Consistently Good Chinese Fare on Hillhurst
1813 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Feliz
Phone: 323-667-3388 | map | website

Okay, here's what happened. Chi Dynasty used to be up near the top of Hillhurst, across from the Coffee Bean: an opulently decorated gem in a rundown building. The waitstaff was impeccably dressed, brusque and crisply professional (some might say without politeness). We went there often, we were known and appreciated. There was a hostile takeover: the landlord, along with some of the staff, ejected Mr. Chi, and the place has become the Palace. They will claim that Chi stole everything from them.

Mr. Chi has moved farther down Hillhurst, in a strip mall between the Sotheby's and Ye Rustic Inn. The decor is still opulent but slick and shining, and the staff is still impeccably dressed, but in black Chinese suits rather than bowties and vests.

Chef Chi does sauces very well... extremely well. The soups are thick and full of depth, and every dish we've ever tried has pleased us immeasurably. Try especially their Sesame Chicken, Chicken a la Chi, the Scallops with Garlic Sauce, or our comfort food, the mah-po Schezwuan bean curd.

The food isn't terribly expensive - no, really, this is L.A., it's not that expensive, so get over it - and they have a fully stocked bar to go with your selections.