Kim Tar Seafood — Review by Grub with Greg
Monterey Park, United States — Chinese Seafood
Kim Tar Seafood in Monterey Park is a favorite spot for authentic Chinese seafood. The reviewer highlights the fresh whole lobster in buttery garlic sauce served over noodles as a standout dish, along with impressive preparations of shrimp, squid, scallops, and other seafood in a fun family-style dining experience.
What was great: Fresh lobster in buttery garlic sauce, huge fresh shrimp, salt and pepper squid, house special fried scallops, variety of dishes served family style, consistent quality
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Kim Tar Seafood delivers an impressive array of fresh seafood dishes served family style with a lazy susan in the center. The star of the show is undoubtedly the whole fresh lobster pulled directly from the tank and prepared in a beautiful buttery garlic sauce, then served over fresh noodles that soak up every bit of that rich flavor. The Kung Pao shrimp features notably huge shrimp and offers a delightful twist on the traditional chicken version. The salt and pepper fresh squid is perfectly executed, while the house special fried scallops showcase the kitchen's commitment to quality. Other highlights include French style beef, eggplant with shredded pork in garlic sauce, and clams in black bean sauce with green peppers. Each dish arrives one by one from the kitchen, creating an exciting dining experience.
The Experience
The restaurant offers a classic Chinese family-style dining setup with the iconic lazy susan centerpiece, allowing diners to share and sample multiple dishes. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, designed for group dining. Service appears efficient with dishes flowing steadily from the kitchen to the table.
Value & Pricing
The pricing was not explicitly mentioned in the review, though the generous portions and fresh quality seafood suggest good value for the experience offered.
Notable Moments
This is one of my favorite spots for Chinese food and this is the reason I keep coming back here right here. So, it's a whole fresh lobster they take right out of the tank and put it right into the walk covered in this beautiful buttery garlic sauce.
The reviewer emphasizes this as a go-to restaurant and identifies the fresh lobster preparation as the primary draw for repeat visits.
The Verdict
Kim Tar Seafood is an excellent choice for anyone craving authentic Chinese seafood in a family-style setting. With two locations in the greater Los Angeles area (Monterey Park and Temple City), it's accessible and delivers consistent quality. This restaurant is ideal for groups looking to share a variety of fresh seafood dishes in a traditional Chinese dining experience.