The 7 Must-Try Dishes At The Palace Seafood & Dim Sum Restaurant In Los Angeles (2025 Review)

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Stepping into The Palace Seafood & Dim Sum Restaurant on Wilshire Boulevard is an immediate immersion into the grand tradition of authentic Cantonese dining. As of December 21, 2025, this West Los Angeles institution continues to solidify its reputation as one of the few places on the Westside where the delicate art of dim sum and the spectacle of live seafood are executed with consistent excellence. Whether you are a dedicated dim sum enthusiast or a newcomer to the elaborate flavors of high-end Chinese cuisine, The Palace offers a memorable experience that transports diners far from the bustle of the Brentwood and Santa Monica neighborhoods.

The establishment serves as a culinary bridge, bringing the sophisticated flavors of Hong Kong and Guangzhou to the heart of Los Angeles. The experience here is about more than just a meal; it’s a cultural event, perfect for large family gatherings or an upscale business lunch. Prepare to navigate a menu rich with traditional favorites and impressive seasonal specialties, from meticulously crafted dumplings to spectacular preparations of fresh, live-tank seafood, making it a true centerpiece of the city’s vibrant Chinese food scene.

The Culinary Heritage of The Palace: A West LA Institution

While specific biographical details of the current culinary team are kept private, the restaurant’s identity is deeply rooted in the foundational principles of classic Cantonese cooking. This style, originating from the Guangdong province of Southern China, emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients and a lighter touch in seasoning to allow the natural flavors of the produce and protein to shine. The Palace is a masterclass in this philosophy, particularly in its dual focus on dim sum and live seafood.

The location at 11701 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025, places it strategically in an area where high standards for dining are the norm. The ambiance reflects this commitment to quality, often featuring large, brightly lit dining rooms, huge tables equipped with traditional Lazy Susans, and the unmistakable presence of Live Seafood Tanks lining the walls—a hallmark of authentic, upscale Chinese seafood houses.

The Art of Dim Sum: Small Bites, Grand Flavors

Dim sum, which literally translates to "touch the heart," is the cornerstone of The Palace's morning and lunchtime service. Unlike the traditional cart service found in older establishments, The Palace often operates on a menu-based ordering system, ensuring every dish arrives at your table piping hot and freshly steamed. This attention to detail is what sets its dim sum apart in the competitive Los Angeles market. The menu features a comprehensive list of classics alongside unique house specialties.

  • Shrimp and Pork Shu Mai: These open-faced dumplings are a measure of any dim sum kitchen. The version here is praised for its perfect balance of succulent shrimp and seasoned pork, topped with a delicate fish roe.
  • Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf (Lo Mai Gai): A signature dish, this is a rich, savory parcel of glutinous rice stuffed with chicken, Chinese sausage (Lap Cheong), and mushrooms, all steamed together inside a fragrant lotus leaf.
  • Steamed Chicken Feet (Fung Zao): A delicacy for the adventurous, The Palace’s version is braised until tender and flavored with a complex black bean sauce, offering a depth of flavor that is highly authentic.
  • Baked BBQ Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao): While often overshadowed by the steamed version, the baked buns here have a slightly sweet, golden-brown crust that gives way to a filling of savory-sweet Char Siu (barbecued pork).
  • Seafood Peashoot Dumplings: A lighter, more refined option, these dumplings combine fresh seafood with vibrant peashoots, showcasing the kitchen’s commitment to fresh, seasonal vegetables.

For those looking for something outside the steamer basket, the Chinese Rice dishes and the tender Steamed Pork are excellent choices, providing a grounding component to the array of small plates.

The Live Seafood Spectacle: From Tank to Table

The "Seafood" in the restaurant’s name is a promise of an elaborate, high-end dining experience that goes far beyond simple shrimp dishes. The Palace specializes in the Cantonese tradition of preparing live seafood, where the diner selects their protein directly from the tanks, guaranteeing unparalleled freshness. This focus on the freshest possible ingredients is a cornerstone of authentic Cantonese fine dining and a key differentiator from standard Chinese takeout.

The live tank selection typically features a rotating array of premium options, depending on seasonality and market availability. Entities commonly found in the tanks include:

  • Dungeness Crab: Often prepared with Ginger and Scallion, or the ever-popular Salt and Pepper style, which yields a crispy exterior and tender, sweet meat.
  • Alaskan King Crab: The ultimate indulgence, frequently served in multiple courses, with the legs steamed with garlic and the body used for a baked rice dish.
  • Live Lobster: A favorite preparation is the E-Fu Noodle dish, where the lobster is stir-fried and served over a bed of braised, delicate egg noodles.
  • Live Fish: Steamed whole with soy sauce, ginger, and scallions—a preparation that demands the absolute freshest fish, such as Rock Cod or Black Sea Bass, to highlight its clean, delicate flavor.
  • Geoduck (Panopea generosa): A unique, high-end clam often served raw in a sashimi style or quickly stir-fried with vegetables.

The price of these dishes is based on the fluctuating market price per pound, making the experience a true splurge, but one that is highly valued by diners seeking the finest seafood preparation in West Los Angeles.

Beyond Dim Sum: Classic Cantonese Entrees and LSI Entities

While the dim sum and live seafood are the main draws, The Palace offers an extensive à la carte menu of Cantonese and general Chinese-American favorites, ensuring there is a dish for every palate. The quality of these entrees is consistently high, showcasing the kitchen's mastery of the wok and traditional sauces.

The menu is a treasure trove of LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords and relevant entities that enhance the article's topical authority:

  • Beef Steak with Asparagus: A popular choice, featuring tender slices of beef in a savory brown sauce, often utilizing high-heat wok techniques (Wok Hei) to create a smoky depth of flavor.
  • Shrimp with Spicy Curry Sauce: This dish is a nod to the influence of Southeast Asian flavors on Cantonese cooking, offering a rich, aromatic kick.
  • Kung Pao Chicken: A globally recognized dish, The Palace's version balances the heat of dried chilies and the nutty crunch of peanuts with a slightly sweet, savory sauce.
  • Almond Chicken: A classic comfort food item that speaks to the restaurant's broad appeal.
  • Chicken with Black Bean Sauce: A robust, savory entree utilizing fermented black beans (Douchi), a staple in Cantonese cooking.

The service at The Palace is typically characterized by efficiency and attentiveness, catering to the needs of large groups and ensuring the flow of dishes is smooth. The upscale yet traditional setting makes it a preferred venue for significant family celebrations, from birthdays to holiday banquets, solidifying its place as a pillar of the West Los Angeles dining landscape. The restaurant's ability to maintain high standards across its extensive menu—from delicate dim sum to elaborate live seafood and classic entrees—is a testament to its enduring commitment to authentic Cantonese excellence in the competitive Southern California culinary scene.

For a taste of genuine Hong Kong-style dining without leaving the 405 freeway, The Palace Seafood & Dim Sum Restaurant remains a top-tier destination in 2025. It continues to successfully marry the tradition of the Cantonese tea house with the grandeur of a seafood banquet hall.

The 7 Must-Try Dishes at The Palace Seafood & Dim Sum Restaurant in Los Angeles (2025 Review)
the palace seafood & dim sum restaurant
the palace seafood & dim sum restaurant

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