Los Angeles’ historic Chinatown neighborhood has seen its ups and downs over the decades, but today it is experiencing a revival with new restaurants and bars opening alongside beloved community institutions that have been around for generations. From trendy Filipino wine bars to old-school greasy spoon diners, Chinatown has something for everyone. Here is your essential guide to the top 10 bars & restaurants you must visit in LA Chinatown in 2024.
Restaurants
Lasita
Lasita is a popular Filipino rotisserie and wine bar located in Far East Plaza that epitomizes the casual, hangout vibes of modern Chinatown. With no reservations, no formal table service and an emphasis on drinking and snacking, Lasita encourages guests to order dishes family-style to share. Guest favorites include the garlicky lechon pork belly, tangy chicken inasal and creamy ube calamansi pie.
Perilla
Perilla is a Korean lunch spot renowned for its vibrant banchan side dishes and gorgeous garden patio dining area. Their banchan offerings change seasonally, but recent hits include sweet and tangy Korean plum syrup glazed collard greens, crispy sesame cauliflower florets and a creamy, chunky potato salad. Picnic under Perilla’s covered pergola or umbrella-shaded tables for a lunchtime highlight.
Flouring Cake Shop
For stunning cakes that double as artworks, head to Flouring Cake Shop’s tiny Chinatown location. Their lavender lemon marble cake is light yet intensely lemon-flavored, while the black sesame and ube coconut cakes satisfy nuttier, earthier cravings. Get a box of petite cake slices to sample flavors for your next picnic or party.
Jade Wok
Don’t let Jade Wok’s nondescript storefront fool you – locals flock here for the “best tofu in town,” expertly fried bean curd drenched in a secret umami-rich, sweet and salty mushroom pork sauce. Balance out the rich tofu with Jade Wok’s tea-smoked duck or Shanghai-style spare ribs glazed in a gingery sweet and sour sauce.
Nick’s Cafe
For no-frills, old-school diner fare, head to Nick’s Cafe, a cash-only neighborhood institution. Grab a seat at the U-shaped counter to fuel up on ham and eggs while eavesdropping on the local construction crew’s conversations. You’ll walk away pleasantly surprised by the better-than-average greasy spoon grub.
Bars
Apotheke
Apotheke is a Chinatown offshoot of a New York City cocktail bar where mixologists don vintage pharmacist coats while concocting unique elixirs. Sip on an Earl Grey gin-based “Bounceback” cocktail or take your drink out to Apotheke’s new back patio for excellent people watching.
Oriel
Oriel wine bar exudes a sexy, sultry speakeasy vibe enhanced by chinatown’s gorgeous old architecture and the rumble of the Gold Line metro overhead. Share charcuterie and wine inside the intimate, dimly lit interior or head to the moodlit back patio for excellent escargot and a healthy dose of people watching.
Cafe Triste
By day, Cafe Triste is a laidback Chinatown wine bar offering light snacks like cheese, charcuterie and terrines perfectly paired with wines by the glass. By night, their dining room serves as a wine-fueled dinner spot with an ever-changing menu of seasonal bistro classics.
Highland Park Brewery
Highland Park Brewery’s Chinatown location offers the ultimate dog and beer-friendly patio, directly across from LA State Historic Park. Share pitchers of craft beer and loaded snacks like cheese fries or tater tots at picnic tables or sip your IPA from a can while playing cornhole.
Homage Brewing
Homage Brewery & Restaurant is Chinatown’s party brewpub, with a pleasant patio bar in front and a weekend dance club in back. Sip one of their rotating IPAs at an outdoor picnic table by day before heading into the lively garage-turned-dance floor on Friday and Saturday nights, where the disco ball keeps spinning past 1 AM.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re seeking outstanding cuisine, innovative craft beverages, or a lively night on the town, LA’s historic Chinatown has you covered in 2024. This ever-evolving neighborhood seamlessly blends long-standing traditions with fresh new energy.
From the art-adorned cakes at Flouring Cake Shop and sizzling Filipino rotisserie at Lasita to Jade Wok’s award-worthy tofu and Nick’s timeless diner vibe, the restaurants showcase Chinatown’s rich cultural heritage alongside modern culinary talents.
The bar scene is equally vibrant. Sip medicinal-inspired cocktails at Apotheke, savor global wines at film noir-esque Oriel, or get your groove on late night at Homage Brewing. With airy patios, bustling wine bars, and a thriving craft beer scene, Chinatown serves up the ultimate weekend afternoon through late-night bar crawl.
Straddling old and new, revered and trendy, Chinatown’s top bars and restaurants in 2024 blend the past, present, and future into one dynamic, delicious experience. From first sip or bite to last call, this iconic neighborhood’s edible and imbibed delights will leave you craving an immediate return visit. I sincerely hope you like reading this “LA Chinatown Top 10 Bars & Restaurants In 2024-Find Out Here” article.
Julio Figueroa is a seasoned chef with over 12 years of experience in fine dining. He holds a degree in Culinary Arts from Le Cordon Bleu and is passionate about culinary innovation. As the lead contributor to chefdecuisinelosangeles.com, Julio shares his expertise and unique recipes with food enthusiasts. Connect with him on Instagram for more culinary inspiration.