Explore the Best Chinese Restaurants in Los Angeles

In June 2021, The New York Times named Chinatown as the most exciting place to eat in LA. Chef Johnny Lee and his Cantonese comfort food restaurant, Pearl River Deli are featured prominently – restaurant critic Tejal Rao describes the zong as “treasures” and one of the reasons she “can’t stop going” to Chinatown.

After a brief hiatus, Pearl River Deli reopened in a new location at Central Plaza (935 Mei Ling Way, Los Angeles 90012) in March 2022. Lee now helms the kitchen in a space that’s three times the size of PRD’s previous spot in Far East Plaza.

Available as a weekend special, the acclaimed Hainan Chicken is offered as a single-serve plate or half-chicken, served with Hainan garlic rice and ginger-scallion, soy and chili sauces. Chef de Cuisine Laura Hoang crafted the bolo bao (pineapple bun) that houses another PRD signature, the bone-in Macau Pork Chop. New to the menu, the tenshindon is sure to become a fan favorite, featuring a crab omelette over fried rice and covered in crab gravy. Save room for the Coco Bolo – Hoang’s bolo bao is stuffed with coconut pudding and topped with a candied Buddha’s hand.