Sun, surf, and exceptional Chinese food—Pensacola’s culinary scene is full of pleasant surprises, with a handful of hidden and not-so-hidden gems serving up dishes that make any beach day or busy weeknight complete.
1. Golden Palace
Golden Palace is where Pensacola families go for big cravings—the kitchen crafts General Tso’s, sesame shrimp, and garlicky green beans with speed and care.
Lunch and dinner specials are generous, staff are friendly, and the egg rolls are always fresh out of the fryer. It’s as reliable as it is welcoming.
2. Panda Express
While a national chain, Pensacola’s Panda is a perennial favorite among students, military families, and even local foodies looking for fast, consistent, and crowd-pleasing chow.
Orange chicken, chow mein, and Beijing beef come out hot and flavorful, and the staff is always cheerful, courteous, and accommodating.
3. Hong Kong Restaurant
For sit-down family dinners, Hong Kong Restaurant’s menu shines with Cantonese comfort, fresh seafood specials, and a host of vegetarian-friendly plates.
The lobster with ginger and scallions, crab fried rice, and classic lo mein never disappoint, and everyone leaves happy (and usually with leftovers).
4. Chinese Buffet
Affordable, quick, and brimming with options from seafood to sushi to American favorites, Chinese Buffet draws birthday crews, office workers, and families with young kids.
Buffet regulars swear by the sweet & sour chicken and garlic eggplant, and no meal is complete without a walk through the dessert section.
5. Oriental Classic
Cozy and often overlooked, Oriental Classic is known for generous combos, ultra-convenient curbside pickup, and a flexible kitchen that will tweak any dish to be spicy, mild, or extra veggie-packed. It’s the midweek hero for many locals in the know.
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