This place is definitely a hole in the wall, but some of the best authentic Chinese food in LA! Small and cozy on the inside but we were seated immediately. There was one lady serving for the whole restaurant and she was great. Very friendly and able to answer any questions we had. We ordered the chow mein and the orange chicken. Both were outstanding and honestly the orange chicken was the best I've ever had. Very rich and flavorful sauce covering perfectly fried chicken. The chow mein was also wonderful with lots meat, including fish. The beef and chicken were great in the house special. Everything else looked great too, but we were satisfied with our portions. Great find in Chinatown! read more

Zen Mei Bistro - Orange chicken - Chinese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This place isn't one of those aesthetic looking restaurants that are often featured and "viral'd" on Social Media. What it is, though, is a bit off the beaten path in Chinatown LA, fully embracing the "hole in the wall", small business vibe. If those fit the type of restaurants that attract you, come out and support them. Now for the food. It's family style friendly--and I say that because that, of course, is not mandatory. Eat the entrees as individual servings if you so choose--just know there are reels out there making fun of you if you do this, but I always say, do what you like as long as you're not harming anyone. *Shrug* I recommend trying out their vegetable chow mein, fried rice, the mapo tofu, chinese broccoli and chicken and also their chicken wings. Their food is not overly salted, which results in having the natural taste of the vegetables shine through. It's just solidly tasty and for me, satisfying. The workers are adequately helpful and friendly. And because the place is relatively small, it's easy to flag them down if you need anything. LOL. read more

Zen Mei Bistro - Solid food in Chinatown LA. Come support them. - Chinese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

super old school family spot. if you get the seasonal greens and the fresh wonton soup. you will be very happy. read more

Even though orange chicken is not really an authentic Chinese dish, Zen Mai does the best orange chicken I've ever had in my life! The more traditional dishes are also incredible...vermicelli noodles and fried cod! read more

Came here on a Saturday night around 6 pm. With so many restaurants in the area to choose from, we chose the one that had seemingly cheaper prices and a hole in the wall vibe. There were metered street parking spots and paid parking lots for $5 as is the norm in Chinatown. We were greeted and allowed to sit wherever we liked. The menu is big and I wanted to try too many things. I asked how much the lobster dishes were and the large was around $40 and small was around $20. Didn't order this time but would maybe try some other time. We automatically got some hot tea which was very nice on the chilly night. We decided to get the salt and pepper crispy shrimp, wonton noodle soup, and beef stew hot pot. Rice is extra so we ordered a large container of it (which we were charged for 2 bowls at $2 each). The wonton noodle soup came out first. The soup was blander than normal but there was soy sauce, chili sauce, and white pepper on the table which we added. It was a decent portion. I was surprised it came with white Bok choy and not Chinese broccoli (gai lan). White Bok choy is a bit more bitter than green/shanghai Bok choy. I prefer Chinese broccoli but the bok choy was cooked to soft. The salt and pepper shrimp was next. It had good flavor but the shrimp wasn't crispy enough. It should be crispy enough to eat the head, tail, and she'll comfortably but was a little tough. I still ate everything but my dad and boyfriend couldn't as it was a bit difficult to eat. The beef stew hot pot had good flavor as well and came with white Bok choy and daikon radish. The meat was a little tough and could be softer. Total was around $48 without tip, pretty good for 3 people who all left decently full with nearly no leftovers. The service was nice and friendly but this definitely was not one of my favorite Chinese restaurants. However, given the prices being cheaper than others in the area I think it's still good enough to try and perhaps other items on their expansive menu are better. They have really cheap lunch specials which is convenient. I personally would try other restaurants in the area before coming back, but I do appreciate the affordability! read more

Zen Mei Bistro - Wonton noodle soup - Chinese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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The dining area is tidy and well-maintained. However, the food lacks flavor and the portions are quite small. The soy sauce chicken I ordered appeared to be pre-cooked rather than freshly made, and it was not enjoyable. read more

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Lovely family owned Chinese corner restaurant with years of history. This mini gem serves up excellent cornerstone plates and popular Americanized options. Their menu includes lots of selection organized by the proteins, noodle, soup, porridge, seafood veggie and so on. While their inside has room for maybe 25 patrons or so it's still semi spacious and feels like a meal at home. The service is very quick and friendly. I loved their attention to customers and how quick the food was prepared. While we waited, we had poured a few cups of their complementary hot tea which made time pass quick! Their Beef hot pot was a hefty portion with a nice amount of savory beef sauce and had nice pieces of onion and bok Choi. Their shrimp was very tasty and crisp but could have been slightly more done. Still had Rich flavor and nice crunchy texture! The wonton noodle soup was a harmonious subtly soup with simple ingredients. I always spice it up myself using the table spices available which worked perfectly. Overall it was a great value for the price and delivered those familiarly Chinese flavors with a smile! I loved this find and would easily return read more

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I stopped by for a late lunch since i remember my mom taking me here over 20 years ago for the Wonton Noodle Soup. The workers were friendly and the restaurant was filled with different people and ethnicity which was nice. I ordered the Seafood Wonton Noodle soup since i remembered it as a child but sadly it was a bit bland. I tossed on a bunch of white pepper and a tad of soy sauce to make it to my likings. They did provide a lot of wontons which were delicious and more seasoned than the soup. Parking is going to be street parking which isn't too bad. Its a little hole in a wall restaurant. I also ordered 3 items off the lunch special which ranges from $9 and $11 which was more than reasonable. Overall its an affordable spot to stop by for lunch. Be aware that they close early! read more

Zen Mei Bistro - Seafood Wonton Noodle Soup 4/5 - Chinese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I took my wife on the metro bus out of the Harbor Gateway station in Gardena to have a Valentine's Day lunch at this restaurant. Since there was no lunch special menu, we ordered Chow Mein with beef stew Hong Kong style. The gravy and noodles were tasty. The flavor of the stew meat (with no tendon) and vegetables was lackluster. We also ordered Steamed Pork with salted egg. Some parts were more salty than other parts of the dish. Check your bill. we were charged 10.25% sales tax instead of 9.75%. We had the restaurant to ourselves without having to pay extra. I am glad that the dishes were made to order. The service staff was cordial. Overall, I plan to move on and try other restaurants in the local area with the remaining credits on our TAP cards. read more

Not certain why all the rave reviews. We were in the area recently and decided to give it a try. It was around 1PM on a weekday. With the exception of a couple of take outs, only one old guy and a table of 2 construction workers (all non-Asian) were in the restaurant. We ordered 2 dishes and I didn't like either one. Both tasted bland and lacked umami. Had to use the small but clean bathroom in the back that doubled as a storage room. The place really looked like a dive. The hostess was friendly but not the elderly woman who brought out the food.(not the cook who was sitting down in the kitchen). read more

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The food is always amazing, service attentive and the plain dining room is indicating the restaurant puts its money into quality food. Michelle the owner is friendly and remembers your face, I can't tell you how many people I have sent here to have a solid Cantonese meal at a bargain price. Highlights for us are the mapo tofu, the wonton noodle seafood soup, salt and pepper pork chops, the house special Yee min, really too many things too name. I live in Chinatown and people are always pressuring me from my favorite place - this is it! A block off Hill Street on Yale so parking is much easier and more accommodating. Try it, I think you'll be back for more. read more

Read about this place in Mexico and checked it out on a recent trip to LA, where I lived for over 25 years. Wow! What a find! Off the strip and will be your next cherished discovery for sure! Super friendly, family-run establishment with a smart selection of seafood, perfectly seasoned duck and old school favorites, all made with love and great skill. The sizzling soup alone sets you up for further expolration and the portions are large for sharing, and refreshingly affordable. Go for the DELICIOUS grub, not so much the ambiance - but you won't mind, and you'll want to come back. read more

Fried rice alone deserves 5 stars - I always pick up here the night before work pot lucks and it's super tasty the next day! It's the perfect dry rice texture that soaks up flavor well. Michelle always is happy to see me when I dine in or do take out. Pro tip if you are under expensing deadlines - you can order ahead, pay the day of, and come back two weeks later to pick up your order. read more

Zen Mei Bistro - Chinese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

A small mom and pop restaurant on the edge of Chinatown. I was really craving Singapore style rice noodles and this place has them! The noodles were super yummy, and the eggplant was good too. The food came out fast and they were really nice and helpful. We stayed at the restaurant talking for a really long time and they didn't mind :) read more

Zen Mei Bistro - Singapore style pan fried rice noodles - Chinese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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A family restaurant in China Town Los Angeles closed to Union station and downtown LA. Convenience. Many parking nearby. I will recommend it if you want to try the Chinese food. It's like our local Chinese food in Guangdong China. Tastes great and not too salty. Boss is a woman, nice and talkative such your friends. Always smile and politely, friendly. Most importantly is lunch set only from $8.99 included soup, main course, rice and tea. $11 will get sea food lunch, I don't think you can find anywhere such a valuable price. Place unique and clean. read more

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Completely authentic Chinese food! I highly recommend taking the owners advice. She recommended a seasonal dish that was to die for! The staff was so incredibly kind especially because I cannot speak a word of Chinese. It is an authentic home in the wall, don't trust the outside to judge the food. read more

Zen Mei Bistro - Just a hole in the wall. - Chinese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I was hungry and craving Chinese food. Ironically I was parked on the same street as this restaurant. I had been knowing about this restaurant for quite some time, but never got the opportunity to eat here. Until today. From the decor to the whole setup inside, it's like walking into an old school Chinese restaurant. There's something nostalgic about restaurants like this. You almost feel like your home. I was greeted by a nice lady who I assume is the owner. As I sat down, she brought some tea and a plate to my table. Looking through the menu, I noticed they had a variety of dishes to choose from. I ended up ordering Beef chow fun. It was mouthwatering delicious. The crunch of the onions, the silliness of the noodles and the bite of the beef. I was in Heaven! This will now be a new staple restaurant for me in the near future. Today was my 1st but definitely not my last time eating at Zen Mei Bistro. read more

Zen Mei Bistro - Chinese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Train trip to LA to explore LA's Chinatown. Read other Yelp reviews for Zen Mei Bistro, and wanted to give them a try. Small independent owned restaurants are the heart and soul of the food industry, which I always try and support. Support this little bistro! The food is fresh, made to order, service is fast and friendly, and you'll feel like you've just eaten a home cooked meal! Fortune cookies too! read more

Zen Mei Bistro - Hong Kong style chow mein. - Chinese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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What a great find! The food here is delicious. All our dishes were so tasty. The food was fresh and authentic. All the dishes we had were delicious and the prices are so affordable! It's a little off the beaten path, but it is such a great spot. We will be back to try the other dishes. They have a very extensive menu. The service there were awfully friendly and helpful and very nice. read more

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Great place. Not fancy and very friendly. Fantastic food and wonderful service. Great portions and prices.

This is my new favorite cozy bistro. If you're looking for the perfect homemade style food in a welcoming environment, this is the place! Felt like I was eating in someone's home. The service was great and very kind! The food was very delicious and I'm excited to come back to try some more. We got the beef black bean sauce chow mein and orange chicken. 10/10 read more

my dad and i have been coming here for years. the workers are always so kind and welcoming. the complimentary soup and black tea warm your soul and the food is delicious and authentic. we got the crispy chow mein with beef and mapo tofu off of their 10.95 menu, dont let the price fool you because the portions are more than generous! we will be coming back to enjoy many more times in the near future read more

Been coming here for years. Wonton Noodle soup is always a must for me. Service is so friendly here whether you are dining in or taking out. The vibe inside is hole in the wall but the food speaks for itself as good American chinese food. read more

Always a great place to go. Just went here after a long road trip and it feels so good to be home! This place is small and the staff are so friendly - you really can't go wrong, but they have the BEST salt and pepper squid! read more

The food here is absolutely delicious and you HAVE to try it! My husband and I got the salted rock cod, the walnut shrimp (recommended by the waitress!), eggplant in spicy sauce and the chicken fried rice. Everything was fresh & tasty, every portion was great, and the staff were very friendly! Will definitely be back bc we have to try the rest of the menu now (which is extensive!) The ambiance was quiet and nice too! read more

Zen Mei Bistro - Walnut shrimp - Chinese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Zen Mei Bistro is an old good comfort food neighborhood restaurant. The noise level is of customers quietly chatting. The setting is a simple eat-and-run basic restaurant. Nothing fancy, but popular among the locals. The important thing is that the food is reliable to be very tasty, ample, diverse, & inexpensive! The service is fast from the kitchen to your table and the food is hot off the stove. read more

Some of the best food I've had in my entire life. I am an extremely picky eater. If I do not know what the meat is or if I do not know what is in the dish I do not eat it, this restaurant was the first restaurant in two decades to make me change my rule. Whatever is put in front of me I would have no problem eating here. Genuinely delicious read more

Solid food with affordable prices! The ambiance is not the greatest, as it is like a small non-acoustic mom and pop business with locals that frequent here, but the waitresses are friendly. Speaks Cantonese but also very good English. Traditional Chinese food dishes with many selections to choose from. You can tell the meat is cooked to the perfect tenderness while it is not too salty nor greasy. The amount of food is also plentiful as well! Come here for their wonton soups as this is their specialty! Opens till 9 PM. read more

Zen Mei Bistro - Pork Wonton (10 pieces) with Shrimp - Chinese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Been grubbing here forever! Great food, great portions, awesome folx, great service! Support local fam!

Delicious food! Especially the wonton soup! We went for Christmas Dinner...but we should have skipped the Peking Duck!

I would give Zen Mei 10 stars if I could.... I have been coming to this place for at least 5 years before Covid since I am working near Chinatown. This mom and pop restaurant reminds me of those restaurants in Cho Lon (VN) where you will find majority of Chinese Vietnamese live and work there. The restaurant is small. However, the menu offers wide range of authentic Chinese dishes. They even offer lobsters dishes. The taste is consistently good. Everything is fresh from seafood to vegetables. No msg added. And the price is very reasonable. At one time in the past, I told my friends that they should have raised the prices. Now the owner.... Her name is Michelle. I had never seen anyone with a brightest smile when greeting customers. She is the most friendly restaurant owner that you can find. She does work in the kitchen and so the front. Despite the hard work, she never loose her cool. That's the thing I really admire her. Oh.... and they have lunch special menu that offers lots of popular Chinese dishes and you have till 4pm to get this special price. So if you are in the area, please pay a visit to this little restaurant. I guarantee you won't regret. read more

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Yum yum! Excellent food! Just raised the prices, but who hasn't. Still great bang for the buck! read more

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Very cozy restaurant with delicious food and great service. We ordered the chicken and mushroom dish, wonton and noodle soup, and egg rolls. I enjoyed all the food, especially the wontons in the soup and black mushrooms in the stir fry. I also highly recommend their eggplant dish. Service was fast and friendly :) Will be back for more! read more

Zen Mei Bistro - Chicken and mushroom dish - Chinese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Awesome friendly service, and they kept the tea coming. Dumplings, curry chicken, and chicken chow mein all really fresh and tasty. read more

Zen Mei Bistro - Curry chicken - Chinese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

My cousin & her finance invited us for lunch here. We were the only Latinos, but felt very welcomed by the lady who helped us. You feel like you're at your grandma's house when you dine in here. It seriously feels like a home. They start you off with warm tea that pretty much doesn't have a flavor to it, but you feel healthy drinking it. We waited about 20 mins for our order to be cooked. That's how we knew it was fresh! We tried the chow mein, orange chicken, white rice, beef brócoli, and the black pepper beef. The chow mein was SO GOOD. You could taste the crispy thin noodle flavor. Oh yeah- I might add that if you're used to Panda Express flavor, you won't find it here. However, the noodles here are so good! The white rice is delicious too! The orange chicken was definitely more soft in texture, tasted differently than at panda, I would say more on the soft sweeter side, and not crispy. The beef broccoli was like 7/10, I think I prefer panda's. But the black pepper BEEF we got last was AMAZING, oh and not spicy at all! It was really good. I would eat here again. The fortune cookies seem to be accurate as well... read more

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Happy to have the place around after so many decades. Been taking my family here for years for wonton soup and chow mein after dodger games. It's family owned and always cheers up when we stop in. Clean and kind waitstaff. Check them out in this economy let's keep them open! read more

Hole in the wall = amazing food This is pretty legit. Small mom and pop store near Alpine Recreation Center. Was working out across the street and got hungry. Decided to stop here and support small local business. We're all very happy we came here and got to experience this place. Really enjoyed everything we ordered. My favorite was the honey walnut shrimp. Dumping soup. And Mongolian need. read more

Zen Mei Bistro - Chinese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Ugh! Well the reviews were so good for the orange chicken! But I didn't find it even edible. The worst quality chicken. I chewed and spit it out. There was no meat, seemed like just a bunch of scraps pierces and skin. So very disappointed. Fried rice was good! And service was great. So I will return and try some other items! I want to support small business, but I need to be able to swallow. read more

The food was great, big potions, easy pick up order and great service. Loved the mangolian beef, orange chicken, kungpao chicken, and chowmein soft noodles beef. All of this for a great price. read more

Zen Mei Bistro - Chowmein - Chinese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Okay People, stop putting fake 5-star reviews! I came here with high expectations but was disappointed by the LET-DOWN! Do Not Recommend! The wonton soup was so bland and the wontons were not tasty at all. I also tried the country style chow fun and it was again bland as hell. I don't get why they don't provide hot chili oil? If your food is bland, at least give us some hot chili oil to make your dishes more enjoyable and edible . read more