Any insider tips for Paul's Kitchen?

It’s cash-only, so hit the ATM before digging into huge combo plates.

What should I order at Paul's Kitchen?

Tommy Lasorda Special, Wor Won Ton Soup, shrimp fried rice.

When should I visit Paul's Kitchen?

Weekday lunch or early dinner before downtown events.

Who should go to Paul's Kitchen?

Dodger fans and old-school Cantonese comfort seekers.

Any insider tips for Pine & Crane DTLA?

Order at the counter, grab a number, then settle on the patio for cocktails.

What should I order at Pine & Crane DTLA?

Dan dan noodles, popcorn chicken, shrimp wontons in chili oil.

When should I visit Pine & Crane DTLA?

Evenings before a game or weekend brunch-to-dinner hangs.

Who should go to Pine & Crane DTLA?

Noodle lovers, natural-wine fans, design-conscious downtown diners.

Any insider tips for The New Moon?

Pair the chicken salad with a lychee martini and share a couple entrées family-style.

What should I order at The New Moon?

New Moon Chicken Salad, Shelby’s Chicken, crispy orange peel beef.

When should I visit The New Moon?

Weekday lunch, happy hour, or early evening downtown meetups.

Who should go to The New Moon?

Office groups, shoppers, and diners wanting cocktails with Chinese classics.

Any insider tips for Bamboo Express Chinese Cuisine ?

Parking can be tight; order ahead online and grab your bag to go.

What should I order at Bamboo Express Chinese Cuisine ?

Three-item combo, kung pao chicken, shrimp fried rice.

When should I visit Bamboo Express Chinese Cuisine ?

Pre-game dinner or late casual weekday takeout runs.

Who should go to Bamboo Express Chinese Cuisine ?

Budget-focused diners craving fast Chinese before or after events.

Best Chinese Restaurants in Downtown LA (90015)

4 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

#1 Paul's Kitchen

8.8

$ Fashion District

Vibes: Comfort Food Classics Group Dining Gatherings Hidden Gems Heaven Quick Bites Champions

A downtown legacy since 1946, Paul’s Kitchen serves classic California-Cantonese dishes like chop suey, egg foo young, and chow mein in a cash-only dining room filled with Dodgers memorabilia. Thousands of multi-platform reviews and decades of regulars point to comforting, consistent food and generous family-style portions at working-class prices.

Must-Try Dishes: Tommy Lasorda Special, Wor Won Ton Soup, Chasu Egg Foo Young

What makes it special: One of LA’s longest-running Cantonese spots with true midcentury character.

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#2 Pine & Crane DTLA

8.6

$$ South Park

Vibes: Trendy Table Hotspots Instagram Worthy Wonders Girls Night Out Approved Group Dining Gatherings

Pine & Crane’s South Park outpost updates Taiwanese home cooking with bright flavors, natural wines, and a sleek indoor–outdoor space that feels built for downtown’s creative crowd. With hundreds of strong reviews since opening in 2022, it’s become a go-to for shareable small plates, noodles, and cocktails before or after a game or show.

Must-Try Dishes: Dan Dan Noodles, Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, Minced Pork on Rice (lu rou fan)

What makes it special: Modern Taiwanese flavors, all-day hours, and a design-forward indoor–outdoor setting.

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#3 The New Moon

8.3

$$$ Fashion District

Vibes: Business Lunch Power Players Date Night Magic Group Dining Gatherings Trendy Table Hotspots

New Moon’s downtown location brings a polished take on Chinese-American classics, anchored by the family’s much-praised Chinese chicken salad and crowd-pleasing wok dishes. A full bar and contemporary dining room make it a comfortable option for business lunches, pre-theater dinners, or casual date nights in the Fashion District.

Must-Try Dishes: New Moon Chicken Salad, Shelby’s Sweet & Spicy Chicken, Crispy Orange Peel Beef

What makes it special: A contemporary Chinese-American menu from a family credited with popularizing Chinese chicken salad.

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Worthy Picks

#4 Bamboo Express Chinese Cuisine

7.6

$ Pico-Union

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Solo Dining Sanctuaries

Bamboo Express is a no-frills counter spot near Pico-Union serving big portions of combo-plate Chinese favorites at serious value. Reviews highlight fast service, late hours, and pre-game convenience over polish, making it a practical choice when you want quick orange chicken and fried rice on the way to or from downtown venues.

Must-Try Dishes: Combo B (three-item combo plate), Kung Pao Chicken Dinner, Shrimp Fried Rice

What makes it special: Strip-mall Chinese with huge combo plates and extended hours just west of downtown.

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