Seemor
Din Tai FungA-Worth Trying
10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90067
· Taiwanese restaurant, Chinese restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (2689 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Buzzing dumpling destination serving precise xiao long bao and crowd-pleasing small plates with efficient service; expect waits, mall energy, and premium pricing for consistency.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Din Tai Fung delivers exceptional food quality anchored by signature xiao long bao and spicy wontons that justify its devoted following, supported by strong service attentiveness and reliable execution. The comfortable but occasionally tight seating and solid consistency across visits position it competitively with the area's better neighborhood restaurants, though modest portions and peak-hour waits prevent the seamless excellence of grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
The room hums with busy, polished energy: a glass-walled crew pinches dumplings with metronome precision while servers glide through a waitlist that can stretch for hours. Guests rave, "the broth-filled dumplings pop with flavor," and managers often step in to keep things smooth. Do not expect white tablecloths—this is a well-oiled operation in a premium mall, lively and efficient rather than hushed. The kitchen leans classic Taiwanese and Shanghainese, refined but not showy. Think delicate xiao long bao, spicy wontons that win tables, garlicky string beans, and comforting sesame noodles. It suits diners who value consistency, clean flavors, and shareable plates over fusion theatrics. A truffle XLB and a Taiwanese whisky cocktail nod to indulgence without tipping into gimmickry. Families are welcome. Staff provide high chairs and kid-friendly plates, and the open kitchen keeps little ones fascinated. Simple hits like fried rice, sesame noodles, and broccoli with garlic make it easy for picky eaters, while adventurous kids can try a dumpling or two. Expect a crowd, but it is organized chaos most will happily endure.
At a Glance
- Precision xiao long bao and spicy wontons deliver consistent joy
- Lively service culture with management that often resolves issues
- Long waits at peak times; reservations strongly advised
- Portions skew small; order multiple plates to feel satisfied
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- precision_xiao_long_bao
- open_dumpling_kitchen
- broad_vegan_options
What People Love
- That first burst of hot XLB broth
- Addictive garlic string beans
- Spicy wontons with just-right heat
- Watching dumplings folded behind glass
- Reliable quality across repeat visits
Points of Concern
- Waitlist and seating policies can feel rigid; peak waits reach 2–3 hours
- Course timing sometimes staggered; a few dishes arrived lukewarm per reports
- A handful of cleanliness incidents surfaced amid many clean mentions
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($25+ mains and multiple small plates) which may surprise casual diners
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-$62 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a shared set: 1 XLB, 1 spicy wonton, 1 veg, 1 noodle per two diners; add a specialty if hungry
- Vegan diners: choose vegan dumplings, spicy wontons, sesame noodles, and sautéed greens
Perfect For
- Sharing plates with friends before a movie
- Family dinners where kids can watch dumplings made
- Solo bar bites when you can snag a seat
- Out-of-town guests seeking a polished Taiwanese staple
Location Insights
Area: Upscale mall setting in Century City targeting shoppers, office workers, and destination diners; polished and busy.
Safety: Well-maintained, high foot traffic, bright lighting; perceived safe even evenings.
Nearby: Inside major shopping center near offices, cinemas, and premium retail; easy to pair with errands or movies.
Century CityCentury City is a prominent business and commercial hub with a high concentration of office towers, luxury hotels, and upscale shopping malls. The dining scene here caters largely to business professionals and visitors, offering a mix of casual and fine dining options with a focus on convenience and quality.
Westfield Century CityWestfield Century City is a major shopping mall and entertainment complex featuring a wide range of restaurants, retail stores, and a cinema, attracting a steady flow of shoppers and diners throughout the day and evening.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:30
Tuesday11:00–21:30
Wednesday11:00–21:30
Thursday11:00–21:30
Friday11:00–22:00
Saturday10:00–22:00
Sunday10:00–21:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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