Golden China Restaurant

1866 Main St, Watsonville, CA 95076, United States
+1 831-724-6957
$$$ Chinese restaurant , Asian restaurant , Meal delivery
(387 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Golden China Restaurant in Watsonville offers a straightforward, classic Chinese dining experience that has clearly won a steady local following over the years. Located right on Main Street, this spot draws in families, longtime residents, and those stopping through the area who appreciate hearty portions and consistent flavors without fuss.

The atmosphere leans toward casual and comfortable, with attentive service that locals highlight as a friendly constant. You can expect swift service whether you’re dining in or getting a meal delivered, and the staff tends to go out of their way to accommodate diners — from thoughtful gestures like keeping extras handy to maintaining a lively yet approachable environment.

Golden China is particularly suited for those who enjoy traditional Chinese-American dishes with a few noteworthy house specialties such as the Chef’s Special Duck Fillet, Sesame Chicken, or the Mandarin Chicken with spicy plum sauce. Many appreciate the generous lunch plates, which often come with soup and appetizers like pot stickers or fried wontons, making it a practical choice for a complete meal on a budget.

This spot works well for quick weekday lunches or casual dinners, especially for anyone looking for comfort food close to home. Its longstanding presence suggests a reliable option for those craving familiar tastes and a steady dining rhythm. The dining room accommodates small groups and families, with some privacy available for quieter meals.

Best times to visit might be outside typical lunch rushes if you prefer a quieter table, though the pace inside is often brisk but never rushed — a reflection of efficient kitchen timing and welcoming staff. For travelers or local fans, the option to order delivery adds convenience, especially appreciated during nights when staying in feels best.

Highlights
Has fast service
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Best for
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 08:30 PM

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 08:30 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 08:30 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 08:30 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 08:30 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 08:30 PM

387 Reviews
sonam “Basiga” famarin

05 Jan 2026

I love that I can order with no sugar! Lunch plates are full. A complete meal includes a bowl of soup and appetizers. Staff are super sweet and during the holidays they are gifting beautiful calendars replicating scrolled water color paintings.

Kelvin Bungcayao

31 Dec 2025

Been coming here 20+ years. Live in Salinas now, but always come back here when close by or for my bday. Food's always good, staff are always nice. Not once have I had a bug or hair in my food. And its one of the only places that has white pepper as a table seasoning, which should be a standard for any chinese restaurant. Favorite dishes are the deluxe won ton soup, szechuan tofu with pork, and mongolian beef. Their style of fried rice and chow mein is my preferred too. Everything always tastes perfectly seasoned and not too salty like some places (chef lees).

rhiannon faurie

23 Oct 2025

Maria was an absolute delightful waitress! She got our food to us in a timely manner, and was super tentative to us! I had a leaky nose and she made sure I had napkins. Always a delight stopping in! The food fresh and hot when delivered to our table. The pork was super hot and crispy, just off the stove! I'd say this is the best Chinese food place in Santa Cruz county.

Arie

11 Oct 2025

My best experience at a Chinese restaurant and this was my first time there. From the gecko I was greeted in such a friendly manner and my waitress was beyond nice as well. Food great/large portion size , very fast service, private dinning.Given the fact that it was almost closing time for the restaurant and overall experience was wonderful. I will be back for sure !

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