North China Chinese Restaurant
If you're ever in Gatlinburg, TN and craving some satisfying Chinese food in a relaxed setting, North China Chinese Restaurant should be on your radar. Tucked away at 639 Parkway, this spot brings together comforting flavors, a calm atmosphere, and the kind of service that keeps people coming back.
The vibe here is easygoing—perfect for family dinners, laid-back meals with friends, or just a quiet solo lunch. It’s one of those places where you can actually hear the conversation at your table, which is a big win if you ask me.
Now, let’s talk food. Their Orange Chicken? A crispy, citrusy delight that somehow strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. The Egg Rolls are golden and crunchy, stuffed just right—not too greasy, not too dry. And if you're more into something with a savory kick, the Sesame Chicken is rich, flavorful, and pairs beautifully with steamed rice.
Another favorite on the menu is the Sweet and Sour Chicken. It’s that classic dish done well, with a glossy sauce and generous portion sizes. For something light to start, the Spring Rolls are a solid choice. They come out fresh and crisp, which makes them ideal for sharing.
While the menu hits all the expected notes of American-style Chinese cuisine, the execution is what really makes a difference. It’s comfort food, made with care, in a space that feels welcoming and low-key. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and great for groups—so whether you're with picky eaters or a hungry crew, it just works.
No frills, no fuss—just good Chinese food in a spot that feels like a reliable go-to when you’re in the Smoky Mountains area.
Reviews
I don't know why this place has such bad reviews, to start with. We stayed in Gatlinburg for a couple nights to go hiking, and were looking for somewhere less crowded than the circus that's the Strip. This place is sort of down an alley, and there were only 3 tables full when we came in. Nice and quiet. The look of the place could throw you off, because it could use some updating. We were seated right away, and once we ordered our food came out quickly, piping hot. We ordered Fried Dumplings, Chicken w/snow peas and water chestnuts, and Green Curry w/beef. The dumplings were super crispy and served with a tasty dipping sauce. My chicken had lots of veggies, and the white sauce was good. The curry was just spicy enough, and a decent serving of beef. Both dishes came with what was called "fried rice" on the menu, but which I was a bit disappointed to see was much plainer than I expected - more lightly flavored brown rice than what "fried rice" would mean to most people. Good, just not what I expected. Great prices! There is a 3% service charge for cards though, so bring cash if possible! A lot of reviews complain about the service here - I had absolutely no issues. Often the type of service some people expect from a typical restaurant, like a diner or something, is not the type you're going to get at an Asian restaurant. I'd say typical "American" service is a more hovering, pandering type, and that's not what you're going to get. I prefer the more direct service given here - it's still good service so don't diss it just because it's not your thing.
We were in Gatlinburg at the busy weekend of Thanksgiving and were under the scare that we might go without food as it was the Thanksgiving day. But to our relief many of the restaurants were open and we decided to go for Chinese food on the coldest day. The process was seamless with one phone call we got to place our order. Our food was ready to pick up till we came down the tram from Ober. Food was good and the quantity was way more than expected.