We’d like to meet some old friends for dinner at a Chinese place that is ‘moderately’ authentic (not American Chinese) but welcoming to non-Chinese speakers. They live in Valencia and we live in South OC. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
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Jiayuan in Redondo.
They got Chinese-American classics and Dongbei dishes.
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I’m thinking halfway would be Santa Monica-Century City-Westwood. If it’s not a weekend I’d suggest Din Tai Fung if you can get a reservation. Santa Monica would be easier. Perhaps Meizhou Dongpo in Century City. If you’re looking for something more casual, perhaps Northern Cafe in Brentwood or Hop Woo, Hop Li or Moon House in West LA.
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I don’t know if that spot is destination worthy though
Sichuan impression also in the Westwood area
henry’s
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Thank you for all the recs. Very helpful!!!
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Did not enjoy my meal at DTF in Santa Monica, but it might work well enough for OP’s purposes (unless authenticity also requires Chinese-appearing employees). Food was far from bad, but it felt very… perfunctory.
Northern Cafe in Brentwood has been renamed Dumpling Wei. It’s fast casual and, if they are slammed w/ delivery orders, they’ll stop doing dine-in as early as 30 mins b/f closing.
I’ve enjoyed Sichuan Impression and Meizhou Dongpo.
I like Moon House, but it strikes me as a bit more Chinese-American (only been a few times, though).
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I had an abysmal experience at Dumping Wei which I discussed in more detail in the Brentwood thread. My worst (non airport) meal of 2025.
Sichuan or Meizhou solid options for sure.
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i have to disagree. valencia to the westside is 30-35 miles, irvine to the westside is 50-52 miles. the sgv has a lot more options and it’s more centrally located.
valencia to say henry’s in alhambra is 42 miles and 41 miles from irvine.
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Yes, I recall reading about that. Have you tried the garlic chili oil noodles or the lamb hand-grab pancake? I think those two items are pretty good.
I haven’t had the dumplings there.