Din Tai Fung Santa Monica - First Impressions

I've followed news of Din Tai Fung's Santa Monica location with great interest over the past few years. Today was the first day of their soft opening; they officially open on Feb 28th. And in short? It was worth it.

The restaurant is located on the third floor, opposite Nordstrom, of course. The space is very large, and feels different from their other locations, even the Century City branch. This restaurant design would not be out of place in West Hollywood. They have four distinct seating areas: the Dumpling Room, the bar area, then the outdoor spaces where you can catch a glimpse of the ocean (the Boba room and another). The Dumpling room has the only view of the dumplings and xiao long bao being made. The booths are a play on the bamboo steam baskets in which the dumplings are served.

At the door, you are directed to what feels like a hotel check-in desk staffed by five Greeters. They give you the menu/order form, then direct you to step aside and wait to be taken to your table.

They are serving a limited menu before the official opening. Because this is Din Tai Fung, the food is solid as one would expect. Because this is the Westside, some of the wait staff look like they are waiting for calls from their agent. I noticed that every staff member I came across had a huge, genuine smile on their face and all seemed excited and welcoming.

Given that this was the very first day, I am hugely impressed. I still remember their first LA location at the strip mall in Arcadia! I would choose this location over Century City in a heartbeat, given what a headache the parking is at Westfield. Santa Monica is in desperate need of quality Asian restaurants, and I hope that this is a shot in the arm for Santa Monica Place as well.