Michelin Star Takeout in Los Angeles

Trying Michelin Takeout!

I’m always on the lookout for restaurants that bring something special to the table. Recently, I had the pleasure of trying takeout from Pine & Crane, a Michelin-recommended Taiwanese restaurant located in the heart of Los Angeles. Known for its authentic Taiwanese flavors and farm-fresh ingredients, Pine & Crane has become a go-to for locals craving everything from crispy pork buns to comforting beef noodle soup. But is it really Michelin-star worthy? I’m here to find out.

The Michelin Buzz

Let’s start with the Michelin recommendation itself. Pine & Crane earned its spot on the prestigious guide for its dedication to quality, flavor, and consistency. While it doesn’t yet have a Michelin star, its place in the guide signals that this restaurant is a standout in LA’s competitive dining scene. Naturally, I was intrigued—Taiwanese food meets Michelin approval? Sign me up!

The Dishes: Pan-Fried Pork Buns & Beef Noodle Soup

For my takeout adventure, I decided to go with two of Pine & Crane’s best-selling dishes: the $14 pan-fried pork buns and the $15 beef noodle soup. Both dishes are crowd favorites, and after reading so many rave reviews, I couldn’t wait to dive in.

The Pan-Fried Pork Buns

pan fried pork bunsPhoto bySkyler Beastie

First up, the pan-fried pork buns. At first glance, these golden-brown beauties looked almost too good to eat (but I definitely ate them anyway!). The crispy bottoms were perfectly seared, while the top remained soft and fluffy—a combo that immediately grabbed my attention. Inside, I found a juicy, flavorful pork filling that delivered in both taste and texture. The balance between the crispy exterior and the tender, savory pork inside was nothing short of magical.

To put it simply, these pork buns were the food version of a mic drop. Crisp, juicy, and utterly satisfying, they hit all the right notes. If you’re looking for a perfect blend of crispy and soft textures in one bite, Pine & Crane’s pork buns are an absolute must-try.

The Beef Noodle Soup

Photo byPaul HanaokaonUnsplash

Next, I moved on to the beef noodle soup, a Taiwanese staple that’s often considered the ultimate comfort food. Pine & Crane’s version comes with a deeply flavorful broth, tender beef chunks, and perfectly chewy noodles.

The broth was rich and savory, with just the right hint of spice, giving it that deep umami flavor that beef noodle soup is known for. The beef itself was incredibly tender, practically melting in my mouth, while the noodles had that perfect chew—stretchy and bouncy, just how I like them. Each slurp was a delightful experience, and I found myself completely immersed in this bowl of comfort. It was the kind of soup that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket, especially on a cool day.

For $15, this beef noodle soup is a steal, delivering Michelin-level quality and flavors that warm your soul.

The Takeout Experience

I was curious to see if a restaurant known for its Michelin recommendation would deliver the same quality through takeout, and I was pleasantly surprised. The packaging was great—my food arrived fresh, and even after the journey home, the pork buns were still crispy, and the noodles retained their perfect texture. Pine & Crane has clearly mastered the art of takeout without compromising quality.

Why Pine & Crane Deserves Its Michelin Recommendation

There’s no question why Pine & Crane earned its spot on the Michelin guide. Their ability to balance authentic Taiwanese flavors with a dedication to fresh, high-quality ingredients sets them apart from many other casual eateries. It’s rare to find a place that nails every aspect of a dish, from texture to taste to presentation, but Pine & Crane does it effortlessly.

What makes this place special isn’t just the food—it’s the thoughtfulness behind every dish. Each bite feels intentional, like the chefs have taken care to ensure you experience the very best of what Taiwanese cuisine has to offer. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout like I did, you can expect Michelin-worthy food that satisfies in every way.

Final Thoughts

My experience at Pine & Crane was nothing short of exceptional. From the crispy, savory pork buns to the rich and comforting beef noodle soup, each dish exceeded my expectations. If you’re in Los Angeles and haven’t yet visited Pine & Crane, you’re missing out on one of the city’s true culinary gems. Whether you’re a fan of Taiwanese food or just love trying new flavors, this Michelin-recommended spot is well worth a visit. And if you’re grabbing takeout, don’t worry—the flavors travel just as well.

So, is Pine & Crane Michelin-star worthy? In my opinion, absolutely. The restaurant is a shining example of how casual dining can meet high culinary standards, and I can’t wait to return for another round of pork buns and noodles.