01
Best overall pick
Din Tai Fung
Westfield Santa Anita Mall • Upscale Taiwanese Dumpling House • Destination For Dumpling Obsessives
The Arcadia branch of Din Tai Fung delivers polished service and benchmark soup dumplings in a sleek, mall-side setting.
Come for the xiao long bao — the soup dumplings here are tightly pleated, delicate, and consistently spot-on. The menu is broad, but locals build a spread around dumplings, sautéed string beans, and fried pork chops over rice. Lines can be long at peak hours, so plan to join the waitlist early or aim for a late lunch.
02
Classic special-occasion spot
The Derby
Huntington Drive Near Santa Anita Park • Old-School Steakhouse And Chophouse • Steak-And-Martinis Date Night Pick
A racing-themed landmark since the 1920s, The Derby is where Arcadia goes for prime steaks, stiff drinks, and a clubby, vintage atmosphere.
Founded by jockey George Woolf, this wood-paneled steakhouse leans into racetrack history with photos, memorabilia, and a proper dark bar. The prime rib, bone-in ribeye, and classic sides like creamed spinach and potatoes are the move, backed by generous martinis. It’s the kind of place you book for anniversaries, business dinners, or when you just want a timeless steakhouse evening.
03
Most inventive Chinese
Bistro Na's
Las Tunas Drive In Temple City • Elegant Beijing-Style Chinese Restaurant • Standout For Refined Group Dinners
Bistro Na's brings an almost banquet-like take on imperial Beijing cuisine to a modest Temple City plaza just minutes from Arcadia.
Inside, the room feels more upscale than the exterior suggests, with polished service and intricately plated dishes. Expect richly sauced stir-fries, delicate appetizers, and showpiece mains like crispy shrimp or lacquered meats that are ideal for sharing. It’s best enjoyed with a small group so you can sample widely and justify a reservation at peak hours.
04
Top sushi counter nearby
Sushi Kisen
Rosemead Boulevard In Temple City • Intimate Omakase-Focused Sushi Bar • Best For Serious Sushi Fans
Sushi Kisen is a compact, chef-driven bar where pristine fish and carefully seasoned rice take center stage.
Most regulars opt for omakase, letting the chef sequence through seasonal nigiri, sashimi, and a few composed bites. The room is calm and minimalist, making it easy to focus on details like knife work and temperature that set it apart from more casual spots. Seats are limited, so book ahead if you want a prime spot at the counter on busy nights.
05
Best dim sum gathering place
Lunasia Dim Sum House
Downtown Arcadia Along Huntington Drive • Lively Cantonese Dim Sum Restaurant • Weekend Family Brunch Favorite
Lunasia is known for oversized dim sum plates, bustling energy, and long waits that locals accept as part of the ritual.
Instead of carts, you order from a checklist, which means har gow, baked BBQ pork buns, and rice noodle rolls usually hit the table hot. Portions are generous, so it makes sense to come with family or friends and fill the lazy Susan. Expect a noisy room on weekends, but efficient service and fast turnover once you’re seated.