Why Locals Love China Star
Located in the heart of Durham, North Carolina, China Star offers an authentic taste of Chinese cuisine that has clearly won the hearts of both locals and longtime patrons. Specializing in a diverse selection of traditional dishes, this beloved Chinese restaurant invites you to savor bold flavors and comforting classics in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The menu at China Star beautifully showcases the rich variety of Chinese culinary traditions. Food lovers will find standout dishes such as the Curry Beef with Onion, where tender slices of beef melt in a fragrant, mildly spicy curry sauce; and the Pepper Steak with Onions, bursting with savory notes and a perfect hint of black pepper. For noodle enthusiasts, the Roast Pork Lo Mein and Shrimp Lo Mein offer perfectly stir-fried noodles, each bite a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
Fans of more daring tastes will appreciate their Szechuan & Hunan specialties. The Scallops with Garlic Sauce, served with fluffy steamed rice, presents a luscious seafood experience heightened by a garlicky, slightly spicy sauce that awakens the palate. Meanwhile, the Beef with Satay Sauce is a luscious, creamy dish with a subtle depth from the satay, offering a unique twist on familiar flavors.
But China Star is not just about the food—it’s about the feeling of coming home. Countless reviews testify to how this restaurant feels like an extension of family. One customer affectionately shares, “My family has been coming here since I was little, the family who works here might as well be family.” The way they cook their broccoli alongside the chicken—rather than steaming it separately—adds that special touch of care and authenticity that discerning diners notice and appreciate.
The dining experience here combines comfort with a sense of tradition. The service is attentive, friendly, and genuinely welcoming, making every visit feel special whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner. Regular patrons like Kimberly remark that “the food and service are always on point,” while Noah appreciates their convenient holiday hours, offering a warm dining option on Christmas Eve and Day.
If you're a picky eater or simply exploring Chinese cuisine for the first time, rest assured that China Star’s palate-pleasing dishes deliver every time. One reviewer sums it up perfectly: “This place has the best Chinese food in Durham! This is the closest Chinese food in my opinion that tastes like it was cooked in NY!” Their recommendation to call ahead during busy times highlights the restaurant’s popularity and bustling energy around meal hours.
For those seeking truly satisfying Chinese food accompanied by genuine hospitality, China Star is a shining gem in Durham’s culinary scene. From the aromatic, savory entrees to the lively atmosphere filled with familiar faces, this is a dining destination that feels like coming home to the best flavors of China, right here in North Carolina.
Be sure to call ahead at 919-477-7779 to place your order or reserve your spot. Whether dining in or picking up, China Star promises a flavorful journey you won’t forget.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Identifies as Asian-owned
- Kerbside pickup
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Vegetarian options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Seating
- Table service
- Casual
- Quiet
- Groups
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
- Dogs allowed outside
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 16, 2026
We love China Star and it’s a plus that they are open on Christmas Eve and Day.
- Mar 5, 2026
I've enjoyed dining here for years. The food and service are always on point!
- Feb 26, 2026
My family has been coming here since I was little , the family who works here might as well be family. The garlic chicken with pork fried rice is , I've never found something i haven't liked there. Plus I love how the broccoli is cooked with the chicken instead of steamed. My favorite Chinese restaurant yet!
- Jan 14, 2026
I have no idea what these people are saying by implying that the food and service is bad.....THIS PLACE HAS THE BEST CHINESE FOOD IN DURHAM! THIS IS THE CLOSEST CHINESE FOOD IN MY OPINION THAT TASTES LIKE IT WAS COOKED IN NY! YOU CAROLINIAN TASTE BUDS ARE OUT OF ORDER! THE FOOD AND SERVICE IS FANTASTIC!
- Dec 22, 2025
I love to eat food here. The food taste amazing and I'm a picky eater when it comes to Chinese food. I recommand the chicken lomain with fried rice. I come here like once every 2-3 weeks the eggrolls here are good but the lomain is the best. If your planning to come here i recommand calling and placing your food for pickup in advanced because they get pretty busy especially during rush hours. Honestly ill give it aaaaa 8/10!
- Dec 21, 2025
I ordered food from here on Christmas day, I appreciate the people working hard on the holiday to feed others, they were really busy, but still were kind and worked fast to get their orders out, thank you for the delicious food on Christmas China Star!
- Nov 26, 2025
I frequent this place when I can, and I'll explain that more in a moment. I call in my order and they usually have it ready very quickly. I usually get appetizers that include egg drop soup, which is great, teriyaki chicken skewers, which are awesome, and the shrimp egg roles, which are some of the best I've ever had and I usually have to resist ordering a million of them. As far as an entree goes, I usually get lo mein of some kind or pepper steak, among other items. The food is always fresh, cooked really well, and just so freaking delicious. It's not the hot, greasy garbage most places serve up as takeout. I ask for some modifications, such as adding broccoli or getting my entrees extra spicy, and they always oblige. I never have to guess if they've made the modifications, as you can see in the photo of my extra spicy pepper steak with added broccoli. The cost is still super, super reasonable even with rising prices everywhere. I'd highly recommend trying this place out. The only knock I have on this restaurant is that they're super wonky with their hours. I believe they have defined hours on their menu, but I feel like they're always randomly closed. I'm not sure why that is. I believe it started during the pandemic, which makes sense. It has somewhat of a chick-fil-a effect of making me want it more lol. There's no voicemail, so if they aren't there the phone just rings perpetually. But, even with that it's still somewhere I would definitely recommend getting takeout at!
- Nov 25, 2025
Food is great, haven't switched up on their recipes! Interior of the restaurant could be updated a bit though.