NiHao Crystal City

“The vibe was nice. the food is amazing, and for whatever reason not great expensive. I've eaten there once, take out twice. Like always, I think the experience at the restaurant is better - but takeout is still quite good. I've had about 1/3 of the small plates (mostly vegetarian and seafood options) and everything has been excellent.”

“They have an all you can eat menu for $35 on Saturday & Sunday from 11-3pm which all four us had. Some of what we had to drink/eat: *crazy rich asian *you are the apple of my eye *bubble pancake *chili wonton *bbq pork dumplings *walnut bun *dried fried green beans *egg & scallion fried rice”

“After an extensive day at the car dealership, my companions and I found ourselves in search of a quick yet satisfying dining experience. We chose NiHao Arlington, a restaurant recommended by a friend who had previously dined there. Although we did not have a reservation—a decision that could have proven risky given the restaurant's popularity—we were fortunate to be seated within a mere 10-15 minutes. Upon settling in, we opted for a selection of dishes that truly showcased the culinary excellence of NiHao. Our meal commenced with four refreshing beers, which perfectly complemented the flavors of our appetizers: the dry-fried green peas and the dry-fried fish. We then indulged in the mayo tofu, salt and pepper shrimp, and Sichuan beef with green onions, each dish remarkable in its presentation and taste. The Shanghai scallion bubble pancakes were a delightful addition, followed by a hearty beef stew that exemplified comfort food at its finest. To round out our feast, we savored the chili dumplings, which were bursting with flavor. The food was nothing short of exceptional, and the staff exhibited a commendable level of friendliness and efficiency throughout our visit. NiHao Arlington is an ideal venue for group gatherings, yet also offers a welcoming atmosphere for solo diners at the bar. For those visiting, I highly recommend pairing the salt and pepper shrimp with a refreshing cocktail for an unforgettable dining experience. Overall, NiHao Arlington is a culinary gem that promises both quality and satisfaction.”

“Came for the bottomless Dim Sum and Peking Duck the food and cocktails were amazing!! Everything came out fast and hot, the duck was perfectly prepared. The service was tad slow but they did seem understaffed so I totally understand with that being said. At the end of the day I would go back and give it another go!”

“NiHao offers an authentic culinary experience while still appealing broadly to non-Chinese diners as I observed, which a lot of restaurants struggle to achieve. With mosaic tiles, the space is stylish, with thoughtful details that set a relaxed yet refined tone. The menu leans into a small-plate format reminiscent of Chinese xiaochi (小吃), which makes it easy to try a wide variety of dishes. The stir-fried pork with green peppers was a bit on the salty and sweet side—noticeably so for someone from Hunan, where the dish originates. In contrast, the stir-fried celery with egg and tofu was perfectly balanced, with the richness of the egg and tofu beautifully offset by the fragrance and crunch of the celery. The stone-pot rice with shrimp and the mapo tofu were solid and satisfying—flavors were bold, and we polished them off quickly. The salt and pepper shrimp-fish-scallop trio was fresh and lightly crisped, though not particularly memorable flavor-wise. The sesame noodles skewed too sweet for our taste, but the texture was spot-on. We finished the meal with a matcha cake that was light, mildly sweet, and pleasant—though it wasn’t clear if it was house-made. Overall, NiHao delivers quality Chinese fare with a modern twist in a setting that feels both welcoming and elevated. A great spot for sharing plates and trying something new.”