20 Best Restaurants in Compton, CA
This article was written by local contributor Jacob Anderson & edited by the Travel Lens team.
Compton, California, is a city with a rich history and vibrant culture, and nothing reflects that better than its diverse and delicious culinary scene.
Over the years, I've had the pleasure of living here and exploring the local flavors, trying everything from soul food to authentic Mexican cuisine.
Every street corner has its own hidden gem, while every dish tells a story of the people and the community that makes Compton so special.
In this article, I'll be sharing my personal favorites and the best restaurants in Compton, California, that you absolutely need to try.
Bon appétit!
El Primo Mexican Food
One of my favorite places to eat in the neighborhood is El Primo Mexican Food in Compton.
Their menu offers a variety of delicious and hearty dishes, but what really sets them apart is the quality and freshness of their ingredients.
I recently ordered their breakfast burrito with bacon and grilled veggies, and it seriously tasted like they whipped up a fresh meal just for me – not some reheated leftovers as you'd get at other places.
When dining at El Primo Mexican Food Compton, I also appreciate their outdoor seating area.
It's tucked away just enough to provide a relaxing atmosphere, away from the busy sidewalk.
Plus, their prices are reasonable, and they have amazing frappes and fresh orange juice as well!
The shrimp and Mexican rice are packed with flavor, and their guacamole is top-notch.
Kumi Ko Japanese Restaurant
I remember the first time I walked into Kumi Ko, it was a pleasant surprise to have such an authentic Japanese restaurant amidst Long Beach Blvd.
Ever since then, I've been a regular visitor, and I must say, I've never had a bad experience there.
I've noticed how they've maintained a high level of quality in their dishes, even during the pandemic.
One of my favorites is their sushi - it's simply divine!
I've had the chance to try their mackerel, Scottish salmon, and hamachi, and my tastebuds have always been left craving more.
Another thing that stands out about this gem of a restaurant is their cozy ambiance, complete with a terrace.
It's a great place to wind down after a long day.
Tacos El Palomas
I absolutely love going to Tacos El Palomas for some scrumptious tacos on weekends.
Trust me when I say that their lengua (tongue) tacos are the best I've ever had!
I make it a point to grab some every Sunday morning, and it never disappoints.
I've yet to try their asada tacos, which they serve on Saturdays, but I've heard great things about them too.
The service is quick, which makes it an ideal spot for a quick and delicious bite.
I also had the pleasure of attending an event catered by Tacos El Palomas recently, and it was just as amazing.
The two ladies managing the catering served up mouthwatering carne, chicken, and pastor dishes, paired with refreshing agua fresca drinks.
The chile for the tacos was exceptional as well.
You can check out their Facebook page for more information.
Sunny Express GFF Vegan-Mexican-Chinese
I recently stumbled upon an incredible dining experience at this vegan restaurant called Sunny Express GFF Vegan-Mexican-Chinese.
I've been a local resident for quite some time, and this restaurant is truly a hidden gem.
From the moment I stepped into the place, I could sense the welcoming atmosphere.
The variety of vegan Chinese and Mexican dishes left me spoilt for choice, and I decided to go for the plant-based shrimp made from some plant roots.
To my surprise, it was nothing short of delicious!
I also ordered a Mexican burrito, which was just as scrumptious.
The food was not only tasty but also fresh, as everything was cooked to order.
What really sets Sunny Express apart is their exceptional customer service.
They even offered fortune cookies with thought-provoking questions!
Phat Noodles
Whenever I'm in the mood for a fantastic bowl of noodles, Phat Noodles is my go-to spot.
I remember the first time I tried their spicy beef noodles, and I was blown away by the burst of flavors and just the right amount of kick.
I appreciate that Phat Noodles is willing to make modifications to accommodate different diets.
My personal favorite is their dry noodles, which offer a tasty meat-free option for vegetarians and vegans like me.
On one visit, I decided to try their Phnom Penh dry noodle dish, and it was just as delicious as I'd hoped.
Aside from their scrumptious noodle dishes, Phat Noodles also offers a variety of refreshing boba drinks.
One hot summer day, I tried their Thai tea coconut flavor, and it was the perfect way to cool down and quench my thirst.
I love that they also have a veggie noodle soup option, which I've been meaning to try on my next visit.
To top it all off, the parking situation at Phat Noodles is great, making it convenient for me to drop by whenever the craving hits.
You can find more information and directions to their location here.
Los Sombreros Restaurant
One Compton restaurant that never disappoints me is Los Sombreros Restaurant.
It's a family-owned place, and the moment you step inside, you can feel the warmth and cleanliness.
Their prices are perfect for the area, and the food quality is outstanding.
Every time I visit, there's always a line, which just goes to show how popular it is among us locals!
I usually call in my order at least once a week, and I've tried a variety of dishes from their menu.
Currently, I'm obsessed with their super tostada salad with shredded beef, and I like to add some extra rice to it.
My partner and son absolutely love their tacos special.
I've been a regular customer for over four years, and the service has always been quick and consistent.
If you're ever in the area, you must try their breakfast burritos - both regular and wet options are fantastic!
The chorizo breakfast burrito is truly a game-changer, and their sopes are pretty good too.
Be prepared to have leftovers, as the portions are quite generous.
Antojitos Los Cuates
As a regular at Antojitos Los Cuates, I can confidently say that this hole-in-the-wall spot is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Mexican cuisine.
One of my favorite dishes to order here is the tostada de cueritos, which features perfectly pickled pork skin that's soft and tender.
The chicken flautas are another standout item on their menu, as they're incredibly crispy and generously filled with tender chicken.
It's no wonder I keep bringing my friends and family here to try dishes like pozole blanco with purple hominy and taco Dorado de requeson.
Birrieria Barajas
Oh, let me tell you about Birrieria Barajas!
I discovered this gem of a place through their Instagram and decided to give it a try.
I'm so glad I did because the food is simply amazing.
Not only is it well worth the money and time, but the customer service is also top-notch.
My mom and I enjoyed our meal so much that we've become regular customers.
Finding authentic, flavorful food like this is quite challenging, but Birrieria Barajas has nailed it.
I recommend coming early if you want to try their goat meat, as it tends to sell out quickly.
I remember watching an episode of Migrationology with Mark Wiens featuring this place, and my partner and I knew we had to try it.
Three years later, we finally did, and we were not disappointed.
The food was absolutely delicious, and the service was even better.
Salads 2000
Every time I want to grab a healthy and tasty meal, I head straight to Salads 2000.
This spot has a fantastic variety of salad options, and I can't get enough of their delicious smoothies.
What really sets Salads 2000 apart is the freshness of their ingredients.
Whenever they have the homemade tilapia ceviche, I make sure to get it as the flavor is just amazing.
And don't even get me started on the portions!
They're quite generous, and I love that I can fully customize my salad.
Juanillo's Mexican Grill
I am always on the lookout for good local restaurants.
I was absolutely thrilled when I discovered Juanillo's Mexican Grill because it completely surpassed my expectations.
In just one week, I visited this place three times, and I am determined to work my way through their entire menu!
Juanillo's offers amazing daily specials on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays such as Torta Mondays and Taco Tuesdays.
I particularly enjoy their 3 Taco plate with rice and beans on Wednesdays.
They also serve breakfast all day, burgers, salads, and seafood.
As a fan of Menudo and Pozole, I was delighted to find out that they serve these dishes every day.
What sets Juanillo's apart from other Mexican restaurants, in my opinion, is their commitment to freshness.
Their handmade tortillas, made fresh daily, are used for the tortilla chips that come with most orders.
These chips are warm, crispy, and seasoned just right.
Poki Yaki
I have to say, I've become a regular at Poki Yaki.
It's become my go-to spot for a quick, satisfying, and delicious meal, especially after a long day at work.
The beef ramen with fried California rolls is a personal favorite of mine, and I couldn't agree more with the reviews about the amazing flavor and presentation.
What keeps bringing me back, though, is not just the food, but also the outstanding customer service.
I can't help but order from them multiple times a week, and I'm always pleasantly surprised by their consistent quality and attention to detail.
One of these days, I plan on actually going inside the restaurant to dine with friends and soak up the atmosphere in person.
ON+ON Fresh Korean Kitchen
I am a huge fan of ON+ON Fresh Korean Kitchen, so when I was visiting family in a different area, I decided to try out their local branch.
I've always loved their salmon bowls at the Torrance location, and the experience at this new branch lived up to my expectations.
The rice, sweet potatoes, and the salmon complenebted one another and bursting with flavor.
Their noodle dishes with roasted veggies and finely chopped kale topped with fried shallots are simply delicious, especially when paired with their peanut sauce.
The bowls are pretty big and are worth the money, which always makes me and my wallet happy.
Planet Health Compton
As a Compton resident, I'm always on the lookout for new spots to eat and hang out.
Recently, I discovered Planet Health Compton, and I was instantly drawn to the vibrant and beautiful atmosphere this place had to offer.
The walls are adorned with stunning artwork that you can't help but lose yourself in, and the space is perfect for community events, shopping, and trying out the delicious food.
When I first checked out their menu, I was pleasantly surprised at the vast variety of cultural and culinary options available - from The Juice Trap juices to the array of vegan dishes.
During my visit, I tried the Cauliflower and Fries, and it was quite a flavorful experience.
It was a tasty dish that left me wanting to try more of their menu items.
In addition to the delicious food, the service was impeccable.
The separate juice bar, clothing store, and retail shop made for an exciting shopping experience and the lounge area was an inviting space to relax and hang out with friends.
Super Pizza
I've been a frequent visitor of Super Pizza for quite some time now.
I remember the first time I stepped in there after a long day, craving for something delicious to munch on.
The aroma of freshly baked pizza instantly won my heart.
One thing I've always loved about Super Pizza is the quality and amount of toppings they put on their pizzas.
No matter how many times I've been there, the pizzas are always consistent in taste and loaded with fresh ingredients.
The Supreme pizza is my all-time favorite, and I've never been disappointed.
They make the pizzas fast, so you won't be waiting too long.
The prices at Super Pizza are very reasonable, and the portions are generous.
My kids absolutely love it, and I appreciate the fact that they don't have paper menus.
It's a small gesture that shows they care about the environment.
Although you might have to wing it when it comes to choosing your pizza, trust me, you won't be disappointed with their offerings.
In conclusion, Super Pizza is a great place to eat for locals and visitors alike.
Their fresh ingredients, delicious taste, and affordable prices make it a hidden gem in the city.
El Tio Carnitas
One of my all-time favorite places to eat in Compton is El Tio Carnitas.
This spot holds a special place in my heart, as my dad and I used to come here all the time before he passed away.
Every time I visit, I'm reminded of the good times we shared over delicious carnitas tacos.
Recently, I introduced my daughter to this local favorite, and she instantly fell in love with not only the food but also the rich backstory of the place.
The food is always mouthwatering, and the prices are incredibly affordable, making it easy to support this local Hispanic family-owned business.
Over the past 25 years, El Tio Carnitas has made a name for itself by serving the best carnitas in town.
It's the perfect place to just chill and eat, whether you're grabbing a quick bite for yourself or hosting a house event.
Their carnitas and beans are simply to die for, and I cannot recommend them enough.
Alma's Place
One Friday evening, I decided to check out Alma's Place, having seen many rave reviews about their soul food.
I walked in and was instantly greeted with a warm, friendly atmosphere that made me feel at home.
The restaurant had a cute and cozy vibe, and everything was spotless.
Curious about the Turkey chop lunch special, I ordered it for $15 and paired it with Mac and red beans and rice.
I was pleasantly surprised by the incredible taste and obviously high-quality ingredients.
The Turkey chop was amazing, and I felt like it made a perfect substitute for pork.
The sides were equally impressive, with the red beans and rice being particularly memorable.
As I ate, I couldn't help but notice the outstanding customer service.
I also made sure to save some room for dessert, and I'm glad I did.
The dessert was the perfect end to a fantastic meal.
Loreto's
Loreto's Fried Turkey has become one of my absolute favorite spots to grab a delicious meal.
I don't think I'll ever be able to replicate his incredible turkey, but I'm more than happy to keep coming back to Loreto's for my fix.
Now, I'm not one to need an entire fried turkey on a regular basis, but thankfully, Loreto's offers their amazing Cajun-seasoned fried turkey in a variety of ways.
I've tried the turkey "soul" sandwich, and let me tell you, it's absolutely finger-licking good.
The chopped white and dark turkey meat is seasoned to perfection, and the homemade "soul" sauce just takes it to another level.
I've also had their turkey taco, which is made with the same delicious turkey.
It's a fantastic fusion of soul food and Mexican flavors that totally hits the spot.
Pizza Studio
Pizza Studio has become my go-to spot for pizzas.
The idea of creating my own unique pizza with their flavored crusts, a range of sauces, and creative toppings just gets me every time.
On top of that, the prices are quite reasonable, and the restaurant always has a nice vibe when I walk in.
What I love the most about this place is their unlimited toppings option when I build my own pizza.
The service is always quick, and the employees are attentive and engaging.
They make sure to pay attention to detail which makes my pizza experience even better.
Another thing that I've noticed is that they also offer boneless and bone-in wings with several flavor options.
This just adds more variety to my dining experience whenever I visit.
And, let's not forget about their different crust options - it adds the perfect touch to my custom pizza!
Uruapan Taco
Every now and then, I stumble upon a hidden gem in my neighborhood and this time, it's Uruapan Taco.
Located just a short walk from my home, I can't believe it took me so long to discover this place!
You can find it here on Google Maps if you're interested.
Though it's a small, hole-in-the-wall place, don't let its size fool you.
The flavor and quality of the food are truly impressive.
Some days, there can be quite a long line, but trust me, it's worth the wait.
Their chile relleno burrito is hands down the best I've ever tried.
It's packed with flavor and the chile relleno itself is cooked to perfection.
Apart from the chile relleno burrito, I've also enjoyed their other guisados.
The portions are generous, and the meat is always fresh and well-seasoned.
New Millennium Pizza
Just the other day, I decided to get pizza from one of my favorite spots, New Millennium Pizza.
It's been a long-time favorite of my family.
I must say, their pizza is fantastic.
The service is generally awesome, and the wait time for a fresh pizza is around 15 minutes - not too shabby.
Just be sure to call ahead to make sure they're open.
Final Thoughts
Compton has an incredible and diverse food scene that truly satisfies any craving.
From delicious Mexican cuisine at El Primo Mexican Food Compton and Juanita's Tortilleria to flavorful Asian dishes at KUMI KO and Phat Noodles, there's something for everyone.
I've personally enjoyed many memorable meals at these establishments, and I am proud to say that the variety and quality of food in Compton never ceases to amaze me.
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