Kim Tar Seafood Restaurant — Review by Grub with Greg
Monterey Park, United States — Chinese
Kim Tar Seafood Restaurant in Monterey Park is a top destination for authentic Chinese cuisine featuring live seafood tanks. The reviewer loads up a lazy Susan with signature dishes like house special lobster and crab, alongside standout items like sweet walnut shrimp and crispy tofu, praising the quality and generous portions throughout.
What was great: House special lobster in garlic sauce, house special crab, orange chicken, string beans with garlic sauce, house special fish fillet, sweet walnut shrimp, kung pao chicken, French style beef, crispy tofu with sweet sauce, beef chow fun noodles with gravy
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Kim Tar Seafood Restaurant delivers an impressive array of Chinese specialties that showcase why this establishment is renowned in Monterey Park. The reviewer begins with the house special lobster tossed in a garlic sauce, which they recommend pairing with noodles at the bottom to soak up the flavors. The house special crab follows as another signature offering that draws customers in regularly.
The orange chicken arrives as a fan favorite that the reviewer loads up first, followed by string beans with garlic sauce that they claim beats competitors like Daiong. The house special fish fillet and sweet walnut shrimp showcase the restaurant's commitment to quality seafood, with the shrimp pieces notably oversized and impressive. The kung pao chicken is described as outstanding, while the French style beef offers a crispy, flavorful addition to the spread. One standout dish is the fried crispy tofu, which delivers a pillowy interior contrasted with a crispy exterior, finished with a sweet sauce, green onions, and cilantro. The beef chow fun noodles with gravy serve as an ideal sharing dish for the table.
The Experience
Upon entering Kim Tar, diners are immediately greeted with live seafood tanks positioned to the right, featuring lobster, crab, and tilapia. This creates an authentic seafood restaurant atmosphere where freshness is guaranteed. The setup encourages family-style dining with the prominent lazy Susan that the reviewer highlights as substantial in size, perfect for loading up multiple dishes and sharing.
Value and Pricing
While specific pricing is not detailed in the transcript, the reviewer emphasizes eating like a king at reasonable prices on Garvey Avenue, suggesting strong value for the quality and quantity of food provided.
Notable Moments
We got a lazy Susan this size. We're going to load this sucker up.
I'll take these over Daiong any day.
Eat like the king here on Garvey in Monterey Park.
The Verdict
Kim Tar Seafood Restaurant stands out as a must-visit destination for authentic Chinese food in Monterey Park. The combination of live seafood tanks, signature house specials, and numerous standout dishes makes it ideal for families and groups looking to enjoy a communal dining experience with generous portions and impressive flavors.