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Mao's Kitchen
Master Critic Review
Mao's Kitchen
7.7
The new West Hollywood outpost of Mao’s Kitchen brings the Venice original’s no-MSG, vegetable-forward Chinese cooking to a small space on Santa Monica Boulevard. Dishes like Peace Not War wonton soup, mapo tofu, and bok choy over chow fun skew lighter while still scratching the takeout-Chinese itch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Peace Not War Wonton Soup, Bok Choy Over Chow Fun, Mapo Tofu
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Vegetable-forward Chinese comfort food built from the Venice original’s no-MSG playbook.
Who should go: Diners wanting lighter Chinese plates without losing flavor.
When to visit: Early dinner before prime delivery and pickup hours.
What to order: Peace Not War wonton soup, bok choy chow fun, mapo tofu.
Insider tip: Ask about whole-wheat or alternative noodles if you prefer more fiber.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Santa Monica Blvd and nearby residential streets; can be tight after 6pm but usually workable within a 5–7 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; athletic wear, jeans, and daytime outfits all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate; conversation is easy at most tables, though pickup rushes can create brief spikes.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes depending on delivery volume; small space means quick table turnover.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait except for brief ordering lines during peak noon hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — many plates are naturally vegetarian (bok choy dishes, tofu preparations, vegetable chow fun).
Vegan options: Several solid options, including mapo tofu (request vegan), vegetable stir-fries, and noodle bowls without egg.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be made gluten-reduced (e.g., rice-based plates), but there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, low-pressure dates — the light, veggie-forward Chinese comfort food and relaxed room work well if you want something affordable and easygoing rather than atmospheric or upscale.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — the space is small but fast-moving, and most diners walk in. Expect a short wait only during peak dinner hours or heavy delivery surges.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple noodle bowls, mild stir-fries, and quick service make it good for families. Best for ages 5+ due to limited space and no booster seats.
Best For
Better for: Health-conscious Chinese comfort food, lighter sauces, and no-MSG preparations compared to heavier local takeout spots.
Skip if: You want deep-fried specialties, big-group seating, or a more atmospheric dinner setting like Formosa Cafe or Genghis Cohen.