28 Foodie Favorites in in Bakersfield, CA

Travel Lens

Nov 18, 2023 • 11 min read

The vibrant food scene in Bakersfield indeed sounds like a culinary enthusiast's delight, offering a diverse range of cuisines and dining experiences.

With options ranging from gourmet fare to comforting family-style meals, and globally-inspired dishes, the city caters to a wide array of tastes and preferences.

Such a variety ensures that no matter what you're craving, there's likely a restaurant in Bakersfield that can satisfy your appetite.

This abundance and diversity make it an exciting place for anyone ready to embark on a culinary adventure, promising new flavors to discover and favorite dishes to revisit.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, Bakersfield's food scene seems to have the ability to turn every meal into a memorable experience.

Here's a guide to the best restaurants in Bakersfield, California.

L & B Mexican Restaurant

L & B Mexican Restaurant in Bakersfield offers an authentic and delightful Mexican culinary experience.

With sensational food that captures the essence of Mexico, L & B stands out for its shredded beef tacos, generous portions, and affordable prices.

More than just the food, it's the warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes diners feel at home.

Visiting L & B Mexican Restaurant promises a taste of Mexico, combining delicious flavors with genuine hospitality.

Guild House

Guild House in Bakersfield is not just a restaurant but a step back into an era of elegance and refinement.

This nonprofit restaurant offers a unique gourmet luncheon experience in a beautifully decorated dining room with meticulous place settings.

The daily set menu includes dishes like Chicken Marbella, and each meal is served with coffee or tea for an inclusive price of twenty dollars.

The Kitchen Bakersfield

The Kitchen Bakersfield provides an extraordinary and interactive dining experience, perfect for date nights, team-building events, or food enthusiasts.

Dinner classes offer hands-on cooking guided by professional chefs, turning meal preparation into a fun and insightful journey.

Each dish is a flavorful creation, and the exceptional wine selection complements the experience.

The Kitchen Bakersfield is ideal for those seeking a unique, engaging culinary adventure in the heart of the city.

Renegade Room

Renegade Room in Bakersfield offers a unique dining experience where guests can enjoy the culinary creations of up-and-coming chefs.

The restaurant provides a fantastic buffet every Thursday night, known for its variety and quality.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, complemented by excellent service.

Affordable prices make it a regular spot for indulging in diverse and well-crafted dishes.

Horse in the Alley

Horse in the Alley in Bakersfield is a place where dining feels like a journey back in time.

The establishment treats its guests with exceptional service and offers a menu full of delicacies, including perfectly balanced handcrafted drinks and appetizers.

The salmon, cooked to perfection, is a highlight.

Steeped in history, the building adds to the dining experience, and the availability of an events space makes it suitable for various gatherings.

Ideal for both intimate dinners and larger celebrations, Horse in the Alley promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.

El Cuscatleco

El Cuscatleco restaurant provides an authentic Salvadoran dining experience.

From crunchy tortilla chips with chili sauce to flavorful Chili Verde, rice, beans, and homemade tortillas, each dish transports diners to the heart of Salvadoran cuisine.

The carnitas beef, despite being slightly dry, pairs well with the standout homemade tortillas and beans.

The restaurant offers a range of dishes, including the empanada trio, Revuelta pupusa, yuca frita, Chicharron, and unique veggie fajitas.

El Cuscatleco is a hidden gem in Bakersfield, deserving of repeat visits for its traditional fare crafted with care and love.

Mami Ana's Restaurant & Cantina

Mami Ana's Restaurant & Cantina in Bakersfield stands out as a vibrant and lively spot that truly embodies Latino culture.

Known for serving the best Birria tacos in town, Mami Ana's delights with every bite, offering hot and fresh tacos that are a celebration in themselves.

Their drinks are equally impressive, hitting the spot every time.

The restaurant's ambiance is inviting and colorful, making it a favorite go-to spot for both locals and visitors.

A visit to Mami Ana's Restaurant & Cantina is not just about great food but also about experiencing the essence of Latino culture.

Prime Time BBQ, Meats & Deli

Prime Time BBQ, Meats & Deli is renowned for its succulent BBQ and meaty goodness.

Combo #3, featuring chicken thighs and ribs with sides and a roll, offers great value and taste.

The spicy mac n cheese, succulent brisket, and Mac salad with a heat kick are highlights, providing a unique and flavorful experience.

Their wine selection is interesting and boutique, complementing the meal perfectly.

The deli section is ideal for purchasing prime meats, and the friendly atmosphere adds to the appeal.

Prime Time BBQ, Meats & Deli is celebrated as the best BBQ spot in Bakersfield.

Las Flautas Mexican Food

Las Flautas Mexican Food is a local favorite known for its freshness and authenticity.

Popular dishes include the asada plate and shrimp taco plate, both praised for their perfect seasoning and preparation.

The Campechana cocktail, packed with shrimp and octopus, is a flavor explosion without unnecessary fillers.

Their Micheladas are delicious and reasonably priced, making them the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

With top-notch service, Las Flautas Mexican Food is a small place that's big on flavor and heart, consistently delivering excellent culinary experiences.

Vida Eatery

Vida Eatery in Bakersfield is an exceptional vegan restaurant known for its serene and chill atmosphere, making it a great spot for those looking to explore vegan cuisine.

Their Nashville sandwich with the right amount of BBQ sauce and crispy, perfectly seasoned fries is a delight.

The Columbia also stands out for its presentation and taste.

The restaurant's variety and quality have impressed both regulars and first-timers, with items like the Philly melt and arepa receiving high ratings.

Their Horchata Latte and cinnamon roll are memorable dessert and drink options, adding to the overall dining experience.

Heart Of India Bar & Restaurant

Heart Of India Bar & Restaurant in Bakersfield is a go-to destination for authentic Indian cuisine, known for its festive flavors and rich aromas.

The restaurant offers quick service and a broad menu, catering to various spice preferences and featuring a mix of traditional and modern dishes.

Their buffet is a treasure trove of Indian delicacies, with favorites like garlic naan, tangy chutneys, and Indian-style pickles.

Desserts like Carrot Halwa and Gulab Jamun are sweet indulgences, making each visit a delightful culinary experience.

Wool Growers Restaurant

Wool Growers Restaurant provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying Basque cuisine in Bakersfield.

A family-owned eatery since 1954, it offers regional fare like garlic fried chicken with carrots.

The family-style soup, salad, and bread complement the meals, enhancing a heartwarming dining experience.

With walls adorned with historical photographs, the ambiance is enriched, taking diners on a journey through time.

Lamb dishes are a particular highlight, cooked to perfection and generously portioned.

Wool Growers stands as a beloved institution, ideal for family dinners or casual outings, promising a satisfying and memorable meal.

New Vintage Grill Truxtun

New Vintage Grill Truxtun in Bakersfield offers a spectacular culinary experience, perfect for those exploring California's diverse food scene.

The restaurant's splendid ambiance provides a welcoming atmosphere.

Dishes like the Denver omelet and uniquely served French toast are flavorful and memorable.

The breakfast burst sandwich and the special coffee chocolate chip muffin, paired with coffee, enhance the dining experience.

The lunch menu, featuring poke nachos, chili lime shrimp tacos, and the apple hill salad, is equally impressive, showcasing culinary mastery in presentation, taste, and value.

Stars Theatre Restaurant

Stars Theatre Restaurant in Bakersfield offers a unique dinner theater experience in a vibrant and exciting atmosphere.

Housed in an old bank building, the venue provides an enjoyable evening with specialty drinks and fantastic shows.

The rendition of "Little Mermaid" is particularly entertaining, making it an ideal spot for a night out with a good show and a decent meal.

Stars Theatre Restaurant combines the pleasure of dining with the joy of live entertainment, creating a hard-to-resist combination.

ReMix Asian Kitchen & Ramen

ReMix Asian Kitchen & Ramen welcomes guests with warmth and offers a menu full of enticing options.

Popular dishes like the Korean BBQ plate and Spicy Tuna over sushi rice cater to a variety of tastes, including kid-friendly options like the Chicken Katsu plate.

The bright and spacious eating area, along with the availability of refreshing beverages like Thai Teas and pink lemonades, adds to the relaxing atmosphere.

Prompt service is another highlight, ensuring a delightful dining experience every time.

ReMix Asian Kitchen & Ramen stands out not only for its food and ambiance but also for its efficient service.

Cafe Smitten

Cafe Smitten in Bakersfield is a local treasure with rustic charm, offering more than just coffee – it's a cozy, welcoming spot for residents and visitors alike.

Known for its breakfast menu, the mushroom omelet and Moroccan eggs are particularly delightful choices.

The cafe also excels in crafting coffee drinks, using counterculture coffee that is well-balanced and bright.

The space is ideal for those seeking a quiet work environment, good conversation, or relaxation, especially in the enchanting back outdoor area.

Cafe Smitten is a go-to destination in Bakersfield for anyone seeking quality food, drinks, and a peaceful ambiance.

Bento Express

Bento Express offers an authentic Japanese dining experience in downtown Bakersfield.

The cozy and unassuming exterior opens up to a space that feels like a small village in Japan, complete with the aroma of teriyaki and fresh sushi.

Dishes like the Island Breeze sushi roll, spicy baked halibut roll, and spicy tiger roll are delicious and cater to dietary needs, like shellfish allergies.

The sushi quality surpasses other local options, and the selection of Korean beers complements the meals perfectly.

With its family-friendly atmosphere and efficient service, Bento Express stands out as a hidden gem for sushi and Japanese cuisine in the city.

Miyoshi Japanese Restaurant

Miyoshi Japanese Restaurant transports diners to Japan with its modern decor and classic Japanese fare, including teppanyaki, sushi, and udon.

The restaurant is known for its well-prepared sushi, especially the spicy tuna hand roll, and offers meals at reasonable prices.

The seaweed salad, along with salads, soup, and rolls, provides a satisfying dining experience for around $50, making it a great value.

Miyoshi is the perfect destination for those looking for an authentic Japanese dining experience in Bakersfield.

Final Thoughts

Bakersfield, California, indeed stands out as a culinary hotspot, transcending its reputation as just an oil and agriculture hub.

The city's food scene is diverse and vibrant, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

It's a city where every meal can be an adventure, making it a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates good food.

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