Let’s enjoy gourmet food in Los Angeles’ Chinatown! 4 recommended spots

B! LINE

Ocean Seafood Restaurant is a popular Chinese restaurant in Chinatown. It’s always bustling with people who come for its authentic Chinese cuisine, especially dishes made with fresh seafood. The restaurant is about a 12-minute walk from Union Station, Los Angeles’ main train station.

During lunch hours, they serve dim sum, offering more than 100 varieties. You can enjoy the classic cart-style dim sum, which has become rare even in China or Hong Kong. Choose from favorites like siu mai, dumplings, and turnip cakes right from the carts. The flavors are well-seasoned and go perfectly with any taste, too. For dinner, take your time enjoying seafood dishes such as lobster and crab.

2. CBS Seafood

CBS Seafood is another popular restaurant specializing in Chinese seafood cuisine. The lunch menu focuses on dim sum, while dinner is centered around seafood dishes. It’s conveniently located about a 9-minute walk from Union Station. While dining in is great, takeout is also available. There’s a takeout counter packed with ready-to-eat dishes and meats, and the staff will prepare your selections into a bento box for you.

Although seafood is the main feature, their side dishes are surprisingly popular. The prices are reasonable and the portions generous, so the place fills up with nearby workers during lunchtime. You can also take your food to a nearby park for a picnic. Whether you enjoy dim sum or seafood in the restaurant or get a takeout bento, this spot offers many ways to enjoy your meal. Definitely worth a visit.

3. Phoenix Chinese Cuisine

Phoenix Chinese Cuisine is a casual Chinese restaurant known for its reasonable prices, making it popular among tourists. It’s also conveniently located near Union Station. Many restaurants in Chinatown stay open late, and this one is no exception.

You can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine from a wide-ranging menu. Their desserts—such as tapioca drinks, coconut balls, almond tofu, and Chinese fried bread—are especially popular. Tapioca drinks and coconut balls are available for takeout, so you can enjoy them while strolling around Chinatown or relaxing at a nearby park.

4. Pho 87

Pho 87 is a popular Vietnamese restaurant in Chinatown, located on the north side. The lively crowd of Asian customers makes you forget you’re in Los Angeles. Here, you can enjoy authentic pho that tastes just like what you’d find in Vietnam.

Every dish is delicious, but the beef pho is the most popular item, ordered by many visitors. They also serve classic Vietnamese dishes like banh mi, goi ga (chicken salad), and spring rolls. It’s a unique experience to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine in Los Angeles’ Chinatown, so if you’re in the mood for Vietnamese food, this is a great spot to visit.

◎ Summary

Los Angeles’ Chinatown also features American restaurants and bars. On the north side of Chinatown, you’ll find Los Angeles State Historic Park, a great place to relax. Union Station features a high-ceilinged colonial-style building, and on its west side is a waiting room that evokes a sense of history. A little farther along Alabama Street, you’ll find many famous Chinese restaurants—be sure to check them out.