30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Chinese in Sawtelle Japantown
Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Sawtelle Japantown
Master Critic Review
Moon House Chinese Cuisine
7.7
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
A late-night Westside workhorse turning out generous Cantonese and Mandarin plates—Peking duck, walnut shrimp, the full Americanized-Chinese lineup—well past midnight when most kitchens on Santa Monica Blvd have gone dark. The draw is volume and value: big shared platters at prices that make splitting a table with six people painless. Strip-mall atmosphere and parking logistics come with the territory, but the kitchen's late hours fill a real gap on the Westside.
Must-Try Dishes:
Peking Duck, Orange Chicken, Hot and Sour Soup
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Late-night Westside staple serving generous Cantonese and Mandarin plates well past midnight when most kitchens have closed.
Who should go: Late-night groups wanting big portions at low prices
When to visit: Late night after 10 PM for the full experience
What to order: Start with the hot and sour soup, split a whole Peking duck for the table, and add one stir-fry per two people — portions are large.
Insider tip: Ask your server about off-menu specials or daily features
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Strip mall lot shared with other businesses—cramped and competitive, especially evenings. Street parking on Santa Monica Blvd is the backup but metered and limited. Plan to circle or arrive off-peak.
Noise level: Moderate—big groups and dim sum cart bustle keep the energy up, but table conversation is fine.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait after 7 PM on weekends—no reservations system means first-come, first-served and the dining room fills up.
Weekday lunch: Weekday lunch around 1 PM you can typically walk in and be seated immediately, though service may be slower when busy.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Dedicated vegetable section on the menu with clearly labeled vegetarian dishes including tofu and veggie-based stir-fries.
Vegan options: Vegan options available and noted on the menu—expect tofu and vegetable-forward Cantonese dishes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — Moon House is a casual, family-oriented Chinese restaurant with bright lighting and a bustling dim sum atmosphere. The vibe is more communal and lively than intimate, with tables close together and a focus on shared plates. It works well for a relaxed, low-pressure meal together, but if you're looking for quiet conversation and romantic ambiance, this isn't the spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are generally fine on weeknights. Weekend dim sum service draws crowds, so expect a short wait during peak lunch hours (11am–1pm). For dinner, walk-ins are usually seated without issue. Reservations are accepted and recommended for weekend lunch or parties of 4+.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the casual atmosphere and shared-plate style make it naturally family-friendly. Dim sum is great for kids since they can pick and choose small dishes. The noise level is forgiving, so little ones won't stand out. A dedicated kids menu has not been confirmed online — call ahead at (310) 966-9988 to ask about high chairs or specific accommodations.
Is it good for groups? Yes — the shared-plate and dim sum format is ideal for groups, and the restaurant is noted as group-friendly. A private dining area is reportedly available for larger parties, though you'll need to call ahead to arrange it. For groups of 6+, making a reservation in advance is strongly recommended. The round-table setup accommodates communal dining well.
Is there outdoor seating? No outdoor seating available. Moon House is a fully indoor dining experience on Santa Monica Blvd in West LA.
Best For
Hours
Monday10:30am - 10pm
Tuesday10:30am - 10pm
Wednesday10:30am - 10pm
Thursday10:30am - 10pm
Friday11am - 10:30pm
Saturday11am - 10:30pm
Sunday11am - 10:30pm