Marina Del Rey’s Chinese dining scene is so vibrant that it spills from the marina’s edge into neighboring Venice and Playa Vista. While this coastal enclave is known for its waterfront views, its culinary landscape is packed with authentic restaurants—each offering a taste of tradition amid the Pacific breeze.
Fortune House Chinese Cuisine
$ | (323) 936-6133 | WEBSITE
Fortune House is another Chinese spot that we love, especially for groups. With a few extra friends, you can feast on their best item: Honey Walnut Shrimp. The classic dish consists of crispy shrimp coated in a sweet honey glaze and topped with candied walnuts, all served with a side of fluffy white rice that has the same comforting effect on your body as a warm hug. We like the Mongolian Beef the most, which has a savory soy-based sauce on top instead of the typical sweet and sour variety.
From 5-7pm, they also offer a special happy hour menu with combinations like cream cheese wontons, orange chicken, and beef chow fun for $8.
Northern Cafe
$$ | (310) 217-1268 | WEBSITE
It’s always bustling at this Chinese spot, where you can watch fresh noodles being made through the glass window. If you want to understand the craft behind these dishes, just observe the chefs at work in the open kitchen. A bowl of their Tomato and Egg Beef Noodle Soup could be the comfort food you’re craving if you’re here for a quick lunch.
If you’re in the mood for sharing with friends, you won’t have to choose between the Pork Soup Dumplings or Pork Wontons in Chili Oil, and can just get both. Don’t skip the Pig Ears appetizer, and get an order of Beef Rolls.
Asian Fusion
$ | (424) 298-8247 | WEBSITE
Asian Fusion is a Chinese spot in the heart of LA with tidy interiors and very good pho. There’s a steady stream of takeout orders, but pho—like a freshly blended tea or a perfectly ripe berry—is best enjoyed at the source. You don’t need all the food that comes in the generous portions, but order them anyway. The combination of bouncy noodles and the savory depth of the beef chow fun make this dish extremely satisfying.
If you’re with a group, get the Mongolian combo: it comes with both tender beef and a variety of fresh vegetables. The fish in black bean sauce is another standout—flaky white fish in a rich, umami-packed sauce that’s worth every bite. And don’t skip the Thai tea, which is creamy and just sweet enough to balance the meal. The owner is warm and hospitable, making you feel right at home in this clean, welcoming space. It’s the kind of place where you leave already planning your next visit.
dan modern chinese – manhattan beach
$$ | (310) 546-1588 | WEBSITE
Dan Modern Chinese is a stylish modern restaurant in Manhattan Beach that’s in a bustling, more beach-adjacent area than many of the others on this guide. There’s a spacious, inviting dining room with a mix of larger tables for family-style sharing and a handful of smaller tables for more intimate meals. Head here for the Dungeness Crab fried rice and the scallion pancake, which come piping hot in generous portions that showcase authentic Chinese flavors.
Dan Modern Chinese also makes excellent three cup chicken and short rib dan mein.
Qin West Noodle
$ | (310) 478-8829 | WEBSITE
The walls of this Chinese noodle spot are decorated with simple maps tracing the ancient Silk Road routes. We understand the impulse to showcase the culinary heritage here. The menu even offers helpful notes about the origins of liangpi noodles. A bowl of golden beef noodle soup looks just like the nourishing comfort food it promises to be, but don’t stop at the soup. The liangpi noodles, rou jia mo beef sandwich, and Walovi herbal cooling tea are all great.
This is a good choice for a proper meal when you don’t want to deal with a fussy dining experience, or if you need dairy-free options.
Panda Express
$ | (310) 577-9818 | WEBSITE
This is one of the best Chinese options in the area, with tasty food and good service for relatively low prices. For less than $10, you can get the popular Eggplant and Tofu entree, which comes with a vegan option and a side. Or, get the reliable vegetarian choices. The food is fresh, but it’s served efficiently by friendly staff, even during busy lunch hours.
Panda Express’s clean, table-filled space almost looks like a fast-food establishment, so you’re definitely coming here for a quick meal, not a dining experience, but there’s ample free parking—so it’s also a good option for convenient, last-minute visits.
Shanghai Diamond Garden
$$ | (310) 553-0998 | WEBSITE
Shanghai Diamond Garden is a bustling neighborhood spot with all the American Chinese classics—solid orange chicken, crispy shredded chicken, fried rice—but the real draw here is the lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Their crispy shredded chicken is reliably tasty and satisfying: a decently sized portion with a nice crunch. The orange chicken can be a bit tough sometimes, with not enough sauce, but the flavor is consistently good.
Shanghai Diamond Garden does get quite busy inside, so if you’re lucky enough to avoid the peak family hours, you can settle into the fun, energetic vibe and enjoy your meal. The staff is attentive and the service is fast, though they do include gratuity on the bill. Parking is plentiful nearby, mostly paid street spots. Overall, it’s a solid choice for convenient takeout or a casual group gathering.
Canton Low Restaurant
$ | (310) 322-3163 | WEBSITE
At Canton Low’s generous, $15 lunch special, you might get pork egg foo young prepared differently from other restaurants—and that’s only part of the reason why we think it’s one of the neighborhood’s best Chinese deals. Though the dining room is modest and unassuming, there’s no skimping on quality or flavor.
The entrées are consistently hot and fresh, the service is quick and friendly, and the pace of the meal is relaxed, especially compared to other options in this price range, which can sometimes feel like a rushed takeout transaction. Stop by for a convenient dine-in experience, or order from their reliable delivery menu.
Hui Tou Xiang
$$ | (323) 645-7272 | WEBSITE
Of the many Chinese restaurants in Hollywood, Hui Tou Xiang is one of our favorite places to get delicious, tasty food in an environment that feels welcoming and comfortable. The straightforward menu includes amazing noodle soup and delicious dumplings, and you should go for the Xiao Long Bao, because both the wrapper and the filling are perfectly tender. If it’s for sharing, put together a feast of appetizers with things like fresh and tasty cucumber salad, pork potstickers, and veggie pancakes.
The friendly service goes above and beyond, making it a great spot for a hangover cure or a comfortable date night, though note there are steps at the entrance.
Mao’s Kitchen
$ | (310) 581-8305 | WEBSITE
When the friendly young waiter at Mao’s Kitchen greets you at the door, get straight to the point and ask for the Mao’s Hometown with fish: tender sole fillet in a secret sauce that will make your taste buds sing. If you have a little more room to eat, get the Hot and Sour Soup or the fried rice with the egg on top. There’s a cozy setting inside this popular Venice Beach spot, with paintings and old-style furnishings that reflect the relaxed vibe, making it a peaceful escape from the city.
Little Fatty
$$ | (310) 361-9496 | WEBSITE
There are a lot of Taiwanese-American spots in Mar Vista. Little Fatty is located just a short drive from some of the busiest—the often-packed Accomplice bar next door—and it’s just as good. There’s a fun, casual vibe inside with retro touches, but all of Little Fatty’s menu items are easily available for takeout. Get the beef roll, a crispy wrap packed with tender, flavorful beef. You can add extra chili oil, but there’s enough going on without it.
To satisfy your heartier cravings, they also have surprisingly rich beef noodle soup in generous, satisfying portions.
