China Chen in San Jose, CA

4.2(534)San Jose, CA
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Solid choice

Rated 4.2 stars based on 534 reviews.

  • Family-friendly
  • Budget-friendly
  • Quick service

Best for / Not ideal for

Best for

  • Budget dining
  • Quick meals
  • Families
  • Large groups

Not ideal for

  • Quiet atmosphere

At a glance

San Jose, CA • 4.2★
China Chen in San Jose, California is a Chinese buffet paradise for all food lovers. This Central San Jose eatery boasts an impressive 4.2-star rating and over 534 glowing reviews, making it a top choice for locals and visitors alike. With its extensive menu and all-you-can-eat buffet, China Chen is perfect for groups, families, and anyone with a big appetite. Prices are very reasonable, with flavorful dishes that are sure to satisfy. One reviewer raved about the small wonton soup, calling it the star of the show, while another enjoyed the combination of thick noodles, fried fish balls, and savory beef balls. Whether you're in the mood for something classic or adventurous, China Chen has something for everyone, making it a must-visit in the heart of San Jose.
This family-friendly Chinese buffet welcomes diners of all ages. This buffet provides good value for money.
Address
400 S Third St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA, Central San Jose, San Jose, California
Phone
(408) 294-2525
Today
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Rating
4.2 (534 reviews)

What stands out

🍽️Delicious food

Multiple reviewers praise the taste and flavor

🦀Fresh seafood

Quality crab and seafood options

📋Huge selection

Lots of options to choose from

👥Friendly service

Attentive and helpful staff

View reviews →

Before you go

🅿️Parking available

Convenient parking for customers

♿Wheelchair accessible

Accessible entrance and facilities

🥡Takeout available

Order to go

Photos

10 photos

Hours & Location

Status: Hours available

Regular Hours

7 days
Monday
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Popular Times

See when it's busiest
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat

Amenities & Services

Accessibility, service options, and dining details

Accessibility

Wheelchair, parking, and more
Wheelchair Accessible

Amenities

Available facilities and features
RestroomGood For GroupsGood For KidsOpen To AllWaiter ServiceCurbside Pickup

Atmosphere

Ambiance and setting
CasualNoise: Noise level

Dining Options

Food and beverage choices
BreakfastBrunchLunchDinnerCateringDessert

Service Options

Dine-in, takeout, delivery
TakeoutDine-inDeliveryReservations

Takeout service is available. Delivery service is offered.

Parking

Parking availability
Bike ParkingBusiness Parking parking

Parking is available for customers.

Payment Methods

Accepted payment types
Business Accepts Credit CardsAccepts Google PayBusiness Accepts Apple Pay

Food & Drink

Menu offerings
CoffeeComfort foodQuick bite

Reviews

534 reviews

Reviews

Customer reviews available

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common answers about this buffet

What is the price range for a meal at China Chen?

Prices are considered great and affordable, with a large bowl of noodle soup and a side of shrimp chip coming to around $18, and some options as low as $10 for a delicious bowl.

What can you expect from the wontons at China Chen?

The wontons are extremely substantial, with entire shrimp inside, and are considered a star of the meal.

Is China Chen a good option for a quick meal?

Yes, the service and cooking are quick, making it a good option for a fast meal, and the small bowl size is sufficient for lunch.

Are the portions at China Chen generous?

Yes, the portions are considered generous, with the small bowl size being more than enough for a lunch.

What is the parking situation like at China Chen?

Parking can be a challenge, with limited space available, and it's recommended to consider ordering to-go.

How would you describe the service at China Chen?

The service is generally friendly, but there have been instances where customers felt ignored or experienced a decline in food quality.

Is China Chen a clean and well-maintained restaurant?

While some customers have had positive experiences, others have expressed concerns about the cleanliness of the restaurant, with one customer describing it as feeling 'very dirty inside'.

Is China Chen suitable for families with kids?

Yes, the restaurant is kid-friendly, with customers mentioning that their kids love the food.

Show 4 more questions

Does China Chen have options for customers with food restrictions?

The menu appears to be limited for customers with food restrictions, with a focus on shellfish and pork options, and not many alternatives.

Can you get a good Vietnamese egg noodle soup at China Chen?

Yes, China Chen is highly recommended for their Vietnamese egg noodle soup, with some customers considering it the best in the Bay Area.

Can you get a good fried chicken dish at China Chen?

Yes, China Chen offers a good fried chicken dish, with some customers considering it perfectly fried.

Is China Chen a good option for a business lunch?

Yes, China Chen is a good option for a business lunch, with quick service and a variety of food options, including noodle soups and other dishes.

Nearby Places

Local services, shops, and points of interest

113 places nearby (arts & culture, finance, food, government, services)

Museums & galleries

KALEID Gallery

Gallery

320 South 1st Street

~910 ft
Website
WORKS/San José

Gallery

365 South Market Street

~0.2 mi
Plumed Serpent

Artwork

~0.3 mi
Website
Idea Tree

Artwork

~0.3 mi
Website

Other arts & culture

Arts & culture venue

Library Dropoff

~0.3 mi
Arts & culture venue

Library Dropoff

~0.3 mi

Theaters & performance venues

Morris Dailey Auditorium

Theatre

~0.3 mi

Banking

ATM

Atm

~0.3 mi
ATM

Atm

~0.3 mi

Restaurants

China Chen

Restaurant

400 South 3rd Street

~20 ft
Dakao

Restaurant

98 East San Salvador Street

~180 ftMo-Su: 08:00-19:00
+1 408-286-7260Website
Las Delicias de Toñita

Fast Food

375 South 3rd Street

~220 ftMo-Th 10:00-22:00; Fr,Sa 17:00-02:00
Website
CoCo Cafe & Tea

Fast Food

312 South 3rd Street

~530 ft
Website
Boba Bar

Fast Food

~580 ft
Website
Hoagie Steak Out

Restaurant

304 South 3rd Street

~610 ft
Lee's Sandwiches

Fast Food

88 East San Carlos Street

~630 ftMo-Fr 07:00-20:00; Sa-Su 08:00-20:00
+1 408-286-8888
Pizza My Heart

Restaurant

~730 ft
Orchestria Palm Court Restaurant

Restaurant

27 East William Street

~780 ftFr,Sa 17:45-20:45
+1-408-288-5606Website
Petiscos Adega

Restaurant

399 South 1st Street

~830 ft11:30-21:00
Website
SoFA Market

Food Court

~870 ft
Original Joe’s

Restaurant

301 South 1st Street

~1050 ftMo-Th,Su 16:00-22:00; Fr-Sa 16:00-23:00
+1 408 292 7030Website

Bars & Pubs

Era Lounge

Bar

386 South 1st Street

~680 ft
Guildhouse

Bar

420 South 1st Street

~720 ft
Website
Uproar Brewing Company

Pub

439 South 1st Street

~890 ft
Website
The Continental

Bar

349 South 1st Street

~900 ft
Back Bar

Pub

~980 ft
Food & Beverages

Bar

110 Paseo De San Antonio

~0.2 miMo-We,Su 11:00-21:00; Th-Sa 11:00-23:00
+1-408-320-4121Website
Tanq

Bar

~0.3 mi

Cafes & Coffee

Academic Coffee

Cafe

499 South 2nd Street

~700 ftMo-Fr 07:00-16:00; Sa,Su 07:00-15:00
Website
Cinnaholic San Jose

Cafe

~740 ft
Website
Nirvana Soul

Cafe

315 South 1st Street

~1000 ftMo-Sa 07:00-16:00, Su 07:00-12:00
Website
Gong Cha

Cafe

~1010 ftMo-Fr 10:00-20:00; Sa, Su 11:30-19:00
Website
Voltaire Coffee House

Cafe

360 South Market Street

~1020 ftMo-Fr 06:00-18:00; Sa-Su 08:00-18:00
Website
Philz Coffee

Cafe

118 Paseo De San Antonio

~1040 ft
La Lune Sucree

Cafe

116 Paseo de San Antonio

~1050 ftMo-Su 07:30-15:00
+1-408-292-2070Website
Starbucks

Cafe

1 Washington Square

~0.2 mi
Corner Market Kitchen

Cafe

~0.3 mi
Whispers

Cafe

150 South 2nd Street

~0.3 miMo-Su 08:00-15:00
Website
Starbucks

Cafe

150 South 1st Street

~0.3 miMo-Fr 04:30-19:00; Sa-Su 05:30-19:00
+1 408-293-9945Website

Postal services

PostalAnnex

Post Office

123 East San Carlos Street

~730 ft
+1 408-975-0893Website
Colonnade Station Post Office

Post Office

~0.2 miMo-Fr 09:00-16:00
Website
United States Post Office

Post Box

~0.2 mi

Public facilities

Public restroom

Toilets

~810 ft24/7
Drinking water

Drinking Water

~0.3 mi

Waste management

Waste bin

Waste Basket

~0.2 mi
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~0.2 mi
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~0.2 mi
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~0.2 mi
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~0.2 mi
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~0.2 mi

Emergency services

University Police Department

Police

~0.3 mi
Website

Other services

Vacant

Vacant

418 South 2nd Street

~320 ft
Vacant

Vacant

404 South 2nd Street

~360 ft
Vacant

Vacant

466 South 2nd Street

~510 ft
Metro Silicon Valley

Newspaper

380 South 1st Street

~720 ft
Website
Poly Cleaners 2

Dry Cleaning

493 South 1st Street

~960 ft
Sainte Claire

Newsagent

~1000 ft
Plant Slut

Florist

115 Paseo De San Antonio

~0.2 miMo off; Tu-Su 12:00-17:00
Loading Dock

Loading Dock

~0.2 mi
Fountain

Fountain

~0.2 mi
Vacant

Vacant

201 South 2nd Street

~0.3 mi
+1-408-282-3858

Hair services

Spartan Barber Shop

Hairdresser

487 South 4th Street

~520 ft

Body art

Death Before Dishonor - Tatoos

Tattoo

306 South 3rd Street

~610 ft
Make Me Holey Body Piercing

Tattoo

497 South 2nd Street

~690 ft
+1-408-991-2845Website

Beauty & spa

Brazilian Blowout Bar

Beauty

489 South Market Street

~0.2 mi

Marketing & advertising

Metro.Agency

Advertising Agency

380 South 1st Street

~700 ft
Website

Professional services

Regus

Coworking

325 South 1st Street

~980 ft
Anderson Brulé Architects

Architect

325 South 1st Street

~1000 ft
Website
Garden City Construction

Architect

~0.3 mi

Other recreation & entertainment

Guildhouse Parlor

Gambling

~710 ftTu 15:00-23:00, We,Th 15:00-24:00, Fr 15:00-01:00, Sa 12:00-01:00, Su 12:00-23:00; Mo off

Entertainment venues

Miami Beach Club

Nightclub

417 South 1st Street

~830 ft
Aura

Nightclub

389 South 1st Street

~880 ft
+1-408-921-9989
Avery Lounge

Nightclub

399 South 1st Street

~880 ft
Radius

Nightclub

43 West San Salvador Street

~940 ft

Parks & amenities

Bench

Bench

~0.2 mi
Bench

Bench

~0.2 mi
Bench

Bench

~0.3 mi
Bench

Bench

~0.3 mi
Bench

Bench

~0.3 mi
Bench

Bench

~0.3 mi

Specialty stores

Ruby Jewelers

Jewelry

460 South 2nd Street

~480 ft
Bad Witch Crystals

Jewelry

119 Paseo De San Antonio

~0.2 miMo off; Tu-Su 12:00-17:00
Website

Sports & outdoor

Bicycle Express

Bicycle

131 East William Street

~550 ftTu-Fr 10:30-19:00; Sa 11:00-18:00

Clothing & fashion

Suenos

Fashion Accessories

112 Paseo De San Antonio

~0.2 miMo-Fr 10:00-18:00; Sa 09:00-17:00; Su off

Sports facilities

The Studio

Sports Centre

396 South 1st Street

~680 ftMo-Fr 10:00-22:00; Sa-Su 10:00-17:00
Website
Spartan Complex East

Sports Hall

~0.3 mi

Martial arts studios

Heroes Martial Arts

Dojo

450 South 1st Street

~750 ft
Website

Gyms & fitness centers

Downtown Yoga Shala

Fitness Centre

5 East Reed Street

~0.2 mi
Website

Parking facilities

Parking space

Parking Space

~220 ft
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~480 ft
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~500 ft
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~720 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~720 ft
Parking space

Parking Space

~760 ft
Parking facility

Parking

~770 ft
Parking space

Parking Space

~770 ft
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~870 ft
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~880 ft

Vehicle rentals

SJSU 4th at San Carlos

Bicycle Rental

~670 ft
San Salvador Street at 5th Street

Bicycle Rental

~700 ft
Pierce at Market

Bicycle Rental

~0.3 mi
Paseo de San Antonio

Bicycle Rental

~0.3 mi
San Jose Convention Center

Bicycle Rental

~0.3 mi
Pierce Avenue at Market Street

Bicycle Rental

~0.3 mi

Public transportation

San Antonio

Bus Station

~0.3 mi
Taxi service

Taxi

~0.3 mi

Visitor information

Bickur Cholim

Information

~0.3 mi

Other utilities

Vending machine

Vending Machine

~630 ft
SJSU

Vending Machine

~640 ft
Redbox

Vending Machine

~0.2 mi
Vending machine

Vending Machine

~0.2 mi

Fuel & charging stations

Charging station

Charging Station

~770 ft24/7

Storage & lockers

San José State University Main Campus

Lockers

~0.3 mi