Fat Dragon

Tucked into a Silver Lake strip mall sits one of LA’s most satisfying casual Chinese restaurants. Fat Dragon occupies that sweet spot between a quick neighborhood takeout joint and a destination worth crossing town for. The modern, welcoming space works equally well whether you’re catching up with friends over a leisurely meal or grabbing a quick solo dinner before heading home.

The menu focuses on familiar Chinese-American comfort food executed with uncommon care. The Szechuan spicy wontons are the kind of dish that haunts your thoughts days later—plump shrimp and pork dumplings bathed in a fiery house-made chili sauce. The eggplant with spicy garlic sauce may not photograph well, but one bite reveals why it’s become a cult favorite. For something unexpected, the mushroom fries offer a clever twist on a bar snack, while the steak with broccolini proves that sometimes the simplest preparations are the most memorable.

What sets Fat Dragon apart is the quality of ingredients. Nothing feels heavy or greasy despite being pure comfort food. The kitchen uses fresh vegetables and quality proteins, which means you leave satisfied rather than sluggish. The order-at-the-counter format keeps things casual and affordable, but make no mistake—this is thoughtful cooking that happens to be accessible.

Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, reliable takeout, or a laid-back spot to hang with friends, Fat Dragon delivers. It’s the kind of neighborhood restaurant every corner of LA deserves, and Silver Lake is lucky to have it.