Three budget-friendly Chinese restaurants in the Monterey Peninsula

By Skye Harrop 

Chinese restaurants are a great way to get a tasty and filling meal for multiple people at a budgeted price. Here are three of my go-to restaurants for Chinese food in no particular order.

Li Yuen Chinese 

Picture of Li Yuen Chinese

In a pinch for a Chinese restaurant that offers big portions for cheap? Located in the nearby town of Castroville on its main road Merritt Street, Li Yuen Chinese has you covered! They offer quick service, fresh food with great portions for the price and good customer service. My personal favorite meal from Li Yuen is their orange chicken. I enjoy orange chicken on the spicier side, and their dish satisfies that requirement.

Address: 11578 Merritt St., Castroville, CA 95012

Full Moon

Picture of Full Moon

Located in the heart of downtown Monterey, Full Moon is a highly rated and recommended restaurant with a rating of 3.9 stars on Yelp. Full Moon has some decent food with reasonable prices, a great ambiance, atmosphere and great service. My favorite meal from this restaurant is their beef and broccoli dish.

Address: 429 Alvarado St, Monterey, CA 93940

Tommy’s Wok

Picture of Tommy's Wok

Located in Carmel, Tommy’s Wok is a great place to eat on a budget. Tommy’s Wok offers great food with great portions at a good price. Compared to other highly rated restaurants in Carmel, it’s a bargain. They also offer free tea to go with your meal, which is a great plus! My favorite meal from Tommy’s Wok was their lemon chicken.


Address: Mission Street, between Ocean & 7th, Carmel, CA 93921

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