanton soup... we call it the Magic Soup, because every time we ever had a cold we go get the family size wonton soup and the next day, cold is gone! Service is great and the husband and wife that run the place are super sweet and have wonderful senses of humor!... They also do to go orders and they have generous portions weather you dine in or take out.

Quick service, great food, great price. I have been here when I have only a few minutes to eat and go, and I have done take out many times. The food is always good, high quality and very friendly family owned restaurant.

This local eatery is one of my favorite places to eat, been eating here for several years and never disappointed! If you want good fresh Chinese food, with a very friendly, and helpful staff, this is the place to go. Nothing fancy, just good food. And June always has a smile and laugh when we come in! Good menu, lots of choices- spicy or mild, daily lunch specials at great prices! I strongly recommend !!

amber enriquez

Been coming here for over 15 years and the food is very hefty and flavorful. Have had the same server the entire time. This is a family runned business that works as a team. So much veggies for almost all their dishes! A must have, and within price range. Service is incredible and I love supporting a family business. Must try! Super fulfilling and hearty

Albert Hollow

This gorgeous and cozy restaurant has the best Chinese food in San Diego county, easily. Normally we order take out, but if you do dine in the dinning area is nicely decorated and the booths are comfortable. The Kung Pao chicken is my favorite. It is a generous portion of chicken, onions, and peanuts in La China’s amazing sauce. 10/10 restaurant, I cannot recommend them enough.

Crystal Pyramid Productions San Diego Video Company

I have been holding off on writing a review for this "best-kept secret" here in our neighborhood. Just because we would hate for it to become TOO popular... But I have to give credit where it's due. The staff kept up with demanding customers all throughout the Covid pandemic with take-out food. Now it's back open to indoor dining once again. The food is very tasty. We love the pan-fried noodles and whatever the fresh vegetable of the day is. They have lunch specials that are good. The won ton soup is really yummy. Kudos to Joyce who always greets us with a smile.

Michelle

Super legit! Decent food at reasonable price AND friendly service. What more could you ask for! I stopped in on a whim in the middle of laundry mat adventures so I was blown away at their prices in San Diego it’s rare to see this. Come, experience and enjoy.

T R

Great chinese food at a very affordable price. I've always ordered to go so I can't speak to the dine in experience but I've never heard any ruckus while picking up my food. Great specials and they have a Coca Cola machine with Dr pepper. I would eat here every day but I can't afford it for financial reasons. Love it. Man it's great

Joaquin Omar Avila

First time but not the last. I ordered chicken fried rice and beef with veggies. They were large dishes and they tasted great. Not sure why people are saying the dishes are salty. I thought it needed more salt hahahah. Picture is after I served myself.

Alxs Grlr

The BEST Chinese food I’ve ever had! (I’m actually eating it as I write this.) It’s always fresh and delicious. They have the most tender meat ever - the chicken and the beef are always amazing in every dish they make. My favorites are the orange chicken, beef and broccoli, chicken with snow peas, combination stir fry udon, and the pecan shrimp! Very generous portions. My mom loves their wonton soup. They have never disappointed me and I’ve been coming here for years. The lunch & dinner specials are great deals btw!

Rose Dara

Local modest Chinese restaurant with fast friendly service and very affordable prices!

Local modest Chinese restaurant with fast friendly service and very affordable prices!

The BEST Chinese food I’ve ever had! (I’m actually eating it as I write this.) It’s always fresh and delicious. They have the most tender meat ever - the chicken and the beef are always amazing in every dish they make. My favorites are the orange chicken, beef and broccoli, chicken with snow peas, combination stir fry udon, and the pecan shrimp! Very generous portions. My mom loves their wonton soup. They have never disappointed me and I’ve been coming here for years. The lunch & dinner specials are great deals btw!

First time but not the last. I ordered chicken fried rice and beef with veggies. They were large dishes and they tasted great. Not sure why people are saying the dishes are salty. I thought it needed more salt hahahah. Picture is after I served myself.

Great chinese food at a very affordable price. I've always ordered to go so I can't speak to the dine in experience but I've never heard any ruckus while picking up my food. Great specials and they have a Coca Cola machine with Dr pepper. I would eat here every day but I can't afford it for financial reasons. Love it. Man it's great

Super legit! Decent food at reasonable price AND friendly service. What more could you ask for! I stopped in on a whim in the middle of laundry mat adventures so I was blown away at their prices in San Diego it’s rare to see this. Come, experience and enjoy.

I have been holding off on writing a review for this "best-kept secret" here in our neighborhood. Just because we would hate for it to become TOO popular... But I have to give credit where it's due. The staff kept up with demanding customers all throughout the Covid pandemic with take-out food. Now it's back open to indoor dining once again. The food is very tasty. We love the pan-fried noodles and whatever the fresh vegetable of the day is. They have lunch specials that are good. The won ton soup is really yummy. Kudos to Joyce who always greets us with a smile.

This gorgeous and cozy restaurant has the best Chinese food in San Diego county, easily. Normally we order take out, but if you do dine in the dinning area is nicely decorated and the booths are comfortable. The Kung Pao chicken is my favorite. It is a generous portion of chicken, onions, and peanuts in La China’s amazing sauce. 10/10 restaurant, I cannot recommend them enough.

Been coming here for over 15 years and the food is very hefty and flavorful. Have had the same server the entire time. This is a family runned business that works as a team. So much veggies for almost all their dishes! A must have, and within price range. Service is incredible and I love supporting a family business. Must try! Super fulfilling and hearty

+2

We have been coming here for years and always leave happy! If you don't find a dish you are looking for on the menu, they will make it specially for you. My favorite is Mongolian Chicken. They always make it for me, and it is delicious!

Not all Chinese food is created equal. La China uses fresh quality ingredients and in over 7 years of eating here I have never had a bad meal. Staff is polite and always answer the phone quickly. Definitely the best Chinese food in la Mesa and El Cajon

Family owned & operated. Friendly , Great food, reasonably priced, cooked fresh, restaurant a bit outdated, other wise I would have rated 5 stars.

This is my go to for lunch when I'm at work. Their lunch special is a great price and very generous. I get the Buddha delight with steamed rice. I've been here plenty of times with the family for sit down dinner and it's always great. Really appreciate this spot. Been going here for 17 years now.

Exellent place! The food was great. I went on a friday and got the shrimp with lobster sauce special which I normally would not like but theirs is exceptional! I ate the whole thing like a piggy! I went again two more times right after that and each dish has been sooo good! I really like this place to meet up with friends.

This place is a hidden gem in san diego. Family owned and operated with authentic flavors. The specials board has some great options that differ from the menu so don't forget top take a look. My favorite thing is the bbq pork stir fried udon noodles. The egg foo young is amazing also. Been going for years and I'll definately be back! Thank you La China.

Karen Anderson

We have been coming here for years and always leave happy! If you don't find a dish you are looking for on the menu, they will make it specially for you. My favorite is Mongolian Chicken. They always make it for me, and it is delicious!

Chelsea Gordon

Not all Chinese food is created equal. La China uses fresh quality ingredients and in over 7 years of eating here I have never had a bad meal. Staff is polite and always answer the phone quickly. Definitely the best Chinese food in la Mesa and El Cajon

Carl SCHAFFRINA

Family owned & operated. Friendly , Great food, reasonably priced, cooked fresh, restaurant a bit outdated, other wise I would have rated 5 stars.

Mary Anne S

Exellent place! The food was great. I went on a friday and got the shrimp with lobster sauce special which I normally would not like but theirs is exceptional! I ate the whole thing like a piggy! I went again two more times right after that and each dish has been sooo good! I really like this place to meet up with friends.

Lidia Adame

This is my go to for lunch when I'm at work. Their lunch special is a great price and very generous. I get the Buddha delight with steamed rice. I've been here plenty of times with the family for sit down dinner and it's always great. Really appreciate this spot. Been going here for 17 years now.

Food was served fast and hot and Customer service was great! However, the atmosphere was a bit shabby. boxes everywhere and dining room seems to double as storage. But food was good and service makes up for a great deal.

Some of their food is excellent but not everything. We usually order 3 items to share and have found the house noodle and egg foo young to be very good. We are still in search of a fantastic third dish though.

This is yet another hidden gem of a Chinese restaurant in San Diego. Skip all the larger chain restaurants and try this one instead! They have plenty of seating, the staff was very friendly, and the food was excellent. The orange chicken was very crispy and delicious, the crab rangoons were cooked perfectly, and the fried rice was excellent. This restaurant has some of the best orange chicken that I've tried as well. There is plenty of parking, as this restaurant is located in a pretty big strip mall. I found this restaurant on a recommendation, and I will definitely be going back for more when I'm in the area.

Gina

Classic atmosphere and they offer take out & dine in options. They have menus posted before walking in which allowed me to look at what I wanted which I love. They also have paper menus you can take at the table as you enter and a sitting area. A lady took my order quickly and I heard the chefs get to it. Everything was nicely packed and nothing spilled as she double bagged the plate which is genius. See my photo for a full break down on what was on my plate and rating!!

Classic atmosphere and they offer take out & dine in options. They have menus posted before walking in which allowed me to look at what I wanted which I love. They also have paper menus you can take at the table as you enter and a sitting area. A lady took my order quickly and I heard the chefs get to it. Everything was nicely packed and nothing spilled as she double bagged the plate which is genius. See my photo for a full break down on what was on my plate and rating!!

I really enjoyed the shrimp dish but the eggplant not so much. It could have been Spicer. Quantity was great but will have to return to try other dishes. Price was very reasonable.

laura s

I really enjoyed the shrimp dish but the eggplant not so much. It could have been Spicer. Quantity was great but will have to return to try other dishes. Price was very reasonable.

This little hideaway is fast and typically a to go spot. We have eaten there 5 or 6 times. It's consistent, inexpensive with good service. Friendly staff very good paper chicken and OK egg rolls with spicy mustard. To Go the portions seem larger and keep for leftover well. The noodle dishes are always good but could use more vegetables and meat. A little oily.

A friend brought some Beef Chow Fun to my house from this restaurant and it was really good! So, I decided to go there myself and pick up some food. Maybe I just selected the wrong dishes because it was pretty bland and tasteless -- except for the Beef Chow Fun (which was very good)!

Shrimp in our fried rice had a funky texture to them. Smell was slightly off. As far as entire experience goes, it’s ok, nothing to brag about. Very rushed and straight forward ordering. Not bad overall food but there are better options elsewhere.

Chicken and sweet corn soup was great. Spicy beef had overpowering salty sauce. Service was quick and pleasant.

Clay Berry

Kung Pao Chicken was bland mostly onions and no spice. Did not see one pepper in the meal. Very disappointing.

C

The server was pleasant and mostly knowledgeable. The one thing she did not know, however, was that the plum sauce was sweet. My dining guest asked if it was sweet or not sweet, and the server said it was not sweet, which my guest was glad to hear. When the plum sauce arrived however, not only was it sweet, but it was watery. It soaked through the moo shu pancakes instead of being a thick, clingy sauce. After we placed our order, the server asked if I wanted rice. Yes, of course. Doesn't it come with rice? At a Chinese restaurant, I expect rice to be included. Nope. $1.50 extra for a small bowl of white rice! I wanted to leave, but my companion was too hungry and wanted to stay, so we stayed. Nowhere on the menu did it say that entrees did not include rice. My mixed vegetable dish contained about 30% cabbage, which was way too much cabbage. My vegetables were drowning in sauce that was way too salty. It tasted like pure soy sauce. The vegetables were otherwise good, fresh and lightly sauteed. About 20 minutes before the restaurant was supposed to close, we were given our check without being asked if we wanted anything else. A few minutes later, they rushed to take away our dishes and did so quite noisily. By time we left, 12 minutes before their stated closing time, they had turned off their open sign. We won't be back.

Kung Pao Chicken was bland mostly onions and no spice. Did not see one pepper in the meal. Very disappointing.

The server was pleasant and mostly knowledgeable. The one thing she did not know, however, was that the plum sauce was sweet. My dining guest asked if it was sweet or not sweet, and the server said it was not sweet, which my guest was glad to hear. When the plum sauce arrived however, not only was it sweet, but it was watery. It soaked through the moo shu pancakes instead of being a thick, clingy sauce. After we placed our order, the server asked if I wanted rice. Yes, of course. Doesn't it come with rice? At a Chinese restaurant, I expect rice to be included. Nope. $1.50 extra for a small bowl of white rice! I wanted to leave, but my companion was too hungry and wanted to stay, so we stayed. Nowhere on the menu did it say that entrees did not include rice. My mixed vegetable dish contained about 30% cabbage, which was way too much cabbage. My vegetables were drowning in sauce that was way too salty. It tasted like pure soy sauce. The vegetables were otherwise good, fresh and lightly sauteed. About 20 minutes before the restaurant was supposed to close, we were given our check without being asked if we wanted anything else. A few minutes later, they rushed to take away our dishes and did so quite noisily. By time we left, 12 minutes before their stated closing time, they had turned off their open sign. We won't be back.

For 5 ppl (2 adults and 3 kids) - $100 (rice wasn't included with any dish). Sweet & sour pork - heavy on the onions and peppers but not enough pork in a large order for the 5 of us. Maybe 2-3 (fortune cookie sized pcs) Beef & broccoli - well cooked but more broccoli than beef. Overly priced for a few slices of beef. General tsos chicken - overly breaded and doughy/chewy as if under cooked or re-breaded and recooked. Salt & pepper string beans - kids and wife's favorite item. Great crunch and flavor. Salt and pepper wings - another fav; pepper breading and flavor. Crab Rangoon - smaller (dime sized crab portion) than other restaurants we've tried but still good. We usually have leftovers due to the portion size, today it was due to the unfortunate takeout frenzy. 2nd time for take out with similar results and order so we won't be back. **Maybe try the suggested items on the good reviews** Great if you're in a rush and accidentally forgot to take out food to make dinner. However, if you have time, I recommend somewhere else for the money spent.

Tony Philly Hudgins

For 5 ppl (2 adults and 3 kids) - $100 (rice wasn't included with any dish). Sweet & sour pork - heavy on the onions and peppers but not enough pork in a large order for the 5 of us. Maybe 2-3 (fortune cookie sized pcs) Beef & broccoli - well cooked but more broccoli than beef. Overly priced for a few slices of beef. General tsos chicken - overly breaded and doughy/chewy as if under cooked or re-breaded and recooked. Salt & pepper string beans - kids and wife's favorite item. Great crunch and flavor. Salt and pepper wings - another fav; pepper breading and flavor. Crab Rangoon - smaller (dime sized crab portion) than other restaurants we've tried but still good. We usually have leftovers due to the portion size, today it was due to the unfortunate takeout frenzy. 2nd time for take out with similar results and order so we won't be back. **Maybe try the suggested items on the good reviews** Great if you're in a rush and accidentally forgot to take out food to make dinner. However, if you have time, I recommend somewhere else for the money spent.

Ordered chicken lo mein got horrible food poisoning! I was sick for days had to see a doctor to check for dehydration. Called to speck to the manager and inform him. Instead of apologizing and offering to refund the cost of the meal but, he argued with me and to convince me I was allergic to MSG! I'm half Chinese and definitely not allergic to MSG. Won't be going back there.

Very horrible got sick they served me raw chicken there should be some health codes very dirty place hopefully I don't get sick!!!! I advise u not come here I even ask the the person who made the food to remake my order very rude person I don't know how are they still in business???? But the lady was nice our server but the cooker is very rude and unprofessional!!!! I hope they can train him

I recently placed a pickup order of 2 chicken & corn soups. When I got home,by the time I got to the bottom of the container,there was no chicken or corn. Today I placed an identical order & mentioned about the previous order & the gentleman told me that I should have called then. He refused to believe me & refused to give me credit as though I was lying to him. I'm disappointed because I'm a regular customer. Food is good, but attitude was unbussinesslike.

So darn disappointing when you spend hard earned money on substandard food. The salt and pepper wings aren’t even close. Too much breading, oily, and no salt or pepper taste at all. The BBQ ribs are dry, oh so dry, and no taste. We are here about 10-12 years ago and decided to give it a second chance. Well, never ever again.

I ordered this evening BBQ pork with snowpack and was extremely dissatisfied. When I got home home which is less than 1/2 a mile I opened up the container and noticed what a small portion it was ...it fit in my small bowl. The pork was all grissely unable to eat had to spit it out. The snowpeas were limp and tasteless I imagine that they were on the old side. For 14.00 dollars worth it was a terrible waste of money and unpleasant experience. The last order a week ago was pretty much the same but thought I'd give it one more try( different dish) cashew chicken which tasted like too much white pepper. I will not ever return as their food is very unappetizing.

I got the Salt and Pepper wings. I’m not sure about the other menu items but these wings are so NASTY. I got 2 orders thinking they would be good but just lost $17. The salt and pepper seasoning is burned to a crisp and looks like burnt crust from the skillet that the cook scraped and put over the chicken in the plate. The chicken skin tastes sweet like they used the same batter from the sweet and sour chicken to fry it in. This is the only menu item I’ve tried as this was my first visit and I will not be going back. If you can’t fry chicken then you can’t cook anything.

I have never posted a review of any restaurant I have ever eaten at. But I do need to review this one, it was the worst experience I've ever had for Chinese food ever. I have never had sweet and sour pork fried in balls and with very little taste. My wonton soup was barely warm but did have flavor. I would never eat at this restaurant again.

I don't even know what to say ... You ever had food so bad that it's almost a miracle in itself? So bad it got you wondering what you did in life to deserve this negative karma when all you wanted was a decent hot meal? I've never gotten a meal that was just greasy, no flavor, fried but soft and not crunchy.... Consider my flabbers ghasted and not for any good reasons. Orange chicken was more like fried plantains than any orange chicken I've ever had. Crab ragoons in the crappiest great value version rice paper they could find to include the filling soaked with sour old grease. This food lacked flavor so much I almost went to get a COVID test make sure I wasn't losing my senses. Only thing that was on par with typical Asian takeout spots was the fortune cookie which honestly I'm shocked was included because they didn't send any utensils or chopsticks to eat with. Just a box of slop one typically wouldn't even send his worst enemy let alone charge as much for. If you read this and you still ordered from here you deserve whatever they send you.

This is my first time order food from this Chinese restaurant La China. I ordered sweet & sour chicken pineapple, and a small side of steam rice. When I order my food I ask for 3 soy sauce pkg. Soon I get home getting ready to eat, I find out there were no soy sauce, no fork and no napkins. The chicken sauce were all over the plastic bag so when I pull the plate it was all over a mess. Not at all professional service. The owner that was cooking he was very disrespectful with his female employee talking too laud in his language by seeing her face you can tell his was very rude to the Chinese girl who took my order. when I order the sweet and sour chicken I requested very crispy but instead it was very saggy. This was my first and last time to order food in this nasty place. I do not recommended. South San Diego has real good Chinese restaurants dont waste your time and money on this one is not worth it.

Marta Movido

I ordered this evening BBQ pork with snowpack and was extremely dissatisfied. When I got home home which is less than 1/2 a mile I opened up the container and noticed what a small portion it was ...it fit in my small bowl. The pork was all grissely unable to eat had to spit it out. The snowpeas were limp and tasteless I imagine that they were on the old side. For 14.00 dollars worth it was a terrible waste of money and unpleasant experience. The last order a week ago was pretty much the same but thought I'd give it one more try( different dish) cashew chicken which tasted like too much white pepper. I will not ever return as their food is very unappetizing.

Val

This is my first time order food from this Chinese restaurant La China. I ordered sweet & sour chicken pineapple, and a small side of steam rice. When I order my food I ask for 3 soy sauce pkg. Soon I get home getting ready to eat, I find out there were no soy sauce, no fork and no napkins. The chicken sauce were all over the plastic bag so when I pull the plate it was all over a mess. Not at all professional service. The owner that was cooking he was very disrespectful with his female employee talking too laud in his language by seeing her face you can tell his was very rude to the Chinese girl who took my order. when I order the sweet and sour chicken I requested very crispy but instead it was very saggy. This was my first and last time to order food in this nasty place. I do not recommended. South San Diego has real good Chinese restaurants dont waste your time and money on this one is not worth it.