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ZipPicks Awards
Best Seafood in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Mayflower Seafood Restaurant
7.8
An old-school Cantonese seafood house running generous family-style platters out of a big multi-room Chinatown space, with complimentary tea and tapioca pudding closing out every meal. It pulls families and large groups who want garlic lobster and walnut shrimp at prices that let you over-order without regret. Expect a lively, no-frills dining room that rewards arriving early for the small back lot.
Must-Try Dishes:
House Special Garlic Lobster, Spicy Salt Pork Chops, Walnut Shrimp
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Old-school Cantonese seafood house in Chinatown serving generous family-style platters with complimentary dessert and tea at every meal.
Who should go: Families and groups craving authentic Cantonese seafood
When to visit: Lunch for affordable specials with tea and dessert included
What to order: Lead with the garlic lobster, add fried rice and pork chops to share family-style, and save room for the complimentary tapioca pudding
Insider tip: Cash only — hit the ATM before you arrive, and don't skip the complimentary tapioca pudding they bring at the end
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot behind the building with limited spaces—arrive early or plan to hunt for street parking. Paid lot next door around $5 flat. Weekends are tough; weekdays much easier.
Dress code: Come as you are—this is a no-frills Chinatown banquet hall. T-shirts, jeans, flip-flops all fine.
Noise level: Moderate baseline, but gets lively when packed at peak lunch and dinner. Big multi-room space absorbs some noise, but large party tables keep the energy up.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Dedicated Vegetables & Tofu section includes Braised Tofu with Vegetables, Braised Assorted Vegetables, Sauteed Pea Sprout, and Sauteed Snapped Pea with Straw Mushroom. Order carefully—some dishes in that section contain shrimp, ham, or crabmeat.
Vegan options: A few items like Braised Assorted Vegetables and Sauteed Pea Sprout are likely vegan, but nothing is explicitly labeled. Sauce ingredients are not disclosed on the menu—confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — this is a casual, brightly lit, family-style Cantonese seafood hall with big round tables, lazy Susans, and a lively communal atmosphere. There's no alcohol served either. It's a great spot for sharing a memorable meal, but the vibe is more festive family dinner than intimate date night. If your idea of a first date is adventurous eating over generous plates of garlic lobster, it could work — just set expectations accordingly.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — the restaurant is large with multiple dining rooms and plenty of seats, so walk-ins generally work fine, especially on weeknights. Weekends get busier (parking fills up too), so arriving early helps. Reservations are accepted if you want to guarantee a spot, and are recommended for larger parties or if you want the private function room.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — this is a go-to family spot. The casual atmosphere means kids won't be out of place, and the family-style shared plates make ordering easy for all ages. The menu has plenty of approachable options like fried rice, noodles, and whole fish alongside more adventurous seafood. No dedicated kids menu has been confirmed — call ahead to ask about high chairs if needed. Best for kids who are comfortable with shared-plate dining.
Is it good for groups? Yes — this is one of the best group dining spots in Chinatown. The restaurant has a dedicated large-party room with big round tables fitted with lazy Susans, perfect for family-style feasting with 8-10+ people. There's also a separate function room for celebrations and events like birthdays. For groups over 6, call ahead to reserve a round table. Most dishes are under $16, so splitting the bill is easy and affordable.
Is there outdoor seating? Limited — one source mentions outdoor seating, but this could not be confirmed across multiple reviews. The restaurant is primarily an indoor dining experience across its multiple rooms. Call (213) 628-0116 to confirm current outdoor availability. Note: there is a free parking lot behind the restaurant.
Best For
Better for: Big family dinners and group gatherings—multiple rooms handle large parties, generous portions at low prices, and fast service make it ideal for splitting dishes family-style. Cash only, no alcohol served.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet, intimate dinner or need drinks with your meal—no liquor license, no romantic ambiance. Also skip if you don't have cash on hand.
Hours
Monday10am - 10pm
Tuesday10am - 10pm
Wednesday10am - 10pm
Thursday10am - 10pm
Friday10am - 10pm
Saturday10am - 10pm
Sunday10am - 10pm