16 Best Restaurants in Whittier, CA
So, if you're in the mood to embark on a gastronomical adventure, join me as I share some of the best restaurants in Whittier, California, that you absolutely must try.
While this list showcases some remarkable restaurants, it's important to note there are many other exceptional dining establishments in Whittier that are not featured here. Our aim is not just to guide you to popular eateries but to encourage you to venture out and experience the city's diverse culinary landscape for yourself.
E Sushi Japanese Restaurant
E Sushi Japanese Restaurant has become my favorite spot for sushi.
I find myself going there quite often because the atmosphere is chill and welcoming, making it perfect for a date night or just a casual meal with friends.
The food is consistently great, and I've never been disappointed with their sushi rolls.
One of my favorite rolls is the Hungry Roll, which is not only delicious but also well-presented.
I believe you can have a look at it on Google Maps.
I've tried many sushi places around, but E Sushi has the freshest fish and ingredients.
The Thomas Roll is another favorite of mine, although it's slightly smaller than I'd expect.
CAVA
I recently discovered a new Mediterranean restaurant called CAVA that opened up in my neighborhood, and I couldn't wait to try it out.
I've always been a lover of Mediterranean food, and knowing that CAVA is known for its healthier options made me even more excited to give it a try.
I decided to try their lemon chicken bowl and lamb meatball pita, and I was not disappointed.
The flavors were incredible, and the portions were more than generous.
I was also amazed by the variety of juices they offered.
I tried the cucumber-lime-mint juice, and it was incredibly refreshing.
As someone who is always eager to try new and flavorful dishes, I was thrilled to find CAVA near my home.
The customizable greens & grains bowls, pitas, and salads make it easy for me to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal whenever I have the craving.
Restaurant Amachi
I have been visiting Restaurant Amachi ever since I was a little kid.
My parents have been loyal customers for over 20 years, and I must say, I absolutely love this place!
Over the years, I've grown to appreciate the small, quaint, and family-style ambiance of Amachi, which reminds me of the restaurants I experienced while traveling in Japan.
The food is consistently delicious and offers a traditional American-Japanese menu.
Even though the menu might not change much and might be more limited compared to other commercial Japanese restaurants, the selection is really good, and the prices are quite reasonable.
Scotty's Family Restaurant
One of my favorite spots for breakfast in town has to be Scotty's Family Restaurant.
I've been here many times, and the servings are always huge and satisfying.
On my last visit, my friend and I decided to share a few dishes to get a taste of everything.
We enjoyed their strawberry waffles, biscuits and gravy, and french toast, each one served in half portions.
The food was great, and the service was quick, making our breakfast a delight.
Pizzamania
I have been a regular at Pizzamania for years.
Every time I visit, I'm impressed by the spacious room with plenty of seating options.
As a pizza lover, I appreciate the variety of pizza flavors they offer, as well as other American comfort food options.
Their hand-made pizzas always hit the spot, and I can tell that each pizza is given the Pizzamania attention.
The ingredients are always fresh and of high quality, and the quantity is generous.
I remember getting a personal pizza with pepperoni once, and it was just the perfect amount of pepperoni.
One more thing I like about Pizzamania is their support for the local neighborhood students.
The atmosphere is perfect for reunions and meetings, and I've enjoyed many gatherings there with friends and family.
Modern Shaman
One of my go-to spots for dinner before catching a movie at Starlight Cinemas on Greenleaf in Whittier is Modern Shaman.
Although I'm not a vegan, I find myself enjoying their plant-based comfort food creations about once a month.
If you didn’t know it was a plant-based restaurant, you truly wouldn’t be able to tell.
Everything on the menu is so flavorful and filling.
Some of my favorites include the loaded cheese fries, Alfredo noodles, and corn dog with cheese sauce.
The Jackfruit nachos, fried avocado tacos, and fried oyster mushroom tacos are also great options if you're in the mood for something different.
As for drinks, if you're a fan of margaritas, you must try the spicy margarita!
It's absolutely delicious and a perfect way to complement your meal.
The service at Modern Shaman is not extraordinary, but it's good enough to make the dining experience enjoyable.
LA Bodega Brewing Company
I just had to stop by LA Bodega Brewing Company the other day after noticing those shiny stainless vessels as I drove by.
The service was nothing short of amazing - they were incredibly helpful and candid when recommending different brews.
The decor inside is quite classy and elegant, making it perfect for a night out.
Now, let's talk about the food.
My friends and I ordered omelets, tacos, a Smash burger, and a ham steak.
Describing them as such just doesn't do them justice - the food is simply spectacular.
Trust your gut and order whatever you're craving because you won't be disappointed.
It's clear that they are masters of their craft, as both the food and brews are absolutely top-notch.
The atmosphere is really great, making it easy for a group of friends or family to enjoy their time together.
Parking is also a breeze on weekends, with a parking structure nearby and plenty of street parking available.
Lascari's Italian
You know you're lucky when your "go-to" Italian deli is just a short walk away from your home.
Lascari's Italian has been a staple in my life ever since I moved to Whittier.
Their seafood and pasta dishes are true to Italian cuisine, and I always leave feeling satisfied.
When I head there for lunch, I usually opt for the roast beef sandwich.
Pro tip: ask for it to be heated with melted provolone cheese.
And I never leave without a side of their fresh macaroni salad - it's the perfect complement to the sandwich.
The restaurant is part of a low-key deli chain, but the quality of their food and service is top-notch.
Every time I visit Lascari's, I notice how clean and well-maintained everything is, even the restrooms.
Their attention to detail and commitment to providing a great dining experience makes me feel proud to be a local patron.
One of the things that sets Lascari's apart from other Italian spots is their to-go meals.
I've picked up dinner there on numerous occasions, and the food is always properly stored and ready for transport.
The meal stays hot even after a 30-minute drive back home, which is quite impressive.
Whenever friends or family visit from out of town, I make sure to take them to Lascari's Italian.
The comfortable and relaxing atmosphere combined with the delicious food always leaves a lasting impression on my guests.
Veggie Y Qué
I always find myself coming back to Veggie Y Qué for a delicious meal.
Their Mexican vegan street food is truly something special.
I've had the chance to try their sopes asada and chorizo with potatoes, which were absolutely divine.
The chorizo with potatoes, in particular, was a standout dish.
I can't wait to try their torta next time!
You can check out their menu and location on their website.
The place has an authentic Mexican vibe, and their tacos are definitely a must-try.
Ordering is a breeze with their kiosk system, and although there is limited seating inside, they have a lovely outdoor area where you can enjoy your food.
Phlight
One of my go-to spots for a night out in Uptown Whittier is definitely Phlight.
Not only does its festive wine bar provide the perfect ambiance for an evening with friends or a romantic date, but the food is just amazing.
I'm a huge fan of their tapas menu, which offers a wide variety of Mediterranean and Spanish small plates, ranging from simple to more complex dishes.
The Spain-Mexico fusion vibe is unique and really adds to the experience.
Every time I visit Phlight, I am reminded of how fresh and delicious their food is.
The chefs always impress me with their talent and creativity.
I've tried almost everything on the menu, and I have yet to be disappointed.
Plus, the prices are reasonable, and if you get there before 7, there's usually no wait.
One of the things I appreciate most about Phlight is their wine selection.
As a wine lover, it's always great to find a place where I can enjoy a good glass of vino alongside my meal.
And with their nightly specials, there's always something new to try.
Jack's Whittier Restaurant
One of my favorite go-to places for a comforting meal is Jack's Whittier Restaurant.
This old-school diner has been serving up delicious American classics since 1933, and it's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
The atmosphere is enjoyable, and I absolutely love the nostalgic retro 90s theme of the interior design.
They have a large enclosed patio seating area, which is perfect for when I want to dine with friends or family.
One of the best things about Jack's is their extensive menu, offering something for everyone.
Breakfast is served all day long, and their chocolate cake and beef enchilada are simply to die for.
I have heard from friends that their lunch and dinner options are just as good.
The serving sizes are generous, ensuring that I always leave feeling satisfied.
Silver Palace Chinese Restaurant
I've tried a fair share of Chinese restaurants in the area.
But I must say, Silver Palace Chinese Restaurant never fails to impress me.
You can check their website here.
Their classic Chinese dishes are served in an unassuming dining space with Asian decor accents, making it a cozy spot to satisfy your cravings.
My personal favorites are the Garlic Chicken and the Sweet and Sour Pork, but everything I've tried there has been delicious.
The lunch and dinner specials are a great value, and I often find myself ordering multiple dishes to share with friends and family.
Loroco Bistro
I recently discovered Loroco Bistro, a fantastic Salvadorean restaurant in my neighborhood, and I couldn't be happier!
I ordered their pupusas, and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by their size and flavor.
Visit their website at Loroco Bistro to see their menu and more.
I've tried pupusas at other places before, but Loroco Bistro's pupusas were much bigger and generously filled with delicious cheese.
The food was so good that I found myself struggling to finish all four of my pupusas!
In addition to the tasty pupusas, I also tried their Sopa de Pata, and it was hands down the best I've ever had in California.
The horchata was another highlight; it tasted fresh, and the large serving size was impressive.
Colonia Publica
One day, as I was casually strolling down the street, I stumbled upon a unique-looking place with an intriguing atmosphere.
From the outside, it was hard to tell that it was actually a restaurant.
However, curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to step inside.
To my pleasant surprise, I found myself in a stylish, reclaimed-wood-lined Mexican gastropub: Colonia Publica.
The bar was on the smaller side, with about 5 or 6 chairs, but it had a cozy feel to it.
I did notice that the bar supplies could be better organized, as they seemed a bit cluttered and took away from the overall ambiance.
Nevertheless, I ordered some guacamole and chips, which turned out to be delicious.
They even came with a scrumptious chipotle black bean dip!
What really caught my attention, though, was their sopita de fideo.
You get to pick from a list of ingredients to add to it, making it a customizable and fun experience.
Additionally, they have a variety of creative michelada options, with my personal favorite being the Roja.
La Fuente Mariscos Restaurant
I decided to have lunch with my dad at La Fuente Mariscos Restaurant after not visiting for a few years.
We were greeted and seated promptly upon arrival, making us feel welcome.
As we looked through the menu, we enjoyed the complimentary chips and salsa.
Their menu, available at La Fuente Mariscos, offered various Mexican dishes to choose from.
For our meal, my dad ordered his favorite huevos rancheros, while I went for my favorite carne asada and shrimp.
We also had two big iced teas to quench our thirst.
The dishes were served fresh and hot, making them even more appetizing.
The taste of the meal was just as good as I remembered from my previous visits.
Greenleaf Cafe
Whenever I crave some traditional Mexican comfort food, I head straight to Greenleaf Cafe in Whittier.
Their website provides all the necessary information, and I love their laid-back ambiance with colorful, art-filled walls.
The menudo they serve is one of the best in town, and although it might not be steaming hot sometimes, the taste is undeniably spot on.
One thing I appreciate about Greenleaf Cafe is the cleanliness of their restrooms.
It might be a small detail, but it speaks volumes about their overall dedication to providing a comfortable experience for their customers.
I've also enjoyed other dishes like tacos and enchiladas on my previous visits, and each time, the food has been nothing short of amazing.
If you're ever in the mood for some scrumptious Mexican delights, make sure to give Greenleaf Cafe a try – I bet you won't be disappointed!
Final Thoughts
The variety of restaurants and the quality of food in Whittier, California, have consistently exceeded my expectations.
From the fresh sushi at E Sushi Japanese Restaurant to the delicious vegan Mexican street food at Veggie Y Qué, there is something for everyone here.
I feel incredibly fortunate to call this city my home, and I am excited to continue exploring the diverse and delectable food scene in Whittier.
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