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Liu's Cafe
Master Critic Review
Liu's Cafe
8.7
Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient serving Taiwanese comfort classics and Hong Kong-style pastries from a pastry chef who trained at Maude in Beverly Hills. The compact cafe draws long lines for braised pork belly rice, house-made pork wontons in chili oil, and distinctive pineapple buns with concha-like streusel crust.
Must-Try Dishes:
Braised Pork Belly Rice, Pork Wontons in Chili Oil, Pineapple Buns
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized Taiwanese cafe with pastries from Beverly Hills-trained chef
Who should go: Tea enthusiasts, brunch lovers, Taiwanese food fans
When to visit: Arrive early on weekends before crowds overwhelm
What to order: Braised pork belly rice, spicy wontons, pineapple bun
Insider tip: Limited menu on weekends due to crowds, weekdays offer full selection
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - metered spots on 8th St and Alexandria, $2/hr. Arrive early as spaces fill by 11am weekends. Nearest lot is 0.2 miles at Chapman Plaza
Dress code: Ultra casual - athleisure and streetwear dominate. This is a quick-service cafe, not a dining destination
Noise level: Bustling cafe energy - conversations possible but expect clattering dishes and order callouts. Counter seating gets loudest
Weekend wait: Cafe closes at 5pm - weekend brunch/lunch 30-45 min line typical, order-to-table adds 15-20 min
Weekday lunch: 15-25 min line around noon, clears by 1:30pm. Mornings before 10am virtually no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - vegetable wontons, egg dishes, and pastries available. Most menu centers on pork/meat
Vegan options: Very limited - best bet is calling ahead. Most dishes contain eggs, dairy in pastries, or meat-based broths
Gluten-free options: Challenging - noodles and buns are core menu items. Rice bowls work but verify soy sauce. No dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're both food-focused and low-key. Counter seating means sitting shoulder-to-shoulder, lines require patience together, and it's casual cafe vibes. Better as a second or third date for adventurous eaters who bond over discovering hidden gems
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's first-come counter service only. Weekdays before 11am or after 2pm are safest bets. Weekends expect 30-45 min lines, especially 10am-1pm. Solo diners can sometimes snag counter seats faster
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for adventurous eaters ages 8+ who can handle wait times. High chairs unavailable, space is tight. Pineapple buns and milder rice bowls work for kids, but spicy wontons dominate the menu. The cafe chaos may overwhelm toddlers - better for tweens/teens
How long should I plan to spend here? Budget 60-75 minutes total on busy times (30-45 min line + 15-20 min for food + eating). Weekday mornings you can be in/out in 30 minutes. This isn't a linger-for-hours cafe - limited seating encourages turnover
Is it worth the hype and wait? If you appreciate Michelin-quality Taiwanese comfort food at $12-15 per person, absolutely. The pineapple buns alone justify the trip. Skip if you're impatient, need extensive vegetarian options, or expect upscale ambiance - this is authentic hole-in-the-wall excellence
Best For
Better for: Liu's Cafe excels at authentic Taiwanese breakfast/brunch that's impossible to find elsewhere in LA - the Michelin recognition validates what Taiwan natives already know. The pastry chef's fine-dining background elevates simple buns into Instagram-worthy gems. Choose this over generic dim sum when you want Hong Kong cafe culture, not banquet-hall carts. Better than Pine & Crane for traditional comfort (less fusion), better than 101 Noodle Express for morning/brunch options
Skip if: You need reservations, table service, or a quiet conversation spot - go to Pine & Crane instead. Skip if your group has vegans/celiac restrictions (try Vinh Loi Tofu instead). Choose elsewhere if you're in a rush on weekends or want extensive seating - this is counter service with 8-10 seats max. If you want upscale Taiwanese, head to LSXO in Culver City. If lines frustrate you, visit a less-hyped Taiwanese spot like Huge Tree Pastry