Glendale—right at the crossroads between Los Angeles, Burbank, and Pasadena—offers a lush multicultural dining scene.
For locals, Chinese food here means old-line Cantonese banquets, creative Szechuan, and high-design boba joints as much about style as substance.
Here, every gathering—from Armenian families celebrating birthdays to young filmmakers seeking a restorative lunch—find a Chinese kitchen that feels “just right.”
1. Shanghai Diamond Garden
A long-running favorite, Shanghai Diamond Garden mixes formal banquet-style service with a cozy, welcoming feel.
Signature dishes include juicy xiao long bao, Shanghai-style rice cakes, and crispy duck—plus creative Szechuan specialties.
On weekends, you’ll find three generations at big round tables, laughter mixing with wafts of ginger and garlic.
2. Foo-Chow Restaurant
Known to both locals and L.A. foodies (and yes, movie buffs), Foo-Chow specializes in Cantonese comfort: roast pork, salt-and-pepper shrimp, rich beef chow fun, housemade dumplings, and tender greens.
The staff give old-school service, with tea always topped off and frequent check-ins.
3. Golden Dragon Restaurant
Golden Dragon brings nostalgic Chinese-American plates—orange chicken, chop suey, cashew chicken, and sweet-sour pork—with fresh, bright veggies and a kitchen happy to go lighter or lower-sodium for frequent diners.
The neon-lit exterior is a Glendale landmark, inside is all about family and friendly smiles.
4. Lan Noodle
Lan Noodle is a success story for the new generation: the star here is hand-pulled noodles, thrown, kneaded, and cut in the open kitchen and tossed into Szechuan broths, stir-fried lamb, or spicy, cold sesame sauces.
Expect a hip, lively vibe and lots of young crowd (and Instagram photos).
5. Panda Express
Glendale’s Panda is as steady as ever—quick, fresh, and ideal for an easy dinner, lunch break, or late-night snack after a concert at the Alex Theatre. Staff juggle the evening rush with humor and never skip the fortune cookies.
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