0 Followers
Qi Steam Kitchen
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Qi Steam Kitchen
8.3
Qi Steam Kitchen focuses on steamed dim sum, noodle soups, and homestyle Chinese plates in a compact, modern room along Olympic. The menu leans toward lighter preparations—think soup dumplings, steamed buns, and dan dan noodles—without losing the comfort of a neighborhood Chinese spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dan Dan Noodles, Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings), Steamed Dumpling Platter
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Steamed-focused Chinese kitchen with dim sum favorites and noodle soups.
Who should go: Dim sum fans seeking lighter neighborhood Chinese plates.
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner before the small room fills.
What to order: Dan dan noodles, soup dumplings, spicy wontons.
Insider tip: Build a custom dim sum spread by mixing small plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Olympic and side streets; generally manageable before 6pm but can tighten during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; come as you are.
Noise level: Moderate – conversations are easy, with occasional bustle during peak lunch and dinner windows.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak hours due to the small dining room.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even at peak lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of steamed and noodle-based vegetarian dishes, including vegetable dumplings and tofu preparations.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; a few dishes can be made vegan by requesting no egg or dairy-based sauces.
Gluten-free options: Moderate availability; some soups and steamed dishes avoid wheat, but dumplings and noodles use wheat flour, so ask staff for safe picks.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you're aiming for a low-key, casual, conversation-friendly meal where lighter dishes won’t leave you overly stuffed. Less ideal if you want a more atmospheric or lingering date-night setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most guests walk in. The room is small, so arriving a bit early during peak dinner hours helps secure a table quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy dumplings and noodle soups. There’s no dedicated kids’ menu, but portions are shareable and flavors approachable.
Best For
Better for: Lighter dim sum, steamed dishes, and quick solo meals compared to heavier Chinese-American spots in the neighborhood.
Skip if: You want fried specialties, large banquet-style plates, or a more atmospheric dining room for celebrations.
Qi Steam Kitchen
8.1
Qi Steam Kitchen is a compact Mid-Wilshire restaurant specializing in steamed dim sum, soup dumplings, and Chinese comfort dishes with a lighter touch. The space is simple but clean, and the menu ranges from xiao long bao to dan dan noodles, making it a practical stop near the museums for a dim sum-focused meal without driving to the SGV.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork xiao long bao, Crystal shrimp dumplings, Taiwanese popcorn chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Modern steamed dim sum shop focused on lighter Cantonese plates.
Who should go: Dim sum fans wanting lighter, steamed options near museums.
When to visit: Weeknights or late lunches for a quieter dining room.
What to order: Pork xiao long bao, crystal shrimp dumplings, Taiwanese popcorn chicken.
Insider tip: Pair soup dumplings with house chili oil to dial in the heat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Wilshire and adjacent side streets; generally manageable on weeknights but tight during weekend museum rush.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; come as you are.
Noise level: Moderate; steady chatter but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes depending on museum traffic.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a handful of steamed vegetable dumplings, tofu dishes, and lighter vegetable sides.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 dumpling and veggie options may qualify, but confirm ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Some rice-based dishes and steamed items work, but no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for a casual, low-pressure first date where good food matters more than ambiance. The space is simple, so choose it if the focus is conversation and comfort rather than a dramatic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — the restaurant is small but turns tables quickly, and walk-ins are common. Arrive slightly early during peak museum windows for the best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy dumplings and noodles. Space is limited, so strollers and large groups with toddlers may find seating challenging.
Best For
Better for: Lighter steamed dim sum, quick solo meals, and a clean, low-key alternative to driving to bigger dim sum hubs.
Skip if: You want banquet-style dim sum, elaborate carts, or a more decorative dining room — larger Cantonese restaurants deliver that experience better.