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Wokcano – Downtown LA
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Wokcano – Downtown LA
8.2
A downtown Asian-fusion workhorse with a menu wide enough to keep families moving: noodles, sushi, rice bowls, and shareables. The space is casual and fast-paced, making it easy for group meals before events or shopping. Best when you want variety and reliable crowd-pleasers.
Must-Try Dishes:
garlic noodles, rainbow roll, crispy orange chicken
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Huge pan-Asian menu that’s easy for mixed-age groups.
Who should go: Families needing variety and speed.
When to visit: Pre-event dinner or weekend lunch.
What to order: Noodles, a roll, and a wok entrée to share.
Insider tip: Go early on arena nights to avoid waits.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking at nearby garages along 7th Street; street parking is limited and fills quickly before arena events.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly; jeans, tees, and comfortable wear are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during peak hours, especially pre-event; easy conversation at off-peak times.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes without a reservation, longer on event nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, even for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good range of options including noodles, fried rice, veggie rolls, and tofu dishes.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; simple stir-fries and tofu/vegetable plates can usually be modified.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be made GF by request; stick to rice bowls, sashimi, and straightforward wok dishes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, go-with-the-flow meetups than intimate dates. The pace and noise level suit relaxed hangs more than romantic nights.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, especially at lunch. Arrive early for dinner on arena nights to avoid longer queues.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—wide menu, quick service, and spacious seating work well for kids of most ages. High chairs are typically available.
Best For
Better for: Large groups wanting variety fast—few downtown spots balance sushi, noodles, and wok classics this smoothly.
Skip if: You want a quiet or upscale experience; nearby Japanese or Chinese specialists may offer higher precision on specific dishes.
Wokcano – Downtown LA
8.0
A high-energy pan-Asian lounge in the heart of downtown that stays open late enough for post-show or post-bar dining, with a menu built for sharing. Sushi, wok dishes, and cocktails keep the table moving without committing you to a long fine-dining arc. It’s a solid late-night play when your group wants variety and a little scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy orange chicken, Spicy tuna roll, Garlic noodles
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Late-night pan-Asian menu with sushi, wok plates, and cocktails.
Who should go: Groups wanting variety after dark.
When to visit: Fri–Sat nights, especially after events.
What to order: Garlic noodles, orange chicken, spicy tuna roll.
Insider tip: Order family-style to cover both sushi and hot plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking at The Bloc and nearby structures; limited metered spots on 7th Street after 8pm. No valet—plan for a short walk on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual with a nightlife lean; jeans are fine but most groups dress slightly elevated for the lounge vibe.
Noise level: Loud after 9pm with DJ energy; conversational early evening but expect raised voices during peak late-night hours.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes after 9pm without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable (late-night focus); early evening weekdays typically minimal wait if arriving before 7:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection—garlic noodles, veggie rolls, tofu stir-fry, and several shareables.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—customizable wok dishes with tofu and vegetables; confirm sauce ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Some sushi, sashimi, and wok items can be made gluten-free; notify staff to guide you to safe sauces and preparations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or high-energy dates than intimate ones. The lounge atmosphere and late-night crowd create a fun mood, but it can get too loud for deeper conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes if you arrive before 8pm. After that, expect a wait—especially Friday and Saturday. The bar area often has quicker openings for smaller parties.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The late-night scene, volume, and bar-forward crowd make it best suited for adults or older teens before peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Large groups wanting variety and a lively scene later at night; the broad sushi-plus-wok menu outperforms many DTLA spots for mixed tastes after regular kitchen hours.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, refined Japanese cuisine, or a more intimate late-night setting—opt for a dedicated sushi bar or calmer lounge instead.
Wokcano – Downtown LA
8.4
Wokcano’s downtown location runs a pan-Asian menu heavy on Chinese-American staples, noodles, and sushi in a dim, lounge-like setting near 7th and Figueroa. Office crowds and night-out groups lean on it for happy hour snacks, late dinners, and delivery when they want something livelier than standard takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Honey Walnut Shrimp, Orange Chicken, Vegan Kung Pao Chicken
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Pan-Asian lounge where Chinese staples share space with sushi and cocktails.
Who should go: Groups wanting lively Chinese dishes with drinks downtown.
When to visit: Weeknights after work or weekend evenings for buzzy energy.
What to order: Honey Walnut Shrimp, Orange Chicken, Vegan Kung Pao Chicken.
Insider tip: Ask for patio seating for people-watching when the weather cooperates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking is the most reliable option—FIGat7th and Brookfield garages typically run $8–$15 depending on time validated. Street parking is limited and tough after 6 p.m.
Dress code: Smart casual. Downtown office attire, elevated casual, or night-out wear all fit; jeans are fine if paired with a nicer top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours. You can hold a conversation, but expect bar energy and music to fill the room.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially between 7–9 p.m. Walk-ins are seated faster at the bar or patio.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; seating is quick and service is efficient for office crowds.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options, including veggie stir-fries, sushi rolls, salads, and tofu-based entrées.
Vegan options: A few solid choices—Vegan Kung Pao and customizable veggie dishes. Confirm sauces, as some include honey or oyster sauce.
Gluten-free options: Limited but workable. Sushi, select protein entrées, and steamed rice can be adapted; alert the server for modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re aiming for a lively, energetic vibe rather than quiet intimacy. Dim lighting and cocktails help set the mood, but noise levels can spike on weekends.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Generally yes. Walk-ins are common, especially early evenings or late nights. On weekends, expect a short wait or sit at the bar/patio for faster seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens who enjoy noodles, rice dishes, and sushi. High chairs and a quiet environment for young children are limited during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Great for groups who want Chinese-American classics plus sushi in one place and a more nightlife-oriented atmosphere than a traditional Chinese restaurant.
Skip if: Skip if you want authentic regional Chinese cuisine, low-noise dining, or strict dietary accommodations without modification.