19 Best Restaurants in Pico Rivera, CA
This article was written by local contributor Ashton Sanders & edited by the Travel Lens team.
Ah, Pico Rivera - the hidden gem of Southern California.
Living in this beautiful city has granted me the pleasure of exploring and indulging in some of the finest culinary experiences you can imagine.
Over the years, I have discovered a variety of fantastic restaurants that offer not only mouth-watering dishes but also a warm and inviting atmosphere.
This article is dedicated to all the food enthusiasts out there who are in search of the best restaurants in Pico Rivera, California.
So, grab your appetite, and let's embark on this gastronomical journey together!
The Original Pizza Presto
I'm always on the lookout for new vegan options in the neighborhood, and I recently discovered The Original Pizza Presto on Whittier Blvd.
This pizza place has quickly become my go-to spot for satisfying my vegan pizza cravings.
They offer a wide variety of toppings, and their vegan pepperoni, pineapple, and jalapeños combo with vegan ranch, crushed pepper, and vegan Parmesan on the side is simply mouthwatering.
I love dipping the pizza in their delicious marinara sauce, which adds even more flavor to the already fantastic dish.
Not only does The Original Pizza Presto serve amazing pizza, but their customer service is also top-notch.
Additionally, the location is clean and in a great area, making it a very pleasant dining experience.
I remember one time when we decided to try their family meal, which included a pizza with three toppings, cheese sticks, garlic bread, and potato logs.
We also ordered their vegan mac 'n cheese, and everything was absolutely scrumptious.
The portions were generous, and the food tasted amazing.
Check out their online ordering if you're in a hurry or want to enjoy their delicious pizza from the comfort of your own home.
El Ancla Restaurant & Bar
I recently discovered this hidden gem – El Ancla Restaurant & Bar.
It's been open for the past 3 years, and I cannot believe I've only found out about it now.
The service here is great, the cocktails are on the lighter side, and the food is delicious.
What I love most about this place is the fun atmosphere.
They have karaoke nights on Saturdays, and there's even a pool table on the bar side.
It's a perfect spot for a night out with friends or for unwinding after a long week.
I've only tried a few dishes here, like shrimp ceviche, fish ceviche, and governador tacos, but they were all amazing.
The flavors were just perfect, not too lemony like most places, and the micheladas were on point too.
The chips they serve have the right amount of saltiness, which I absolutely love.
Two Sal's Pizza
I can't help but rave about Two Sal's Pizza in Pico Rivera.
I have been a loyal customer for years now, and I can confidently say that their pizza is one of the best I've ever had.
Their Two Sal's special pizza is an absolute must-try for first-timers – trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Not only do they serve delicious pizza, but their sandwiches are also amazing!
I'm particularly fond of their Meatball/Sausage Sub, and their Lasagna and Garlic Bread always hit the spot.
It's clear that this "Mom & Pop" establishment puts a lot of love and care into their food, which is why they've earned a spot on my personal top 10 hot spots list.
Miras Grill
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Miras Grill, a delightful Persian restaurant not too far from where I live.
Their menu offers a wide range of dishes that cater to different tastes, and I must say that the food was simply amazing.
It reminded me of the home-cooked meals I used to have at my mom's place.
Everything was served fresh and hot, and the portions were quite generous.
The restaurant itself has a rather simple atmosphere, with a few tables and chairs set up against two walls, but there's a giant TV that keeps you entertained if you're dining alone.
What truly stood out for me, though, was the fantastic service.
Baja Mar Taco
I can't help but rave about Baja Mar Taco, a small but mighty restaurant in our town.
It has quickly become my go-to place for seafood, and it never disappoints.
The quality of the food is fantastic, and you definitely get your money's worth.
One of my favorite things to order is the shrimp burrito - it is spicy, packed with jumbo shrimp, and simply amazing.
I also love their fish tacos, and I've learned to skip the white sauce and customize them with green or red salsa to suit my taste.
Make sure to call ahead and ask about their daily specials, they are always worth trying out.
Trust me, you don't want to miss out on this local gem!
Vargas Mexicatessen
One of my absolute favorite places to grab authentic Mexican food in the area is Vargas Mexicatessen.
I've been going there for over 35 years, and it has never disappointed me.
Their special quesadilla with green sauce always hits the spot.
My partner, who grew up in the area, also frequented Vargas Mexicatessen.
It's been a beloved spot for generations.
You can find Vargas Mexicatessen on Google Maps and give it a try.
Maracas Cantina and Catering
Let me tell you about one of my favorite places to eat in town - Maracas Cantina and Catering.
I've been there several times, and every time I go, I am treated like family.
The atmosphere is fantastic, with Cumbia classics playing throughout the restaurant, creating a warm and welcoming vibe.
I recently went to their Sunday all-you-can-eat buffet, and it was simply amazing!
The service has always been top-notch, and the food is of high quality. You can find their location here.
My favorite dishes at Maracas are the taquitos and mole, and I can't get enough of their Pomegranate Margarita and Paloma drinks.
They even cater to vegans and make sure to use vegetable oil instead of lard in their rice, beans, and tortillas.
Señor G's & B
I've seen many restaurants in the area come and go, but one that has always remained a constant in my life is Señor G's & B.
It's my go-to breakfast spot whenever I want to enjoy a quiet meal with friends or family.
The food here is delicious and reasonably priced, with a wide variety of menu options to suit any taste.
Personally, I can't get enough of their cafe de olla – it's so good that I usually end up having multiple cups!
Señor G's & B isn't just a restaurant; it's a place where you feel right at home.
Tina's Mexican Cuisine
I recently stumbled upon Tina's, a hidden gem in my neighborhood that I never knew existed!
Thanks to Google Maps, I decided to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did.
The moment I walked in, I was impressed by the cleanliness of the place and the fast service.
I ordered the Chili Colorado, and it was simply excellent.
What really stood out to me were the salsas that came with the complimentary chips. I have to admit I'm a bit of a salsa connoisseur, and Tina's offerings definitely exceeded my expectations.
The shrimp burrito, however, didn't quite hit the mark for me, so I'll be trying something different next time.
Dal Rae Restaurant
One of my favorite places to dine in the area is the iconic Dal Rae Restaurant.
Known for its upscale steakhouse fare and swanky retro vibe, Dal Rae never fails to impress me.
The wood-paneled setting creates an elegant atmosphere that's perfect for special occasions or simply indulging in a delicious meal.
I recently went there to celebrate a friend's birthday, and as always, the food and service were top-notch.
We started off with some strong cocktails and mouth-watering oysters.
The prime rib was the standout dish of the evening, cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor.
We couldn't resist trying multiple desserts, and they all lived up to our expectations.
Clearman's Steak 'N Stein
I recently decided to try out Clearman's Steak 'N Stein, a local steakhouse that's been raved about.
It has a unique old-world European vibe, with white-linen dining, a bar, and a circular fireplace.
The atmosphere was quite cozy, with dim lights and pleasant music that were noticeable but not overpowering, allowing for easy conversation.
The green salad, cheese bread, red cabbage salad, baked potato, and onion rings were all delicious and quite filling.
You will definitely not leave this place hungry!
We also decided to order dessert, and I went for their carrot cake.
The slice I got was huge and could easily last me for three days!
It was very tasty, but I just couldn't finish it all.
Taco Boy
If you're like me, a fan of traditional Mexican cuisine, then you should totally check out Taco Boy.
Despite its no-frills, counter-serve style, this restaurant offers mouthwatering seafood dishes. I remember my first visit when I sunk my teeth into a delicious shrimp cocktail – I instantly knew I would be coming back regularly.
As someone who resides in the area and has tried many different eateries, Taco Boy stands out for its authentic flavors and extensive menu.
I particularly appreciate their weekend elote setup, where patrons can build their own delicious corn dish with a variety of toppings.
However, you may want to plan accordingly – Taco Boy tends to get quite busy, especially during lunch hours on weekends.
I've had to wait for over an hour in line to order, but it's always worth it.
To make your visit more efficient, consider placing a to-go order by phone or sending a friend to snag a table while you wait in line.
Don't be deterred by the long lines, though – they're just a testament to the quality and affordability of the dishes at Taco Boy.
Give it a try, and you won't be disappointed!
Rio's Pizza
Every now and then, when I'm craving some good pizza, I head over to Rio's Pizza for a delicious treat.
Once, I decided to try their pizza on a busy Friday night, and the takeout took about 20-25 minutes, which was reasonable.
The food was fantastic - just the right balance of crisp and fluff in the dough, with a generous amount of cheesy goodness.
Their wings were not bad either, but the pizza definitely stole the show.
I can't resist grabbing a pizza from this spot whenever I'm in the area.
Mariscos Choix
I recently decided to try out a new seafood spot in town and let me tell you, Mariscos Choix did not disappoint!
When my partner and I went for Friday dinner, we were pleasantly surprised by the extensive menu they offer.
I highly recommend taking a look at their website to get an idea of what they have before you head there.
We both ordered different dishes - my partner got the fish chicharrón, and I opted for the breaded shrimp plate.
The food was fresh, perfectly cooked, and not greasy at all, which is a huge plus for me when it comes to seafood.
The spicy salsa they served alongside was delicious too.
Aside from the food, the ambiance is great as well.
We arrived just before 7 pm and were able to choose between seating inside the restaurant or at their fire pit heated patio.
We decided to sit outside, and it was such a cozy experience.
One more thing I'd like to mention is the excellent customer service.
Star Crab
Whenever I feel the need to satisfy my seafood cravings, the Star Crab is my go-to place.
I've been a regular customer here, and I have to say, their food is absolutely delicious and offered at fair prices.
One time, I ordered a pound of scallops, and I was amazed by their size and taste.
I also love their Dungeness crab, and I appreciate the fact that I can call in my order 30 minutes ahead so I can eat with the rest of my party.
Besides the delicious seafood, they also serve other tasty treats like mozzarella sticks and micheladas.
Their shrimps, black mussels, and other dishes are just as delicious.
Plus, the place is always very fresh, making it my favorite spot for both takeout and dine-in.
You can check their website to see their menu and other offerings.
Olguita's Cocina
My spouse and I have always enjoyed visiting Olguita's Cocina for a delicious and satisfying meal.
After a long day of work, we love to unwind at this local gem, and it's true that dining here feels like being with family.
One of our favorite experiences at Olguita's was when we asked the chef to surprise us with their choice of dishes.
We were treated to breakfast enchiladas filled with egg, ham, and potatoes, topped with a fried egg, and served with a side of rice and beans.
The portions were so generous that we ended up taking some home, along with a tasty menudo.
Over the years, we've tried many dishes from their menu, including huevos rancheros, chorizo, and chilaquiles.
We can honestly say that you can't go wrong with anything you order here.
The service at Olguita's Cocina is always warm and welcoming.
Cuca's Restaurant
One of my favorite spots in town is Cuca's Restaurant, a family-owned gem that reminds me of eating at my grandma's house.
The humble, homely atmosphere makes me feel right at home, and the food is always delicious.
I've tried a variety of dishes here, but my go-to order is the Steak (Bistec) with Huevos, which never disappoints.
My partner, on the other hand, loves their giant gordita.
What really sets Cuca's apart is the fact that the meals are mainly prepared by Cuca herself, giving it an authentic, homemade touch you can't find in many restaurants these days.
Lupe's Restaurant
My go-to spot for some delicious Mexican food in the neighborhood is Lupe's Restaurant.
I've had some of the best burritos here, and they're always served piping hot.
I remember trying their breakfast burrito with no ham, and it was packed with crispy bacon.
The restaurant also serves chips with the meal, and their hot salsa is to die for. I've tried their old-school taco dorados as well, the hard shell tacos with their signature chile, and it never disappoints.
Although I don't live very close to the place, I still make the drive to come here every now and then.
The food is great, and the prices are reasonable, making it a favorite spot for me and my friends.
Los Plebes Mariscos
As someone who loves seafood, I have been to my fair share of mariscos restaurants in the area.
But none of them have quite captured my taste buds like Los Plebes Mariscos.
The first time I visited this hidden gem in Pico Rivera, I was blown away by their delicious and authentic dishes.
One of my favorite menu items is the tostada mixta de ceviche, which is bursting with flavor and freshness.
Their tacos los plebes and carne asada plate are also amazing choices, making it difficult to decide what to order.
On my most recent visit, I tried the Chile Verde and the Camarones ala Diabla with Baked Potato, Butter, and Sour Cream.
The side of rice and salad perfectly complemented the spicy shrimp dish, and the Marlin Taco was a delightful surprise.
Final Thoughts
From the mouthwatering pizzas at The Original Pizza Presto and Two Sal's Pizza to the delicious Mexican dishes at Vargas Mexicatessen and Maracas Cantina, there is no shortage of amazing dining experiences in Pico Rivera.
I cannot help but feel grateful to have access to such a diverse array of delicious food in my hometown.
The vibrant and diverse dining scene here is a true testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and the hardworking restaurant owners who continue to make our community a food lover's paradise.
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