20 Best Restaurants in Carson, CA
This article was written by local contributor Chloe Harris & edited by the Travel Lens team.
Ah, Carson, California - there's something special about living in this vibrant city.
As a food enthusiast, I find myself constantly discovering new gems when it comes to dining.
My taste buds have been on a thrilling journey through the diverse culinary scene here, and I have to say, Carson has some of the best restaurants in Southern California.
In this article, I'm excited to share with you some of my absolute favorite spots to indulge in delicious food and create fantastic memories.
So, buckle up and get ready to explore the best restaurants in Carson, California, through the eyes of someone who has experienced them firsthand.
Chinollo
I must say, discovering Chinollo has been an absolute delight!
This colorful and casual cafe offers an amazing variety of health-conscious dishes that have quickly become some of my favorites.
One of my go-to orders is their fish tacos, which perfectly balance softness and crunchiness.
The sweet potato fries drizzled with maple syrup are simply divine, tasting like candy.
Not to mention, Mama Wong's Chinese chicken salad is a must-try paired with a refreshing matcha jasmine iced tea.
Some of their dishes can also be requested as vegan, which is fantastic.
Fiesta Barbecue & Bibingka
As a Filipino food lover, I was thrilled to find Fiesta Barbecue & Bibingka in my neighborhood.
I've been hearing great things about their food, so I decided to give it a try.
I visited the restaurant last week and was blown away by the delicious chicken plate I ordered.
The smoky flavor of the meat was divine, and it was cooked to perfection.
I was so impressed that I went back the next day and tried their liempo plate, which was just as amazing.
Their menu boasts a variety of chicken, pork, and seafood dishes that cater to all tastes.
I loved that the food is not too outlandish, making it perfect for picky eaters and those who want to try Filipino cuisine for the first time.
The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it a great dining option for locals like me.
The mixed combo plate, which I shared with a friend, was a delicious combination of seared salmon, pork liempo, and bibingka pastry.
The salmon was moist and flavorful, while the pork liempo was cooked to perfection.
The restaurant is located in a nice strip mall with plenty of parking, so accessibility is not an issue.
Bahay Kainan
I've been a resident of Downtown Carson for quite some time now, and I recently had the pleasure of trying out BaBoys at Bahay Kainan.
On my visit, I tried the Lumpia Shanghai, Bistek Onion Rings, Sisig Quesadilla, and Laing Pasta.
The Lumpia Shanghai was an absolute delight, full of traditional Filipino flavors.
BaBoys currently offers around ten menu items, and I hope they'll consider adding more flavor to some of their dishes.
I'm looking forward to visiting this place again soon and trying more of their amazing food.
And let's not forget about their quick delivery service, which seems to be highly praised by satisfied customers.
Ethan's Restaurant
Just the other day, I decided to drop by Chibugan Lechon At Ethan's Restaurant for a quick lunch.
I was excited to try their famous Crispy Pata, which turned out to be quite tasty.
The overall experience was great as the food was hot, not too greasy, and served turo-turo style (cafeteria style, aka point-point).
I'm definitely considering Chibugan Lechon At Ethan's for catering if I need to bring food to a party.
The atmosphere was warm, and the people were very friendly, making it an enjoyable visit for any local or visitor alike.
Back Home In Lahaina
One of my favorite spots to unwind and enjoy some delicious Hawaiian cuisine is Back Home In Lahaina.
The ambiance is lively, with live Hawaiian music on weekends and people getting up to dance the hula to some of the tunes.
It's such a fun atmosphere and really makes me feel like I've stepped into a little slice of Hawaii right here in my hometown.
When I go there with friends, we usually start with the Back Home Sampler, which is a great way to taste a variety of appetizers.
My personal favorites are the Lahaina fried chicken and the Filipino-style lumpia, but everything is delicious.
For the main course, I've tried a couple of their platters, and the Luau Platter is a must-try.
The Lau Lau, chicken long rice, and lomi lomi salmon are all bursting with flavor.
Darrow's New Orleans Grill
Ever since I discovered Darrow's New Orleans Grill, it has become my go-to spot for Southern-style cooking with a touch of Cajun and Creole flavors right here in California.
The homey atmosphere of this casual eatery makes me feel right at home.
The first time I stepped into Darrow's, I was immediately drawn to their delicious cornbread, served warm, moist, and drizzled with syrup.
I was blown away by the flavors in the gumbo, filled with shrimp, crab legs, and sausage.
Since then, I've also tried their fish plate with bean balaya and found the fish to be incredibly moist, tasteful, and simply mouthwatering.
Sriracha Thai Restaurant
I recently had the opportunity to dine at Sriracha Thai Restaurant in my own neighborhood of Carson.
This hidden gem offers a relaxed setting with Asian interior details and an extensive menu of traditional Thai dishes.
My first visit to Sriracha Thai was an amazing experience.
I ordered the Drunken Noodles with chicken and a veggie spring roll on the side.
The food was cooked fresh, fast, and full of delicious flavors.
Although the dine-in portion is quite small and has been closed for a while, their takeout service is top-notch.
On weekends, they can get quite busy, but they always text you to let you know when your order is ready for pickup.
The prices are reasonable, and the selection is wide.
My personal favorite is the Thai combo fried rice, which is enough to feed two people, especially if you get it with extra meat for only $2 more.
Stopping by Sriracha Thai was the perfect decision for a quick bite right off the highway.
The food is delicious, and they are able to adjust the spice level to your preference.
Pho Crystal 3
I recently visited Pho Crystal 3 in Carson, CA, and it did not disappoint!
The appetizer sampler allowed my friends and me to try a little bit of everything, and the food was incredibly fresh and delicious.
We also enjoyed the lunch combo, which came with a drink and dessert, and it was more than enough food for the three of us.
One of the highlights from our visit was the avocado smoothie, which has quickly become my new favorite drink.
We also tried their egg rolls, grilled pork spring rolls, garlic noodles, and a vermicelli bowl with beef, shrimp, and egg rolls.
To wash it all down, we ordered Thai iced tea, Vietnamese iced coffee, and passion fruit tea - each drink was just as delicious as the food.
The service at Pho Crystal 3 was excellent and friendly, making our dining experience even more enjoyable.
Casa Mayoral Restaurant
Casa Mayoral Restaurant has become my go-to spot for breakfast and lunch.
I usually end up here about 3 times a week because the food is just so good, and the prices are hard to beat.
It's a cozy, unpretentious daytime diner that serves up delicious pancakes, eggs, sandwiches, and burgers.
What I love most about this place, though, is the excellent service.
One time, I decided to try their burger and was pleasantly surprised by how fresh and flavorful it was.
I later found out that breakfast is their most popular meal, so I made sure to try it out, and I have to agree—it's fantastic!
Orleans & York Deli
Orleans & York has quickly become my go-to spot for delicious sandwiches.
The first time I visited, I was warmly welcomed by the owners, who made me feel like a part of their family.
They are always so personable, making sure that I am satisfied and taken care of every time I come in.
One of the best things about Orleans & York is that the food is always fresh and made from scratch daily.
They use homemade-style recipes to create flavorful dishes like their deep-fried oyster Po Boy, which quickly became one of my favorites.
I also love trying out their other sandwiches, such as the shrimp Po Boy that I plan to order next time.
Rosario's Italian Restaurant
As someone who frequently dines out in the area, I recently had the pleasure to visit Rosario's Italian Restaurant, and I must say, their pizza is truly something special.
Despite being located in an unassuming strip mall, the moment you step inside, you realize that this is a gem waiting to be discovered.
Sure, the floors may not be the cleanest, and the decor may be dated, but the quality of the food more than makes up for it.
Rosario's offers a variety of casual Italian options, but their specialty pizzas are what makes this place stand out.
Although the prices might be a bit higher than what you'd expect in a casual eatery, the world-class quality of their pizza is definitely worth every penny.
You can taste the love and care put into each dish, making you want to come back for more.
Thai Cuisine Restaurant
As someone who's always on the lookout for great food in my neighborhood, I recently decided to try out Thai Cuisine Restaurant for lunch.
I've always been a fan of Thai food, so when I came across this place, I knew I just had to give it a shot.
During my visit, I ordered the panang curry, which was decent, but I've certainly had better.
As for the ambiance, the restaurant is quite small, with about 8-10 tables, and has a casual, relaxed atmosphere.
I've heard a lot of good things about their Tiger Beef Salad and Drunken Noodles with Chicken, so I'm definitely willing to give them another try.
Other Restaurants Nearby
Urban Plates (Torrance)
Last week, I decided to treat myself to a nice dinner at Urban Plates, as it has always been my go-to place for their organic, scratch-made dishes.
I ordered my favorite beef braise, which has never disappointed me in the past.
However, this time I noticed a significant change in the meal's presentation and portion size.
Instead of the microwavable paper bowl I was used to, the meal was served in a small plastic container with two compartments.
The beef braise was also about 1/3 of its usual size, which was quite disappointing for the $15 price tag.
On a previous visit, I had tried their steak and shrimp plates, which were incredibly delicious.
The beet salad with goat cheese was also enjoyable.
Aunty Maile's Hawaiian Restaurant (Torrance)
Being a resident here for quite some time now, I've grown to love Aunty Maile's Hawaiian Restaurant.
You can check them out on their website, and trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Their laid-back environment and outdoor seating make it a perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
What I love most is their generous portions and reasonable prices.
On a special occasion, I remember going there for breakfast on a Saturday morning and being pleasantly surprised by a live band playing outside.
It added a lot of life to the restaurant's already welcoming atmosphere.
Ueno Sushi & Asian Izakaya (Torrance)
One of my favorite places to eat in town is Ueno Sushi & Asian Izakaya.
It's the perfect spot for a delicious and satisfying sushi night.
The ambiance of the restaurant is just lovely, with adorable décor that makes you feel welcome and relaxed.
I remember the first time I went there, I was so impressed by the quick and efficient service.
The lady who attended to us was incredibly kind and patient, helping to make our experience even better.
During my frequent visits, I've had the pleasure of trying many dishes from their menu, but one roll that really stuck with me was the Beautiful Beach Roll.
I highly recommend it!
You can check out their menu online if you're curious about what else they offer.
Their garlic edamame is also a standout dish - the amazing roasted garlic flavor is simply divine.
And if you're a fan of sashimi, their sashimi combo is not to be missed.
It's very filling and comes with soup, rice, and salad.
Kantaro Sushi (Torrance)
One of the best-hidden gems in Torrance has to be Kantaro Sushi.
This small sushi bar never fails to impress me with their daily catches and omakase presentations.
I always find the place to be comfortable and affordable, especially considering the high quality of the sushi served.
You can find more details about them here.
The sushi bar is run by a lovely couple, and their exceptional service makes the dining experience truly special.
I've enjoyed their $25 sushi supreme many times, which comes with a 10-piece nigiri, a choice of California or spicy tuna roll, and miso soup and salad.
The quality of the sushi is always great, and I'm always full and satisfied after my meal.
Kantaro Sushi is usually open for lunch, after which they close for a break and then reopen in the evening for their omakase-only dinner.
I've also indulged in their $50 omakase dinner multiple times, and I must say the price and quality are unmatched.
Depot Restaurant (Torrance)
I've had the pleasure of dining at the Depot Restaurant a few times, and I must say it never disappoints.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a unique charm that comes from its location in a historic train depot.
The menu offers an array of globally inspired dishes, with a focus on seafood.
Although there aren't many pasta options available, the variety more than makes up for it.
During one visit, I attended a business meeting with a large group of people, and the private space provided was perfect for our needs.
Service was quick and professional, and the Italian-themed restaurant also offered a great selection of steaks.
One dish that stood out to me was the Thai Chicken, which may seem like an unusual choice for an Italian restaurant, but it was listed as one of their specialties.
The dish was absolutely delicious, and the portion size was quite generous.
I've also had the pleasure of trying their Filet, which was cooked to perfection.
And, of course, you can't leave without indulging in one of their amazing desserts.
Local Kitchen (Torrance)
I love exploring the local restaurants around town.
One of my favorite places to hang out with friends is this gem in downtown Torrance called Local Kitchen Tavern.
It's a New American bar and eatery with a semi-hidden sports room in the back and multiple televisions, so it's perfect for catching a game or just having a few drinks.
The food here is surprisingly good.
The portions are huge – so big that they can easily feed two to three people!
Plus, the drinks menu is impressive, with strong cocktails and a good beer selection.
Parking can be a bit tricky during peak hours, but it's worth the effort.
My personal favorite dish is the meatloaf tower – it has a perfect mix of sweet, salty, meaty, and "loafy" flavors that keep me coming back for more!
If you're in the mood for a healthier option, the soup and salad portions are quite generous.
For vegetarians, mac and cheese is a great choice, and you can even add chicken if you like.
And if you're celebrating a special occasion, don't miss out on the chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream – it's the sweetest treat to end a great night out with friends.
Chinchikurin (Torrance)
I have had the pleasure of visiting Chinchikurin on multiple occasions.
Trust me when I say that their Okonomiyaki is a heavenly comfort food that hits the spot every time.
My personal favorite is the Chinchikurinyaki with crispy noodles, but I've also tried their GOAM (green onions and mayo) with traditional soft noodles, which is also delicious.
I remember the first time I visited Chinchikurin, I was reminded of the Okonomiyaki my dad used to make with loads of fresh ingredients.
The flavors at this place are truly authentic, and you can tell they only use the best ingredients in their dishes.
I usually order the Loaded Kaisen Okonomiyaki without red meat (they're always accommodating with my request) and crispy noodles, while the rest of my family goes for the traditional soft noodle style.
One of the best things about dining at Chinchikurin is the experience of watching them cook your meal right in front of you.
It's always entertaining and adds a fun twist to the dining experience.
Chicken Maisón (Torrance)
I absolutely love dining at Chicken Maison in Torrance!
It never disappoints.
The casual Mediterranean atmosphere is perfect for a relaxed meal with friends or family, and their menu offers a variety of tasty options like rotisserie chicken, kebabs, salads, falafels, and gyros.
My personal favorites include their chicken pesto pasta, Chinese chicken salad, and lentil soup.
And don't get me started on their pita with dipping sauce– I could eat that all day!
A bonus is the convenience of using their app to place orders, which makes picking up a meal on the go super easy.
With multiple locations in the South Bay area, I can always count on Chicken Maison to satisfy my cravings for fresh, delicious Mediterranean food.
Final Thoughts
My personal experiences with these restaurants in Carson, California, have truly shaped my love for diverse culinary adventures.
Each establishment offers a unique and delectable dining experience, making it difficult to choose just one favorite.
From the mouthwatering sushi at Kantaro and Ueno to the delightful Hawaiian flavors at Aunty Maile's and Back Home in Lahaina, there's always something to satisfy my cravings.z
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