Pine & Crane DTLA – One of LA’s 25 Best Restaurants
This local Taiwanese staple was selected by the NY Times as one of the top 25 restaurants of the moment in Los Angeles. This probably comes as no surprise to locals, the place became a fast favorite since opening in 2022, offering the perfect composition of easy, fast service and affordable eats at prices that are hard to match these days.
While Pine & Crane fundamentally is casual dining, the experience is anything but. The space is light and minimalist and offers an open seating plan after ordering at the counter when you enter. There may be a wait to get in during peak hours, but it moves fast. It’s equally indoor and outdoor, with high top and low table seating. There’s a tap where guests can help themselves to still or sparkling water. Masters at the art of efficiency, plates will start appearing within minutes of taking your seat.
The restaurant offers a well-rounded list of Taiwanese dishes, from starters like fried peanuts and popcorn chicken, to an assortment of rice and noodle-based mains and vegetables. My personal favorites include the mushrooms and rice cakes, dan noodles, and vegan Mapo tofu. The dessert menu is just as imaginative with choices like sesame mochi and grass jelly. Everything is served family style and works great whether you’re a party of 1 or 10. And the price points are unbeatable for Downtown LA. But we don’t need to stop there. They also offer a range of hot and iced teas, natural wines, and unique cocktails.
Pine & Crane certainly contributes to LA’s dynamic food culture and we’re happy to have them here in South Park! SPNA has been lucky to work with them over the years, being annual participants in Taste of South Park and donating prizes and cold beverages to some of our local events.
But they are doing even more this summer with their first Movie Night in the Park on Friday, August 22 at Wishbone Park next to their restaurant. The event is free. Di Di is the film (90-minutes) – a coming-of-age 2024 film about a 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy. The event starts at 7 pm with beer, wine, free popcorn, and delicious take-out from Pine and Crane! Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for a free magical event at Wishbone Park.
By Aileen Coyle