19 Best Restaurants in South Gate, CA
This article was written by local contributor Joseph Martin & edited by the Travel Lens team.
Welcome to South Gate, California!
Over the years, I've discovered some truly amazing spots that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
In this article, I'm excited to share with you some of the best restaurants in South Gate, California.
So, sit back, relax, and let me guide you through an unforgettable culinary journey in our beloved city.
RESTAURANT PALOS Comida Mexicana
The other day, my partner and I discovered a hidden gem in South Gate called RESTAURANT PALOS Comida Mexicana.
It was a cold, rainy day, and my partner was craving some Mexican meatball soup, also known as albondiga soup.
I opted for three deep-fried potato tacos, which were crispy and packed with flavor.
The rice and beans were also delicious.
Unfortunately, not every aspect of our visit was perfect.ain.
Birrieria Esquivel
As someone who appreciates delicious and authentic Mexican food, I cannot rave enough about Birrieria Esquivel in our neighborhood.
After trying their mouthwatering tacos de birria dorados, I was hooked, and it quickly became my go-to spot when I crave some amazing birria.
You can find more about them on their website here.
Their meals are not only extremely satisfying, but they're also very reasonably priced.
I usually order a set with three or four tacos, which come with consomé, chile toreado, chips, and salsa, for less than $10.
It's a fantastic deal for the quality and quantity of food you receive.
One of the things I appreciate the most about Birrieria Esquivel is their clean and welcoming atmosphere.
I recently found out that they are now offering delivery through DoorDash, so you can enjoy their fantastic food from the comfort of your home!
Tacos Santa Fe
Let me tell you about my go-to taco place in Lynwood - Tacos Santa Fe.
Actually, it's also known as "Tacos La Gage," and it's hands down the best spot for some delicious and authentic Mexican food.
One of my favorite things about this place is their Taco Tuesday special, where they offer 2-for-1 tacos - can't beat that!
Whenever I order, I always ask for cebollas (grilled onions) to be added to my tacos, and they're more than happy to oblige.
Not only is their food fantastic, but the service and friendly environment truly make this place stand out.
Their burritos and pastor are also some of the best in town.
TH Teriyaki House
I absolutely love going to TH Teriyaki House whenever I'm craving sushi and chicken teriyaki.
Although it's a small establishment and shares a parking lot with a car wash, it has become my go-to spot for a quick and delicious meal.
One of my favorite things about TH Teriyaki House is that the sushi is always fresh, moist, and tasty.
It's made to order, so I've never had a bad experience with the quality of the food.
Besides sushi, their chicken teriyaki and wraps are also top-notch.
And I've noticed that the place is consistently well-maintained and clean.
Their customer service is another thing that keeps me coming back.
I've even tried calling in my order ahead of time, and the process was smooth and hassle-free.
While some might say that the location is a bit hidden, for me, it's part of TH Teriyaki House's charm.
El Mixteca Restaurant
One of my favorite places to grab a bite in the neighborhood is El Mixteca Restaurant.
I've been going there for years, and it never disappoints.
The food is consistently great, and the service is quick and friendly.
Their chicken dishes are absolutely amazing, especially the fire-grilled chicken.
It's so juicy and flavorful that it keeps me coming back for more.
Another dish that I'd highly recommend trying is the chilaquiles.
They're some of the best I've ever had, and I love that they serve them all day long.
Aside from the fantastic food, I appreciate how clean this place always is.
It shows that they genuinely care about their customers and their experience.
For those looking to cater an event or host a family gathering, El Mixteca is the way to go.
They offer a variety of delicious catering options that will please everyone in your party.
Trust me, your guests will be raving about the food for days!
You can find El Mixteca Restaurant and check it out on Google Maps.
Zogos Burgers
The other day, I decided to revisit an old favorite of mine, Zogos Burgers.
I've been coming to this place since 1994 when it was still known as Atlantis Burgers.
I've since moved out of state, but I couldn't resist the nostalgia and craving for their food.
I placed an order for the French toast breakfast with sausage and a cheeseburger.
I was surprised that the bread on the cheeseburger was kind of crunchy, as if it was toasted, but I liked it.
The Orange Bang drink tasted as amazing as I remembered.
The place has been around for so many years and is always crowded, so they must be doing something right.
I've heard great things about their burger specials and chili cheese fries, so next time I'm in town, I'll make it a point to try those out.
Chuck's Chinese & American Food
Whenever I have a craving for some good Chinese food, I head over to Chuck's Chinese & American Food.
The portions are always generous, and the quality of the food is consistently fresh.
My personal favorites are their fried shrimp and cheese wontons, but I also enjoy the tender BBQ pork with the perfectly balanced sauce.
Every time I visit, I notice many large orders going out, which goes to show that they have a loyal customer base.
I appreciate the clean environment, and even though the bathroom is located out in the back, it is well-maintained.
The service is always friendly, and they have a variety of lunch specials for those who want to try something new.
New Milenio Pizza
One of my favorite spots to grab a delicious pizza in the neighborhood is New Milenio Pizza.
As someone who frequently orders takeout from this place, I can vouch for their delicious pizzas.
I remember the first time I bought a pizza from New Milenio; I walked inside the green place and ordered a large pepperoni pizza for just $8.1.
Although it was a bit warm rather than hot when I picked it up, it still tasted great when I got it home.
My son absolutely loves their pizza, and I'm not sure what we'd do if we ever had to move away from this fantastic local gem.
Joy Wok Express
I've been a fan of Joy Wok Express for years since they were first located behind "El Farallon" in Lynwood.
Their journey through different locations has been quite a ride, but I've followed them every step of the way, and their food never disappoints.
I personally love their Chow Mein, and their Orange Chicken is simply delicious.
But the star of the show for me is their Jalapeño Chicken.
I always recommend this place to my friends, and they always come back raving about the tasty dishes.
The one thing to note is that they only accept cash, so be prepared when you go.
In my experience, the food is always hot and freshly made, which is a big plus.
I've never encountered any issues with the quality of their food, and I've eaten here more times than I can count.
What I really appreciate about Joy Wok Express is that they've managed to maintain the same great taste over the years, even after some of their original cooks left.
I believe this might be a family-run business, and they've kept their recipes close to their hearts, ensuring the same delicious experience every time.
I usually go for a combo with two sides: Half Chow Mein, Half Fried Rice, Black Pepper Chicken, and Orange Chicken.
Sometimes, when I'm feeling extra indulgent, I add Mongolian Beef to my order.
Sure, it takes a little longer to prepare, but it's completely worth the wait, as they make it fresh just for you.
El Pollo Dorado
I'm always on the lookout for delicious and budget-friendly food options.
A few weeks back, I stumbled upon El Pollo Dorado and decided to give it a try!
The first thing I noticed was how clean the place looked.
I went in on a Wednesday afternoon, and there was no line, so I got helped immediately.
Now, let's talk about the food.
The chicken was really flavorful, and the price was quite reasonable.
I have to admit, I think I've found my new go-to place for chicken in town.
Maclovia
One of my favorite local spots to grab a bite is Maclovia.
The restaurant recently underwent new management and changed its name, and I have to say, the menu has significantly improved.
I've visited this place multiple times, and it never fails to impress me with its delicious food and attentive service.
Their menu is extensive, so you can visit multiple times and always try something new.
Plus, I've heard great things about their breakfast options, so I'm planning on stopping by in the morning soon to give those a taste as well.
Meat Bowl
Ever since I was a child back in the 90s, I've been a regular at Meat Bowl.
I've spent many evenings enjoying their 3-meat hot plate, which always hits the spot.
Over the years, the taste and quality have remained consistent, making it one of my favorite Chinese food joints in the area.
What sets Meat Bowl apart from other restaurants is their freshness and speedy service.
Whenever I call in for pick-up, the food is always on time and ready for me to enjoy.
I've never had a problem with Meat Bowl, and it continues to be my go-to spot for quick and delicious Chinese food in southeast Los Angeles.
Mi Lindo Cuscatlan Restaurant y Pupuseria
As a resident of the area, I'm always on the lookout for great local restaurants to try out with my friends and family.
I am a big fan of authentic Latin cuisine, so when I came across Mi Lindo Cuscatlan Restaurant y Pupuseria on Google Maps, I knew I had to give it a shot.
Located in South Gate, it's just a short 15-minute drive from my place, making it the perfect spot for a casual dinner or weekend lunch outing.
From the very first time I ordered takeout from Mi Lindo Cuscatlan, I was hooked on their amazing Pupusas.
After a few visits, I finally decided to dine in and experience the restaurant's cozy atmosphere.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that they had the games on, making it a great place to hang out and enjoy some delicious food.
Every time I visit, I can't help but order their Pupusas, which are hands down the best I've had in a while.
They're not only huge but also incredibly delicious and satisfying.
Sinaloa Express
One of the places I frequently visit for a quick Mexican fix is Sinaloa Express.
It's a small family-run restaurant that has an outdoor patio for dining.
I must admit, I've eaten here multiple times, and their perch with beans and rice has become my go-to dish.
The authenticity of their food is something I genuinely appreciate.
While I understand that some people might not be fans of their canned beans or Horchata, I think their side salad with pickled onions and avocado is a great touch, adding extra flavor to the meal.
Whenever I'm in the mood for Mexican food, I usually place an order at Sinaloa Express and grab a coffee from the shop next door while waiting for my food.
Cenaduria Gumacus
Ever since I moved to South Gate, I've been on a quest to find the best Mexican food in town.
A friend suggested that I try out Cenaduria Gumacus, and I was not disappointed.
My first visit to Cenaduria Gumacus was for breakfast, and I was instantly impressed by the fresh, delicious food and excellent service.
The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with artwork showcasing Latin pride and sports fandom.
I ordered the enchiladas de res (pork), and I have to say, the beans and rice tasted just like my mom's home cooking.
My boyfriend got the torta de jamón, a delicious sandwich with ham, avocado, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, and onion – he couldn't stop raving about it.
One of my favorite things about Cenaduria Gumacus is their unique take on traditional dishes, like their chilaquiles, which have a distinct flavor that sets them apart from other places.
Plus, all their dishes are served with hand-made corn tortillas, adding that extra touch of authenticity.
Tony's Restaurant & Mariscos
I decided to give Tony's Restaurant & Mariscos a try one weekend, as I was craving some delicious Mexican seafood.
You can find their menu and more information on their website.
I was quite impressed with the salsa, chips, and seasoning on the food.
The shrimp and carne asada were absolutely delicious, and the rice and beans complemented them perfectly.
The drinks, too, were fantastic!
Eastern Fish Market and Restaurant
As a seafood lover, I often find myself heading to Eastern Fish Market and Restaurant to satisfy my cravings.
The atmosphere is laid-back, which is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.
Their large selection of seafood is always fresh, and the Mexican dishes they serve are absolutely delicious.
I find the food to be worth the price.
12th Round Wings
I'm constantly impressed by the quality and variety of flavors offered at 12th Round Wings in South Gate.
Their wings are unlike any others I've tried, with unique combinations that keep me coming back for more.
One of my all-time favorite dishes at this restaurant is the Harlequin wings, which are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy that really hits the spot.
I also can't rave enough about their Bangkok wings - they're incredibly tasty and deserve a solid 10/10 rating.
The Teriyaki wings are another fantastic choice, always crispy and cooked just right, with a delicious sauce that complements the flavor perfectly.
I find the waffle fries at 12th Round Wings equally amazing, especially when ordered in large sizes.
They are always fresh and perfectly cooked, making them an excellent side dish to enjoy with your wings.
Perhaps one of the most notable aspects of this place is the exceptional service.
For anyone craving a satisfying meal with a unique twist, I highly recommend trying out the Rope-A-Dope fries.
This dish combines sweet and spicy flavors, featuring a BBQ and chipotle sauce on top of waffle fries and wings, finished with a dollop of jalapeño cream for an extra kick.
Blaze Pizza
I have always been a pizza fan, and Blaze Pizza has become one of my favorite spots for a delicious, thin-crust pie.
I particularly appreciate their attention to cleanliness – they ensure the counter is spotless before making your food.
What sets Blaze Pizza apart is their creative toppings and sauces, allowing you to customize your pizza to your liking.
I usually order the pepperoni and sausage with bell peppers, garlic, jalapenos, and mozzarella – the flavors combine perfectly!
Final Thoughts
Being a part of the vibrant South Gate community has truly been a culinary delight.
From the mouth-watering Birrieria Esquivel to the delicious tacos at Tacos Santa Fe, there's always something for everyone's taste buds.
Whenever friends or family visit, I always make sure to take them on a food tour around town, showcasing the diverse and marvelous dishes that South Gate has to offer.
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