18 Best Restaurants in Porterville, CA
This article was written by local contributor Jeffrey Shaffer & edited by the Travel Lens team.
Welcome to Porterville, a charming city nestled in the heart of California's Central Valley!
As someone who has lived here for years, I can confidently say that one of the best things about our lovely town is the diverse and delicious food scene.
In this article, I'm excited to share with you some of my favorite go-to spots that you simply must try.
From mouth-watering Mexican cuisine to irresistible Italian dishes, there's something here for everyone.
So, let's dive into the best restaurants in Porterville, California, and explore the culinary gems that make this city such a delight for food lovers!
Mariscos El-30
You wouldn't believe the incredible seafood experience I had at Mariscos El-30 in Porterville!
I'm always on the lookout for a delicious Michelada, and this restaurant definitely didn't disappoint.
It's now my favorite spot for the best Micheladas in town.
But it's not just the drinks that are amazing!
The food is fantastic too.
The empanadas at Mariscos El-30 are out of this world, they practically melt in your mouth.
The green sauces that come with the dishes are incredibly flavorful, and the governor shrimp is an absolute must-try.
What sets this place apart, though, is the freshness of all the ingredients.
You can really taste the difference that makes in every dish.
Combine that with excellent customer service, and it's no wonder I find myself coming back to Mariscos El-30 time and time again!
Gray's Chili Dogs
If there's one thing I can't resist, it's a Gray's Chili Dogs chili cheese dog.
I've been going to this hot dog restaurant for ages, and it never disappoints.
I remember even as a youngster being excited to bite into their mouthwatering chili dogs.
Gray's has been around since the late 1940s, and their chili recipe has definitely stood the test of time.
I can't say I've always had perfect orders - like that one time I ordered eight chili cheese dogs, and three came without chili - but overall, the food is consistently delicious.
The prices at Gray's Chili Dogs have gone up slightly over the years, but I'd say it's still the best price around for a quick and satisfying bite.
It's no wonder this local spot has been a long-time favorite in our community.
If you haven't given it a try, do yourself a favor and check it out - I promise you won't be disappointed!
Kabob Land
I can't help but rave about my favorite spot in town - Kabob Land Mediterranean Food.
One visit to their website, and you'll see why I am so into their delicious offerings.
I have tried almost everything on their menu, and I can attest that each dish is heavenly.
I am personally drawn to their shawarma, which is hands down the best I've ever had.
The hummus is another favorite of mine, with its unique flavor enhanced by the olives.
Every time I dine here, I am impressed by the freshness of the ingredients and the friendly service that never fails to make me feel welcome.
The welcoming atmosphere and scrumptious food have made it a staple in my family's dining rotation.
The Vault Bar & Grill
I recently dined at The Vault Bar & Grill, and it was an amazing experience.
As soon as I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to find parking easily.
The service was friendly and fast, which is always a plus in my book.
My husband decided to go for the hot pastrami sandwich, and I couldn't resist trying the avocado burger.
Both dishes were absolutely delicious and left us extremely satisfied.
To top off our meal, we decided to indulge in the grilled zucchini, which was cooked to perfection!
It was truly a wonderful dining experience, and I highly recommend giving this place a try.
Apart from our amazing dinner, I also had the chance to try their brisket tacos on a separate occasion.
The food was full of flavor and definitely hit the spot.
I couldn't help but visit The Vault Bar & Grill again almost a year later.
This time around, I opted for some Vault Fries and the Vault Burger.
Once again, I was not disappointed and had another great experience at this establishment.
The Habit Burger Grill
I’ve been going to The Habit Burger Grill for a while now, and I have to say - their charbroiled burgers are phenomenal.
It's become one of my top fast-food spots, especially when I'm in the mood for something delicious and quick.
They also have some deli-type sandwiches, salads, and fries on the menu, which is great for when I want to switch things up a bit.
The food has always been good for me.
Plus, the service is usually fast and friendly.
Habi Sushi
I absolutely love Habi Sushi!
It has been my favorite sushi spot in Porterville for a while now.
The sushi is always fresh, and the variety of rolls available is impressive.
My personal favorites are the Monte Carlo and Caterpillar rolls; they're simply out of this world.
The appetizers and hot sake are also excellent and never disappoint.
The atmosphere at Habi Sushi is a bit casual, with plenty of TVs around, but the food and service more than make up for that.
The decor is modern and tasteful, making for a great dining experience.
Country Cafe
Country Cafe has always been one of my favorite places to grab a quick bite.
A couple of weeks ago, I decided to treat myself to their famous patty melt, and it was just as delicious as ever.
The special grind of the meat and the way it's cooked make it truly one of the best patty melts I've ever tasted.
On another visit, I decided to try their ham & eggs breakfast, and it did not disappoint.
The portion size was generous, leaving me with plenty of leftovers to take home.
Poor Richard's Pizza
One of my favorite spots in town for a delicious meal and a fun night out has got to be Poor Richard's Pizza.
They truly have the best pies in Porterville.
I recently tried their chorizo pizza for the first time, and I have to say, I was blown away.
The crust was perfectly thin and flaky, and the toppings were just right.
It's no wonder everyone raves about it!
But what really sets Poor Richard's Pizza apart is the fantastic atmosphere.
With 10 TVs, great music playing non-stop, and even an arcade room, there's never a dull moment.
Vientiane Cuisine
One day I decided to try out the Laotian restaurant called Vientiane Cuisine.
I went there for lunch with a friend, and the food was fantastic.
I ordered the papaya salad and the #65 pad ke mow with chicken, while my friend went for the pho.
The egg rolls were also quite delicious.
I also know some people who swear by their chicken pho and have been loyal customers for years.
Nanlangka
I've had the chance to visit Nanlangka a few times.
It's truly a hidden gem in Porterville!
The food is outstanding, and every time I go there, I get to try something new and delicious.
Last time, I tried their create-your-own-lunch special, which included tempura veggies, garlic chicken, white rice, and a side salad.
The flavors were amazing, and the portion size was just perfect.
You can check their menu and more on their website here.
The service is fast, and they always make sure to provide a great experience for their customers.
The atmosphere at Nanlangka is cozy and comfortable, making it a perfect spot for a night out with friends or a special date.
Don Vino's Italian Bar and Grill
One of my favorite places to dine in town has to be Don Vino's Italian Bar and Grill.
It's got a fantastic selection of steaks, pastas, and even some Mexican dishes.
The cocktails are always amazing, and I love that the bartenders are always up for creating something unique and delicious.
I've been there for both romantic date nights and family gatherings, and it never disappoints.
It's a bit on the pricey side, but definitely worth it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a great dining experience.
Porterville Quesabirrias
Just the other day, I was craving some delicious tacos and decided to head over to Porterville Quesabirrias, a local taco restaurant in our neighborhood.
I wasn't disappointed!
Their street tacos were absolutely fantastic, and the bean and cheese burritos were to die for.
The atmosphere at Porterville Quesabirrias is casual and welcoming.
Although there isn't a lot of indoor seating, they have plenty of spots outside where you can enjoy your meal.
It's a popular spot, so if you go during lunchtime, be prepared to wait a little extra time, but trust me, it's worth it.
One thing I really appreciate about this place is that the food is authentic and freshly made on-site.
On my last visit, I went with a friend who hadn't been there before.
They were equally impressed with the quality and taste of the food.
El Charro Tapatio
I have tried all the El Charro Tapatio locations in town, but the one on Main and Teapot Dome is definitely the best of the bunch!
The food is always delicious and fresh, and I particularly enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere.
While the restaurant could do with a bit of a spruce up over the years, the quality of the food and service more than make up for it.
My usual order is the #15 Chile Verde plate, which comes with a side of your choice and either corn or flour tortillas.
The flavors of the dish are simply divine, and the portions are generous, leaving me satisfied every time.
The authentic flavors of Mexico truly shine in their dishes, and I cannot recommend this place enough to fellow Porterville locals and visitors alike.
Airway Cafe
Just the other day, my daughter's boyfriend introduced me to a charming little spot that I had never experienced before - the Airway Cafe.
It's a bit out of the way, but I couldn't believe I hadn't discovered it sooner.
Not only was the ambiance delightful, but they also had some adorable gifts available for purchase, which added an extra touch of charm to the place.
But the real star of the show was the food.
I tried their aviator burger, and it tasted like something my mom used to make - absolutely delicious!
It's not often that you find such a perfect combination of a warm atmosphere and amazing American cuisine.
Sabroso Restaurante
Whenever I crave authentic Mexican cuisine, I can always count on Sabroso Restaurante to satisfy my taste buds.
Located on the East side of Porterville, this hidden gem might appear small and unassuming, but trust me, it's well worth the visit.
Sabroso Restaurante never disappoints when it comes to their menudo and homemade tortillas.
They're happy to let you sample drinks and answer any questions you may have.
I particularly appreciate the family atmosphere the restaurant exudes, making it feel cozy and welcoming.
Although their veggie options might be limited, you can never go wrong with their side dishes like rice, chips, and salsa.
I remember buying a burrito for my mom once, and she absolutely loved it.
This place is definitely the best when it comes to food on the Eastside of Porterville.
Super Burger Express
Last week, I finally decided to give Super Burger Express a try for dinner.
I had heard mixed reviews about this hamburger restaurant and wanted to see it for myself.
I ordered some kid's chicken tenders for my children, and they absolutely loved it!
It was a pleasant surprise to find that the tenders were made with real chicken and were far better than the usual McDonald's nuggets.
Plus, it took less than five minutes for me to receive my meal.
La Cocina de Doña Maggie
I absolutely love visiting La Cocina de Doña Maggie whenever I get a chance.
This Mexican restaurant never fails to impress me with their delicious and authentic dishes.
The last time I went there with my friends, we couldn't help but marvel at the burst of flavors in their gorditas and posole.
Their posole is made to perfection!
The best part about this restaurant is not just the food but also the ambiance and the service.
One time, I was there alone, and even though the place was empty, I still felt comfortable and enjoyed my meal – a torta de adobada and a refreshing horchata.
I also tried their caldo de res and gorditas on another visit, and both dishes were simply amazing.
I'll definitely be going back to La Cocina de Doña Maggie to relish more of their scrumptious Mexican cuisine.
Birria Y Pollos El Guero
As a frequent customer of Birria Y Pollos El Guero, I have to say that their food is quite delicious.
I've read mixed reviews about their customer service, but my personal experience has always been great.
Their quesa birria tacos are a favorite of mine, even though they don't offer a plate with sides.
I also tried their ribs and quesabirria, and I was not disappointed.
The combo came with salsa, BBQ sauce, rice, beans, and homemade tortillas.
Everything was mouthwatering!
One time, I ordered the Birria-chivo (goat) soup, and it was light and flavorful.
It reminded me of the taste I'd enjoy back in Los Angeles.
I have to mention that the restaurant is currently offering takeout and outdoor seating options only due to the pandemic.
Final Thoughts
Living in Porterville has truly been a delight when it comes to indulging in diverse and delicious cuisines.
I've had the pleasure of exploring a wide range of flavors, from the savory Mariscos El-30 and Kabob Land Mediterranean Food to the scrumptious desserts at The Vault Bar & Grill.
No matter what type of food I crave, I know I can always find a satisfying meal at one of these amazing local restaurants.
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