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A box of various cakes at Flouring bakery in Los Angeles. — Cake assortment from Chinatown’s Flouring bakery.

The 17 Essential Restaurants in LA’s Chinatown

Head to Chinatown for Cantonese classics, soul food, a slice of cake, and more

by Mona Holmes Updated Mar 14, 2024, 11:59am PDT

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Cake assortment from Chinatown’s Flouring bakery.

| Flouring

by Mona Holmes Updated Mar 14, 2024, 11:59am PDT

Chinatown has been going through a transformation as a result of gentrification, changing demographics, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, longstanding restaurants like Plum Tree Inn and New Dragon Seafood have closed forever along with Hainan chicken specialist Pearl River Deli. And while newcomers like Flouring bakery opened in recent months, stalwarts like Yang Chow and Pho 87 remain with a strong footing. Here are some of Chinatown’s most essential restaurants to try in 2024.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Golden Tree Restaurant

Even though Golden Tree Restaurant is a relative newcomer to Chinatown, it’s become a neighborhood favorite since opening in the former Yum Cha Cafe in 2021. This no-frills spot executes classic Chinese dishes like honey walnut shrimp, shrimp fried rice, lamb chops, clams in abalone broth, and chicken with garlic noodles.

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640 N Broadway Suite 1, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by David R. Chan (@chandavkl)

Soulo's Kitchen + Cafe

On Broadway just north of Cesar Chavez, Soulo’s Kitchen prepares — you guessed it — soul food. Soulo’s is all about the classics like the outstanding oxtails over rice, turkey chops with rice and gravy, and some of the city’s best mac and cheese.

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635 North Broadway, Los Angeles, California 90012

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chef Soulo (@chef_soulo)

Philippe The Original

There’s a reason Philippe’s uses “the O.G.” in its social media handles: the iconic restaurant opened in 1908 and still draws in lines of fans. This restaurant is also a pre-Dodger game pit stop where people queue up on the sawdust-covered floors for its famous French dip, cheap beers, and even classic breakfasts.

1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

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.

Also featured in:

My Dung Sandwich Shop

My Dung continues to produce some of the city’s best banh mi in Chinatown. They’ve been at it for over 15 years, where locals can purchase reasonably priced and delicious Vietnamese sandwiches from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.

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314 Ord St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

A banh mi sandwich filled with pate, head cheese, Vietnamese ham, pickled daikon and carrots, shaved jalapeños, and a few cilantro sprigs at My Dung. — My Dung.

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New Kamara Restaurant

Chinatown’s longstanding, no-frills Chinese-Cambodian restaurant has been a staple in the neighborhood for decades. Head to New Kamara for noodle soups, fried leek cakes, and pork blood porridge. Always try to get there early to snag Chinese doughnuts that are usually sold out by lunchtime.

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TysOn Nguyen (@moviebruin)

Amboy

For those in need of a showstopping burger, head to Far East Plaza and into chef Alvin Cailan’s Amboy. The menu showcases 12 types including a double smash burger with perfectly browned edges or the steakhouse DH burger made with a 10-ounce dry-aged patty. The beef tallow fries are phenomenal too.

727 N Broadway #120, Los Angeles, CA 90012

A hamburger wrapped in paper on top of a box that says ‘Amboy.’ — DH burger at Amboy Quality Meats and Delicious Burgers in Chinatown.

Katsu Sando

Daniel Son’s Japanese convenience store-inspired sandwich shop Katsu Sando has been a great Chinatown addition since opening in 2020. The extensive menu goes far beyond the expected egg salad and pork katsu milk-bread sandos. With creative fillings like honey walnut shrimp and mushroom katsu, these are both satisfying and filling.

736 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

Honey and walnut encrusted shrimp between bread at Katsu Sando restaurant in Chinatown. — Katsu Sando.

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Lasita Rotisserie & Natural Wine

Lasita has shifted gears over the years. It used to be the upscale Filipino restaurant Lasa and later the more casual Lasita. The current iteration focuses on natural wine and rotisserie chicken in a brightly colored space inspired by Philippines sunsets. Nothing disappoints on the menu at Lasita with roasted chicken, pork belly lechon, adobo marinated olives, and grilled branzino stuffed with lemongrass and ginger.

Open in Google Maps

727 N Broadway #120, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

An overhead shot of bowls of Filipino food, including chicken and noodles at Lasita. — Dishes at Lasita.

Also featured in:

The 18 Essential Filipino Restaurants in Los Angeles

Howlin' Ray's

Even though Howlin’ Rays opened a Pasadena location in 2022, the original Chinatown outpost is still kicking. Though it used to be known for perennially long lines and counter dining, it’s now shifted to a more effective pre-order model that’s even better for getting those spicy chicken sandwiches and wings in a timely manner.

727 N Broadway #128, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

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.

Also featured in:

Yang Chow Restaurant

Since 1976, the Yang family still touts a 100-item menu in the heart of Chinatown. Choosing the best dish can be an overwhelming task, but Yang Chow’s staff helps steer diners to the right dishes, including the classic slippery shrimp.

819 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

Fried Chinese shrimp at Yang Chow on a plate. — Slippery shrimp at Yang Chow.

Also featured in:

Mexicali Taco & Co.

This former street stand-turned-restaurant by owner Esdras Ochoa is one of LA’s most reliable spots in a casual dining room. Mexicali still turns out incredible tortillas, carne asada, vampiros, and more done in the Mexicali style.

702 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

An assortment of tacos on a colorful table at Mexicali Taco & Co. in Chinatown. — Mexicali Taco & Co.

Also featured in:

Broadway Cuisine

A family with Chinatown roots took over Plum Tree Inn when it closed in 2020 and revamped it as Broadway Cuisine in 2021. The 6,000-square-foot restaurant has old-school Chinese dining palace vibes with an expansive menu featuring dishes like egg foo young, Peking duck, and moo shu pork.

913 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

A plate of shrimp with walnuts. Halved cucumber slivers line the perimeter of the plate. — Honey walnut shrimp at Broadway Cuisine.

Also featured in:

Flouring LA

LA native chef Heather Wong started as a baking pop-up in 2020 and opened her lavender-colored cake bistro in January 2024. Order her floral citrus shortbread cookies, brownies topped with meringue, s’mores bars, pavlovas, or slice of cake, then take a seat to enjoy them on Flouring’s cozy patio.

Open in Google Maps

Visit Website

The interior at Flouring bakery in Chinatown, Los Angeles. — Flouring showroom.

Phoenix Bakery, Inc.

Founded in 1938, the family-operated Phoenix Bakery is one of Chinatown’s most beloved establishments. This location is where Angelenos from all backgrounds line up to purchase a box of deep-fried wonton butterflies, almond cookies, or the signature strawberry whipped cream cake encrusted in almonds.

969 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

Lun F. Chan (right) developed the recipe for the trademark fresh strawberry, whipped cream cakes at

Steep LA

Since opening in 2019, Steep LA evolved into a daytime casual teahouse for grab-and-go Chinese tea drinks that can include a festive sit-down kung fu tea ceremony. At night, cocktails are made with tea-infused spirits, that accompany small plates with dried shiitake mushrooms and shrimp umami platters, and braised pork bowls with rice and truffle shavings.

Open in Google Maps

970 N Broadway Suite 112, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

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.

Also featured in:

20 Essential Cocktail Bars in Los Angeles

Nick's Cafe

Nick’s is the Chinatown spot to bring friends and family for when craving a traditional American breakfast. The biscuits, hearty breakfast burritos, omelets, waffles, classic ham and eggs, and a wonderful apple pie a la mode are why people return to this longtime restaurant that opened in 1948.

1300 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

Nick’s Cafe restaurant and seating area in Los Angeles. — Nick’s Cafe, Elysian Park.

Also featured in:

Pho 87

LA’s beloved Pho 87 has gone through it in recent years. The longtime restaurant fought through decreased traffic during the early pandemic and started receiving massive gas bills from the city in 2023. In 2024, Pho 87 is still here and remains one of Chinatown’s best. If unsure of what to try, order the #20 pho with charbroiled pork in a gorgeous broth.

Open in Google Maps

1019 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Foodie.Visions (@foodie.visions)

Also featured in:

© 2024 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Golden Tree Restaurant

640 N Broadway Suite 1, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Even though Golden Tree Restaurant is a relative newcomer to Chinatown, it’s become a neighborhood favorite since opening in the former Yum Cha Cafe in 2021. This no-frills spot executes classic Chinese dishes like honey walnut shrimp, shrimp fried rice, lamb chops, clams in abalone broth, and chicken with garlic noodles.

Open in Google Maps

640 N Broadway Suite 1, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by David R. Chan (@chandavkl)

Soulo's Kitchen + Cafe

635 North Broadway, Los Angeles, California 90012

On Broadway just north of Cesar Chavez, Soulo’s Kitchen prepares — you guessed it — soul food. Soulo’s is all about the classics like the outstanding oxtails over rice, turkey chops with rice and gravy, and some of the city’s best mac and cheese.

Open in Google Maps

635 North Broadway, Los Angeles, California 90012

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chef Soulo (@chef_soulo)

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 opened in 1908 and still draws in lines of fans. This restaurant is also a pre-Dodger game pit stop where people queue up on the sawdust-covered floors for its famous French dip, cheap beers, and even classic breakfasts.

1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

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.

My Dung Sandwich Shop

314 Ord St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

My Dung continues to produce some of the city’s best banh mi in Chinatown. They’ve been at it for over 15 years, where locals can purchase reasonably priced and delicious Vietnamese sandwiches from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Open in Google Maps

314 Ord St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

A banh mi sandwich filled with pate, head cheese, Vietnamese ham, pickled daikon and carrots, shaved jalapeños, and a few cilantro sprigs at My Dung. — My Dung.

New Kamara Restaurant

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

Chinatown’s longstanding, no-frills Chinese-Cambodian restaurant has been a staple in the neighborhood for decades. Head to New Kamara for noodle soups, fried leek cakes, and pork blood porridge. Always try to get there early to snag Chinese doughnuts that are usually sold out by lunchtime.

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TysOn Nguyen (@moviebruin)

Amboy

727 N Broadway #120, Los Angeles, CA 90012

For those in need of a showstopping burger, head to Far East Plaza and into chef Alvin Cailan’s Amboy. The menu showcases 12 types including a double smash burger with perfectly browned edges or the steakhouse DH burger made with a 10-ounce dry-aged patty. The beef tallow fries are phenomenal too.

727 N Broadway #120, Los Angeles, CA 90012

A hamburger wrapped in paper on top of a box that says ‘Amboy.’ — DH burger at Amboy Quality Meats and Delicious Burgers in Chinatown.

Katsu Sando

736 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Daniel Son’s Japanese convenience store-inspired sandwich shop Katsu Sando has been a great Chinatown addition since opening in 2020. The extensive menu goes far beyond the expected egg salad and pork katsu milk-bread sandos. With creative fillings like honey walnut shrimp and mushroom katsu, these are both satisfying and filling.

736 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

Honey and walnut encrusted shrimp between bread at Katsu Sando restaurant in Chinatown. — Katsu Sando.

Lasita Rotisserie & Natural Wine

727 N Broadway #120, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Lasita has shifted gears over the years. It used to be the upscale Filipino restaurant Lasa and later the more casual Lasita. The current iteration focuses on natural wine and rotisserie chicken in a brightly colored space inspired by Philippines sunsets. Nothing disappoints on the menu at Lasita with roasted chicken, pork belly lechon, adobo marinated olives, and grilled branzino stuffed with lemongrass and ginger.

Open in Google Maps

727 N Broadway #120, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

An overhead shot of bowls of Filipino food, including chicken and noodles at Lasita. — Dishes at Lasita.

Howlin' Ray's

727 N Broadway #128, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Even though Howlin’ Rays opened a Pasadena location in 2022, the original Chinatown outpost is still kicking. Though it used to be known for perennially long lines and counter dining, it’s now shifted to a more effective pre-order model that’s even better for getting those spicy chicken sandwiches and wings in a timely manner.

727 N Broadway #128, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

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.

Yang Chow Restaurant

819 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Since 1976, the Yang family still touts a 100-item menu in the heart of Chinatown. Choosing the best dish can be an overwhelming task, but Yang Chow’s staff helps steer diners to the right dishes, including the classic slippery shrimp.

819 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

Fried Chinese shrimp at Yang Chow on a plate. — Slippery shrimp at Yang Chow.

Mexicali Taco & Co.

702 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

This former street stand-turned-restaurant by owner Esdras Ochoa is one of LA’s most reliable spots in a casual dining room. Mexicali still turns out incredible tortillas, carne asada, vampiros, and more done in the Mexicali style.

702 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

An assortment of tacos on a colorful table at Mexicali Taco & Co. in Chinatown. — Mexicali Taco & Co.

Broadway Cuisine

913 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

A family with Chinatown roots took over Plum Tree Inn when it closed in 2020 and revamped it as Broadway Cuisine in 2021. The 6,000-square-foot restaurant has old-school Chinese dining palace vibes with an expansive menu featuring dishes like egg foo young, Peking duck, and moo shu pork.

913 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

A plate of shrimp with walnuts. Halved cucumber slivers line the perimeter of the plate. — Honey walnut shrimp at Broadway Cuisine.

Flouring LA

LA native chef Heather Wong started as a baking pop-up in 2020 and opened her lavender-colored cake bistro in January 2024. Order her floral citrus shortbread cookies, brownies topped with meringue, s’mores bars, pavlovas, or slice of cake, then take a seat to enjoy them on Flouring’s cozy patio.

Open in Google Maps

Visit Website

The interior at Flouring bakery in Chinatown, Los Angeles. — Flouring showroom.

Phoenix Bakery, Inc.

969 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Founded in 1938, the family-operated Phoenix Bakery is one of Chinatown’s most beloved establishments. This location is where Angelenos from all backgrounds line up to purchase a box of deep-fried wonton butterflies, almond cookies, or the signature strawberry whipped cream cake encrusted in almonds.

969 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

Lun F. Chan (right) developed the recipe for the trademark fresh strawberry, whipped cream cakes at

Steep LA

970 N Broadway Suite 112, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Since opening in 2019, Steep LA evolved into a daytime casual teahouse for grab-and-go Chinese tea drinks that can include a festive sit-down kung fu tea ceremony. At night, cocktails are made with tea-infused spirits, that accompany small plates with dried shiitake mushrooms and shrimp umami platters, and braised pork bowls with rice and truffle shavings.

Open in Google Maps

970 N Broadway Suite 112, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

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.

Related Maps

Nick's Cafe

1300 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Nick’s is the Chinatown spot to bring friends and family for when craving a traditional American breakfast. The biscuits, hearty breakfast burritos, omelets, waffles, classic ham and eggs, and a wonderful apple pie a la mode are why people return to this longtime restaurant that opened in 1948.

1300 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

Nick’s Cafe restaurant and seating area in Los Angeles. — Nick’s Cafe, Elysian Park.

Pho 87

1019 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

LA’s beloved Pho 87 has gone through it in recent years. The longtime restaurant fought through decreased traffic during the early pandemic and started receiving massive gas bills from the city in 2023. In 2024, Pho 87 is still here and remains one of Chinatown’s best. If unsure of what to try, order the #20 pho with charbroiled pork in a gorgeous broth.

Open in Google Maps

1019 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Foodie.Visions (@foodie.visions)

Related Maps