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A variety of Chinese dishes, including walnut shrimp and kung pao chicken, shot from above.
A spread of dishes from Broadway Cuisine.
Wonho Frank Lee

17 Essential Restaurants in Los Angeles’s Chinatown

Chinatown’s bounty includes Cantonese classics, tacos, Hainan chicken, and more

by Mona Holmes and Jean Trinh Updated
8 comments / new
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A spread of dishes from Broadway Cuisine.
| Wonho Frank Lee
by Mona Holmes and Jean Trinh Updated
8 comments / new

Chinatown has long been going through a transformation as a result of gentrification, changing demographics, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Longstanding restaurants like Plum Tree Inn and New Dragon Seafood have closed their doors, while new ones have taken over. And stalwarts like Yang Chow and Pho 87 have remained with a strong footing. From a modern teahouse to a Chinese-Cambodian noodle shop and po’boy market, here are some of Chinatown’s most essential restaurants to try out.

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Pho 87

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Pho 87’s unfussy Chinatown spot is truly one of Chinatown’s best. Try the #20 pho with charbroiled pork. In fact, all of their pho maintain a gorgeous broth. 

1019 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 227-0758
(323) 227-0758

Also featured in:

Nick's Cafe

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Nick’s is a staple breakfast destination, not just for Chinatown but all of Los Angeles. The restaurant, lovingly nicknamed the Ham House on signage out front, dates to 1948, and continues today to spin out plates of biscuits, omelettes, waffles, apple pie a la mode, and yes, ham and eggs.

1300 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 222-1450
(323) 222-1450

Also featured in:

Steep LA

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Steep has evolved and blossomed since it first opened in 2019. In the daytime, it’s a casual teahouse for grab-and-go Chinese tea drinks or a sit-down kung fu tea ceremony. It later transforms to relaxing nighttime vibes, one with cocktails made with tea-infused spirits, and accompanying small bites — from umami platters with dried shiitake mushrooms and shrimp to braised pork bowl with rice and truffle shavings.

970 N Broadway Suite 112, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 394-5045
(213) 394-5045
A wooden table covered with cocktails that are garnished with a flower, blackberry, and cucumber; and dishes like a block of tofu topped with orange roe, and a wooden box set with tiny fish and shrimp.
A spread of dinner dishes at Steep.
Wonho Frank Lee

Also featured in:

Pearl River Deli

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Dubbed “Pearl River Deli 2.0,” this sit-down restaurant is the second iteration of chef-owner Johnny Lee’s ode to modern Cantonese comfort food. Known for his Macau pork chop bun, house-made char siu, and weekend Hainan chicken rice, Lee adds in specials like egg foo young with chicken gravy as little treats. The restaurant’s pastry chef Laura Hoang makes bolo bao and hot dog buns with aplomb.

935 Mei Ling Way, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(626) 688-9507
(626) 688-9507

Also featured in:

Broadway Cuisine

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When the beloved Plum Tree Inn closed in 2020, a family with roots in Chinatown took over the space and revamped it as Broadway Cuisine last year. The massive 6,000-square-foot restaurant hearkens back to the old-school Chinese dining palaces with a menu that has over 240 items. Find dishes like egg foo young, Peking duck, and moo shu pork on the tables.

913 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 265-7140
(213) 265-7140
A plate of shrimp with walnuts. Halved cucumber slivers line the perimeter of the plate.
Honey walnut shrimp at Broadway Cuisine.
Wonho Frank Lee

Also featured in:

Mexicali Taco & Co.

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This former street stand turned restaurant by owner Esdras Ochoa is still turning out incredible tortillas, carne asada, vampiros, and more done in the Mexicali style. No hype, just delicious food.

702 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 613-0416
(213) 613-0416

Also featured in:

Zen Mei Bistro

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Zen Mei is one of Chinatown’s oldest Cantonese restaurants, a mainstay that makes classic dishes like wonton noodle soup, string beans with beef, and honey walnut shrimp with solid results.

800 Yale St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 626-7113
(213) 626-7113

Yang Chow Restaurant

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Since 1976, the Yang family maintains a 100-item menu in the heart of Chinatown. It can be overwhelming, but Yang Chow’s staff is helpful in maneuvering diners to the right dishes, including the classic slippery shrimp.

819 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Fried Chinese shrimp at Yang Chow on a plate.
Slippery shrimp at Yang Chow.
Cathy Chaplin

Also featured in:

Howlin' Ray's

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Even though Howlin’ Rays recently opened a new location in Pasadena, the original Chinatown outpost is still a special spot because it launched LA’s love for Nashville-style hot chicken. Though it used to be known for perennially long lines and counter dining, it’s now shifted to a takeout and delivery spot still perfect for flame-kissed chicken sandwiches and tenders.

727 N Broadway #128, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 935-8399
(213) 935-8399
A close-up shot of hot chicken on with pickles on a piece of white bread at Howlin’ Ray’s.
Hot chicken at Howlin’ Rays.
Wonho Frank Lee

Also featured in:

Lasita Rotisserie & Natural Wine

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Lasita has gone through a few transformations over the years (first as the more upscale Filipino restaurant Lasa and later as the more casual Lasita). Its most recent iteration focuses on natural wine and rotisserie chicken in a space that’s painted with orange-pink hues inspired by Philippines sunsets. Come for the chicken and stay for the pork belly lechon, inasal prawns, and mushroom sisig. 

727 N Broadway #120, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 443-6163
(213) 443-6163
An overhead shot of bowls of Filipino food, including chicken and noodles.
Dishes at Lasita.
Jakob Layman

Katsu Sando

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Daniel Son’s Japanese convenience store-inspired sandwich shop Katsu Sando has been a great addition to Chinatown since it opened its doors two years ago. Going beyond the classic milk-bread sandos like egg salad and pork katsu, the restaurant’s offerings have creative fillings like honey walnut shrimp and mushroom katsu. For something more filling, make room for its katsu curry plates that come with pickled radishes and a scoop of potato salad.

736 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 395-0710
(213) 395-0710
A pork katsu sandwich stacked high with a yellow background.
Sandwich at Katsu Sando.
Katsu Sando

Also featured in:

Amboy

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Beef aficionados have a wonderful burger spot to appreciate from First We Feast’s Burger Show host Alvin Cailan. The tight menu features burgers of all stripes, from a double smash burger with gorgeous browned patties, to more substantial chef-like burgers. There are also takeaway primal cuts of beef.

727 N Broadway #120, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 537-0053
(213) 537-0053
A hamburger wrapped in paper on top of a box that says ‘Amboy.’
DH burger at Amboy Quality Meats and Delicious Burgers in Chinatown.
Farley Elliott

New Kamara Restaurant

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This longstanding, no-frills Chinese-Cambodian restaurant has been a staple in the neighborhood for noodle soups, fried leek cakes, and pork blood porridge. Pro-tip: Get there early to snag a Chinese doughnut, which sometimes sells out by lunchtime. 

709 N Hill St Ste 14, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 620-1090
(213) 620-1090

My Dung Sandwich Shop

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Amid all the changes in Chinatown over the past half-decade, there is still My Dung, the timeless banh mi shop tucked away on Ord. The walk-up restaurant trades in simple and delicious Vietnamese sandwiches, available daily from early in the morning to evening. There may be no better value in all of Chinatown, still.

314 Ord St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 617-7094
(213) 617-7094

Also featured in:

The Little Jewel of New Orleans

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Truly a gem in the neighborhood, Little Jewel pays homage to the Big Easy, with beignets, po’boys, crawfish mac and cheese, and muffulettas. The andouille sausage and tasso are made in-house, and Zapp’s Potato Chips and Cafe du Monde coffee can always be found on the shelves.

207 Ord St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 620-0461
(213) 620-0461

More in Maps

Philippe The Original

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There’s a reason Philippe’s uses “the O.G.” in its social media handles: the iconic restaurant is among LA’s oldest, and still draws in tons of adoring fans. People queue up (especially before Dodger games) on the sawdust-covered floors for that famous French dip, plus cheap beers and other goodies offered from early morning until night. Don’t forget about the morning doughnuts, either.

1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 628-3781
(213) 628-3781
Philippe’s, a French dip restaurant, with red tables and a hand dipping a sandwich into jus.
A French dip sandwich at Philippe the Original.
Wonho Frank Lee

Also featured in:

Golden Tree Restaurant

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Even though Golden Tree Restaurant is a relative newcomer to Chinatown, opening just last year, it’s already become a neighborhood favorite. A no-frills spot for classic Chinese dishes done right like honey walnut shrimp and shrimp fried rice, it also boasts surprising offerings like lamb chops, clams in abalone broth, and grilled short ribs.

640 N Broadway Suite 1, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 878-9818
(213) 878-9818

More in Maps

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Pho 87

1019 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Pho 87’s unfussy Chinatown spot is truly one of Chinatown’s best. Try the #20 pho with charbroiled pork. In fact, all of their pho maintain a gorgeous broth. 

1019 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 227-0758
(323) 227-0758

Nick's Cafe

1300 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Nick’s is a staple breakfast destination, not just for Chinatown but all of Los Angeles. The restaurant, lovingly nicknamed the Ham House on signage out front, dates to 1948, and continues today to spin out plates of biscuits, omelettes, waffles, apple pie a la mode, and yes, ham and eggs.

1300 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 222-1450
(323) 222-1450

Steep LA

970 N Broadway Suite 112, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Steep has evolved and blossomed since it first opened in 2019. In the daytime, it’s a casual teahouse for grab-and-go Chinese tea drinks or a sit-down kung fu tea ceremony. It later transforms to relaxing nighttime vibes, one with cocktails made with tea-infused spirits, and accompanying small bites — from umami platters with dried shiitake mushrooms and shrimp to braised pork bowl with rice and truffle shavings.

970 N Broadway Suite 112, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 394-5045
(213) 394-5045
A wooden table covered with cocktails that are garnished with a flower, blackberry, and cucumber; and dishes like a block of tofu topped with orange roe, and a wooden box set with tiny fish and shrimp.
A spread of dinner dishes at Steep.
Wonho Frank Lee

Pearl River Deli

935 Mei Ling Way, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Dubbed “Pearl River Deli 2.0,” this sit-down restaurant is the second iteration of chef-owner Johnny Lee’s ode to modern Cantonese comfort food. Known for his Macau pork chop bun, house-made char siu, and weekend Hainan chicken rice, Lee adds in specials like egg foo young with chicken gravy as little treats. The restaurant’s pastry chef Laura Hoang makes bolo bao and hot dog buns with aplomb.

935 Mei Ling Way, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(626) 688-9507
(626) 688-9507

Broadway Cuisine

913 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

When the beloved Plum Tree Inn closed in 2020, a family with roots in Chinatown took over the space and revamped it as Broadway Cuisine last year. The massive 6,000-square-foot restaurant hearkens back to the old-school Chinese dining palaces with a menu that has over 240 items. Find dishes like egg foo young, Peking duck, and moo shu pork on the tables.

913 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 265-7140
(213) 265-7140
A plate of shrimp with walnuts. Halved cucumber slivers line the perimeter of the plate.
Honey walnut shrimp at Broadway Cuisine.
Wonho Frank Lee

Mexicali Taco & Co.

702 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

This former street stand turned restaurant by owner Esdras Ochoa is still turning out incredible tortillas, carne asada, vampiros, and more done in the Mexicali style. No hype, just delicious food.

702 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 613-0416
(213) 613-0416

Zen Mei Bistro

800 Yale St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Zen Mei is one of Chinatown’s oldest Cantonese restaurants, a mainstay that makes classic dishes like wonton noodle soup, string beans with beef, and honey walnut shrimp with solid results.

800 Yale St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 626-7113
(213) 626-7113

Yang Chow Restaurant

819 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Since 1976, the Yang family maintains a 100-item menu in the heart of Chinatown. It can be overwhelming, but Yang Chow’s staff is helpful in maneuvering diners to the right dishes, including the classic slippery shrimp.

819 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Fried Chinese shrimp at Yang Chow on a plate.
Slippery shrimp at Yang Chow.
Cathy Chaplin

Howlin' Ray's

727 N Broadway #128, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Even though Howlin’ Rays recently opened a new location in Pasadena, the original Chinatown outpost is still a special spot because it launched LA’s love for Nashville-style hot chicken. Though it used to be known for perennially long lines and counter dining, it’s now shifted to a takeout and delivery spot still perfect for flame-kissed chicken sandwiches and tenders.

727 N Broadway #128, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 935-8399
(213) 935-8399
A close-up shot of hot chicken on with pickles on a piece of white bread at Howlin’ Ray’s.
Hot chicken at Howlin’ Rays.
Wonho Frank Lee

Lasita Rotisserie & Natural Wine

727 N Broadway #120, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Lasita has gone through a few transformations over the years (first as the more upscale Filipino restaurant Lasa and later as the more casual Lasita). Its most recent iteration focuses on natural wine and rotisserie chicken in a space that’s painted with orange-pink hues inspired by Philippines sunsets. Come for the chicken and stay for the pork belly lechon, inasal prawns, and mushroom sisig. 

727 N Broadway #120, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 443-6163
(213) 443-6163
An overhead shot of bowls of Filipino food, including chicken and noodles.
Dishes at Lasita.
Jakob Layman

Katsu Sando

736 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Daniel Son’s Japanese convenience store-inspired sandwich shop Katsu Sando has been a great addition to Chinatown since it opened its doors two years ago. Going beyond the classic milk-bread sandos like egg salad and pork katsu, the restaurant’s offerings have creative fillings like honey walnut shrimp and mushroom katsu. For something more filling, make room for its katsu curry plates that come with pickled radishes and a scoop of potato salad.

736 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 395-0710
(213) 395-0710
A pork katsu sandwich stacked high with a yellow background.
Sandwich at Katsu Sando.
Katsu Sando

Amboy

727 N Broadway #120, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Beef aficionados have a wonderful burger spot to appreciate from First We Feast’s Burger Show host Alvin Cailan. The tight menu features burgers of all stripes, from a double smash burger with gorgeous browned patties, to more substantial chef-like burgers. There are also takeaway primal cuts of beef.

727 N Broadway #120, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 537-0053
(213) 537-0053
A hamburger wrapped in paper on top of a box that says ‘Amboy.’
DH burger at Amboy Quality Meats and Delicious Burgers in Chinatown.
Farley Elliott

New Kamara Restaurant

709 N Hill St Ste 14, Los Angeles, CA 90012

This longstanding, no-frills Chinese-Cambodian restaurant has been a staple in the neighborhood for noodle soups, fried leek cakes, and pork blood porridge. Pro-tip: Get there early to snag a Chinese doughnut, which sometimes sells out by lunchtime. 

709 N Hill St Ste 14, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 620-1090
(213) 620-1090

My Dung Sandwich Shop

314 Ord St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Amid all the changes in Chinatown over the past half-decade, there is still My Dung, the timeless banh mi shop tucked away on Ord. The walk-up restaurant trades in simple and delicious Vietnamese sandwiches, available daily from early in the morning to evening. There may be no better value in all of Chinatown, still.

314 Ord St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 617-7094
(213) 617-7094

The Little Jewel of New Orleans

207 Ord St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Truly a gem in the neighborhood, Little Jewel pays homage to the Big Easy, with beignets, po’boys, crawfish mac and cheese, and muffulettas. The andouille sausage and tasso are made in-house, and Zapp’s Potato Chips and Cafe du Monde coffee can always be found on the shelves.

207 Ord St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 620-0461
(213) 620-0461

Related Maps

Philippe The Original

1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

There’s a reason Philippe’s uses “the O.G.” in its social media handles: the iconic restaurant is among LA’s oldest, and still draws in tons of adoring fans. People queue up (especially before Dodger games) on the sawdust-covered floors for that famous French dip, plus cheap beers and other goodies offered from early morning until night. Don’t forget about the morning doughnuts, either.

1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 628-3781
(213) 628-3781
Philippe’s, a French dip restaurant, with red tables and a hand dipping a sandwich into jus.
A French dip sandwich at Philippe the Original.
Wonho Frank Lee

Golden Tree Restaurant

640 N Broadway Suite 1, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Even though Golden Tree Restaurant is a relative newcomer to Chinatown, opening just last year, it’s already become a neighborhood favorite. A no-frills spot for classic Chinese dishes done right like honey walnut shrimp and shrimp fried rice, it also boasts surprising offerings like lamb chops, clams in abalone broth, and grilled short ribs.

640 N Broadway Suite 1, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 878-9818
(213) 878-9818

Related Maps