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Best of Monterey Park

Chinese lunch spots

A midday break for Chinese food is the only way to power through the rest of the afternoon.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Kim Kee Noodle Cafe image 1
Kim Kee Noodle Cafe image 2
Kim Kee Noodle Cafe image 3
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Chinese noodle restaurant

Small, packed space with booths and tables creates a cozy, bustling atmosphere. Authentic Cantonese and Vietnamese noodle dishes draw steady crowds, especially at lunch, with fast service and extensive customizations. Cash-only policy and limited parking add to the traditional, no-frills vibe.

Beef chow fun comes very saucy with a rich gravy that stands out. Noodles and wonton soup offer solid, typical Cantonese and Vietnamese flavors in a casual cafe setting.

Small space fills up quickly during lunch, creating a lively atmosphere. Fish & Chicken Egg Noodle stands out as a popular lunch dish here.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, with great flavor and filling portions."

"The Chinese food here is super good, especially the chow fun with gravy."

"This Lunch Spot's Fish & Chicken Egg Noodle tasted very nice."

Good to know

1

They only accepted cash as payment.

2

Kim Kee Noodle Cafe opens early around 7:30am.

3

There was a 20-minute wait on a weekend.

02
Duck House Restaurant 鹿鼎記 image 1

Chinese restaurant with traditional decor and private rooms featuring large round tables suits family gatherings. Atmosphere ranges from cozy and elegant to noisy and crowded during busy times. The setting includes instrumental music and attention to detail in tableware.

Peking duck stands out as the signature dish, prepared beautifully and full of flavor. Other dishes like mapo tofu and sesame ball dessert also appear on the menu and receive positive mentions.

Lunch features a good menu with notable dishes like Peking duck. The atmosphere stays great for lunch.

People are saying

"The Peking Duck here is delicious and fantastic."

"The Peking duck here is fantastic, especially the crispy skin."

"This is my new favorite Lunch Spot for the duck."

Good to know

1

Reservations are advisable to ensure availability of the duck, as they do run out.

2

The restaurant charges a 16% service fee for all parties.

3

Parking is convenient with a large private lot and street options.

03
Capital Seafood, Monterey Park image 1

Huge, ornately decorated space with old-school push carts serving dim sum creates a traditional vibe. Loud atmosphere often includes karaoke music and can feel warm and stuffy due to limited ventilation. Popular for social gatherings and known for authentic Cantonese dim sum with reasonable prices.

Dim sum features freshly made shrimp dumplings, pork buns, and crispy spring rolls with authentic flavors. The menu includes baked running yolk buns and beef tendon, served via traditional carts, offering great taste at affordable prices.

Lunch specials come at reasonable prices. Parking gets tight during lunch hours. The spot suits family gatherings and casual meals.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is great and affordable."

"The dim sum here is great and affordable."

"This Lunch Spot has great food that reminded me of the good old days."

Good to know

1

Parking took me 20-30 minutes to find a spot during weekend brunch.

2

I should reserve a table for the weekend because there are a lot of people.

3

Dim Sum is served 7 days a week from 8am to 3pm.

04
Kim Tar Seafood Restaurant image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers a welcoming, cozy atmosphere with recently remodeled interiors and a patio seating area. It attracts families and locals seeking authentic Chinese dishes like lobster and salt & pepper pork. The space feels clean and comfortable despite being somewhat small.

Classic Szechuan flavors shine in dishes like shrimp and Kung Pao. The orange chicken balances tangy, sweet, and savory perfectly, while the Mongolian beef stands out as fantastic.

Lunch offers reasonably priced specials like the House Special Chicken with rice, which is buttery and filling. The House Special Noodle Soup also serves as a solid lunch choice.

People are saying

"This Chinese food is so bomb bomb, I loved everything."

"The fried rice here is super flavorful and packed a punch."

"The House Special Chicken Wings are a must-order sweet and savory lunch."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available on Sundays.

2

Credit cards incur an extra charge; bring cash to avoid this fee.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

05
NBC Seafood Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Dim sum arrives via traditional propane carts in a spacious, family-friendly setting filled with lively, noisy energy. Large tables accommodate groups, making it a popular spot for social gatherings. The atmosphere feels like a bustling market with constant conversation and vibrant activity.

Cart dim sum offers a classic experience with authentic Cantonese cuisine. Steamed dumplings and other dishes come hot and fresh, making it a solid spot for family or friends to enjoy high-quality dim sum.

Seating comes quickly during lunch, even on weekdays. The menu offers Chinese Mandarin and Cantonese dishes, including dim sum and family lunch set menus served promptly.

People are saying

"I loved the dim sum; it was delicious and authentic Cantonese."

"I loved the authentic cart dim sum experience here."

"The dim sum at this Lunch Spot is mouthwateringly delicious."

Good to know

1

Dim sum ends at 3pm, so arrive early to enjoy it.

2

Lion and dragon dancers perform around 12pm during the Lunar New Year.

3

Parking can be challenging, especially on holidays.

06
Longten Cafe image 1
Hong Kong style fast food restaurant

High ceilings and spacious seating create a comfortable, lowkey atmosphere with a mix of modern and festive decor. The vibe stays relaxed and cheerful, making it easy to hang out and talk. Free underground parking adds convenience to the experience.

Cantonese breakfast includes congee and rice noodles like char siu cheung fun with BBQ pork that melts in your mouth. Lunch specials offer decent string beans, fried pork chop, and cod filet at reasonable prices.

Affordable lunch specials run from $11.95 to $13, with options like fried pork chop, string beans, and cod filet. The menu is smaller but offers authentic Hong Kong style local lunches that suit small groups well.

People are saying

"This cafe has huge portions and tasty, authentic Hong Kong style food."

"The Chinese food lunch specials are the cheapest for decent string beans and fried pork chop."

"This lunch spot has huge portions and decent prices."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available from 11am to 5pm, priced at $11.99 or $12.99.

2

Takeout is allowed for lunch specials, but it's usually dine-in.

3

Parking is free and available in the underground structure.

07
Delicious Food Corner image 1
Hong Kong style fast food restaurant

Hong Kong-style fast food restaurant offers a casual diner-like atmosphere with a cozy, home-style vibe and moderate crowd levels. Shared seating is common for small groups, creating a slightly communal dining experience. The place stands out for its authentic Cantonese dishes and efficient service.

Offers authentic Cantonese dishes with a focus on chicken congee with preserved egg and dim sum. The crispy chow mein and shrimp chow fun stand out as exceptional Cantonese specialties.

Busy weekends show its popularity for brunch and lunch. Offers refillable HK milk tea and lemon tea, but soda comes only in cans. Late lunch works well any day of the week.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so delicious and fresh."

"This Chinese food congee is huge, thick, and hot."

"This is a convenient lunch spot, perfect for a late meal."

Good to know

1

Free street parking is available on Fernfield Drive.

2

Parking is limited, and the small lot can fill up quickly.

3

A 20% discount is offered for takeout during peak hours.

08
New Lucky Seafood Restaurant image 1

Many private rooms with large windows create a quiet, comfortable atmosphere suitable for small gatherings. The space is somewhat small and the decor is simple but clean. Prices are reasonable, and fresh seafood and flavorful soups are common features.

Traditional Cantonese dishes offer authentic flavors with soups made from seasonal ingredients to balance Yin and Yang. Orange chicken stands out as exquisite, though the Peking duck bread tends to be a bit hard.

Lunch offers reasonable prices and good specials with both meat and vegetables. Servers often change dirty plates during busy hours, and meals come with free broth and rice.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"The lunch special portions are generous and a great value."

"The private rooms offer some privacy for Chinese food parties."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers lunch specials with no minimum order on weekdays.

2

There is plenty of off-street parking available, with a structure in front.

3

Most menu items cost over $10 to $11, with different prices for lunch and dinner.

09
Crystal Palace - Fine Dim Sum and Chinese Restaurant image 1

Fine dim sum restaurant inside a modern hotel blends contemporary and traditional decor with a bright, airy dining room and private rooms for upscale dining. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and comfortable to noisy due to packed seating and poor acoustics. Offers easy underground parking and suits business lunches and special occasions.

Dim sum here offers authentic Hong Kong flavors with a focus on freshly made, natural tasting dishes. Staff provide knowledgeable and attentive service enhancing the traditional experience.

Offers both dim sum and traditional lunch options. Suitable for business lunches and casual meals. Provides a comfortable spot to hang out during lunch or dinner.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here have delicious food with lots of variety."

"I loved their dim sum and shrimp dishes."

"This lunch spot has delicious food and a refined dining experience."

Good to know

1

Parking is complimentary with validation for up to three hours.

2

Prices are about 20%-40% higher than nearby restaurants.

3

The restaurant does not have a reservation system for lunch, leading to potential wait times.

10
Hong Kong Cafe 香港茶餐廳 image 1
Cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style cafe)

Cha chaan teng with authentic Hong Kong decor and arcade machines creates a lively, nostalgic atmosphere. Bright, clean space fills with energy late into the night, evoking Hong Kong street vibes. Walls display mahjong tiles and HK signage, enhancing the immersive experience.

Cantonese and Hong Kong staples shine with authentic dim sum served until late. Dishes like Seafood Chow Mein with fish, shrimp, octopus, and cuttlefish on crispy noodles and Yang Chow fried rice come in sizable, flavorful portions.

Nearby workers use it for lunch breaks since it serves only lunch and dinner. No breakfast menu or lunch specials are offered, unlike other local cafes.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and affordable."

"The Chinese food here really makes you feel like you're in Hong Kong."

"This Lunch Spot's decor feels authentically Hong Kong with a retro vibe."

Good to know

1

The cafe opens at 11 AM and stays open until 1:59 AM daily.

2

Expect a long wait, especially for parties larger than four.

3

Parking is available in the basement of the plaza.

11
ABC Cafe image 1
Restaurant

Cozy Hong Kong style cafe with simple rustic decor and a spacious interior that encourages relaxed dining and conversation. Atmosphere is quiet and pleasant, though it can feel warm inside. Offers affordable prices with a mix of traditional and modern touches after recent renovations.

Seafood chow mein comes out crispy and flavorful. Wonton soup stands as a must-try dish. The menu focuses on Cantonese/Hong Kong cafe dishes with mostly good flavors, though steamed rice sheets with shrimp miss the mark.

Lunch offers hot food with good portion sizes at reasonable prices around $8.99. Specials provide value and stay consistent even on weekends.

People are saying

"This Hong Kong-style cafe has delicious, affordable food like the pineapple buns."

"The lunch spot has really reasonable prices, even on weekends."

"The Cantonese noodle and stir-fry dishes here are delicious."

Good to know

1

The cafe is open until midnight for late-night eats.

2

Afternoon tea deals for noodles are available.

3

Free parking is available, but it fills up quickly.

12
Boiling Point image 1
Hot pot restaurant

Small, crowded space with flat metal chairs and limited seating creates a compact dining experience. Atmosphere feels cool to cold, with a focus on quick turnover during busy times. Menu offers large hot pot servings with some spicy broths and free tea refills at lunch.

Offers Taiwanese hot pot known for its comforting and hearty flavors. Provides a relaxed spot to enjoy a sit-down meal centered on hot pot.

Lunch hours include a free drink with the meal, with options like black or green tea available. The spot tends to be quiet on weekday afternoons.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be pretty delicious."

"The Chinese food here is so filling, it's enough for two."

"The milk curry at this Lunch Spot is delicious."

Good to know

1

Street parking is widely available, often right in front of the restaurant.

2

The lunch menu includes complimentary green and black tea.

3

The meal costs around $20 per person, including drinks.

13
Milk & Co Cafe 牛奶冰室 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Elegant space blends traditional Cantonese dishes with HK Café-style fare and dim sum under one roof. Families and Cantonese-speaking diners create a lively, authentic atmosphere. Complimentary tea and daily soup add to the affordable, value-driven experience.

Many diners speak Cantonese here, signaling authentic and affordable Cantonese cuisine. Dishes have great wok-hay flavor and come with a complimentary hot pot of tea and daily soup.

Lunch specials range from $9.99 to $13.99 with over 40 dishes to pick from. Meals include rice, soup, and hot tea and offer good value for the price.

People are saying

"The food, especially the pork chop rice, was tender and flavorful."

"This lunch spot has amazing value, with specials starting at $9.99."

"The Cantonese food here is authentic, flavorful, and tastes like home."

Good to know

1

The Special Lunch is served from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

2

There's a promotion offering 10% off all to-go dim sum orders as of December 22, 2023.

3

Lunch specials start at $9.99 and go up to $13.99, offering over 40 dishes.

14
J J Hong Kong Cafe image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Older Cantonese restaurant with fluorescent lighting and outdated decor creates a busy, loud atmosphere filled with nostalgic Hong Kong cafe vibes. Crowded seating and casual energy reflect an authentic, old-school dining experience. Late hours and affordable prices add to its practical appeal.

Large chunks of beef tendon and brisket appear in the curry hot pot. The Mapo Tofu is white, tender, and well-prepared. Beef chow fun carries authentic wok hei flavor.

Lunch includes a special menu with options like baked pork chop and drinks such as refillable ice lemon tea. Service takes over 10 minutes during lunch hours, and the meal costs $15.

People are saying

"The food here, especially the lamb and beef, is so tender and juicy."

"The Chinese Food here is so tender and juicy."

"This Lunch Spot has amazing chicken fried steak and smelt roe fried rice."

Good to know

1

J J Hong Kong Cafe is open till 2 AM, great for late-night dining.

2

Parking is available in the back, with fewer issues at night.

3

Orders before 4 PM receive a discount, making it more affordable.

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