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Locally owned Chinese food

A locally owned chinese spot that feels like a neighborhood staple, not just another storefront in a strip mall.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Chinese restaurant

Small, family-owned Chinese restaurant with cozy atmosphere and simple decor. Guests can watch dumplings being handmade in an open kitchen while enjoying Studio Ghibli instrumental music. Seating is limited and intimate, creating a warm and inviting vibe.

Dumplings stand out as the most delicious and authentic, with varieties like beef, chicken and mushroom, and cabbage and pork. The menu also features ma la spicy dishes and sides like green onion pancakes and beef soup.

A small mom and pop spot with about 7 tables offers a modern and comfortable interior. It serves authentic Chinese cuisine including handmade dumplings and cold dish appetizers.

People are saying

"The cucumber salad is amazingly fresh, crunchy, and flavorful."

"These handmade Chinese dumplings are authentic and amazing."

"This locally owned spot serves authentic Chinese cuisine and handmade dumplings."

Good to know

1

Make sure to come early because there are limited seats in the restaurant.

2

Be prepared to look for parking.

3

The restaurant was small and parking could be difficult.

02
Hong Kong Dim Sum House image 1
Dim sum restaurant

Small mom-and-pop dim sum restaurant with about six tables creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Space feels compact and lively, encouraging quick dining and suited for pairs or small groups. Offers self-serve tea and features picture menus with freshly cooked, high-quality dim sum.

Dim sum features large portions and classic staples with dishes like chive dumplings with fresh shrimp, tender chicken feet, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and daikon cake with chunks of daikon. Service is excellent and the food is consistently delicious.

A small mom and pop spot with fewer than 10 tables creates a cozy, casual vibe. The place stays busy despite its size.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"I thought the dim sum here was the best I had."

"It's a cozy, locally owned spot with only six tables."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is extremely small, so arrive early to secure a table.

2

Expect long lines during weekends and holidays, especially around peak hours.

3

Every dim sum dish costs between $6 to $10, perfect for sharing.

03
壹面缘Flavor Noodle House image 1
Chinese noodle restaurant

Small, cozy noodle shop with a homey vibe and friendly mom-and-pop atmosphere. The space feels like a hole in the wall with simple, tidy decor and a slightly fumey air. Regulars enjoy authentic northern Chinese noodles served with fresh, flavorful toppings.

Beef rolls and Dan Dan noodles stand out with rich flavors. Dumplings come big, juicy, and fresh daily. The scallion pancake is flaky with savory hoisin and fresh herbs.

People are saying

"The lamb soup noodles were the star, with tender lamb and chewy noodles."

"The owners are a warm, welcoming couple who make you feel like family."

"The Locally Owned beef noodle soup is more beef brothy."

Good to know

1

The average price for a bowl of noodle soup is $13.

2

Parking is easy and shared with nearby small studios.

3

The restaurant offers frozen dumplings for takeout.

04
Broadway Dim Sum Cafe image 1
Dim sum restaurant

Small, cozy cafe-style space with friendly, local regulars creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Dim sum dishes are freshly steamed to order, encouraging a relaxed pace. Limited seating and simple setup emphasize a casual, family-run vibe.

Dim sum stands out for its freshness since it is prepared to order, not sitting in steam baskets. The menu features dumpling soup, potstickers, chicken chow mein, egg rolls, and BBQ fried rice, all at reasonable prices.

Small mom and pop shop with friendly owners creates a traditional, local vibe.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the dumplings, is so fresh and flavorful."

"The dumpling soup has a well-balanced, slightly gingery broth."

"The dim sum here is steamed fresh and genuinely tasty."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash-only, so bring cash for your meal.

2

Dinner costs around $30 per person, offering great value.

3

Portion sizes are large, with one dish often serving two people.

05
House of Dumplings 水餃之家 image 1

Small, simple space with limited seating creates a cozy, cramped atmosphere. Handmade dumplings and authentic Chinese dishes offer fresh, flavorful experiences that stand out in the area. The place draws those seeking top-tier jiaozi and homemade-style soup dumplings in a casual setting.

Dumplings come fresh and piping hot with a variety of flavors like chicken and corn, carrot and beef, and lamb. The multilayer green onion pancake is crispy and pairs well with the soup dumplings and beef noodle soup.

People are saying

"These handmade dumplings are so fresh and flavorful."

"Their handmade dumplings and pork buns are so fresh and flavorful."

"This locally owned spot has the best spicy wontons and dumplings."

Good to know

1

Dine-in seating is limited to five tables, making it cozy but crowded.

2

Cash is preferred for purchasing frozen dumplings and takeout.

3

Expect generous portion sizes at reasonable prices.

06
Dim Sum World image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small family-run restaurant with cozy atmosphere and limited seating offers a quiet, peaceful environment. Handmade dishes focus on northern Chinese cuisine with a wide variety of flavorful dumplings and noodles. Cash-only policy and no dim sum carts distinguish it from traditional dim sum spots.

Small hole-in-the-wall spot offers a huge variety of dumplings including juicy pork buns and pork soup dumplings. Lamb skewers stand out as a unique specialty. Dim sum tastes very fresh and prices stay very affordable.

A small mom and pop restaurant runs this place with a Chinese village style vibe. The operation feels locally owned and operated throughout.

People are saying

"The dumplings here are delicious and very flavorful."

"It's a quiet, peaceful place, perfect for a break."

"The Chinese food here has delicious dumplings and noodles."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash at Dim Sum World.

2

The kitchen is very small, resulting in about a 15-minute wait for dishes.

3

It is best to go for breakfast when it's slow to get a table right away.

07
Northern Cafe image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small Chinese restaurant operates mainly as takeout with limited seating and some areas blocked off. Atmosphere feels quiet but cluttered, lacking air conditioning and water service. Known for handmade dumplings, authentic noodles, and crispy orange chicken at affordable prices.

Dumplings take center stage with varieties like pork and cabbage, lamb, and soup dumplings that are juicy and flavorful. The menu also features crispy orange chicken and spicy dan dan noodles, alongside solid options like Kung Pao chicken and vegetable chow mein.

People are saying

"The pork and cabbage dumplings were very flavorful and large."

"The Chinese food here, especially the dumplings, is really delicious."

"I found the dumplings at this Locally Owned spot to be very delicious."

Good to know

1

Dine-in and takeout options are now available at Northern Cafe.

2

The cafe specializes in dumplings, including boiled, pan-fried, and steamed varieties.

3

The cafe has limited seating with only four tables available.

08
Dim Sum King El Monte image 1

Old school mom-and-pop dim sum spot with a simple, remodeled interior and takeout-only service. Busy atmosphere with huge portions and a mix of flavorful dishes alongside some hits and misses. Prefers cash payments but accepts cards with a small fee.

Small, take-out only spot serves Hong Kong dim sum with huge fillings and large portions. Dishes like shumai, chicken feet, chow mein, and fried rice come at reasonable prices with fast service.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is delicious and flavorful."

"It's a small, no-frills, mom-and-pop shop."

"I found the dim sum to be delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is takeout only, with no dine-in service available.

2

They prefer cash payments but also accept credit cards with a 3% fee.

3

Prices are around $5 per dish, which some may find high.

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