Din Tai Fung, the family-owned, globally known restaurant brand known for the art of Xiao Long Bao and hospitality, will open its newest location in Santa Monica (395 Santa Monica Place – Suite FC01) on Friday, February 28. The expansive 10,615-square-foot indoor-outdoor dining space features a patio looking over the ocean and a crafted design that harmoniously blends Din Tai Fung’s Taiwanese heritage with modern architectural elegance.
Din Tai Fung (DTF) Santa Monica will bring an estimated 280 new jobs to the community and will be the brand’s fifth location in the greater Los Angeles area. Reservations open on February 11 on www.dtf.com, with the first tables available during the restaurant’s soft opening period, starting on February 20.
“We are excited to continue our expansion in Los Angeles, the city where we started our Din Tai Fung North America journey,” said Aaron Yang, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Din Tai Fung North America in a statement.
“Santa Monica is one of Southern California’s most iconic coastal communities, and we’re looking forward to diversifying the dining options in the area and sharing our elevated dining experience with residents and visitors alike. We know the community will enjoy the Din Tai Fung signature hospitality in a fresh, new way– a delicious meal with the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.”
Din Tai Fung’s Santa Monica location will have a unique appearance that sets it apart from other DTF restaurants. Designed with an artful zen aesthetic, the space seamlessly blends contemporary design with cultural elements, while simultaneously infusing subtle nods towards the surrounding landscape. With beachy hues and bright, natural light, the architectural and design elements create a welcoming and sophisticated dining environment. Elements include:
● Floating circular canopies at the heart of the patio space, reminiscent of the ancient Chinese philosophy of balance and harmony, and symbolizing DTF’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of tradition while honoring the company’s roots.
● Nods to Xiao Long Bao steamer baskets present throughout the restaurant, in the furniture and ceiling treatment.
● DTF’s signature dumpling expo kitchen serves as the centerpiece of the dining room, offering guests an immersive experience and behind-the-scenes look at the culinary artistry behind each dish.
DTF recognizes local restaurants are the heartbeat of their communities, serving as gathering places for people to come together over a warm meal while also fueling the community by creating jobs and supporting other small businesses. The restoration of these businesses lost in the recent wildfires is essential to the rebuilding of Los Angeles. DTF partnered with GoFundMe to identify businesses in need and has committed to donating 100 percent of profits from its Santa Monica soft opening and grand opening week (February 20- March 8) directly to local food and beverage businesses impacted by the fires, up to $50,000: GoFundMe.
“Los Angeles is the home to the first U.S. location of Din Tai Fung, and it’s where my brother and I grew up. These wildfires and the destruction they’ve brought really hit close to home,” said Albert Yang, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Din Tai Fung North America. “Our LA locations cooked thousands of meals for first responders and shelters during the fires, and we want to do more to help. We recognize communities count on their local restaurants to provide a place to connect with loved ones, so we hope the funds raised from our benefit event and our Santa Monica opening weeks can make a difference.”
On Monday, Feb. 10, DTF partnered with Los Angeles Golf Club (LAGC), Los Angeles’ newest sports team that makes golf accessible to all, to host a private benefit event with the golf community, influencers and LA tastemakers, with all funds raised going directly to the recovery and rebuilding efforts of local, independent food and beverage establishments impacted by the fires. The evening was attended by actors Ross Butler, Timothy Granaderos and Justin Chien; professional skateboarder Sean Malto; golf content creators Karol Priscilla, Isabelle Shee and Hyunee Kim; and many more.
“The city of Los Angeles has experienced incredible devastation over the last few weeks and, a Angelenos, we’ve felt the pain and heartbreak that our community has suffered,” said Neal Hubman, President of LAGC. “We’ve been so inspired by the resilience and determination of our city and have shared the overwhelming desire to make an immediate impact for those who need our support. To that end, we’re proud to be partnering with Din Tai Fung to raise money for affected restaurants and small businesses. Din Tai Fung and the Los Angeles Golf Club both share the purpose of inspiring communities, and we recognize local restaurants as being the hubs that bring people together. We hope our efforts help provide relief to the many businesses who have been directly affected by the recent wildfires.”
Since rising to fame in the 1970s, DTF has become known for the art of Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), masterfully crafting the soup dumplings through an intricate 18-fold process. Each dumpling features a delicate wrapper and perfectly balanced fillings, known as the restaurant brand’s “Golden Ratio,” the direct result of decades of culinary mastery and intensive training. Other popular options include viral favorites such as the Cucumber Salad, Spicy Wontons, featuring a signature house spicy sauce, and the hand-shaken Pear Lychee Martini, featuring Grey Goose La Poire Vodka and St-Germain.
Din Tai Fung is open 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (lunch), 5-9 p.m. (dinner), daily.
