Pine Crane Noodle Co and Company Vivian Ku Pine and Crane Pine & Crane

Pine & Crane Awards

Find authentic Taiwanese/Chinese dishes at this casual and popular Silver Lake spot.
Openings: Lunch & Dinner Wed.-Mon.

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Pine & Crane, Los Angeles, CA


Pine & Crane Restaurant Review:


Chef/owner Vivian Ku produces an homage to her grandfather, who created the original Pine & Crane noodle restaurant in Taiwan before she was born, at this loud, lively and fun spot. A black and white photo of him working his craft takes center stage in the clean, modern space framed by textured concrete and unfinished pine. Word of mouth has turned the sunny, sleepy neighborhood eatery into ground zero for a chic, savvy Silver Lake crowd, and it’s packed almost every night, even Mondays. Be prepared to order and wait with your number (though you can sip a craft beer, boutique wine or fine tea in the meanwhile), and you might find your party squeezed together with another at the communal table. Ku’s simple menu belies her training (The Culinary Institute of America, Chez Panisse), but technique and authenticity come through in a vinegary wood ear mushroom salad; sesame silky dan dan noodles freshened with slivered cucumber; a flavorful beef noodle soup; Jidori chicken and rice; and heaping plates of bright green sautéed pea shoots or sweet potato leaves.