SHERMAN OAKS. Bamboo Cuisine's Mandarin-Szechuan fare is extensive, running the gamut from barbecued chicken salad to fried dumplings and smoked fish. Shrimp, cooked in a variety of ways and accompanied by flavorful sauces, is one of the most popular items, and seafood in general is a much-loved favorite. You'll also find a variety of rice, noodle, and vegetarian options. For traditional Chinese dishes in the Sherman Oaks area, this restaurant is one of the best.

EAST HOLLYWOOD. A most popular Chinese restaurant! The Chinese chicken salad earns raves here and is made right at your table. Of course, you can also pick crispy quail, orange flavored beef, or tea-smoked duck. The restaurant also offers a good drink and wine selections in addition to take out.

MONTEREY PARK. Always packed, Empress Harbor is a favorite of the shopping bag-toting lunch crowd, who take advantage of its superb dim sum before hitting the sales floors once again. The glitzy decor, although a tad clichéd, is highlighted by large saltwater tanks that house tiger prawns, lobsters, and crabs before you order them. While the restaurant is known for succulent Peking duck and roast suckling pig, shrimp, pork, and vegetable wontons actually steal the show and are arguably some of the area's best.

CHINATOWN. This traditional Hong Kong dining site serves some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the city. The clay pot with crab and vermicelli is a local favorite. Dim sum is available throughout the day. Large dining room with traditional decorations with private rooms available as well.

WESTWOOD. Here's the top reason to come to this place: Chinese chicken salad! These days, the dining room has been remodeled, and you don't have to walk through the kitchen to get to the restrooms anymore, but the great food has remained a constant. Dine in or take out, the chicken salad with sesame dressing, wonton strips, and other goodies has been keeping people smiling here for almost 20 years. The menu also features dim sum, rice and noodle dishes, and vegetables and tofu, all without MSG.