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ZipPicks Awards
Best Dim Sum in Santa Monica
Best Chinese in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
Dan Modern Chinese
7.9
This contemporary Chinese spot brings handmade dumplings and noodles to downtown Santa Monica with a clean, modern aesthetic. Their dan mein noodles are perfectly chewy, and the three cup chicken delivers authentic Taiwanese flavors at prices that won't break the bank.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dan Mein Short Rib, Steamed Chicken Dumplings, Garlic String Beans
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Fresh handmade noodles and modern take on classics
Who should go: Casual diners seeking quality without pretense
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for easy seating
What to order: Dan mein, scallion pancakes, soup dumplings
Insider tip: Sidewalk tables welcome dogs
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking limited, especially weekends. Public lot on 4th Street ($3/hour). Consider walking from Santa Monica Place garage
Dress code: Casual - anything from workout clothes to business casual fits right in
Noise level: Lively but manageable - easy conversation at regular tables, patio quieter
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical, up to 45 min peak times (no reservations taken)
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating before 12:30pm, 10-15 min after
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid selection including vegetable dumplings, noodle dishes, scallion pancakes
Vegan options: Limited - vegetable dumplings can be made vegan, ask about noodle broths
Gluten-free options: Minimal - rice dishes available but cross-contamination likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates - energetic atmosphere takes pressure off, sharing dim sum is interactive, and $$ pricing won't intimidate. Skip for formal romantic evenings
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations. Come before 6pm weekdays or put your name in and grab a drink nearby while waiting
Is it kid-friendly? Very - high chairs available, kids love watching dumpling makers through kitchen window, and quick service keeps little ones happy. Best for ages 3+
Best For
Better for: Fresher, hand-pulled noodles than Din Tai Fung at half the price. More authentic Taiwanese flavors than typical Americanized dim sum chains
Skip if: You want traditional cart service dim sum (try Sea Harbour) or upscale ambiance for special occasions (go to Hakkasan instead)
Hours
Monday11:30am - 9:30pm
Tuesday11:30am - 9:30pm
Wednesday11:30am - 9:30pm
Thursday11:30am - 9:30pm
Friday11:30am - 9:30pm
Saturday11:30am - 9:30pm
Sunday11:30am - 9:30pm