Hands-down, this is the best Mediterranean-based cuisine restaurant in the South Bay, if not all of LA. I wanted to follow up my very short review that I wrote about this restaurant over a decade ago as I have continued to frequent this restaurant and I have always enjoyed their food. What they offer here is a really nice selection of Mediterranean-based cuisine. They always use the best ingredients, and the food always arrives with a great presentation. Mostly, the food here tastes very-very good. And, isn't that the right reason you actually go to a restaurant in the first place? This is a family-owned and operated business. From this, you can really tell that everybody who works here really cares about the restaurant and the customers. Thus, it's always a great dining experience. Their menu offers a really nice selection of everything from gyro's to kebabs onto salads and the like. There's a really nice choice of both entrées and side dishes for you to choose from. The one thing I will say about this establishment, and this is certainly not a criticism, but whenever you eat here, they always keep the food coming. Whether it is the pita chips, the pita bread, the whatever, when you leave here you are going to be very-very full. This restaurant is located just off of Hawthorne Boulevard and a block from PCH. Thus, it's very easy to find. In terms of parking they have a parking lot over to one side of the building. You could always find a spot there. They also have a number of spots on the street, in front of the restaurant. This is where I always prefer to park. Easy in, easy out. Overall, if you're looking for some great Mediterranean-based food, this is the place to go. You will not be disappointed. read more

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Food was great, a bit different than other Middle Eastern places but delicious. Service was outstanding, from the nicest owner to the staff. We ordered the lunch specials, the steak kabobs. I ordered extra salad instead of the rice. The baklava was delicious! It's a very welcoming atmosphere, almost feels like you are a guest at a nicely decorated house. read more

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This is a quaint family-owned and operated restaurant with superb service. The owner is very friendly, attentive and accommodating. The complimentary hummus and warm pita chips are a delicious and savory start to the meal. The falafel pita sandwich was crunchy on the outside but a tad dry inside. It was a pleasant and fulfilling meal overall. read more

Aristo Cafe - Mediterranean Near Me - Torrance, California

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Celebrated a friends birthday lunch recently and it was fabulous. The food was spot-on and we are looking forward to spending more time there. The service was amazing, they took the time to explain the menu and checked on us frequently, great personal touch. read more

Got a Chicken Kabob Pita Sandwich and a large Lentil Soup. Both were delicious. The chicken was tender. The ingredients inside the Pita Sandwich were fresh. Because the Pita Sandwich tasted so good, I ended up not needing to add the garlic sauce. Instead, I saved the garlic sauce for the pita bread. The Lentil Soup is definitely not a thick consistency. However, the Lentil Soup definitely had a good solid flavor. Service was very friendly. No issues on parking since they have their own lot. read more

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A cozy little family-run restaurant, Mediterranean on the menu. It's tucked away but it's a worth the effort to find. The lunch special is an excellent deal. A sizeable side salad, hummus, a bit of rice, and plenty of pita. I got the Gyros, which are incredibly juicy and delicious. A lovely lunch, lots of food for an affordable price. Come hungry, leave happy. read more

Cute little family restaurant in Torrance! Been meaning to try this place and so glad we did! The owner was super friendly and greeted us with a big smile. They served hummus and pita chips not too long after we sat down and man.. it tasted so good! For dinner, We Ordered their lamb chops plate and chicken kabob plate and they were both cooked well and well seasoned. Service was amazing! I haven't been to a restaurant where service was top notch in a long time. Thank you Aristo Cafe for a great experience! read more

Aristo Cafe - Mediterranean Near Me - Torrance, California

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Got the chicken kebab lunch special and wrap. Food was ready and early. The food was all good. Kebab wasn't too dry. Not a fan of hummus in general but this was wasn't as thick as others. The wrap was good but is pretty soggy. I like how the tomatoes aren't diced. Garlic sauce was great as well. Parking lot space was plenty but there are some pot holes further back. Worker at the counter was busy and nice enough. Would come back again. Got the fried cauliflower at their other location. Probably wouldn't get it again Overall 3.5 read more

Aristo Cafe - Fried Cauliflower - Mediterranean Near Me - Torrance, California

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Wow, wow, wow! Greeted by Robert, grandson to the owner with enthusiasm and vigor. We arrived at opening so we had a pick of where to sit. Lots of indoor seating and a few tables outdoors as well. Parking available on the side and back of the building. Robert brought us water, pita bread, complimentary hummus and fried pita chips. He also answered my questions about items on the menu. Based upon Robert's description of different items I was contemplating, I ordered the Gyros Sandwich. We also got the garlic cream, tahini sauce and a spicy sauce. The gyros was so fresh, tender and delicious that it melted in my mouth. Might as well retitle it to Disappearing Sandwich because it disappeared!! Robert's mom asked us if everything to our satisfaction. I can't wait to return and try all the other wonderful things on the menu. Ok, bye. read more

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This place is amazing!! Nice people also, this place is really a find!! The fish is always good as is everything read more

Literally the best Mediterranean food I have ever had. The lady there is always really nice. The portions are huge and the garlic sauce is the best. You have to put this place on your list. The ambience is very casual spot so it's good for lunch or even dinner. I would eat here for breakfast lunch or dinner if it was possible. read more

Aristo Cafe - Best mediterranean food in town!!! - Mediterranean Near Me - Torrance, California

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This is my second time here and this place doesn't disappoint. I randomly found this place and went with a friend and knew I had to come back with my husband. It is a modest family run restaurant, and the food is delicious and service was great. We had the lentil soup, falafel and gyro sandwich. They also give you a complimentary small bowl of pita chips and hummus to start. Price is very reasonable. We will be back again. read more

There are places you go to eat and there are places you go to eat that also feed your soul. Aristo Cafe, where Robert and his family proudly serve his grandfather's traditional Lebanese recipes, is that place for me! If you have a hard time deciding on the menu because of all of the delicious options, just trust that wherever you land, you will receive food that is fresh and filled with love and heart. I'm serious! The crisp greens paired against the decadent fried falafel or cauliflower is a beautiful balance not many places in LA do so well. I mean, do they have their own farm in the back!? One bite will instantly take me back to the streets of Egypt or Lebanon where I've spent much of my adult life. We ordered the eggplant parm, not your typical or traditional eggplant parm, this one is an experience!!! Alongside the Baba Ganoush with its rich smoky flavor, the falafel with traditional garbanzo AND fava (#iykyk), plus they brought us the cauliflower to try. The toum, creamy white garlic sauce, is traditional - you can taste the lemon and can't help but Smear it on Every. Single. Bite. Leaving you to wonder how is it possible this is a truly vegan treat, how could it be this creamy!? Their spicy version is equally as good for a whole other experience. And if serving up amazing dishes wasn't enough, Robert is a great conversationalist and the atmosphere is like stepping back into the old world- it's cozy, its friendly, there's conversation and people engaging. It's a true middle eastern experience where human connection is prioritized, where eating and breaking bread is joy shared with smiling faces and laughter around a table. Aristo's Cafe is the ultimate eatery in the South Bay of Los Angeles. I found this place on happenstance, while returning my Uhaul across the street, almost skeptical of what I'd find inside. But when I stopped by to read the menu, I knew what I was getting was authenticity. I cant wait to come back again and again. My heart feels truly full from being able eat here, conversation with Robert about his beautiful family and to have the chance to show my partner authentic Lebanese cuisine. Thank you, Robert and family, for sharing a piece of yourselves with us. read more

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Gyro here is very delicious! And I really like the tzatziki soup. The service is here is definitely 5 star! read more

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Amazing food and customer service ! I definitely recommend and will be returning ! Eggplant Parmesan was my favorite definitely beat my expectations! read more

Aristo Cafe - Mediterranean Near Me - Torrance, California

Went for lunch. Friendly and attentive service. I got the small lentil soup, gyro, and Mediterranean coffee. All were great. Best gyro I've had in a long time (maybe ever). Had a soccer game on and chill music playing at a chill volume. Good natural light from the big side windows. Greek and Lebanese family run the place. Found my new lunch break spot. Will have to try out their dinner, too. read more

Amazing restaurant, highly recommend. The food is fresh, healthy and so good! We visited for the first time today and will definitely return soon. The staff is warm and took extra care to make sure we were happy and had everything we needed. the ambiance is great. Go visit and enjoy this amazing restaurant! read more

Aristo Cafe - Menu - Mediterranean Near Me - Torrance, California

The very best Mediterranean food in the South Bay, l highly recommend this place. Love the lunch specials

The kefta skewer plate and salmon plate were both excellent, the lentil soup was delicious, and the hummus is homemade I think and very fresh. It's a friendly, family-run spot where you can tell they really care about the food and the customers. Great neighborhood restaurant. My new go to for Mediterranean in the South Bay. read more

This was my first time at Aristo Cafe. I was greeted by the friendly staff as I walked in. We sat next to the large windows that allows so much natural light to come in. It was such a refreshing lunch. The chicken kabobs and pita bread were amazing! The service was fast and attentive. I will definitely be back during my stay in Torrance. read more

I love supporting local eats and am I happy to finally be able to check out this local family owned restaurant. I once tried Aristo Cafe many years ago at a coworker's holiday party. Fast forward to this year and I got to try dining in at this lovely little spot. It is indeed a lovely little cafe. They just have a few tables and only one waitress. The menu is consists of a variety of different Mediterranean favorites like falafel, gyro, hummus, tzaziki and pita. I was happy to see that at lunch they have lunch specials. Lunch specials are served from 11am-2:30pm and you have choice of Chicken Kabob, Lule Kafta Kabob, Sliced Gyros, Falafel ($16.75) or Grilled Beef Shish Kabob ($17.75). Each lunch special is served with jasmine rice, salad, hummus and pita bread. My mom and I chose to get the Chicken Kabob and Sliced Gryos lunch special. Her Chicken Kabob was accompanied with garlic sauce while my Sliced Gryos came wih Tzatziki sauce. They also give complimentary pita bread and hummus up front in addition to the hummus that comes with the lunch plate. Overall their dishes were very flavorful. Both the chicken and gryo were very tender. I also really enjoyed their sauces. Their garlic sauce has the perfect garlicky flavor and the tzatziki had the nice hint of cucumber. The hummus was also quite delightful. I'm really glad I got to try this South Bay local restaurant. The cafe is cute and makes for a nice lunch place. read more

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Very good food and hard working waitstaff. I'm looking forward to going back there soon!

Best customer service by a long shot! From the minute my friend and I came in to when we left, we were treated so warmly and well. I wasn't able to get the name of our host and server, but he continuously checked on us and kept replenishing our water and fresh pita bread! He told us we could stay as long as we wanted. He even gave my friend extra sauces to try. To start, the complimentary pita bread always came out warm and is one of the best pita breads I've had! Such a nice chew to it. The hummus was fresh and had a great flavor with a small kick. I got the falafel pita sandwich and it was a huge portion for $10.95! I was able to make 2 meals out of it. Vegetables inside were pretty fresh, flavors were good and the different sauces we were given were all good too. Falafel is more on the soft than on the crispy side. Greatly recommend if you're looking for a good Mediterranean cafe with family-owned vibes and service! read more

Aristo Cafe - side of pita bread - Mediterranean Near Me - Torrance, California

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This place is awesome! The service is over the top and take out is quick and on time. Try the Arista salad or the Jiro on pita! Excellent. And dont forget the home made Baklava! Wow read more

Came here for takeout Mediterranean food for lunch. Our order was waiting for us when I showed up. Service was fine. Parked right on the street in front of the restaurant. Food was fine. Thanks for the fast service! read more

Was looking for a good Mediterranean spot in the area and found this place on Yelp and my goodness, this place was absolutely amazing. Some of the best Mediterranean food I've ever had and superrrr nice customer service! I ordered the Gyros lunch special and half Chicken Kabob half Lule Kafta Kabob lunch special for me and my mom. The specials come with hummus, rice, a salad (not picture), tomatoes, onions. I really liked the combination of everything and that you get some veggies for health. Everything was delicious. All of the meats were sooooo tender, great quality, fresh, and flavorful! We finished off our meal with some fresh baklava which we were told was mom's recipe, with fresh pistachios and syrup instead of honey. Baklava is always delicious but this baklava was top tier. Throughout our meal, customer service was excellent. He checked in on us frequently and answered all questions we had. He seemed very knowledgeable and super kind. It seemed like all the other customers were regulars and love the place. My mom and I were super pleased and will definitely be coming back! read more

Aristo Cafe - Gyros Lunch Special (a house specialty) - Mediterranean Near Me - Torrance, California

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Amazingly food! please check out this restaurant and support family businesses! the service is like going to your aunt's house and the homemade dolma WOW! As a genuine foodie this is a very special experience. Don't forget to about the baklava read more

Food is good but the price is way too much. I can find another Lebanese or Mediterranean place that could serve more and better tasting than this less than this restaurant charge me. 1 chicken kabobs plate 1 Lula kabob plate 1 gyro plate. 3 drinks ice tea. Humus dip 3 plate of veggies A pita Bread and a fried pita. Already $100.00??? Insane way too pricey!! read more

Had it catered at work for lunch. Chicken skewers were better than beef but both delicious. Falafel was crispy. Hummus and garlic sauce were good. Pita chips extra crispy. Tray of rice is enormous. Portions for catering trays well worth it. Enough sides for another party read more

Best service ever! Friendly and food was amazing! Just terrific! This cafe has a lot of customers! Very busy, but still give best service! Wonderful food read more

An amazing mom and pops place! Went to lunch with my boyfriend after orange theory. The food was seriously amazing, and Robert (family's son) was very nice. They weren't busy at the time and brought by extra things for us to try on the house, which was so kind and the dishes were delicious. I also accidentally left my Invisalign there (in a napkin, accidentally thrown away) and they helped me find it, which was truly above and beyond. I would've gone back even with no interactions because the food is so good, so the kindness of this family was the cherry on top for sure. Will come back! read more

Aristo Cafe - Lunch plate with chicken and falafel - Mediterranean Near Me - Torrance, California

You guys are a joke. You forget sauces that are paid for. You agree to a certain time frame with Postmates and uber eats and decline customer orders that are done on time. You folks just do whatever the f*** you want without a care in the world as to what it may do to your customers. What's sad and nobody know is you guys are about to close. Your business is sold. The building you use to own will soon be a vet. Your time is almost over. Take the little bit of time left and be good to your customers. To the people who have kept you folks alive. Good luck and good bye. Yes, we will miss your food, just not your arrogance read more

A rainy weekday night my friend Darren and I took a stroll down the block to Aristo cafe. We were welcomed with immense kindness while we got to pick anywhere to sit. We were blessed with plates and plates of great food which happened to be all made vegan because of the king of a chef. The food was fresh, well prepared and DELICIOUS. I can't stress enough how great this place was. I can't wait to go back! Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience in a very cute and special restaurant read more

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Great location and environment. The building has a serene assortment of plants and antique like benches out front. The entrance is very warming and inviting. Along with the smell of the food i was pleasantly impressed on my first visit. Great staff, a young man greated us as we entered with a smile. The food was much better than plain Chicken Maisons plates. I can see myself eating here a few times a week and never getting board. Good job, becuase I'm never impressed. read more

We ordered catering for a family lunch party (April 2025) & the food was a hit! Delicious chicken and beef skewers, pita bread, rice, salad, hummus & yogurt sauce. Everyone was happy! We will definitely order catering from here again. read more

This place is a gem. It's not fancy, just really delicious food, and super nice owners/staff. We used to go here all the time and then we kind of forgot about it. We went back in today and they brought us a little taster of hummus with fresh fried pita chips. We ordered the chicken lunch plate and the gyro lunch plate, both come with rice, salad, hummus. All of it really delicious. And you have to get the baklava - it is definitely the best I've ever had. Extremely fresh. Just overall always a good experience here. read more

Nice atmosphere and pretty tasty!! The servings are generous and there is complimentary hummus with pita, which was a very nice touch! I had lots of leftovers read more

My absolute favorite mediteranian food outside the valley. It's hard finding decent Lebanese food when you eat the real stuff at home. Dad used to take me here growing up, flavors are authentic, everything is cooked well. 5/5 fat boy recommended read more

Aristo Cafe - Mediterranean Near Me - Torrance, California

This is my go to spot for lunch when I am in Torrance. The food is so fresh and full of flavor. The chicken kabobs and the hummus are my fav's. I feel so healthy after I eat lunch here. read more

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I am currently visiting Southern California and only have one more week before I return to my home country. I will 100% stop by Aristo Cafe once more before returning. Everything - from the sauces and pita to the meat and hummus - was incredibly flavorful. In addition, the family that runs the place is extremely generous, humble, and passionate. I could really feel the immigrant hospitality while eating there. A pleasantly surprising and exceedingly delightful dining experience! read more

Aristo Cafe - Mediterranean Near Me - Torrance, California