30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Seafood in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
CBS Seafood Restaurant
7.7
One of LA Chinatown's remaining cart-service dim sum operations, running a nearly 200-seat banquet hall where dishes roll past your table on steel carts the old-fashioned way. It draws groups and families who want the communal energy of pointing-and-picking from a rotating lineup of steamer baskets at prices that barely register. Expect volume, chaos, and the kind of no-frills efficiency that keeps a decades-old format alive in a neighborhood where most have switched to paper menus.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dim Sum, Shumai, Roast Duck
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Old-school Chinatown dim sum hall where dishes still arrive on rolling carts pushed table to table.
Who should go: Groups craving authentic cart-service dim sum in Chinatown
When to visit: Weekend mornings early for best cart selection
What to order: Flag down every cart that passes — grab shumai, har gow, and roast duck early before they run out, then watch for baked buns and chicken feet on later rounds.
Insider tip: Arrive before 11 AM on weekends to avoid the line and get first pick from the carts.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot right next to the restaurant but it fills up fast—tip the attendant a couple bucks. Pay lot across the street on Spring St as backup. Street parking is limited in Chinatown.
Dress code: Come as you are—this is a bustling dim sum hall with rolling carts and communal energy. Shorts and t-shirts fit right in.
Noise level: Loud—it's a nearly 200-seat banquet hall with dim sum carts rolling through, packed tables, and a high-energy crowd. Not the place for quiet conversation.
Weekday lunch: Minimal—rarely more than 10 minutes. Arrive before the noon rush and you'll walk right in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several veggie dim sum options on the carts including leek dumplings; staff can point out vegetarian picks as carts pass by.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No — CBS Seafood is a bustling, banquet-hall-style dim sum house with close to 200 seats, rolling carts, and a fast-paced atmosphere. The noise level is high, service is brisk (staff tend to rush you through), and the communal energy is more family-reunion than intimate. Great food, but not the setting for quiet conversation or romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations are not accepted here. It's first-come, first-served only. The dining room seats roughly 180, so weekday mornings you'll likely walk right in. Weekend mornings (especially Sunday dim sum) expect a wait, sometimes 20-30 minutes during peak hours around 10am-noon. Arrive early for the best cart selection and shortest wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — this is one of the better kid-friendly options in Chinatown. The casual, high-energy atmosphere means nobody will notice a noisy toddler. Dim sum is ideal for kids since they can pick items visually from the rolling carts — sticky rice, steamed buns, and dumplings are easy crowd-pleasers. The fast turnover also means you won't be stuck waiting with restless children.
Is it good for groups? Yes — the large banquet-style layout with big round tables makes this a natural fit for groups of 8-10. There's even a private banquet room with a stage behind an ornate red-and-gold curtain for larger parties and special events. Since no reservations are taken for regular dining, have your full group arrive together (especially on weekends) to grab a large table. For private events and catering, call ahead to arrange.
Is there outdoor seating? No outdoor seating available. Dining is entirely indoors in the large banquet-style hall. Free parking is available at the side of the restaurant.
Best For
Better for: Big group dim sum outings where everyone grabs from the carts—the 200-seat hall with brass columns and art deco chairs handles large parties easily and kids love watching the carts roll by.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet, intimate meal—the volume and pace here are part of the experience, not a bug.
Hours
Monday8am - 9pm
Tuesday8am - 9pm
Wednesday8am - 9pm
Thursday8am - 9pm
Friday8am - 9pm
Saturday8am - 9pm
Sunday8am - 9pm