Pine and Crane – DTLA

Pine and Crane in DTLA is a lovely Taiwanese restaurant - with a unique and vibrant menu, in Downtown Los Angeles.

Pine and Crane, founded by Vivian Ku, is a delicious Taiwanese restaurant with locations in Silver Lake and Downtown Los Angeles. Fascinatingly, the restaurant is named after the intersection where Ku’s family used to live in Taiwan. What started as one location has turned into a local delicious food empire.

I first visited the Silver Lake location of Pine and Crane with Sara, in about 2015. I’ve since been to the sister restaurant, Joy, on York Blvd, numerous times in Highland Park. So, when I had the chance to visit the newest Downtown Los Angeles location with Rosemary, I was delighted. Plus, it’s right around the corner from Audio Graph Beer Co and First Draft Taproom and Kitchen.

The menu features a variety of classic dishes such as beef noodle soup, dan dan noodles, scallion pancakes, and the signature “Three Cup Chicken,” among others.

I wanted to try something else beside my usual dan dan noodles. It’s my favorite go to, when it’s on a menu.

So, Rosemary and I ordered and shared the LOTUS ROOT SALAD, the CRISPY RICE CAKES & MUSHROOMS (daikon rice cakes, trumpets, tangyuan, Chinese basil) and the SHA GUA MIAN (soy sauce, vinegar, fried shallots, chili crisp, scallions) with a side of MINCED PORK.

The Lotus Root salad was unique and tasty – but not to the star of the dinner. It was the crispy rice cakes and mushrooms. The flavor was so incredible and distinct, that I wanted to know if the main flavor was cumin or star anise. In fact, Rosemary said:

“I don’t know what it is. But it’s not available at Albertsons.”

The Sha Gua Mian was made much better with the minced pork. Overall, it was a delicious meal in a beautiful space with a dear friend.

Truly, Pine and Crane has played a significant role in introducing and popularizing Taiwanese cuisine in the Los Angeles area.

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