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Dumpling lunch spots in Central LA

A lunch spot serving dumplings that respects your time, rather than making you wait an hour for a quick midday bite.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Nong's Thai Kitchen image 1
Nong's Thai Kitchen image 2
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Small dining room offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere with cute decorations and warm vibes. Music adds to the lively yet chill energy, making it feel like dinner at a friend's house.

Soft dumplings come perfectly steamed and include a standout version in a yellow curry sauce. Curry dumplings offer a rich, flavorful twist that complements the traditional steamed style.

Lunch specials cost around 15 dollars and include dishes like yellow curry. The meals offer a good value and consistent quality for both lunch and dinner.

People are saying

"I thought the Thai food was the most delicious I've ever had."

"The curry dumplings were amazing and delicious."

"I will definitely be back to this lunch spot."

Good to know

1

There is limited parking available in the back of the restaurant.

2

Expect to wait during peak hours; consider visiting off-peak.

3

Lunch specials are available for $15, offering good value.

02
Hui Tou Xiang image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Small space with disco ball ceiling and modern decor creates a casual, bustling vibe. Bar seating and open kitchen window add to the intimate, creative atmosphere. Music and lighting give a relaxed, jazz bar feel.

Pan-fried dumplings have a crispy exterior and juicy pork filling. Dumplings come fresh daily, crafted by skilled chefs, with options like pork, shrimp, eggs, and chives.

Quick lunch options come with clear menu guidance and curated dishes that make the meal spectacular and satisfying.

People are saying

"These dumplings are fresh, flavorful, and handmade."

"I loved the scallion pancakes and almost everything else I tried."

"This lunch spot has really spectacular food across the board."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant has limited seating, so arrive early or call ahead.

3

Street parking is available, but it can be challenging to find.

03
Jade Wok image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small dining room with traditional Chinese decor and soothing music creates a family-oriented, authentic vibe. Atmosphere stays lively but not loud, with workers chatting and cooking sounds blending into the background. Humble, no-frills setting feels welcoming and comforting.

Steamed dumplings stand out as exceptionally well-made and flavorful. Pan fried dumplings also deliver a delicious, satisfying texture alongside other tasty dishes like tofu and short ribs.

Lunch draws a busy crowd here. The food serves as a satisfying meal during the midday rush.

People are saying

"I found the Chinese food here to be super authentic and delicious."

"I found the dumplings to be the best I've ever had."

"The spareribs at this Lunch Spot are sticky, flavorful, and perfectly tender."

Good to know

1

Parking is available with metered spots in the front and a lot in the back.

2

The prices are reasonable, and portions are generous.

3

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

04
Spicy Sugar Thai Mid-City image 1

Small, cozy space with authentic Thai decor and a mom and pop vibe creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Quiet and casual, it offers a family-friendly setting with touches like Thai movie posters and humor in menus. Known for incredible, authentic Thai food, especially spicy soups and tasty noodles.

Green curry dumplings stand out with their unique flavor and are a popular choice. They pair well with spicy wings for a tasty combo.

Lunch hours show the restaurant nearly empty with only four tables filled on a Tuesday. Service feels overwhelmed despite the light crowd, making the lunch experience a bit slow.

People are saying

"I thought the Thai food here was some of the best I've ever tasted."

"You have to try the green curry dumplings; they're amazing."

"The employees at this Lunch Spot are so friendly."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a small lot next to the restaurant.

2

Reservations are recommended due to high demand.

3

They offer a secret menu with traditional Thai dishes.

05
Miari Noodle House image 1
Korean restaurant

Medium-sized Korean restaurant offers bright, well-lit atmosphere with home-cooked meal vibe and authentic mom and pop energy. Space fills up during lunch, attracting mostly Korean diners, with outdoor covered seating available for overflow. Walls display many food pictures, adding to the immersive Korean experience.

Boiled dumplings come larger than expected with a seasoned filling and perfect steaming. Both meat-filled and meatless options taste light and delicious, making them great for soups or ramen.

Medium-sized space fills up quickly during lunch with a packed crowd. Seating is decent but often fully occupied at midday.

People are saying

"The ox knee soup here is so delicious and comforting."

"The boiled dumplings are soft, pillowy, and stuffed with seasoned meat."

"This Lunch Spot's flavorful dishes and generous portions are worth it."

Good to know

1

Breakfast specials are available from 6:30 to 10:30 am.

2

Parking can be difficult during peak meal times.

3

There is a free underground parking lot available.

06
Fortune House Chinese Cuisine image 1

Classic Chinese restaurant with red tablecloths and gold chairs creates a cozy vibe despite an aged interior. Authentic Chinese music plays softly while a TV adds casual background noise. Large portions and many vegan options attract a diverse crowd seeking traditional flavors.

Steamed and pan-fried dumplings come in several varieties like chicken, Hargov, and ShangHai Xiao Long Bao. They serve these with ginger soy sauce and include options like egg rolls alongside.

Lunch offers great specials priced around $16.50, including a main course, tea, choice of rice, and daily soups. Meals serve well for groups and provide good value with a solid amount of food.

People are saying

"The seafood here is fresh and delicious, especially the shrimp."

"The family here really cares about you and your elderly family member."

"The Peking duck here is delicious with crispy skin."

Good to know

1

The lunch special costs $16.50 for a main course, tea, choice of rice, and soup.

2

There is a free parking lot available for customers.

3

Parking can be tough to find when it gets busy.

07
Golden Tree Restaurant image 1

Hole-in-the-wall restaurant with a minimalist design and clean, spacious interior offers a cozy, warm atmosphere that stays pleasantly quiet during lunch. The vibe is unassuming and friendly, making it easy to relax and enjoy authentic Chinese food without distractions.

Pan fried dumplings come out crispy and juicy with a delicate texture and just the right amount of filling. Pork dumplings offer a heavenly balance of flavor and texture.

Lunch hours bring a crowded rush but the noise stays low enough for easy conversation. Food preparation takes longer than expected and there are no lunch specials for two.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be truly exceptional."

"I thought the food at this Lunch Spot was pretty good."

"The orange chicken here is so flavorful and perfectly crunchy."

Good to know

1

Parking is free at night, but customers must pay if staying longer than 10 minutes.

2

Expect a quick service, making it suitable for a fast meal between meetings.

3

The restaurant offers a limited menu with plain white rice available for an extra charge.

08
Mama Lu's Dumpling House image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Dim sum restaurant with banquet-style seating and a retro Chinatown vibe offers a spacious interior suited for large groups. Atmosphere ranges from family-style dining with lively energy to quieter, more rushed moments. Dim sum carts and traditional decor add to the authentic experience.

Soupy sweet dumplings stand out with each bite filled with soup. Roast duck and soup dumplings offer authentic, flavorful tastes. Lobster noodles pair well with dumplings, wontons, and buns.

Lunch offers dinner-sized portions at affordable prices, making it good for a quick dim sum meal. Seating is usually available early, but parking fills up fast during lunch hours.

People are saying

"The Chinese food's honey garlic pork chop is crispy and aromatic."

"The soup dumplings here are amazing and super flavorful."

"The dumplings and orange chicken at this Lunch Spot are really good."

Good to know

1

Visiting on weekends offers a busy yet tasty dim sum experience with trolley carts to choose from.

2

During the Mid Autumn Festival 2024 on September 17, the restaurant encourages celebrating and enjoying their dishes.

3

Parking can fill up quickly during lunch hours.

09
Foo-Chow Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Older building with small space and simple furnishings creates a cozy, warm atmosphere reminiscent of classic Chinese style. Walls display movie memorabilia, adding a unique touch linked to a famous film backdrop. Quiet environment suits relaxed meals with a family-friendly vibe.

Dumplings come in several styles here, including wontons and options paired with dishes like orange chicken. Some versions stand out more than others, with steamed dumplings being less favored.

Lunch here offers generous portions with plenty of leftovers for another meal. The spot attracts fans of the movie Rush Hour and sits in a lively area good for walking and shopping.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is seasoned and tasty; I loved it."

"The seafood here is amazing and the portions are big."

"The dumplings here are amazing and great."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $20 cash only in the designated area.

2

Expect no wait times during midday visits on weekends.

3

Portions are generous, often enough for two people.

10
Yang Chow Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Walls display celebrity photos in a small, busy space with a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Patrons often arrive early to avoid waits, drawn by famous slippery shrimp and authentic Chinese dishes. Outdoor patio and valet parking add convenience to the experience.

Pan-fried dumplings made in-house stand out for their quality. The crab dumplings impress with their flavor, and all dumplings reach a level of pure perfection.

A popular lunch spot with a pleasant atmosphere and a quick seating process even for large parties. Ordering multiple dishes and soup provides plenty of food to take home for the next day.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and perfectly cooked."

"The Lunch Spot's slippery shrimp is excellent and delicious."

"I thought the dumplings here were the best Chinese food I had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but arriving early is recommended to avoid wait times.

2

Expect a small wait time of 1 to 5 minutes during peak hours on weekends.

3

The restaurant offers free valet parking for guests.

11
Bao Dim Sum House image 1
Dim sum restaurant

Contemporary dim sum restaurant offers a casual, welcoming atmosphere with cozy, lingering warmth and modern design. Tables feature Lazy Susans for easy sharing, and the space maintains a pleasant, tucked-away vibe. The setting suits those seeking authentic dim sum in a relaxed environment.

Mushroom Dumplings stand out with their rich flavor. Mini pan-fried soup dumplings and spicy wontons offer great heat and taste. Juicy roulette and duck complement the dumpling selection well.

Lunch offers immediate seating without reservations and a lunch special that provides great value with plenty of food.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is a perfect 10 out of 10."

"The pork dumplings were small but super good."

"This Lunch Spot's dumplings are bursting with flavor and freshness."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available from noon to 3 p.m.

2

Happy Hour runs from 4 to 7 p.m. with great prices.

3

Parking can be difficult and is not free.

12
Won Kok Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Narrow dining space with outdated interiors and busy takeout windows creates a downscale atmosphere. The place draws crowds for its authentic dim sum despite a worn and cluttered setting. Energy feels low key, offering a break from city hustle.

Shrimp dumplings and shu mai stand out with their fresh, tender fillings. The menu keeps it simple with steamed basics and buns, all consistently flavorful.

Lunch hours get busy with a steady flow of diners. The spot offers excellent lunch options including take out dim sum.

People are saying

"The food here, especially the buns, is worth driving for."

"The dumplings here are flavorful and satisfying."

"I loved the dim sum, especially the pork shu mai and shrimp har gow."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accepts cash only for all transactions.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Portions have decreased significantly, often not enough for two people.

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Central LA, Los Angeles

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