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Array 36

Special occasion dinners and celebratory family gatherings.

Closed now $$$$ Upscale DiningModern SettingLocal Favorite
6.6/10
Great Scored by Wesley Fong · How we score
№ 01 · The Brief

San Gabriel's occasion room, not the casual plaza stop

Tucked along the bustling stretch of Rosemead Boulevard in San Gabriel, Array 36 has become a standout destination for diners seeking an elevated take on Chinese cuisine paired with inventive desserts. This corner of the San Gabriel Valley is already known as one of the epicenters of exceptional Chinese dining in Southern California, and Array 36 distinguishes itself with a polished, upscale approach that feels distinct from the neighborhood's many casual eateries. With a stellar 4.4-star rating from over a thousand reviewers, it has clearly earned its reputation as a must-visit spot for those willing to invest in a premium dining experience.

The menu showcases a thoughtful blend of traditional Chinese cooking techniques with modern presentation, offering diners a chance to explore both familiar comfort dishes and more adventurous plates. Signature seafood preparations, expertly wok-fried classics, and delicate dim sum-style offerings anchor the savory side of the menu, while the dessert program sets Array 36 apart from typical Chinese restaurants in the area. Diners frequently rave about the balance of bold, umami-rich flavors alongside lighter, more refined dishes designed to be shared family-style.

№ 02 · What to Order

The order, from the record

№ 03 · Insider Tip
!

Reserve a table in advance on weekends, as this popular spot fills up quickly with both locals and visitors exploring the San Gabriel Valley's dining scene.

Wesley Fong · Top of Los Angeles
№ 04 · The Verdict

What earns the 6.6

01
Special occasion pricing

The high-end tier and the whole steamed fish and wagyu program mark this as a room built for celebration dinners rather than a weeknight dim sum stop.

02
Dessert program stands out

A dedicated house dessert platter breaks from the standard SGV Chinese playbook, where dessert is usually an afterthought or skipped entirely.

03
Family-style special occasion fit

The signature lineup, wok-seared wagyu alongside a whole fish, reads as built for group ordering and celebratory gatherings rather than solo counter meals.

How we score

The Insider Score is our own 10-point editorial rating, set by the writer who covers the room. It is never an average of other sites’ stars, and it is never for sale. It weighs three things:

01Track record

How highly a kitchen rates, across how many diners, over how long.

02Consistency

Whether recent diners still agree with the long-term verdict.

03Distinction

What the kitchen does that its category does not.

Array 36 earns a 6.6, great on our scale for Chinese in Los Angeles.
Wesley Fong
Wesley Fong
San Gabriel Valley & Koreatown Editor

Wesley Fong covers the Asian corridors for Top of Los Angeles: the San Gabriel Valley's regional Chinese tables, Koreatown, Thai Town, and the South Bay's Japanese rooms. An Alhambra native who works from the public review record.

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