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Tasty China
Master Critic Review
Tasty China
7.9
Tasty China is a newer arrival that mixes crowd-pleasing American-Chinese standards with regional-leaning dishes like pork xiao long bao, knife-shaved noodles, and spicy fish. Set in a simple Pacific Coast Highway storefront, it’s become a go-to for diners wanting something a little more adventurous than orange chicken and chow mein.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork xiao long bao, Knife-shaved beef noodle soup, Fish fillet with chopped chili
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Mix of regional specialties and American-Chinese staples in one menu.
Who should go: Diners wanting soup dumplings and spicier family-style plates.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier parking and quicker seating.
What to order: Xiao long bao, knife-cut noodles, spicy fish fillet.
Insider tip: Ask for spice level adjustments on the chile-forward dishes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small shared lot out front with limited spaces; overflow street parking along PCH is usually available but can fill during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; anything from jeans to relaxed weekend wear fits the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—easy enough for conversation but can spike during busy dinner rushes.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for smaller parties; larger groups may wait closer to 40 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short 5-minute pause during peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options including vegetable dumplings, sautéed greens, and tofu-based dishes.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—stir-fried veggies and some noodle dishes can be made without animal products upon request.
Gluten-free options: Selective options—rice dishes, some sautéed proteins, and certain soups; dumplings and noodles are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for low-key, casual dates where good food matters more than ambience. The simple setting isn’t romantic, but the menu gives you plenty to talk about if you enjoy exploring flavors.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most diners walk in. Weeknights are easiest; weekend dinners have short waits but usually still accommodate walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for kids who enjoy Chinese food; portions are shareable and mild dishes can be requested. No dedicated kids’ menu or special amenities, so best for ages 6+.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous diners wanting regional touches like knife-cut noodles and spicy fish without heading to the SGV.
Skip if: You want a polished dining room, dim sum service, or lighter, more vegetable-forward Chinese cooking.