Cerritos/Artesia is good enough to keep the locals from having to drive to the SGV. There’s even a branch of Omar’s there. And it’s been a cradle of Chinese dessert places who have branched out to the SGV.
1 Like
Canaan, Omar’s, Northern Cafe, Tasty Noodle House, Shangjie, May’s, Szchwan Noodle, Quest Yes, Kim Tar, Ho Ho, Class 302, etc.
And of course @chandavkl’s favorite, Ooak Kitchen.
2 Likes
Thanks. Didn’t know there was a Tasty Noodle House. It’s been on my list.
I guess since I’m kind of equidistant between Cerritos and ESGV I’ve been going to Hacienda/Rowland Heights because I’m more familiar with that area. Will give Cerritos a test drive.
Perhaps also time for a new Honda. Been 17 years.
2 Likes
As you know Irvine is home to many of the usual SGV suspects and affiliates thereof. Unfortunately my favorite unknown place, Kashgar Grill which served Uyghur food, closed down. At this point, probably Rainbow Bridge.
Hi @chandavkl or anyone else that wants to chime in. I have been looking for a go-to Chinese restaurant around me, but Irvine is close enough. Nice atmosphere, wine and beer- not a strip mall place.
I tried Capital Seafood a few weeks ago and was disappointed. Was craving won ton soup. Their broth wasn’t good, fried rice was inedible and a beef dish was just ok. It’s too bad because we thought we might have a winner there.
I’ve been to a few of the places on this list and I loved DTF. There is a restaurant right near me in Dana Point that sounds good too.
Any help for this non-Asian guy looking for traditional Cantonese dishes (at least that’s what I think I’m looking for)?
I’m no expert like @chandavkl or @ipsedixit but I think Tasty Garden might fit the bill. They are a mini chain with Cantonese style dishes
orange chicken
honey walnut shrimp
kung pao
beef loc lac
beef chow fun
string beans
lots of fried rice varieties
It’s not going to knock your socks off but I think you’ll get some solid food.
https://www.tastygardenirvineca.com/
1 Like
Thanks. That’s the kind of places I’m looking for.
I think if you were disappointed with Capital you’re not going to be any happier st Tasty Garden.
For wonton in Irvine try Capital Noodle Bar, descended from LA Chinatown pioneer Kim Tar. Other Canto spots include China Garden, Sam Woo and SW Seafood
1 Like
You guys realize Cerritos and Artesia are in Los Angeles County, don’t you? 
Capital Seafood was the first time in my life that I didn’t take the leftovers- that rice was nasty.
Thanks @chandavkl. I haven’t been to Sam Woo in years since I worked nearby. Will check out the others.
Traded up for a Odyssey. Drove all the way to Carson for 0.9% APR and $0 down.
I honestly forgot. The geography gets fuzzy in that area.
It’s like how the panhandle of Florida is really southern Georgia.
That center just north of the 5 fwy and Red Hill is a prime example. It houses Yang’s Braised Chicken which I found to be average. Not sure how far north it will go, I see the move East much faster in growth. They are opening a 168 Market in Chino which will have a food court with beer and wine apparently, and that same Chino Spectrum Center is being slowly taken over by Asian restaurants.
I was a bit surprised to find a couple of way-South county places on the list. I used to work right near where Little Kitchen appears to be (Dana Point) but never knew it was there. China Moon, on the other hand, I used to go to all the time. Even owned a business in the same center. Jackson and Vanessa have always done a fine job but it seems like the menu might now be a bit more adventurous than in past years. Need to go back soon.
Caveat that virtually all listings of best Chinese restaurants are written to be “geographically correct” as I previously discussed.
2 Likes