Los Angeles, a city known for its culinary diversity, boasts a surprising number of excellent spots serving up delicious roast duck. Whether you prefer crispy skin, juicy meat, or a specific regional style, this guide navigates the best of the best, ensuring your next duck dinner is unforgettable. We'll explore ten standout restaurants, highlighting what makes each unique and worthy of a spot on your Los Angeles culinary bucket list. This guide will help you find the best roast duck in Los Angeles.
Top 10 Roast Duck Restaurants in Los Angeles
This list isn't ranked in order of preference, as taste is subjective! Instead, we've categorized them to help you find the perfect duck experience based on your style.
Cantonese Classics:
-
Din Tai Fung (Multiple Locations): While famous for soup dumplings, Din Tai Fung's roast duck is a hidden gem. Their Peking duck is expertly prepared, featuring incredibly crisp skin and tender meat, served with the classic pancakes and accompaniments. The high quality ingredients and precise preparation are evident in every bite.
- Specialty: Peking Duck
- Price Range: $$
- Ambiance: Upscale, modern
-
Ocean Seafood (Multiple Locations): A popular choice for celebratory dinners, Ocean Seafood offers a more traditional Cantonese roast duck experience. Their duck is roasted to perfection, boasting glistening skin and succulent meat, and is often part of larger banquet-style meals.
- Specialty: Cantonese-style Roast Duck
- Price Range: $$
- Ambiance: Formal, banquet-style
Modern Takes on a Classic:
-
RedFarm (Culver City): RedFarm puts a modern spin on traditional Chinese dishes, and their roast duck is no exception. They utilize high-quality ingredients and innovative techniques, resulting in a roast duck that's both familiar and exciting. Expect creative presentations and unique flavor combinations.
- Specialty: Modern Cantonese Roast Duck
- Price Range: $$
- Ambiance: Trendy, stylish
-
Yang Chow (Multiple Locations): Yang Chow, known for its elegant dim sum offerings, also presents a refined roast duck. Their roast duck maintains a balance of crispy skin and tender meat. Consistency in quality and taste make this a reliable choice.
- Specialty: Cantonese-style Roast Duck
- Price Range: $$
- Ambiance: Elegant, traditional
Beyond Cantonese:
-
ABC Kitchen (Downtown): Stepping outside the traditional Cantonese realm, ABC Kitchen offers a more rustic and seasonal approach. Their roast duck, while not always on the menu, often features unique preparations and flavor profiles, showcasing the chef's creativity. Their dishes highlight fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
- Specialty: Seasonal Roast Duck (availability varies)
- Price Range: $$
- Ambiance: Rustic-chic, farm-to-table
-
Gjelina (Venice): Similar to ABC Kitchen, Gjelina’s offerings are seasonal and innovative. Expect a unique and modern take on roast duck if it happens to be featured on their ever-changing menu. Their focus on high-quality produce is evident in their duck preparation.
- Specialty: Seasonal Roast Duck (availability varies)
- Price Range: $$
- Ambiance: Casual, trendy
Hidden Gems & Neighborhood Favorites:
-
New Shanghai (Multiple Locations): While known for their soup dumplings, New Shanghai often features excellent roast duck as a menu item. It offers a solid, reliable roast duck experience at a more affordable price point than some of the other places.
- Specialty: Shanghai-style Roast Duck (availability varies)
- Price Range: $
- Ambiance: Casual, lively
-
Honey's Kettle (Koreatown): This Koreatown gem surprises with its excellent roast duck, offering a unique twist on the classic dish. Their Korean-inspired flavors and seasonings elevate the traditional roast duck in a satisfying way. It is worth exploring for those seeking something different.
- Specialty: Korean-style Roast Duck
- Price Range: $
- Ambiance: Casual, neighborhood favorite
Specialty Experiences:
-
Peking Duck House (San Gabriel): While slightly outside of Los Angeles proper, this restaurant justifies the trip. It is specifically dedicated to Peking duck, providing an authentic and high-quality experience. The entire process, from preparation to presentation, is a feast for the senses.
- Specialty: Peking Duck
- Price Range: $$
- Ambiance: Traditional, dedicated to Peking duck
-
Aromas Restaurant (Multiple Locations): Aromas often has roast duck on the menu and is known for being a reliable, solid option offering a consistently good quality at a great price. It is a decent choice when searching for a balance of quality and value.
- Specialty: Cantonese-style roast duck
- Price Range: $
- Ambiance: Casual, family friendly
Finding Your Perfect Roast Duck in Los Angeles
This guide provides a starting point for your Los Angeles roast duck adventure. Remember to check menus and make reservations, especially for popular spots. Enjoy your culinary exploration! Each restaurant on this list offers a unique experience, from classic Cantonese preparations to modern twists, ensuring a satisfying duck dinner awaits. Happy eating!
