Discovering Cathay Gourmet Chinese Restaurant: A Culinary Journey in North Chesterfield
Nestled in the vibrant community of North Chesterfield, Virginia, Cathay Gourmet Chinese Restaurant stands as a cherished local institution dedicated to presenting the authentic and diverse flavors of Chinese cuisine. Located conveniently at 8920 Forest Hill Ave, VA 23235, this establishment has long served as a cornerstone for residents and visitors seeking high-quality, meticulously prepared Chinese dishes. More than just a place to eat, Cathay Gourmet offers an experience—a bridge connecting modern American dining with the rich, centuries-old culinary traditions of China. Our commitment extends beyond the plate; we strive to create a welcoming atmosphere where every guest feels like family, whether they are stopping by for a quick lunch or settling in for a leisurely dinner.
The culinary philosophy at Cathay Gourmet is rooted in freshness, balance, and respect for traditional cooking techniques. We understand that Chinese food is incredibly varied, encompassing regional styles from Sichuan’s fiery spice to Cantonese subtlety. Our menu reflects this breadth, carefully curated to offer something appealing to every palate. We pride ourselves on sourcing quality ingredients to ensure that each dish, from the simplest steamed vegetable to the most complex signature offering, meets our high standards of excellence. This dedication to quality and authenticity is what has cemented our reputation within the local dining landscape.
For those unfamiliar with the vast landscape of Chinese gastronomy, navigating a menu can sometimes feel daunting. At Cathay Gourmet, our staff is knowledgeable and eager to guide patrons through our offerings, helping them discover new favorites or revisit comforting classics. We believe that dining out should be an exploration, and we are here to facilitate that journey. Whether you are craving familiar favorites or adventurous new tastes, the experience waiting for you at 8920 Forest Hill Ave promises satisfaction and culinary delight.
Key Highlights of the Cathay Gourmet Experience
What sets Cathay Gourmet apart in the competitive culinary scene of Chesterfield County? It is a combination of dedication to craft, atmosphere, and consistent quality. Here are a few aspects that define our restaurant:
Authentic Regional Diversity: Our menu is thoughtfully structured to showcase the depth of Chinese cooking. We move beyond generalized interpretations, offering genuine preparations that honor specific regional styles. This commitment ensures that patrons can experience the true essence of various Chinese provinces, from savory, slow-cooked Cantonese preparations to dishes featuring the complex layering of flavors characteristic of Shanghai or Hunan cuisine.
Commitment to Fresh Ingredients: Quality ingredients are the foundation of exceptional Chinese cooking. We prioritize freshness in all our produce, meats, and seafood. This focus is crucial, especially in stir-fries and delicate steamed dishes where the natural flavor of the components must shine through without being masked by heavy sauces or preservatives.
Welcoming and Accessible Atmosphere: Situated conveniently on Forest Hill Ave, Cathay Gourmet is designed to be approachable for everyone. The dining environment balances traditional aesthetic touches with modern comfort, making it suitable for casual family meals, business lunches, or special gatherings. We aim for an atmosphere that encourages relaxation and enjoyment of the meal.
Dedicated Culinary Craftsmanship: Our kitchen team comprises skilled chefs who respect the time-honored techniques passed down through generations. Whether it involves the precise knife work required for intricate vegetable carvings or the mastery of high-heat wok cooking (wok hei), the skill evident in every dish reflects years of dedicated practice and passion for the culinary arts.
A Culinary Destination in North Chesterfield
Cathay Gourmet Chinese Restaurant is more than just a local eatery; it is a vital part of the North Chesterfield community’s dining fabric. We invite you to visit us at our established location at 8920 Forest Hill Ave, North Chesterfield, VA 23235, United States, to experience firsthand the dedication we pour into every aspect of our service and cuisine. Our goal remains simple: to provide an unparalleled Chinese dining experience that honors tradition while delighting contemporary tastes. We look forward to welcoming you soon and sharing the rich, flavorful heritage of Chinese gastronomy with you.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Cocktails
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Quiet
Crowd
Locals
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Menus
Appetizers
Egg Roll
Vegetable Roll
Chicken
Szechuan Chicken
Chicken with Broccoli
Noodle
Pan Fried NoodleUS$11.45
Seafood Pan Fried NoodleUS$12.95
Lunch Combination
Vegetable DelightUS$5.45
Broccoli with Garlic SauceUS$5.45
Soup
Wonton Soup
Egg Drop Soup
Photos
Reviews Cathay Gourmet Chinese Restaurant
Steve Walker
19-12-2025
I was really shocked people were so harsh because this is the best Chinese food in the forest hill area! It is really fresh and since they do not use MSG, my husband can eat it.Yes, the building looks a little run down, but don't let that deter you. We have never had a bad dish!
Thomas Ferebee (Tommy)
18-12-2025
We've eaten there for years, always been great food. Must be under new owners, different people and the food is no where as good, the fried dumplings look store bought. Won't be going back.
Crew on Deck HTX
12-12-2025
It was more of a to go place, but the friendliness and egg rolls were on point.
I forget the lady’s name at the front… but she was awesome. I wanna say Judy.
She had a tattoo on the back of her neck.
Her smile made way who trip worth it. More
Craig Hammitt
04-12-2025
Light on protein and pretty lacking in flavor. Only positives are that service is friendly and prices are good. Fried dumplings are deep fried as opposed to pan fried - to the point they are hard and very chewy. Singapore Street noodles - a dish identified as spicy on the menu had very little curry flavor at all and was definitely not spicy. There is a much better option in the shopping center across Huguenot.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 1
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 2
Group size
2 people
Wait time
No wait
Derek Hedgepeth
03-12-2025
This place has been our go to for Chinese food for years. They have always done an amazing job at both the food and their customer service. Food is never too greasy and always tastes fresh.
Tauryn Lafelle
28-11-2025
I love their specials! Also the shrimp boat ( watermelon or pineapple cut in 1/2, hollowed filled with rum and spirits with grilled shrimp sailors perched on the edge) is the bomb. This restaurant is the BEST OF THE BEST!
Laura T. Miller
27-11-2025
This restaurant is one of the most authentic Chinese cuisines in the area. The service is great. They remember you by your address or phone number and often already know what you will order. We've been eating here for 4 years and have not … More
Lady Beth Israel 07
19-11-2025
BUYER BEWARE!!!! These are not the same owners from say 2000 to 2022... Those folks did right by their customers, these current folks, not so much!! The first time I experienced these folks was in early October 2024. It was evening time, maybe one other car in the parking lot. I placed my order & waited & waited .. about 20 minutes later, the woman apologizes & hands me my food. I was tired, had just gotten off of work & was anxious to get home to return to work the next day, so I was not happy with the long wait! But several weeks later, I went back. This was on a Sunday. I ordered pepper steak, dinner size. The wait was not too long. Once I got to where I was going, I began to eat. I noticed small pieces of meat, but took another couple of bites, & that's when I noticed that there was hardly any meat!! It was enough meat for 4 or 5 mouthfuls!! There was so much rice & onions left that I just looked at it & wondered what can I do with all of it. I ended up having to stop at the store to buy meat to add to the rice! Unreal!! I just called them today & told them & she made excuses, did not try to offer a half off deal or anything the next time. I told her that I would do a review & will not return!! I read some other reviews & if I saw the one about roaches, I would not have gone there in the first place!! The taste of the food is nothing to rave about anyway! This place sucks now!!!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 2
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 2
Denise Dudley
08-11-2025
Aw MAN! Why don't I live closer to this place?! It was SO FREAKING TASTY! The staff was so nice and made sure I had everything I wanted before I left. I'm so annoyed that they're over an hour away. This place is a GEM!!
Service
Dine in
andrew westbrook
05-11-2025
Always get the family meals. Great price for a ton of food. It's a bit above the bar as far as take out Chinese. Certainly a regular stop when i have company and don't want to spend a fortune. More
Jason Robertson
28-10-2025
Fresh and tasty food, cordial service, and great prices! Cathay is always busy cranking out the carry-out orders.
We are always pleased when we order from here. Love that they will cook to order in water not oil and that they use no MSG.
Craig Rothchild
27-10-2025
Ordered ahead online for lunch. No problems and food is nice and hot. I got the orange chicken lunch special. This is the 3rd time I've ordered from then over the past 2 years. No issues and good food. 4 out of 5 because the eggroll tasted like it had been frozen instead of fresh. It was still good though.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10
Mike Darlington
27-10-2025
Good service, tasty food, local and convenient I highly reccomend them.
Service…
More
Ping Pong
06-10-2025
Friday, May 13, 2022….12:15pm…..I have been getting take out from Cathay Gourmet weekly for 25 years. It’s always been delicious. So…what happened??? The food has too much anise, the meat is under-cooked. Wonton soup is flavorless. The … More
Kelly Warren
02-10-2025
Does anyone know when they changed ownership? I have been ordering food from here for over 20 years and it was Delicious! WAS...it is not the same. Its not 'bad', but def not the same. There are new people there cooking and taking orders … More
VL Davis
28-09-2025
Gross. I haven't eaten there in years, and now I remember why. I'm comparing this restaurant to another fast-food Chinese restaurant, China Panda, where I usually get take-out. Cathay's shrimp fried rice, white rice, and sesame chicken are greasy and heavy-tasting. The food looks under-cooked, and when I placed a phone order, they delivered within a few minutes. The sesame chicken doesn't even look like sesame chicken. If you want good take-out in Bon Air, then go to China Panda.
N T
12-09-2025
This restaurant used to be my go-to. I ordered some food for pickup with my wife, went to get the food, and returned home. Once I opened my container of "Mongolian Beef", I found that it was more like Mongolian Onions and Peppers. This meal … More
N
05-09-2025
This restaurant is really for to go only. The inside is freezing, cluttered with the owner's family toys, and has the constant bothersome sound of phone ringing. … More
Scott
13-08-2025
Best Chinese/Asian cuisine delivery in the area. The family members who own this restaurant are personable, respectful, friendly, professional and fast.
They have menu items ranging from pad thai to moo goo gai pan. I've not been disappointed in anything.
Charles Young
10-08-2025
Really good food and reasonably priced. Don't let the outside trick you. It looks a little rough outside, but is really good. They seem to do a strong takeout and delivery business, but we ate there. Will go back.
RW Bell
01-08-2025
Best Chinese food I’ve had in a long time. Everything was delicious. It was NOT greasy. We placed our order for pick up, and it was ready when we arrived. They are also using very safe practices during the pandemic. Overall, it was a great experience. I will definitely go back, and I would recommend this place above many others.
Mitchell Alexander
27-07-2025
Hands down the best Chinese food south of the river! Everything is always hot, fresh, and delicious. We especially love the steamed dumplings and egg rolls.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Egg Roll
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Kim McPhail
23-07-2025
This place has been here for ions and it is still really good and the prices are great! Take out only.
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Reesie
22-07-2025
Great service everytime I went. I accidentally went there on a Monday and they was bringing food from the delivery truck. The lady was kind enough to get me sauteed veggies and white rice while they was closed. I'm a dedicated customer now.
Gordon Shaffer
06-07-2025
I've driven by the business for years and have never ventured in. Found it to be typical Covidesque walk-in with makeshift plexiglass wall w coin & food drawers separating patrons from inside kitchen staff. Dining area has been closed off, leaving a few chairs for take-out customers. I wasn't looking for a full meal, just a snack. So, I ordered 2 egg rolls. If their other dishes are as fully packed and satisfying as these two eggs rolls, I get why they've been so successful for so long. I'll definitely return.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3
Andrew Saunders
23-05-2025
As someone who loves heat, I intentionally visit restaurants where you are given spice levels to choose from for your dish. This place tremendously dropped the ball. After choosing the Very Spicy option, you can imagine my surprise when my dish was accidentally sampled by an 8-year old who didn't realize it wasnt his Orange Chicken. There was no heat and the sauce was sugary. I'm sure somebody would have enjoyed it, but it wasnt what I ordered and a complete waste of money.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 2
JT Wilt
12-04-2025
Got the General Tso’s lunch combo today. The sauce was absolutely delicious as was the fried rice. The egg roll had a great crunch to it. My go-to Chinese takeout now!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10
Tyrone G
09-04-2025
I ordered one order of chicken wings and I was just disgusted with the food. This was my first time here and will be personally my last. Food was wet, had a lot of feathers on it and barely edible. Unless your a regular I will definitely recommend NOT TO EAT HERE
Krysta Messier
07-04-2025
Food was heavy on the onions and very light on the meat. For $13-$14 on the meet entrees, I expected more. Overall fine if albeit a bit bland. Likely will not order again.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3
Noise level
Very quiet
Recommendation for vegetarians
Somewhat recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Clearly labeled vegetarian dishes
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Geebs G
02-04-2025
Amazing customer service. Easy fast transaction! The food was definitely delicious. My new favorite Chinese takeout from now on. The portions will not disappoint. More
Eric Shoup
24-03-2025
My wife and I came here for the first time based on the high Google rating and many positive reviews. We came in shortly before closing yet but staff was happy to take our order and prepare our meal. The staff was even kind enough to let us … More
Vapeheads llc Steven Dillard
13-03-2025
Always love going here they have an extensive menu the one on Google does no justice to what they actually have I been here on and off for 8 years always good or better and outside they have fig trees which is pretty cool to me also fast service and nice employees thanks again you guys will be back much ❤️🙏🔥
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$1–10
Julie Streeter
21-02-2025
We were happy to see our local Chinese restaurant open back up after Covid. They did a great job building a door to allow for contact free pickup. Food is great as always. Thank you!
PetrifEye
18-02-2025
Best Chinese food in town, in my opinion. I'm surrounded by other Chinese food restaurants, and this one is a little out of the way for me. But it's worth the trip. I get their shrimp fried rice and it's always perfect. Highly recommend. More
Katrina Kashinejad
30-01-2025
We love Cathay Gourmet, especially for their unique tofu dishes! One time I accidentally ordered an appetizer that had meat in it, and they called me back to let me know and offered to substitute. I've never had a restaurant do that, and it was very much appreciated!
David Easterling
25-01-2025
The food is always excellent and a good value. The owners are always welcoming, remember us, and ask how our kids are doing. They have gone the extra mile for us on several occasions. One time in particular, an item had been mistakenly … More
Konrad Krol
21-01-2025
General Tso's was not good.
D Macko
18-01-2025
Best Chinese takeout! Haven't been to PF Changs in ages because this spot hits and it's not expensive. Cathay is the sweetest lady and an incredibly hard worker. Love this place More
Yo! tuba
11-01-2025
A little bit of backstory: I just moved in from another state, and I needed to create a list of go to restaurants and businesses I can always count on for being good.
My family is now ADDICTED to the sweet and sour shrimp and this one dish with veggies and chicken in the healthy section (which, as someone trying to watch her figure, is amazing for when I'm just too lazy to cook).
For to-go orders they put the sauces on the side. It threw me off at first. We were able to save a lot of the sauces for future cooking though, so I can't be mad at it. I recommend using their versatile brown sauce for any dish you want to be savory.
Those were the only two dishes that we tried as we combined our dinner that day with several restaurants to try to fill our list out, but seeing how it is so close, so good, cheap, and has nice staff? We are definitely going to go again.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Orange Chicken, Shirmp Lomain with Extra Vegetables
Recommendation for vegetarians
Highly recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Large vegetarian selection
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Lance Stabler
04-01-2025
Fantastic value. We got two drinks two orders of Kung pao chicken and two egg rolls for 15 bucks. Everything tasted great and the establishment has been here for a long time and remained consistent.
Reviews Cathay Gourmet Chinese Restaurant