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ZipPicks Awards
Best Seafood in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Hop Li Seafood Restaurant
7.9
A long-running Cantonese seafood house in Chinatown that draws groups and families with generous portions priced well below what the quality warrants. The dining room runs loud and tight when it fills up, but the free parking lot across Alpine Street and straightforward ordering keep the logistics easy for large-party dinners. It works as a no-fuss, order-heavy table where you stack shared plates and let the volume do the talking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Honey Walnut Shrimp, Pork Chops, Green Beans
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Long-running Chinatown seafood house known for generous Cantonese-style portions at low prices
Who should go: Groups and families looking for affordable Chinatown seafood
When to visit: Weekday lunch to avoid weekend waits
What to order: Start with the hot and sour soup, split the honey walnut shrimp and pork chops family-style, add green beans as your vegetable
Insider tip: Ask your server about off-menu specials or daily features
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking lot directly across the street on Alpine St, plus 2 free spots and 1 handicap space in front of the restaurant — rare for Chinatown
Dress code: Very casual — this is a no-frills Chinatown spot with fluorescent lighting and simple decor; come as you are
Noise level: Loud when busy — tables are close together and the dining room fills up fast with big groups, so expect to raise your voice
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Dedicated vegetable section on the menu including Vegetarian Moo Shu, Vegetarian Lo Mein, tofu dishes, bok choy, and Chinese greens
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — this is a casual, old-school Cantonese banquet hall with close-together tables, fluorescent-style lighting, and a loud dining room when busy. White tablecloths and round Lazy Susan tables give it a communal, family-dinner feel rather than a romantic one. Better suited for a comfortable, low-pressure meal with someone you already know than an intimate first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Small parties can usually walk in without issue, especially on weeknights or early in the evening. Weekend dinners tend to be busier with families and groups. For parties of 4+, call ahead at (213) 680-3939 — they don't use online booking platforms. Service is fast once seated, so turnover keeps things moving. Free parking across the street is a bonus for Chinatown.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — this is one of Chinatown's go-to family restaurants. Families with kids are the core clientele and have been for over 30 years. The casual atmosphere means no one bats an eye at noisy little ones. The menu has plenty of kid-approachable dishes like sweet and sour chicken and fried rice. No dedicated kids menu has been confirmed — call ahead to ask about high chairs if needed.
Is it good for groups? Yes — groups are what Hop Li does best. Large round tables with Lazy Susans are built for family-style sharing, and a banquet menu is available for celebrations like graduations and birthdays. Two private dining rooms are available for mid-sized parties (exact capacity not confirmed, but a party of 22 was too large for both rooms combined). For groups over 6, call well ahead to reserve. Live seafood tanks let the table pick their own crab — a great group experience.
Is there outdoor seating? No outdoor seating available. Dining is entirely indoors across the main dining room and two private rooms.
Best For
Better for: Big group dinners and family-style feasts — a Chinatown institution for 30+ years built around shared plates and banquet menus
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet, intimate dinner — the packed room and close tables make private conversation difficult
Hours
Monday11am - 9pm
Tuesday11am - 9pm
Wednesday11am - 9pm
Thursday11am - 9pm
Friday11am - 9pm
Saturday11am - 9pm
Sunday11am - 9pm