Chinatown's acclaimed Filipino restaurant where chicken inasal, sisig, and the spirit of Manila arrive in a beautiful space
Must-try: Chicken inasal, Mushroom sisig, Garlic fried rice
📍 727 N Broadway #120, Los Angeles, CA 90012
The best laid-back spots for an easy, no-fuss meal in Chinatown — curated from over 200 LA restaurants.
4 picksThe best casual restaurants in Chinatown are the ones that don't ask you to dress up or plan ahead — just show up hungry. These 4 picks are neighborhood spots worth knowing: consistently good food, fair prices, and the kind of atmosphere where you can stay for another round without feeling rushed. TikTok previews included so you can find your vibe. Standouts: Lasita, Howlin' Ray's, Yang Chow.
Chinatown is having a dining renaissance alongside its established Chinese institutions — newer openings sit alongside classics that have been there for generations.
Chinatown's acclaimed Filipino restaurant where chicken inasal, sisig, and the spirit of Manila arrive in a beautiful space
Must-try: Chicken inasal, Mushroom sisig, Garlic fried rice
📍 727 N Broadway #120, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Chinatown's Nashville hot chicken institution — bring your heat tolerance and prepare to sweat in the best way possible
Must-try: Howlin' hot chicken sandwich, Hot chicken tenders, Country gravy biscuit
📍 727 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Chinatown's slippery shrimp institution since 1977 — LA's most iconic Chinese-American dish
Must-try: Slippery shrimp, Garlic string beans, Pan-fried noodles
📍 819 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
The French dip's birthplace since 1908 — sawdust floors, dipped sandwiches, and lines that have not changed in a century
Must-try: Double-dipped lamb sandwich, Beef French dip, Chocolate cream pie
📍 1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Lasita is the neighborhood go-to — the kind of place you'd go on a random Tuesday and leave completely satisfied. No reservations required, no dress code, just good food.
Yang Chow is one of the better value options on this list — the portions are generous, the quality is solid, and you won't need to budget the way you would for a special occasion spot.
Most casual spots on this list are walk-in friendly, though a few popular ones take reservations for weekends. If you're going with a group, calling ahead is always a smart move.