Pine and Crane Silverlake

Lately I’ve been trying more places serving Asian dishes in town than I used to be, and my most recent one being Pine and Crane. As expected, tough parking in Silver Lake, but fortunately ordering process wasn’t as bad. As the venue was busy, guests were required to place order at the counter before being seated. The staffs were super accommodating in trying to assure shorter wait time.

Coming in a group of four, we’re trying multiple dishes by having family-style meals. We got their Pork Belly and Beef Roll for small plates, Wood Ear Mushrooms and Lotus for sides, and their iconic Dandan noodles from the noodle selection along with Twiced Cook Pork from the rice dishes. Price to portion was decent and sharing was certainly great idea to enable you trying multiple items.

The pork belly had strong garlic flavor, so tender, and perfectly thin-sliced that it felt like melted in my mouth. The beef roll was one of my highlights, seemed simple combining beef slices and leek yet I was always a fan of this kind of Chinese pancakes.

Then my number one was doubtlessly the most peanut-based Dandan noodles. This iconic dish was such comfort food especially for me a peanut lover. The noodles certainly elevated it, getting the whole group impressed by how cheesy it was and how flavorful the sauce was. The crushed nuts toppings enriched overall texture play on the plate. Besides, ordering extra sides of woodear mushrooms and lotus were great companions to this carbs!

Their milk tea was also worth trying and pretty affordable.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

I'm really sad to write this review since Pine and Crane was one of my favorite restaurants in LA.

Our order took 45+ minutes. And we ordered everything without cilantro and 2 of our dishes (Dan dan noodle and beef roll) came with cilantro.

We asked about our order twice (2 different staff members) since I saw so many people who ordered after us received their orders, finished their meals and left the restaurant.

They gave us extra cucumber salad for free for the wait but unfortunately, I have to scratch off this restaurant from my list since I can't wait so long.

A fun little place to grab some food. And have a quick meal. The staff were nice and helpful and welcoming. My only thought is that the food is a bit overpriced For what I guess I would say is just above average food. However, it was fresh .
Then again this is La so maybe my expectations were off

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

The prices were good, the atmosphere was nice, and the food was generally delicious. Four of us went and ordered about six dishes, and 3 side dish which was just the right amount. Personally, I really enjoyed the beef roll and the shrimp wontons, and the sea salt cream tea was truly unique and tasty. I usually don’t like mixed drinks, especially creamy foods or teas, but this one was wonderful. Maybe because it was Wednesday morning, it wasn’t very crowded.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

For me, there are three things that define Taiwanese cuisine. Affordable. Delicious. Pine and Crane get- oh wait, that was only two. Forget it. Pine and Crane gets 1.75 of these right. Having lived in Taiwan for a year, P&C hits the mark on several dishes that make me feel like I’m back on that whimsical little island while at the same time reminding me that I’m actually in America. Here’s my breakdown.

Restaurant/ambiance: Expect a long wait but a quick and efficient one. You’ll mostly be waiting in line surrounded by your Silverlake hipsters. As you transition from outdoors into the restaurant, you are immersed in what feels like a bombastic mix of a Taipei storefront and a typical LA restaurant. That being said, I appreciated the lively energy of a packed house, the subtle Taiwanese imports surrounding you, and the balance between communal dining tables and private parties of two. Also, you can have drinks while you wait for a table which is nice. 5/5

Three cup chicken: When I was eating this, I could have sworn I was eating lunch at the local bento place I frequented whilst I was living in Taiwan. P&C really hits the mark with this one. Moist chunks of chicken, a sauce simple as it should be, and some added chili peppers that differentiate this 三杯雞from the rest. 5/5

Dan dan noodles: Listen… I make this meal at home about three times a week. This one made me realize how bad mine actually is. Generous portion. If you want to share it with someone, don’t. Get your own. Cause you’ll wish you had. 5/5

Beef wrap: P&C staff, if you’re reading this, I would like to remind you that this is supposed to be 牛肉捲餅, not 牛肉tortilla. That sort of flakey, puff pastry texture you get on a typical beef roll in Taiwan was completely missing here. Although the beef, cucumbers, and sauce inside weren’t too bad, the tortilla-like wrap once again reminded me that I am in America. 2.5/5

Pork potstickers: They’re potstickers. 3/5

It’s not easy finding good Taiwanese cuisine in the city or even in California for that matter. Pine and Crane was a not-so-hidden hidden gem. Sure, it’s trendy. Sometimes, overcrowded. While not the most “authentic” Taiwanese food experience, it’s affordable and some of the bites that you’ll have here will definitely give you a glimpse of what it’s really like to eat in Taiwan. Highly recommend. 4/5

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Came here for quick solo lunch and it was so nice and cosy. Perfect location for people watching, too. Staff was friendly and the Dan Dan noodles super tasty

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nice wholesome food...they had utensils for the toddler. Very relaxed and nice vibes.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Dan Dan Noodles, Beef Roll

Good food and people

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Beef roll is awesome and must have. Side dishes are too plain.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Gets crowded sometimes but very good food friendly staff! Reasonable price:)

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Dan Dan Noodles

Pine and crane is one of the best restaurants in LA! Food is always fresh and delicious. One time I brought a friend that has a nut and dairy allergy and the person that took our order knew the menu inside and out and steered us in the correct direction confidently.

If you want to try this place, be prepared to possibly wait. My party and I were thankfully able to beat the rush by getting there around 5:30 on a Saturday night. When we left the line was out the door.

Overall the food is good. Not great, especially if you’ve wait for ever to eat. I ordered the beef noodle soup. It was good but I felt like it was missing something. It wasn’t as flavorful as I would have hoped.
I gave 4 starts because the staff is very kind and attentive. I just wish their food had lived up to the hype.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

I don't usually leave reviews but this restaurant is too good.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

🍽️ Dandan noodles/Spicy shrimp wontons

Authentic Taiwanese flavors, nostalgic atmosphere, slightly pricey but worth it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place always delivers great food and moreover when they kissed an item on our order they went above and beyond to address the situation. How lucky are we to have such a wonderful restaurant in our community

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5