This location is right by my house. I remember my dad telling my siblings and I about restaurants nearby, and he didn't like coming here because of how business it was. Once we came, the wait time was so bad we ended up getting take-out. Reading about DTF in Fresh Off The Boat and hearing about it from friends traveling to Taiwan, I was astonished to see just how big of an impact around the world. Was it really that good? The irony dumpling restaurant by our house? Now, DTF has greatly expanded, finding another home a little ways more down the street and in more malls around the U.S. Anyways back to the experience with the og location. My sis and I went a little after 11AM in hopes of getting our order in. The night before, we were frantically trying to get our Postmates order in, but since they had just announced they were closing, everyone was frantic trying to have a last taste from the "better tasting" location. Upon arriving, we were told we had to call to order and they weren't doing in person orders. When we called, there was a whole queue of people waiting to get their orders in. We were number 30, and the entire call was half an hour long! They were out of a lot of things, so we ended up ordering two XLB, seasame and Mochi XLB, and chocolate XLB. The employee taking our order was very efficient and communicated well with us. After half an hour, it was ready and we picked our order up (half an hour later). Although it was their last day of operations they still did their best to enforce social distancing measures and being kind to customers. Kudos to them on that. P.S. The chocolate XLB may be expensive, but I highly suggest trying it, especially if you are dining in. The warm chocolate is very rich, so taking a bite of gooey chocolate is h e a v e n l y.
Justin L.
After 20 years of service, the original US location of Din Tai Fung will permanently close June 11. Known for their signature XLBs, Michelin awards (2010 Star in Hong Kong, other recognitions), 2-hour lines, classy interiors, and hearty Taiwanese dishes. I mean sure, this family-run brand has come a long way since their humble strip mall beginnings. You can find Din Tai Fung at upscale shopping centers all around SoCal: Del Amo in Torrance, South Coast Plaza in the OC, Americana at Brand in Glendale, Westfield Century City in LA, and even Westfield Santa Anita... a mile away! Complete with sleek glass display cases to view the magic being made, immaculate bars serving cocktails alongside soup dumplings, and private dining rooms charging $50 minimum per guest. Judging from the green awnings and signage here, the OG Arcadia storefront looks more like a typical Asian restaurant, not a world-renowned chain. Inside was quite dated given how long ago this place opened. However, their attempt to modernize and match the aesthetic of their other restaurants was like putting new rims on an old car. Adding dark wood paneling and ornamental decor felt cheap and tacky. Waiting in line was the novelty of dining here, but it got old. The location closest to me usually seats us in 15-30 minutes. But all is forgiven once the food arrives on the table... Must get: Kurobuta Pork Xiao Long Bao - Classic! Crab & Kurobuta Pork Xiao Long Bao - Fulfilling! Shrimp & Kurobuta Pork Shao Mai - Juicy! Braised Beef Soup (or w/ Noodle) - Flavorful! Noodles with Kurobuta Pork Sauce - Savory! Jidori or Shrimp Fried Rice - Complementing! Jidori Chicken Fried Noodles - Umami! Any Sauteed greens for ;) balance - Healthy! Maybe try: Chocolate & Mochi Xiao Long Bao - Interesting Shrimp & Kurobuta Pork Wontons - Spicy Hit or Miss for me: MILK TEA AND BOBA - Mushy Shanghai Cakes - Bland Dishes are kinda sharable. I would say two orders are fulfilling for the average person. YMMV (I'm not a credit card churner). Very sad to see this location gone, but I will continue to support their other restaurants.
Victoria L.
Their dumplings are truly fresh and made to order. I personally, even as a carnivore, enjoy the veggie dumplings the most. They are so tasty and I forget that they are vegetables only. Depending on the day and time, wait time can be pretty long so be sure to be prepared. It goes fast though.
Jeff H.
=== Pandemic Pickup === Panic! at the DTF: every location got dragged for their handling of Mother's Day surge; which semi-coincided with a majority of LA denizens jail breaking. "You offend my mom, you offend me" For my special occasion a few days later: * No line * Order was ready 15 mins early * Online order / text / email - all smooth * Food hit all the familiar taste buds * Expertly packed - you'd almost think they were a Korean business :) Reheating was necessary (DTLA is a trip): Steam pot works great even on the next day. Just be careful not to rupture the XLB skins. The XLB juices absorb into the dumpling skins the longer they sit uneaten tho; best to eat promptly.
Bobby C.
Din Tai Fung's food brings so much flavor and always surprises my other western friends when I bring them here. While best known for their soup dumplings, Din Tai Fung's diverse menu of Chinese food contains a host of hidden gems. I highly recommend trying out their noodle and wonton options. The wait is usually long so it is a good idea to make a reservation ahead of time if you have a big party.
Kevin L.
I really enjoy this place but am pretty bummed that my Mother's Day was botched. Placed an order at 10am for 12pm pick up. Was told to wait in line with everyone else- okay cool. Was told later that I didn't have to wait in line for pick up- but my pick up was late. That's fine, it's busy. 45 minutes later and was told still 20 orders go to in front of me . No thanks, I don't want to wait for however long that might be. Drive home and get a text that the order is ready . I'm okay with whatever as long as expectations are set correctly. Stop taking orders if you have too many- or say the wait is 2 hours when I order and prepay.
Stevo O.
With the COVID-19 Isolation, dining habits have changed from reservations to take-out lines with six feet of separation. At 3:00 PM, people still order take out from this remaining open Din Tai Fung take out, as Jazz Cat bought the neighboring store and the mall is now a Ghost Town. I'm going to have to check whether the Din Tai Fung at Santa Anita Westfield is open, but I kind of doubt it. The food is still as tasty as before, and is nicely packed in its characteristic to go containers. I cleaned our dining table for the traditional Yelp photos, and ended up climbing a chair for a full photo of the feast; Something you can't do at a normal restaurant... I'm hoping the isolation ends soon, but am cautiously optimistic that no one will mess it up by passing along the gift that keeps giving...
George L.
Din Tai cancelled my Mother's Day order from their end after it had charged to my credit card. When I got there, they could not issue a refund because they said they didn't even have the orders in the system. When I asked for something to show the cancellation, they said they couldn't give me any indication whatsoever. Unsurprised. Din Tai: good food, atrocious service.
Sally L.
I understand their online ordering system screwed them over with the influx of orders that gave everyone a 1215 time, however please don't tell me check back in 15 minutes, because when I checked back at 1245 they told me there are more than 20 orders ahead. That is definitely not 15 minute wait. Please check how many orders there are in order to give people a better estimate on how long the food will take so that I can cancel the order sooner rather than waiting longer for no food. Now I have to wait who knows how long for them to process the refund.
H Y.
Update on pick-up orders now, 7 weeks into safer at home. The system has been changed to online orders only. We have placed an order very early in the morning, for a pick up at 11:30am. Got a confirmation in the email. We arrived 15 mins early and was told the order wasn't ready. We waited in the car and was told that we would get a text when it's ready. When it's 11:30 we went to check again and was told that they couldn't find our order at all. They did further findings and told us their system showed our pick up time was 12:15pm instead and there's no way they can process it until it is time. Ok so the system had a glitch but we have a confirmation so why don't you go ahead and cook something right now so it won't take 45 mins wait time? The receptionist said no, they can only follow the system. She said there are other customers' orders in the queue so they can't processed ours. Hello? If your system wasn't glitchy then our order should have been front of the line. We placed an order at 9am! What is the point of having a confirmation? To be waiting for 1 hour under 80 degree weather?? We waited for ONE HOUR and we left WITHOUT A COMPLETE ORDER when it was supposed to be simply pick up at your designated time. Yes sounds like it's a system error, but a confirmation is a promise, like an agreement. You failed to fulfill right at 11:30 because of YOUR system glitch, you can at least be flexible and fix the problem and not ridiculously ask the customer to wait for 45 mins saying there's nothing you can do right? We even told you that we have 2 young hungry kids in the car and yet the answer was still no different. I can see you don't really care whether this was a 5 stars or 1 star review because seriously who cares when you are Din Tai Fung. Note that while we were waiting, there was another a customer in the same boat. She was told to wait another 45 mins just like us.
What can I say , don't go or you'll become addicted! Best dumpling veggies..at a price. Yum
mandy c.
We ordered takeout food today. I saw this fly inside of my veggie. And I almost bite on it. I don't think we gonna order from din tai Fung again.
Jamie A.
Dumplings, DUMPLINGS and MORE dumplings! I have been eating at Din Tai Fung for over 15 years and this is always my go-to spot when I am craving dumplings! What do I order? 1. Shrimp & Kurobuta Pork (10 pieces with each order) (5 Stars): My husband and I loveeee these dumplings, we love how fresh they always taste! 2. Sauteed String Beans with Garlic (4 Stars): We usually order this with EXTRA garlic and it tastes heavenly! 3. Shrimp & Kurobuto Pork Wontons with Spicy Sauce (5 Stars): I think the size of the entree is a little too expensive for the price, the shrimp & pork dumplings are of better value. But, I love the sauce, I usually add more chili oil to eat because it isn't hot enough. 4. Side of Plain Noodles (3 Stars): To be honest with you, pay $5 for a very small portion of noodles is a rip off especially when it is something you add with your entrees and soup. You might as well spend $7 more for dumplings with meat in them. 5. Hot & Sour Soup (4 Stars): My husband loves starting his meals with this. It usually lacks flavor, so we always add chili sauce and vinegar. 6. Taro Bun (4 Stars): I love the texture of the bread and what the hint of sweetness from the taro brings to the overall bun. Support local businesses during this time of crisis. You can order for pick-up or through Postmates!
Jasmine D.
Where do I start. I ordered from Postmates 4/18/20for a 30-45 min pick up. They changed the pick up time to 60mins. I arrived to the location from Postmates which is inside the Santa Anita mall- to our surprise it's not that location and this location that according to yelp is closed. I drive to the correct pick up location to find an abundance of people waiting in line and around the parking lot for their orders. I go in line to check if my order is ready since I'm 30mins late for pick up. I'm now @ 1:45 min wait- per the hostess she states that my order isn't ready after 1:45 min and that the kitchen is backed up. I ask for an estimated wait time and she said unfortunately she can't give me an ETA. I'm now @ 2Hrs waiting and about to cancel via Postmates. Multiple people are complaining that their orders are more than two hours late after placing them online or by phone order. They seem to be prioritizing grub hub or door dash orders. Highly disappointed in their system considering how good the food and service usually is. Won't be ordering from here anytime soon.
Zara K.
This location is close to the mall but since that one is closed I had to get my DTF fix at this location. I placed my order through Postmates and it was ready to be picked up within 20 mins! Luckily, I live right next door! I got my usual plus extra because I mean why not sit at home and eat my feelings? Anyways, I ordered chicken fried rice, jadori chicken noodles, shrimp noodle soup, green beans with garlic, chicken dumplings and vegetarian dumplings. This was enough for my small family of four, with quite a bit left over! Highly recommend this location for after quarantine. It's less packed than the malls and you can get a table quickly!
This location is right by my house. I remember my dad telling my siblings and I about restaurants nearby, and he didn't like coming here because of how business it was. Once we came, the wait time was so bad we ended up getting take-out. Reading about DTF in Fresh Off The Boat and hearing about it from friends traveling to Taiwan, I was astonished to see just how big of an impact around the world. Was it really that good? The irony dumpling restaurant by our house? Now, DTF has greatly expanded, finding another home a little ways more down the street and in more malls around the U.S. Anyways back to the experience with the og location. My sis and I went a little after 11AM in hopes of getting our order in. The night before, we were frantically trying to get our Postmates order in, but since they had just announced they were closing, everyone was frantic trying to have a last taste from the "better tasting" location. Upon arriving, we were told we had to call to order and they weren't doing in person orders. When we called, there was a whole queue of people waiting to get their orders in. We were number 30, and the entire call was half an hour long! They were out of a lot of things, so we ended up ordering two XLB, seasame and Mochi XLB, and chocolate XLB. The employee taking our order was very efficient and communicated well with us. After half an hour, it was ready and we picked our order up (half an hour later). Although it was their last day of operations they still did their best to enforce social distancing measures and being kind to customers. Kudos to them on that. P.S. The chocolate XLB may be expensive, but I highly suggest trying it, especially if you are dining in. The warm chocolate is very rich, so taking a bite of gooey chocolate is h e a v e n l y.
After 20 years of service, the original US location of Din Tai Fung will permanently close June 11. Known for their signature XLBs, Michelin awards (2010 Star in Hong Kong, other recognitions), 2-hour lines, classy interiors, and hearty Taiwanese dishes. I mean sure, this family-run brand has come a long way since their humble strip mall beginnings. You can find Din Tai Fung at upscale shopping centers all around SoCal: Del Amo in Torrance, South Coast Plaza in the OC, Americana at Brand in Glendale, Westfield Century City in LA, and even Westfield Santa Anita... a mile away! Complete with sleek glass display cases to view the magic being made, immaculate bars serving cocktails alongside soup dumplings, and private dining rooms charging $50 minimum per guest. Judging from the green awnings and signage here, the OG Arcadia storefront looks more like a typical Asian restaurant, not a world-renowned chain. Inside was quite dated given how long ago this place opened. However, their attempt to modernize and match the aesthetic of their other restaurants was like putting new rims on an old car. Adding dark wood paneling and ornamental decor felt cheap and tacky. Waiting in line was the novelty of dining here, but it got old. The location closest to me usually seats us in 15-30 minutes. But all is forgiven once the food arrives on the table... Must get: Kurobuta Pork Xiao Long Bao - Classic! Crab & Kurobuta Pork Xiao Long Bao - Fulfilling! Shrimp & Kurobuta Pork Shao Mai - Juicy! Braised Beef Soup (or w/ Noodle) - Flavorful! Noodles with Kurobuta Pork Sauce - Savory! Jidori or Shrimp Fried Rice - Complementing! Jidori Chicken Fried Noodles - Umami! Any Sauteed greens for ;) balance - Healthy! Maybe try: Chocolate & Mochi Xiao Long Bao - Interesting Shrimp & Kurobuta Pork Wontons - Spicy Hit or Miss for me: MILK TEA AND BOBA - Mushy Shanghai Cakes - Bland Dishes are kinda sharable. I would say two orders are fulfilling for the average person. YMMV (I'm not a credit card churner). Very sad to see this location gone, but I will continue to support their other restaurants.
Their dumplings are truly fresh and made to order. I personally, even as a carnivore, enjoy the veggie dumplings the most. They are so tasty and I forget that they are vegetables only. Depending on the day and time, wait time can be pretty long so be sure to be prepared. It goes fast though.
=== Pandemic Pickup === Panic! at the DTF: every location got dragged for their handling of Mother's Day surge; which semi-coincided with a majority of LA denizens jail breaking. "You offend my mom, you offend me" For my special occasion a few days later: * No line * Order was ready 15 mins early * Online order / text / email - all smooth * Food hit all the familiar taste buds * Expertly packed - you'd almost think they were a Korean business :) Reheating was necessary (DTLA is a trip): Steam pot works great even on the next day. Just be careful not to rupture the XLB skins. The XLB juices absorb into the dumpling skins the longer they sit uneaten tho; best to eat promptly.
Din Tai Fung's food brings so much flavor and always surprises my other western friends when I bring them here. While best known for their soup dumplings, Din Tai Fung's diverse menu of Chinese food contains a host of hidden gems. I highly recommend trying out their noodle and wonton options. The wait is usually long so it is a good idea to make a reservation ahead of time if you have a big party.
I really enjoy this place but am pretty bummed that my Mother's Day was botched. Placed an order at 10am for 12pm pick up. Was told to wait in line with everyone else- okay cool. Was told later that I didn't have to wait in line for pick up- but my pick up was late. That's fine, it's busy. 45 minutes later and was told still 20 orders go to in front of me . No thanks, I don't want to wait for however long that might be. Drive home and get a text that the order is ready . I'm okay with whatever as long as expectations are set correctly. Stop taking orders if you have too many- or say the wait is 2 hours when I order and prepay.
With the COVID-19 Isolation, dining habits have changed from reservations to take-out lines with six feet of separation. At 3:00 PM, people still order take out from this remaining open Din Tai Fung take out, as Jazz Cat bought the neighboring store and the mall is now a Ghost Town. I'm going to have to check whether the Din Tai Fung at Santa Anita Westfield is open, but I kind of doubt it. The food is still as tasty as before, and is nicely packed in its characteristic to go containers. I cleaned our dining table for the traditional Yelp photos, and ended up climbing a chair for a full photo of the feast; Something you can't do at a normal restaurant... I'm hoping the isolation ends soon, but am cautiously optimistic that no one will mess it up by passing along the gift that keeps giving...
Din Tai cancelled my Mother's Day order from their end after it had charged to my credit card. When I got there, they could not issue a refund because they said they didn't even have the orders in the system. When I asked for something to show the cancellation, they said they couldn't give me any indication whatsoever. Unsurprised. Din Tai: good food, atrocious service.
I understand their online ordering system screwed them over with the influx of orders that gave everyone a 1215 time, however please don't tell me check back in 15 minutes, because when I checked back at 1245 they told me there are more than 20 orders ahead. That is definitely not 15 minute wait. Please check how many orders there are in order to give people a better estimate on how long the food will take so that I can cancel the order sooner rather than waiting longer for no food. Now I have to wait who knows how long for them to process the refund.
Update on pick-up orders now, 7 weeks into safer at home. The system has been changed to online orders only. We have placed an order very early in the morning, for a pick up at 11:30am. Got a confirmation in the email. We arrived 15 mins early and was told the order wasn't ready. We waited in the car and was told that we would get a text when it's ready. When it's 11:30 we went to check again and was told that they couldn't find our order at all. They did further findings and told us their system showed our pick up time was 12:15pm instead and there's no way they can process it until it is time. Ok so the system had a glitch but we have a confirmation so why don't you go ahead and cook something right now so it won't take 45 mins wait time? The receptionist said no, they can only follow the system. She said there are other customers' orders in the queue so they can't processed ours. Hello? If your system wasn't glitchy then our order should have been front of the line. We placed an order at 9am! What is the point of having a confirmation? To be waiting for 1 hour under 80 degree weather?? We waited for ONE HOUR and we left WITHOUT A COMPLETE ORDER when it was supposed to be simply pick up at your designated time. Yes sounds like it's a system error, but a confirmation is a promise, like an agreement. You failed to fulfill right at 11:30 because of YOUR system glitch, you can at least be flexible and fix the problem and not ridiculously ask the customer to wait for 45 mins saying there's nothing you can do right? We even told you that we have 2 young hungry kids in the car and yet the answer was still no different. I can see you don't really care whether this was a 5 stars or 1 star review because seriously who cares when you are Din Tai Fung. Note that while we were waiting, there was another a customer in the same boat. She was told to wait another 45 mins just like us.
Restaurantji Recommends
What can I say , don't go or you'll become addicted! Best dumpling veggies..at a price. Yum
We ordered takeout food today. I saw this fly inside of my veggie. And I almost bite on it. I don't think we gonna order from din tai Fung again.
Dumplings, DUMPLINGS and MORE dumplings! I have been eating at Din Tai Fung for over 15 years and this is always my go-to spot when I am craving dumplings! What do I order? 1. Shrimp & Kurobuta Pork (10 pieces with each order) (5 Stars): My husband and I loveeee these dumplings, we love how fresh they always taste! 2. Sauteed String Beans with Garlic (4 Stars): We usually order this with EXTRA garlic and it tastes heavenly! 3. Shrimp & Kurobuto Pork Wontons with Spicy Sauce (5 Stars): I think the size of the entree is a little too expensive for the price, the shrimp & pork dumplings are of better value. But, I love the sauce, I usually add more chili oil to eat because it isn't hot enough. 4. Side of Plain Noodles (3 Stars): To be honest with you, pay $5 for a very small portion of noodles is a rip off especially when it is something you add with your entrees and soup. You might as well spend $7 more for dumplings with meat in them. 5. Hot & Sour Soup (4 Stars): My husband loves starting his meals with this. It usually lacks flavor, so we always add chili sauce and vinegar. 6. Taro Bun (4 Stars): I love the texture of the bread and what the hint of sweetness from the taro brings to the overall bun. Support local businesses during this time of crisis. You can order for pick-up or through Postmates!
Where do I start. I ordered from Postmates 4/18/20for a 30-45 min pick up. They changed the pick up time to 60mins. I arrived to the location from Postmates which is inside the Santa Anita mall- to our surprise it's not that location and this location that according to yelp is closed. I drive to the correct pick up location to find an abundance of people waiting in line and around the parking lot for their orders. I go in line to check if my order is ready since I'm 30mins late for pick up. I'm now @ 1:45 min wait- per the hostess she states that my order isn't ready after 1:45 min and that the kitchen is backed up. I ask for an estimated wait time and she said unfortunately she can't give me an ETA. I'm now @ 2Hrs waiting and about to cancel via Postmates. Multiple people are complaining that their orders are more than two hours late after placing them online or by phone order. They seem to be prioritizing grub hub or door dash orders. Highly disappointed in their system considering how good the food and service usually is. Won't be ordering from here anytime soon.
This location is close to the mall but since that one is closed I had to get my DTF fix at this location. I placed my order through Postmates and it was ready to be picked up within 20 mins! Luckily, I live right next door! I got my usual plus extra because I mean why not sit at home and eat my feelings? Anyways, I ordered chicken fried rice, jadori chicken noodles, shrimp noodle soup, green beans with garlic, chicken dumplings and vegetarian dumplings. This was enough for my small family of four, with quite a bit left over! Highly recommend this location for after quarantine. It's less packed than the malls and you can get a table quickly!