21 Best Restaurants in Montebello, CA
This article was written by local contributor Cecilia Collins & edited by the Travel Lens team.
Welcome to Montebello, California, a beautiful city with a rich history and a vibrant food scene that I'm proud to call my home.
As someone who has lived in this city for many years, I can assure you that Montebello has a plethora of amazing restaurants to satisfy any food cravings you might have.
From traditional Mexican cuisine to mouthwatering Italian dishes, this city has it all.
In this article, I'll be sharing my personal favorite spots where I've created countless memories with friends and family.
So, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we explore the best restaurant in Montebello, California!
Tony's Italian Deli
Every now and then, I crave a good Italian sandwich, and as a local, I know there is no better place to go than Tony's Italian Deli.
Let me tell you about a recent visit I had.
I decided to try something different this time and went for the spinach and cheese ravioli.
I couldn't believe how delicious it was!
I was so grateful for my coworker who had recommended it.
The lunch special I got included not only the ravioli, but also garlic bread and a salad.
And the price was just perfect.
But what really made my day was when I tried their 3 submarine sandwich special for a baseball game.
My friend suggested that these sandwiches were perfect for the game, and I couldn't agree more.
They were delicious, simple, not messy, and perfectly wrapped in plastic.
What really stood out to me was the bread made from scratch, the oil and seasonings, and the freshly sliced deli meat and cheese.
Tacos Ah Carbon
Just recently, I discovered a new gem in my neighborhood - Tacos Ah Carbon!
It's a fantastic spot for authentic and flavorful Tijuana-style tacos.
I was initially hesitant as the location is a bit hidden on Bluff Street, but I promise you, it's worth the adventure.
Just follow the smoke from their grill, and you'll know you're on the right track.
Here's the Google Maps link to help you find it.
Now, let's talk about their mouthwatering menu!
They offer Asada, chicken, and chorizo tacos, all made with handmade corn tortillas and served with delicious guacamole.
The salsa is spicy, but they put just the right amount so it doesn't overwhelm other flavors, and it adds a perfect kick.
I also tried their mulita, which is a quesadilla with your choice of meat, and it was heavenly.
I've heard great things about their tostada as well, so that's definitely on my list for my next visit.
The prices were reasonable, and the authentic taste of their carne asada tacos blew me away.
JC's Pizza
I recently stumbled upon JC's Pizza's Instagram page and decided to give them a try.
Let me tell you - it did not disappoint!
I ordered a calzone and a pizza, and both were absolutely delicious.
The pizza was fresh with a perfect crust, while the calzone was massive and incredibly tasty.
The first time I visited, the lovely lady behind the counter offered me one of their daily specials, and I'm glad she did.
The pizza and wings were both mouth-watering, and I've been coming back ever since.
Sin Chile No Hay Paraiso
One of my favorite spots to grab a bite in the neighborhood is Sin Chile No Hay Paraiso.
Their authentic Mexican dishes are absolutely scrumptious, and it's like taking a mini trip to Mexico without ever leaving the city.
If you're into the Americanized version of Mexican food, this place might not be for you.
But for those craving true Mexican flavors, I highly recommend giving it a try.
I had the pleasure of trying the Huevos Divorciados, and oh boy, were they great!
I opted for extra frijoles and skipped the rice since I'm on a keto diet.
Both their salsa verde and salsa roja were super fresh and packed with flavor.
My partner had the Chilaquiles Verdes with steak, which was cooked to perfection and full of taste.
They were also attentive and made sure we had a fantastic dining experience.
Aibona Felice
I recently attended my friend's 30th birthday celebration at Aibona Felice, and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience.
The restaurant is a beautiful Armenian banquet hall that offers not only mouthwatering kebabs and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine but also an elegant and comfortable atmosphere.
The venue was clean, elegant, and well-organized, which made it easy for everyone to enjoy themselves.
The food, of course, was the highlight of the evening.
The chicken kebab was incredibly juicy and tender, and even though I'm not a big fan of lamb, their lamb dish won me over.
I agree with some guests that turning off the TV and playing some nice dinner music would have made for an even better atmosphere, but overall, the experience was quite enjoyable.
Pier One Fish & Chips
One of my favorite go-to spots for a casual meal is Pier One Fish & Chips.
It's more than just a fish and chips spot, they also have a fantastic variety of Hawaiian food and even mouthwatering cheeseburgers.
Just last week, I decided to try their beef and shrimp plate, and it was absolutely delicious with fresh-tasting veggies.
What really surprised me is that my partner, who's usually not a fan of fish, decided to give their fish & chips a try and ended up loving it!
Our kids were also big fans of their meal.
It's amazing how this hole-in-the-wall restaurant can have such incredible food – I can't get enough of their fish n chips and their chicken katsu.
Pier One Fish & Chips has become a family favorite and a regular spot for us to enjoy a great meal.
Whenever we're craving some Hawaiian flavors or just a good old fish & chips, we know exactly where to go.
The Chicken Bowl
The Chicken Bowl has become one of my go-to spots for a quick, delicious, and affordable meal.
Just two blocks away from my house, I can easily call in my order and have it ready within minutes.
The chicken here is fantastic, and I also love their yakisoba.
The small size of the place gives it a cozy, hole-in-the-wall feel.
Although there's no restroom for customers (due to LA health regulations), it doesn't bother me since it's primarily a to-go spot.
One of the best things about The Chicken Bowl is that they offer healthy and tasty options at reasonable prices.
My 14-year-old, who's quite picky with food, even said that Yoshinoya has nothing on them!
He's always eager to go back for seconds, which is a big deal considering how much he loves homemade cooking.
Chef Chen
Just last night, I decided to finally give Chef Chen a try.
I'd heard good things from friends and was eager to see what all the fuss was about.
As I glanced around, I noticed the place wasn't exactly fancy, but that didn't bother me – I was here for the food.
I started with their seafood lo mein and orange chicken, and as I waited, they brought out a small plate of edamame as an appetizer.
It was a nice touch and only made me more excited for the main course.
Soon enough, my dishes arrived, piping hot and smelling amazing.
The flavors were incredible, and the portions were generous, making it well worth the price.
Z's Montebello
I'm always on the lookout for exciting new places to dine.
One such place I recently stumbled upon is Z's Montebello.
Their welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu caught my attention instantly, making me eager to try their unique offerings.
The moment I walked in, I noticed how clean and presentable the establishment was.
I couldn't resist trying their BOGO chubby burgers, and I must say, they didn't disappoint!
The patties were thick and flavorful, while the buns maintained the perfect balance of softness without being soggy.
Although the lettuce and tomatoes weren't as vibrantly colored as I'd have liked, it didn't take away from the overall taste.
One time, I was craving Mediterranean food, so my boyfriend and I decided to try their chicken breast kabob with cilantro habanero hummus.
The food was served promptly, and we both couldn't help but devour our plates.
Oji Sushi & Sake Bar
One of my go-to spots for a delicious sushi meal is Oji Sushi & Sake Bar.
I've ordered delivery from them a couple of times, and I must say their menu offers a great variety, especially for vegetarians.
The deep-fried aged tofu is a standout dish - it's incredibly soft on the inside and perfectly crunchy on the outside.
The Asian fries are also well-seasoned, crunchy, and tasty.
Although their sushi rolls may not be out-of-the-ordinary, they're always well-prepared.
I've tried the Crazy Alaskan, Tiger Roll, and Crispy Shrimp Tempura, and they've all been fantastic.
The teriyaki chicken is also a must-try, and I never seem to have enough patience to snap a photo before devouring it.
The restaurant itself has a sushi bar, as well as indoor and outdoor seating.
The service is always consistently warm and friendly.
Oji Sushi manages to offer fresh and high-quality ingredients at very affordable prices.
I was curious to try this place since it always seems to be packed with people and now I'm a regular visitor.
Gina's Pizzeria
One evening, I was craving some delicious pizza, so I decided to visit Gina's Pizzeria, a cozy, tchotchke-filled pizza joint in my neighborhood.
I've always heard great things about their pizzas and pasta dishes, but I had yet to try them out for myself.
I opted to order a large pizza with all my favorite toppings, and while I waited, I couldn't help but appreciate the decor and comfortable vibe of the place.
It truly felt like a home away from home.
When my pizza was ready, I was blown away by the taste!
It was, without a doubt, the best pizza I've ever had in my life.
The crust was perfectly crispy, the sauce was bursting with flavor, and the toppings were fresh and abundant.
As a pasta lover, I knew I had to come back and try their pasta dishes as well.
So, a couple of weeks later, I went back to Gina's Pizzeria and ordered their fettuccine alfredo and baked ziti.
Just like the pizza, both pasta dishes were absolutely delicious, and you could tell that they were made fresh.
Pescaderia Danny's Cevicheria
Trust me when I say that Pescaderia Danny's Cevicheria is the place to go for fresh and delicious seafood.
Over the years, I've become a regular at this spot, and I can't get enough of their fish and shrimp soft tacos and their tacos dorados de camarón.
Not only do they serve incredible tacos, but I've also tried their ceviche, cóctel de camarón, tostadas de camarón, and pretty much everything on the menu - it's all just so good!
One time, I tried their A La Diabla Shrimp, and it was perfectly spicy, just the way I like it.
Canton City Restaurant
I always find myself coming back to Canton City Restaurant.
This unpretentious spot has been my go-to for classic Chinese comfort food, from egg rolls to BBQ pork.
The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere, with booth-lined seating that reminds me of a coffee shop.
You can find their menu and order online easily.
I've always found the service here to be kind and helpful.
I personally love their pork fried rice, and the portions are always generous, making it perfect for families or large groups.
The location is convenient, and there's usually decent parking available.
Ximapa Mexican Food
I recently visited Ximapa Mexican Food, and I was immediately impressed by the clean and cozy atmosphere.
The small restaurant's decor was lovely, and the tables were well-adorned, making me feel right at home.
The coffee was just right - not too strong, not too weak.
One of the highlights of my visit was the exceptional food and customer service.
I highly recommend this place for its fresh homemade flour tortillas and amazing dishes.
During my visit, I tried the carne asada burrito, which was a great choice.
The asada was tender and perfectly cooked.
And let me tell you, their carne asada fries were fantastic!
The hot sauce had a decent kick to it, and the green sauce was incredibly flavorful.
Broaster Kitchen
I have been coming to Broaster Kitchen for years now, and it never fails to satisfy my fried chicken cravings.
Not only is their fried chicken crunchy and tasty but the fish and chips are also a must-try for seafood lovers.
Broaster Kitchen's unique broasted chicken recipe - deep-fried in a pressure cooker - keeps the meat soft and moist, just the way I like it.
The potato wedges are another highlight for me, with their crispy skin and a melt-in-your-mouth consistency on the inside.
I prefer enjoying my fried chicken with ketchup, but their tasty hot sauce, which is more mild than hot, is worth trying as well.
One of the reasons I love Broaster Kitchen is that they have managed to maintain the quality and taste of their food for many years, despite being its third generation of the family running the business.
It's been around for over 50 years, and it's clear why it's so popular among locals like myself.
Whenever I want some of their scrumptious fried chicken, I usually call ahead and pick it up in 25-30 minutes.
The outstanding customer service makes every visit enjoyable, and I can't wait for my next visit to Broaster Kitchen!
La Paloma Grill
Just last week, I decided to visit La Paloma Grill again, a place I have been familiar with for years now.
To my delight, they are now open on Wednesdays!
As always, I couldn't resist ordering their mouthwatering molcajete - it was utterly delicious.
The prices are affordable, and the service is consistently wonderful.
I brought my partner here for the first time recently and was equally impressed.
Although the space is a bit small, the food and service more than make up for it.
We came on a Thursday and had the pleasure of enjoying their buy one beer, get one free special.
I must say that the Cajun shrimp, enchiladas, and chilaquiles with green sauce were all fantastic.
La Enchilada Mexican Food
I've been frequenting La Enchilada Mexican Food for quite some time now, and it has never disappointed me.
With fresh and delicious food, pleasant service, and a clean and spacious atmosphere, it's one of my go-to spots for satisfying my Mexican food cravings.
One of my favorites is their combo platters, which offer a variety of dishes to choose from.
I also love their weekday specials, such as Tacos Tuesday, where most of the tacos (asada, carnitas, pollo, al pastor) are $1.75 each.
It's definitely a great deal for some amazing food.
I've tried the torta (pastor), nachos supreme, and the enchilada burrito, and they are all very delicious.
I also highly recommend the #4 (mole chicken enchiladas) and the chicken sope.
The flavors are authentic and mouthwatering.
The service at La Enchilada Mexican Food is top-notch as well.
They bring the food out to the table and even come back with the sauces I ask for.
Salvatore Italian Restaurant
I've been going to Salvatore Italian Restaurant for years now, and it has become my go-to spot for delicious and authentic Italian food.
This family-owned eatery has a casual ambiance with banquet-style booths that make it perfect for any occasion.
One of the best parts about dining at Salvatore's is their Saturday nights when they have a piano player.
The atmosphere is lively and enjoyable, making it a perfect spot for a weekend date or family dinner.
My favorite dishes at Salvatore's are Mediterranean pizza and spinach lasagna.
The ingredients are always fresh and flavorful, and the portions are generous.
I also enjoy their shrimp and chicken fettuccine, which comes with a salad and bread, making for an excellent and complete meal.
If you have room for dessert, I highly recommend their coffee and cheesecake.
The restaurant has plenty of parking available all around, so you never have to worry about finding a spot.
Although the food might not be piping hot, it's still delicious and well worth a visit.
Trust me, as someone who has been dining there for years, Salvatore Italian Restaurant has never disappointed me.
Chinese Garden Restaurant
Whenever I'm in the mood for some authentic Chinese food, I always head to the Chinese Garden Restaurant in Montebello.
I've been going there for years, and their #1 Dinner combo never disappoints.
The Egg Flower soup, Pork Chop Suey (make sure to ask for bean sprouts instead of noodles), fried rice, egg foo young, and fried shrimps are all delicious.
Plus, you can ask for complimentary hot tea, and the whole meal is under $15!
The restaurant offers free parking at the rear, which is really convenient, although it can get a bit busy on Sundays.
It's also wheelchair accessible, which is great for when I bring my aunt, who uses a wheelchair.
I've celebrated many family occasions here, and the service is always top-notch.
One of my favorite dishes to order when I want to share with friends or family is the Salt and Pepper Squid plate.
It's absolutely mouthwatering and perfect for a group of four or more.
Kogi Teriyaki / ATK
I recently discovered a fantastic little spot called Kogi Teriyaki / ATK in my neighborhood, and I am hooked!
Tucked away in a business plaza behind a gas station, this hidden gem offers an amazing mix of Korean and Japanese food that keeps me coming back for more.
The spicy chicken bowl I tried had the best spicy sauce I've tasted in a long time, with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
I also love their bulgogi beef special plate, which comes with two sides.
I'm particularly fond of the kimchi, although I must admit I'm not a huge fan of their macaroni salad.
The service at Kogi Teriyaki / ATK is always fantastic, with a funny older Korean gentleman running the place.
They even offer a lunch box special from Monday to Friday, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, which I'm excited to try out soon.
To top it all off, you can call in your order so your food is ready when you arrive.
Miki-Chan's Okazu-Ya
I have always been curious about Miki-Chan's Okazu-Ya.
I finally got the chance to visit this little hole-in-the-wall place after seeing some reviews online.
When I walked in, I was greeted by a unique person who was very generous with the food servings on my plate.
I chose the chow mein with two servings, and the food was delicious!
The price was also very reasonable.
The variety of food selections at Miki-Chan's Okazu-Ya is great, and I ended up trying the fried rice/chow mein combo with red pork and orange chicken.
The fried rice and chicken were good but I have to say, the beef ribs were the standout dish, perfectly charred with flavors and fatty pieces.
They really stuff the to-go boxes, which was impressive.
Final Thoughts
Montebello, California, is truly a gastronomic paradise that offers a wide variety of flavors and cuisines to satisfy any food enthusiast's cravings.
From the mouthwatering Italian delicacies at Tony's Italian Deli to the authentic tacos at Tacos Ah Carbon, there's something for everyone here.
So next time you find yourself in Montebello, be sure to indulge in these amazing dining experiences, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed!
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