Jim's is easily the best Chinese food in the Monterey Bay area. We live in Marina and the places here are "so so" . so we heard good things about Jim's and boy are we happy to have a great option that's not too far away. Everything we've tried has been great. And the service is excellent. read more

This place is the definition of a hidden gem. Tucked away in a random corner, it's easy to drive right past it and never think twice. From the outside, it doesn't look like much, and inside it's tiny tiny. maybe 6 to 8 tables total. Honestly, it could use some updates or a bigger location, but don't let any of that fool you. The second you walk in, you get that old-school family restaurant feeling. The kind of place that's been around forever, where the same family is working every shift and knows half their customers by name. No room for a Togo box hidden storage, no trendy décor, just people focused on making great food and taking care of their customers. The owner was incredibly kind and even brought us a complimentary order of their veggie rolls to try. They were absolutely delicious and such a thoughtful touch that made us feel genuinely welcomed. And the food? Absolutely incredible. Every single thing we ordered was packed with flavor, fresh, and cooked perfectly. Not one dish disappointed. It's the kind of restaurant that reminds you why local family-owned spots are worth supporting. If you're looking for fancy, this isn't it. If you're looking for some of the best food around in the Monterey area, this place is a 10/10 and well worth the visit. Don't judge this place by its location or appearance, the food speaks for itself. read more

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Never disappoints. I've had several meals here. Mostly sit down but take out as well as catering. The Atmosphere can be off putting for those that aren't used to cramped settings. I feel they really make do with what they have to provide. What every your preference as to style and region of Chinese type foods you can order it or suggest it. They will make it for you. Love that about Jim's. read more

This place definitely wowed me. The service was exceptional. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The ambience is very very tiny. It may seem small, but this place is definitely no joke. We got Jim's wonton soup. The soup was flavorful and delicious. After a fun breezy day at the beach, it definitely hit the spot. The combination fried rice was tasty. The chicken chow fun complemented the meats so well. The Mandarin pork was delicious. We ordered ours spicy. It was crispy and had a nice kick to it. The orange chicken was delectable. The sauce literally tasted like oranges. It was sweet and crunchy. The sesame balls and spinach wontons were given to us as complimentary gifts and they were tasty as well. Overall, all the food was warm and incredible. This place will not disappoint you! read more

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Once again 10 stars! I call in my order and it's ready in 15 minutes. I was 5 minutes early and chatted with a woman getting many items of deliciousness. She told me that she lives in Carmel Valley and drives all the way from the village to Seaside just for this Chinese food. Cuz it's literally the best Chinese food around. If that's not a compliment I don't know what is. And the lady who owns the place is the sweetest lady ever. I definitely recommend you go here! read more

If I could give Jim's 10 stars I would. The food here is so delicious, and the service is even better. Truly felt like being welcomed in by a family member and given a home cooked meal. Love this place. read more

Small whole in the wall the packs a punch. Came in craving Chinese after a long day and this place had good reviews. We ordered wor wonton soup. It came with lots of wonton and broth was good. It did lack the veggies but the abundance wonton made up for it. I got the rice plate which I chose fried rice and sweet and sour pork with the sweet and sour sauce on the side. I figured would have left over so didn't want it to get soggy. The portion was huge and the pork was good. Was not over battered nice and crispy and still moist. Fried rice was also flavorful. GF got the kungpao chicken and it was yummy too and lots of chicken and peanut like that had no celery. Oh and the give complimentary fried wonton and eggroll. read more

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This may be the "Chef's Kiss" of Chinese food. A quaint little Mom & Pop Gem! Everything is super fresh! The owner is in the kitchen cooking, and comes out to greet you/surprise you with yummy treats! We enjoyed the Hot & Sour Soup, Wonton Noodle Soup w/ Roasted Duck and Chicken Chow Mein. read more

The food was nice and fresh. The service was amazing very warm welcoming and helpful. The staff was very friendly and polite felt like a very homey environment. I enjoyed eating here and the portion size was good. Wad in the area and craved Chinese food I enjoyed it and can't wait to go back! read more

Jim's Chinese Restaurant - Chinese Near Me - Seaside, California

Fabulous food. Fabulous service. And just overall SO good. My friend and I decided that we wanted to get authentic Chinese food in the area, so we decided to check this place out. We got the tofu & vegetables with rice... we also got the tempura broccoli and everything was so flavorful and SO good! I am definitely gonna come back to try the other dishes. So far, my fave Chinese joint in Seaside. read more

The customer service was top tier! The ladies working were so kind, welcoming, and very attentive. The building was very clean and well organized. They had a highchair available for little ones. I tried the sweet and sour chicken special with half and half of chicken fried rice and chowmein noodles. Shrimp dumplings. Crab Rangoon, and she even gave me a complimentary dish of chicken wontons! The food was made fresh as I ordered it. It was very very very fresh and crispy! I am use to my fried rice and noodles having more garlic and sauce flavor, whereas these were more dry and vegetable tasting. For the way they make theirs, it's very good and traditional. I looovee their red sauce - I was so happy that it was not the orange duck sauce (not a fan of duck sauce at all). The crab Rangoon has a very great crab flavor and the perfect texture. I 100% believe you should give this place a try! Their menu has a LOT of great options! Their specials are very large in portion! I can't wait to come back and try new menu items! read more

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Absolute BEST Chinese restaurant in California! And I've tried them all over SoCal, Central, and NorCal over my last 20 years living in California...including the Bay area. Jim's is top notch! A hole-in-the-wall, family owned/operated restaurant with delicious food. The ambiance was cozy and intimate; we were greeted and served warmly; never were we rushed even though we sat down for dinner 40 minutes before closing. From the "Specials" we ordered the Sesame Chicken with fried rice and BBQ Pork Vegetable with chow mein. The servings were huge, prices were fair for the portion size, and the taste...OMG! The sauces were so tasty and abundant, the vegetables were fresh, and the way they bread/fry the chicken made it light & crispy. It was all so good! And while we didn't order any appetizers, they gifted the two of us with 4 Crab Rangoon and 4 Sesame Balls. It was completely unexpected and such a nice surprise. They were both delicious; nothing was greasy. Oh, and they have the best tasting sweet & sour sauce! You have to keep your eyes open to find this amazing spot! It's tucked away in a mini-plaza next door to tailor shop and State Farm insurance at the other end. Parking in front is tight, but you can also park on the side of State Farm where it's much more open. We pass through Seaside a few times a year. Jim's Chinese Restaurant will definitely be on a return list each time we come through. For superb Chinese food and warm hospitality, go here! read more

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Whether or not you're looking for legit Guangzhou style Chinese food, you're in for a treat. This was my first visit, these are my first impressions. Clean place. Small parking lot. Friendly, courteous staff, fast service and freshly crafted to order. No stale heatlamp stuff here! A warm, lovely scent of fresh food greets you when you step inside! Not fancy, but it fit the bill! I ordered "Jim's Special Wonton Noodle Soup" #174, with the Mei Fen noodles. Helen threw in breaded mushrooms & beef plus a couple egg rolls. It was a lovely surprise. Fresh & crisp, soft inside and exploding with flavor. When Helen walked in with the Wonton Soup, I was wowed by the generous meat portions and all the right ingredients. The broth had the slightest hint of classic seasonings and maybe the tiniest touch of Chinese hot mustard?... which I love!! They don't skimp, big portions! The only "downside" (if you wanna call it that) is that canned drinks are between $3 & $4, which I suppose is quite normal these days anyway. I usually drink water (or table tea) with Chinese food, so I was unfazed, but commenting on that for info only. Overall, GREAT. Highly recommend! I'll be back! read more

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Wow, soooo disappointed with the quality of food that we received today from Jim's. We stopped in today and ordered 5 dishes to get a sampling of food for lunch. I met Helen the Owner today. What a great lady. Not enjoying her food is very disappointing and difficult for me to write because I wanted to like it. Additionally, she gave us hot tea while we waited and also a large sampling of fried appetizers for free. You see what I mean... what a gracious Owner. First, the beef chow fun noodles had a very strange flavor, like the noodles were old and tainted with a bad taste and smell. It was inedible. The chicken fried rice also tasted old like it was left over from previous days. The mandarin chicken, salt and pepper prawns, and pot stickers were just okay. I loved hearing Helen's story about the restaurant and their 26 years in business. However, it might be time to call Gordon Ramsey's show, Kitchen Nightmares, and clean the kitchen up and get a fresh perspective on getting back to what made them last 26 years. We won't be back to Helen and Jim's Chinese restaurant, unfortunately. I'm not sure how long a business can continue serving the food like we had today and keep customers coming back. read more

This is a must try in Monterey!! The owner was so sweet - my brother and I were staying in a hotel while visiting and she even provided all the utilities and specially asked what we need. The noodles and tofu were all so well prepared and delicious - so many vegetarian options to choose from! Also, the mango boba was a refreshing drink! She also provided appetizers for us to try and even accommodated my vegetarian diet restrictions. It's so rare that you find a family owned hidden gem like this, make sure it's on your list for Monterey! read more

Excellent service, great food, definitely worth the visit. We were hungry after a long drive, the kids pulled out this restaurant from the yelp reviews. So glad it turned out great. The food was good and the service was very nice. read more

Jim's Chinese Restaurant - Vegetable egg drop soup. - Chinese Near Me - Seaside, California

I want to say how much I loved this place but also need to be fair If you want massive portions, solid Chinese food made in a family restaurant then look no further, but the story doesn't end there for us Jo and I checked out yelp and figured this scored so high we would give it a try... My staple favs are Tommy's Wok and recently superseded by the Great Wall.. We were excited !.. We ordered the fixed for 2 #A to see whats what.. and then the problems began 1... They bought the dishes out slowly and 1 by 1 over a period of maybe 45 mins and what turned out to be wrong and the wrong order 2... Starters first of which the fried prawns were delicious 3... Then came a noodle beef dish, no serving spoon etc but we ate it only to learn it was not ours and they put it on the wrong table. 4... Then came orange chicken which the chicken was overcooked inside so tasty but missed 5... then the rice arrived, then another beef dish 6... then finally the soup that should have been after the starter... 7... Oh actually and then a prawn dish arrived... So basically the service was all over the place, threw us completely so we ended up scratching around a couple of dishes and bringing home a box of cartons which will certainly be a lunch and another dinner. The people here were lovely, I really want to support family run businesses and the food has great promise but tbh it was a disaster of a meal for us. People being nice and friendly - 10/10 Bang for the buck 12/10 Food taste - 7/10 Ambience - 5/10 Service 2/10 Am not sure if we will try this place again as there are loads of solid alternatives and it didn't tip past either of my top 2 choices on this adventure... I am sorry not to wax lyrical but have to keep it real ! We did meet a super mum and son from Pismo when we were there so if you are reading this ... I hope you got to the butter house... read more

Very fresh, great food! Small space but worth the stop and eating in was fine. Would come back! Service very friendly too

We had a nice experience here before going down to the Refuge Day Spa. It was the perfect balance of calories and saltiness we needed before heading into a sauna and massage. I don't think I would drive down to Carmel just to go here, but if I had a hankering for Chinese and was in the area I would return. read more

Great restaurant. Very generous amount of food, friendly service, reasonable prices. The Kung Pao chicken tasted very good and fresh. read more

Jim's Chinese Restaurant - Crab wontons - Chinese Near Me - Seaside, California

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Food excellent! In the area, visit here! Family so generous with portions and gives a few free yummy items with your order. Friendly service. Food cooked when ordered so very hot and fresh! Small "hole in the wall" atmosphere. Did take out and was not disappointed read more

So this is a long overdue update. 11years. My family and I used to frequent about twice a month for years because of our in-laws living so close. Not so much now. Nothing for me has changed much, maybe some interior decorations and chairs. I didn't see Jim but his wife Helen was working both the kitchen register. She's super nice. Not a destination or even close and it's not close to fancy. It's a OG, strip mall family ran restaurant. Last words...that's it! read more

Jim's Chinese Restaurant - Mongolian beef - Chinese Near Me - Seaside, California

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Excellent Chinese food. Everywhere else is garbage. However Juicy crab on Fremont and LaSalle Makes excellent Kung pow shrimp But Jims is the best place in seaside. If you're in Marina? Go to Annie's Behind that close down gas station. read more

What an absolute gem of a restaurant my gosh. The service is attentive and kind, the portions are HUGE and the flavors are soo good. The restaurant is also super clean and smells good as soon as you walk in read more

Jim's Chinese Restaurant - Orange chicken and chow mein - Chinese Near Me - Seaside, California

**Jim's Chinese Restaurant: A Hidden Gem Worth Seeking Out** Hands down, Jim's serves the best Chinese food in Seaside. Tucked away like a well-kept secret, this spot feels like stepping into a friend's warm, inviting home--complete with that effortless hospitality that makes you want to linger. The portions are generous enough to share (or savor solo for days), and the flavors? Absolutely out of this world--bold, fresh, and perfectly balanced in every bite. If you're craving authentic comfort food without the fuss, do yourself a favor and discover Jim's. You won't regret it! read more

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So good and such great prices! The wonton soup is wonderful and the pepper fish is amazing. read more

Jim's Chinese Restaurant - Chinese Near Me - Seaside, California

This place is a true hidden gem -- a real "hole in the wall" with phenomenal service and absolutely fabulous food. Hands down, this is the best Chinese food I've had in the Monterey area. They have special house dishes that are full of flavor, healthy, and served in very generous portions, all at very reasonable prices. The chef always comes out to greet guests and make sure everything is perfect, which makes dining here feel like eating at a family's home. The atmosphere is cozy, warm, and welcoming. I highly, highly recommend Jim's Chinese Restaurant -- once you try it, you'll keep coming back. read more

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They were so sweet!! We were starving and they gave us free egg rolls to hold us over while we waited! And the food was amazing!

My boyfriend and I came to Monterey Bay to spend our anniversary weekend together! We have been up and exploring all day, and at the end of the day we were starving!!! We came across this incredible place after the initial restaurant we wanted to go to were closed. Best. Turnout. Ever. The ratings don't do its justice to cover how sweet/welcoming/ and hardworking the staff are! Not to mention the food, it's incredibly delicious!! We were surprised that one of the lovely staff gave us appetizers to tryyy! My bf and I were so touched for this gesture This spot has become A MUST when visiting the area!! read more

Jim's Chinese Restaurant - Appetizers!! - Chinese Near Me - Seaside, California

Fast, friendly, generous & yummy! Amazing customer service! The lady who I assume is the owner is very kind and generous. So sweet!! Don't sleep on this place, check them out! read more

One of the best Chinese food restaurants I've ever eaten at small quaint, but the food was amazing

The service was good and the wonton soup was alright. The noodles, appetizers, and actual food was bland, watered down, and I'm flabbergasted you would call this authentic Chinese food. Let alone the awards the restaurant has received ?! Like how read more

Jim's Chinese Restaurant Jim's is the ultimate hole-in-the-wall hidden gem--you'd probably drive right past it without noticing, and that's exactly why it's so special. This place feels like a well-kept secret, and once you eat here, you'll want to keep it that way. The food is downright delicious. Everything tastes fresh, authentic, and homemade. Flavors are spot-on, nothing overly greasy or Americanized. Best of all, the portions are massive--one entrée can easily feed two people (or leave you with leftovers for days). Great quality and incredible value. What really makes Jim's stand out is how it feels like eating at someone's home. The staff is incredibly warm and welcoming; they treat you like family from the moment you walk in. They make you feel completely at home in the coziest, most unpretentious way. I can't recommend this place highly enough. If you want outstanding Chinese food served with genuine heart, skip the big chains and come to Jim's. Just don't tell too many people--let's keep this gem a little secret a while longer! read more

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The food is always great as well as the people. I've recommended this place to all of my friends and they all love it.

Amazing food. Amazing service. Food came out quick and delicious. Quick and very friendly service. Some of the best Chinese food I've had. I created a yelp account solely so that I can give my praises online to this place. read more

Jim's Chinese Restaurant - Mandarin chicken with chow mein. - Chinese Near Me - Seaside, California

Food amazing Service 10/10 super hospitality Ambiance small cozy family feel Great food totally worth it real ingredients made from scratch amazing place to grab some food I will 100% be going back. read more

Check your bill - online prices are not the same prices when you present to pick up & pay .

I placed a phone order at Jim's Chinese Restaurant and was helped by the kindest, most patient person. My feral kids were so loud in the background, and she handled it with so much grace and understanding. I truly appreciated that. I ordered the beef and broccoli and the orange chicken special. When I arrived, I was immediately greeted, and the service continued to impress. While waiting, I saw other dishes people had ordered and honestly wished I could try more because everything looked so good. We were visiting and staying in a hotel with a tiny fridge, otherwise I definitely would've ordered more. I believe the owner came out to go over my order with me and showed me everything. The portions are huge. She even added a few extra items for my kids after hearing them in the background, which was incredibly thoughtful and sweet. As a new mom of three, I felt like dining in with the whole crew might've been too much, but now I wish we had. The environment felt so warm, friendly, and welcoming. Such a kind gesture, great food, and a great experience overall. I'll definitely be back next time we're in town. read more

Don't let anything about this place intimidate you from coming in and grabbing a bite. Their hospitality was amazing, table service delightful, and atmosphere warm welcoming with the delicious aroma of food in the air. If you're craving Chinese food in Monterey, the this is the place. Diego likes the chili oil, and they gave us free egg rolls and crab ragu read more

Came here because of the high reviews I read. Let me say don't let the size and location keep u from coming. Customer service is 5 stars along with the food. The staff make u really feel welcome as if you were family. read more

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