TAO
Asian restaurant · Hollywood ·
Giant Pan-Asian restaurant with a trendy crowd & statue
Giant Pan-Asian restaurant with a trendy crowd & statue
"Some folks would say you have to leave Hollywood to find the "real" Chinese food in Los Angeles. If you're not in the mood to join the debate, and just want the best Hong-Kong style dim sum this side of the San Gabriel Valley, hit up Bao on Beverly Boulevard. The restaurant has a slightly modern feel, but remains casual and inviting whether you're on a date or out with a group. The Hot & Sour Soup With Pork is our preferred start to a meal here, and every trip to Bao ends with the Bao Milk Buns for dessert." - Onyx
"What It Is: Even if you’ve never stepped foot in a clubstaurant in your life, chances are you’ve heard of Tao. The massive Asian-themed restaurant conglomerate has locations in NYC, Vegas, Chicago, and even central Connecticut, making its Hollywood opening in 2017 fairly inevitable. In 2018, Tao was the highest-grossing restaurant in the country—a humbling stat that only the great Britney Spears can sum up. Verdict: Cultural appropriation, oily food, and stadium seating inside an indoor restaurant—Tao really does have it all. The reality is a night here provides a completely serviceable clubstaurant experience, and if you’re looking for an epic Vegas-tier space in LA, Tao delivers. But you’ll also eat food that’s slightly worse than what you’d find at PF Chang’s, drink fruity cocktails with no alcohol in them, and stare out at a crowd who definitely all have Starline bus tours booked for tomorrow." - brant cox
"Located on the second floor of the Far East Plaza , Lao Tao serves fast, affordable Taiwanese street food that’ll make even your at-home lunch hour a far more relaxing occasion. Our go-to order is a bowl of beef ban mien (dry) and two orders of the popcorn chicken - one for now, one in a few hours for “late lunch.” Order here for both takeout and delivery." - brant cox, kat hong
"Ascending up the escalator to Lao Tao’s location in the Far East Plaza is like what we imagine entering heaven feels like - that is, if heaven just happens to serve incredible Taiwanese dishes. The affordable street food restaurant has taken over the second floor of the Chinatown plaza - and there aren’t any other restaurants up there, so the space is surprisingly quiet and serene. You’ll be able to enjoy everything from beef ban mien noodle soup to extra-crispy popcorn chicken in a colorful, open air space that, on its best day, feels like you’ve discovered a new wonder of the world, or some deleted scene from Alan Yang’s Tigertail." - kat hong
"Amanda Barnes of Tao offered a Korean-inspired burger that stood out for its use of kimchi cucumbers, miso cheese, and a black garlic burger sauce, showcasing how chefs at the event took creative liberties with ingredients and fixings." - Tony Tran
