A Royal Tradition Beyond the Palace Walls

Bistro Na’s brings the traditions of Manchu imperial cooking from Beijing to Southern California. In Temple City, diners can explore a less familiar side of Chinese cuisine, shaped by the elaborate banquets, careful preparation and ceremonial hospitality of the Qing Dynasty court.

Founded by descendants of the Plain Yellow Banner, one of the Qing Dynasty’s Upper Three Banners, the restaurant draws on a heritage that extends beyond recipes. Its classical Chinese interiors and banquet-style dining reflect the importance of welcoming guests and bringing people together around a well-prepared meal.

Executive Chef Tian Yong grew up in the hutongs of Beijing’s Xidan neighbourhood, giving him a personal connection to the city’s food culture. At Bistro Na’s, he leads a kitchen where careful ingredient selection and detailed preparation bring the restaurant’s Manchu and Beijing traditions to the contemporary table.

Selected for the 2026 Elite 12 UNITED STATES, Bistro Na’s is recognised for its culinary craftsmanship and commitment to this heritage. Taste Advisors recommend the Crispy Prawn, with its delicate exterior and sweet prawn meat, and the Peking Duck, a northern Chinese banquet classic that demands patient preparation. Na’s Spicy Chicken and Prime Beef Rib are further reasons to gather a group and explore the menu.

As Bistro Na’s only location in the United States, the Temple City restaurant offers a distinctive introduction to these culinary traditions. The setting lends a sense of occasion, but it is the food, shared around the table, that makes the history feel close at hand.