Finding the perfect Chinese meal in Retford is about more than just finding a menu; it's about finding the right balance of flavour, value, and tradition. To help you decide, we have ranked Retford's most popular spots based on their official TripAdvisor rankings and community feedback.
From 50-year-old local legends to modern online-friendly kitchens, here is how Retford's Chinese takeaways stack up.
1. Fred's Chinese and Cantonese (Top Rated)
Location: 35 Grove Street, Retford, DN22 6JP Established: 1972
Holding the top spot on TripAdvisor for Chinese cuisine in Retford, Fred's Cantonese Restaurant is a local institution that has served the town for over 50 years. It is highly regarded for its consistent quality and traditional approach.
Signature Dishes: Their extensive menu features local favorites like Sesame Prawn Toast (£5.50) and Salted Chilli Spare Ribs (£8.60).
Unique Feature: Unlike many others, Fred's is also open for lunch (12pm-2pm) Tuesday through Saturday.
Note: This is a collection-only establishment; they do not offer delivery.
2. China Kitchen
Location: 16 Church Gate, Retford, DN22 6PQ
Coming in at number two, China Kitchen is favored for its wide-ranging menu and reliable delivery service. It's a go-to for families looking for a classic "big" takeaway night.
Standout Value: Their "Salt & Pepper Share Box" (£14.50) is a community favorite, packing ribs, chicken balls, and chips into one feast.
Chef's Specials: Look for unique dishes like the Wandering Dragon (£6.20) and Happy Family (£6.40).
Payment: They are a cash-only business for both collection and delivery.
3. Lucky Days
Location: 20 Bridgegate, Retford, DN22 6AA
Ranked third on TripAdvisor, Lucky Days is praised for its fresh ingredients and "meal deal" trays that offer great value for solo diners or couples.
Popular Choice: Their House Special Fried Rice is frequently cited as a meal in itself, loaded with various meats and vegetables.
Diverse Menu: Beyond standard fare, they offer a massive selection of Foo Young and Szechuan-style dishes.
4. Open Kitchen
Location: 24 London Road, Retford, DN22 6AY
Open Kitchen takes the fourth spot, appealing to those who want a mix of Chinese and English dishes (like sirloin steaks or omelettes) alongside traditional favorites.
Tech-Friendly: They are one of the few in town that allow for online ordering via their website for both delivery and collection.
Delivery: They offer a flat £1.50 delivery fee within a 2-mile radius.
5. Honorable Mentions: Thai Bowl & Chinese Chef
While not at the top of the TripAdvisor rankings, these spots offer specialized experiences that are highly valued by their regulars:
Thai Bowl (Grove Street): A self-proclaimed "premium" takeaway that serves high-quality Chinese food prepared to restaurant standards, alongside authentic Thai curries.
Chinese Chef (Albert Road): Known for one of the largest menus in town, including a vast array of Roast Duck dishes (£6.90) and affordable set dinners for one.
Summary of Service & Rankings
| Rank | Takeaway | TripAdvisor Standing | Best For... | Delivery? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fred's | #1 Rated | Card Payment & Restaurant Dining | No |
| 2 | China Kitchen | #2 Rated | Variety & Set Dinners | Yes |
| 3 | Lucky Days | #3 Rated | Freshness & Meal Deals | Yes |
| 4 | Open Kitchen | #4 Rated | Online Ordering | Yes |
Our Local Research Process
To ensure this guide is the most accurate resource for Retford residents, we didn't just rely on outdated online listings. Retford.info personally visited every single establishment mentioned in this article. We walked into each takeaway, collected their most recent physical menus, and manually transcribed every dish, price, and payment policy to verify the information presented here. This hands-on approach, combined with current community rankings, ensures you have the most reliable data available in Bassetlaw. Pricing Data accurate as of early 2025.
Note: Some TripAdvisor listings aren't included in this list as we haven't checked out their menus personally. The full TripAdvisor list can be found here.
Want to see other Retford Takeaways? Checkout our directory here.