Canton Restaurant

Overview

Canton Restaurant, located at 1230 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, is a standout destination for anyone in search of authentic, flavorful Chinese cuisine in the heart of Santa Cruz. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this charming restaurant is sure to satisfy your cravings with its diverse menu and cozy ambiance.

The moment you step into Canton Restaurant, the inviting atmosphere welcomes you. The interior strikes a perfect balance between traditional and contemporary, with elegant décor that transports you to a classic Chinese dining experience. The warm lighting and attentive staff make every meal feel special, whether you're dining with friends, family, or enjoying a solo meal.

One of the highlights of Canton Restaurant is its expansive menu. The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, from classic Chinese-American favorites to more authentic, regional offerings. The variety ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you prefer something light and flavorful or hearty and indulgent. The menu features beloved dishes such as Kung Pao Chicken, Sweet and Sour Pork, and Mapo Tofu, each prepared with fresh ingredients and bold, balanced flavors.

A standout dish that consistently garners rave reviews is the Beef with Broccoli. This dish is a delicious combination of tender beef and crisp broccoli, all smothered in a savory, flavorful sauce. It’s a perfect example of the restaurant's attention to detail in balancing flavors. Another customer favorite is the Shrimp Fried Rice, which brings together perfectly cooked shrimp, savory rice, and a touch of scrambled egg for a dish that’s simple but utterly satisfying.

While the food at Canton Restaurant speaks for itself, the service elevates the experience even further. The staff is friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable about the menu. They’re always ready to recommend dishes or accommodate any dietary preferences, ensuring that every guest has a pleasant dining experience. Whether you're new to Chinese cuisine or a longtime fan, the staff will guide you through the menu and help you make the best choices.

For those who enjoy exploring new flavors, Canton Restaurant offers several dishes that go beyond the typical Chinese-American fare. The Peking Duck is a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic, indulgent dish. Prepared with a perfect balance of crispy skin and tender meat, it’s served with thin pancakes and hoisin sauce, allowing you to create your own wraps at the table. This dish exemplifies Canton Restaurant's dedication to offering a true taste of Chinese culinary traditions.

If you're in the mood for something more familiar, the restaurant's extensive selection of dim sum is perfect for sharing. From delicate dumplings to steamed buns, Canton Restaurant's dim sum offerings are made fresh and served in bite-sized portions, making them ideal for a communal dining experience. The Har Gow (shrimp dumplings) and Siu Mai (pork dumplings) are particularly popular and often disappear from the table within minutes of being served.

Beyond the exceptional food and service, Canton Restaurant also stands out due to its convenient location in Santa Cruz. Being situated near the vibrant downtown area means that you can enjoy a great meal and then take a stroll to explore the city’s local shops, parks, or nearby attractions. Whether you're visiting the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk or attending a local event, Canton Restaurant is a perfect stop for a satisfying meal.

For anyone seeking an authentic Chinese dining experience, Canton Restaurant offers an unforgettable meal. Its combination of traditional flavors, modern touches, and impeccable service makes it a top choice for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, this restaurant consistently delivers on quality, taste, and atmosphere, ensuring a memorable dining experience every time you visit.

Good to know

Service options

Delivery Takeaway Dine-in

Highlights

Fast service Great tea selection

Popular for

Lunch Dinner Solo dining

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

Alcohol Beer Comfort food Quick bite Small plates Vegan options Vegetarian options

Dining options

Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service

Amenities

Toilet

Atmosphere

Casual Cosy

Crowd

Family friendly Groups Tourists University students

Planning

Accepts reservations

Payments

Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments

Children

Good for kids High chairs

Parking

Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 188 reviews
Amazing 125
Great 37
Okay 17
Not Great 7
Terrible 20
Mel B.

It’s a cute family restaurant! Everything we had was so delicious. highly recommend the Mongolian beef and Kung Pao tofu.

Elite Recruiting

Five Stars and a Full Belly If you ever find yourself in Hazel Dell with a craving for Chinese food that could bring a tear to a panda’s eye, do yourself a favor and stop here. I ordered the string bean chicken, and I’m now considering writing it into my will. The chicken was so tender it practically apologized for being delicious. The string beans? Snappy, saucy, and clearly went to Harvard. I don’t know what magic they put in that wok, but I’m convinced there’s a wizard in the kitchen working overtime. The portion was generous — like, “tell your future self to cancel dinner plans” generous. And the flavors? Balanced like a tightrope walker in a kung fu movie. Garlicky, savory, with just enough spice to make you rethink your life choices (in a good way). Service was fast, staff was friendly, and I left happier than a fortune cookie with a promotion. 10/10 would recommend. Just don’t order the string bean chicken unless you’re ready to fall in love.

Eric Lamb

They have a similar menu to many Chinese restaurants. We had the hot &sour soup, which was amazing! I can tell an Asian chef cares, when the tofu and broccoli is chopped to a size I can pick up with chopsticks.

N. M.

The food here was really good! We ordered pork fried rice, cream cheese wontons, sweet and sour prawns and lemon chicken! Everything was delicious!! Our waitress was very kind, friendly and always had a smile. The atmosphere was nice, we liked all the windows with the sun shining in. We would definitely come here again. Recommend this place 10/10!!

timliu75 tim

Golden City is my favorite Chinese restaurant in Santa Cruz, CA. Food is tasty, price is reasonable, and the people there are friendly. I've been eaten there for nearly five years during my stay in UC Santa Cruz. This place is always one option for my after-hour unions.

Shaun R S

Old school style Chinese restaurant with mum & pop service. Great taste. Huge portions. Value for money! Loved it! Definitely coming back...

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