New branch of Din Tai Fung opens in Santa Monica Place

Santa Monica’s own branch of the beloved restaurant Din Tai Fung had its grand opening on Feb. 28 on the third floor of the Santa Monica Place next to the 3rd Street Promenade. A Taiwanese chain with a speciality in Chinese cuisine, Din Tai Fung offers an array of food options; cucumber salad, xiao long bao, dumplings, fried rice and chocolate buns are only some of the many world-renowned dishes served. The restaurant chain has 11 California locations with its new fifth Los Angeles location consisting of an outdoor heated patio, an ocean view and an interior design choice of dumpling-styled booths. 

The opening is an opportunity for the Santa Monica Place to revive itself to its former glory, helping out local businesses in its wake. According to a report made by Morningstar, the mall’s value has plummeted 59 percent since 2017, leading to unpaid loans from mall owners, but recent investments leave Santa Monica citizens in high hopes. Samo Student Morgan Watts (’27) is optimistic about the Din Tai Fung opening and feels that it will rejuvenate the Promenade, which has declined since the pandemic.

“I'm excited since it looks relatively big, and I'm sure it will bring attention to the promenade again. I've only been to the Din Tai Fung in Century City, which is relatively far, but now I'll have one that's a 10 min drive from my house, which is great,” Watts said. “I love the high quality food, especially their spicy wontons.”

The first few days of the restaurant's soft opening on Feb. 20 are exclusive for friends and family, serving a more limited menu. Additionally, the company has stated that 100 percent of profits from their soft opening and grand opening will go towards LA wildfire relief donations.