I honestly love this place, and it's all because of their chicken Caesar sandwich. I could eat that sandwich for the rest of my life--it is THAT good! It's always my go-to, and I keep coming back just for it. That being said, I have to be honest about the pasta. Every time I've tried it, it's been pretty bland and didn't have much flavor. I wish it had a little more seasoning because it has potential. Overall, the chicken Caesar sandwich is absolutely to die for, and I definitely recommend giving it a try! read more

Went here for lunch because a friend really wanted to try it, so I treated. The first impression wasn't great. The place looked run-down, the TVs weren't even set up, and there was a trash can sitting outside in the middle of the dining area. The person who greeted us was friendly, but other than that, nobody else was there. We ordered two chicken fettuccine Alfredo dishes, and one had broccoli added. For the broccoli upcharge, I got four pieces. That's definitely not worth paying extra for. We didn't order drinks, appetizers, or sides. The fettuccine itself was just okay--it lacked flavor. The "garlic bread" was the biggest surprise: two Hawaiian rolls with garlic butter. Seriously... what is that? Each pasta was listed at $17.95, yet my total came to $48, and the math just wasn't adding up. I wasn't given an itemized receipt, which made it even more frustrating. After noticing my reaction, they brought us a salad with lettuce that looked brown and a small side of pasta. I'm guessing it was their way of making up for it, but that doesn't justify charging me without being transparent. To make matters worse, the bathroom was dirty, which is always a major red flag. My friend really wanted to try the restaurant, so I just let it go and paid. Looking back, I shouldn't have. Moral of the story: If your gut tells you something feels off, trust it and walk away. Don't stay just to be polite--it's your hard-earned money. This experience taught me that from now on, if something doesn't feel right, I won't hesitate to leave, no matter who I'm with or where I am. Transparency is everything to me. If you're not honest with your customers or you overcharge people, you've already earned 1 star in my book. I can GUARANTEE this is my first and last time her, I'm surprised I didn't get food poisoning. read more

El Appetiz - Garden of the sea Linguine with a whopping 4 broccoli I paid extra for - Italian Near Me - Baldwin Park, California

My family and I have been eating Jose and Evelia's family's AMAZING food since i was 6 years old and I am 30 going on 31, & my parents have been going since 1996! They are always so sweet and the food is always amazing~ so amazing that for 20 years i make the drive from Compton/Paramount area all the way to Baldwin Park in TERRIBLE (i mean terrible!) traffic (to & back!) just to have a glimpse of my childhood in delicious food made with love, that of which has been a staple of myself & my family. Evelia was so kind as to ask if I wanted a drink while I waited, and then when i forgot to order extra bread Jose was kind enough to say "No worries, I'll let her know" with a genuine smile mind you! And then Jose let me try this delicious and signature Chicken Poblano Salad which is probably one of THE BEST salad I have ever had, & I'm very picky with my salads. lol They are such good, talented and caring people and you can feel that in the cooking. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mi familia y yo llevamos comiendo la INCREÍBLE comida de la familia de José y Evelia desde que yo tenía 6 años --y ya tengo 30, -- y mis padres llevan yendo desde 1996! Siempre son tan amables y la comida es siempre riquisima... ¡tan increíble que, desde hace 20 años, hago el viaje desde la zona de Compton/Paramount hasta Baldwin Park, soportando un tráfico TERRIBLE tanto a la ida como a la vuelta, solo para reencontrarme con un pedacito de mi infancia a través de una comida deliciosa hecha con amor; una comida que se ha convertido en un pilar fundamental tanto para mí como para mi familia. Evelia tuvo la gentileza de preguntarme si quería algo de beber mientras esperaba; y luego, cuando olvidé pedir pan extra, José fue lo suficientemente amable como para decirme: "No te preocupes, yo se los adviso", ¡y lo hizo con una sonrisa verdaderamente sincera! Y después, José me dio a probar su fantastica Ensalada de Pollo Chicken Poblano, que es una de LAS MEJORES ensaladas que he probado en mi vida... ¡y eso que soy muy exigente con mis ensaladas! (jaja). Son unas personas tan buenas, talentosas y atentas que ese amor se puede sentir en su comida. read more

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I had not been here in years and am so glad I gave it another try! The cajun chicken pasta was so flavorful and creamy. The artichoke mushroom pasta packed a punch of flavor. Their garlic bread is so good. Best I have had in an italian restaurant. I was shocked to see the inside was not packed. The server was very nice. Cant wait to try more again. Childhood restaurant revisited. read more

El Appetiz - Italian Near Me - Baldwin Park, California

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El Apetiz is one of those true Baldwin Park hidden gems. I've been coming here since 1999, and more than 25 years later, the food is still amazing. It's a small, intimate, no-frills spot with tons of character, and I was so happy to see dine-in finally return after the pandemic. Everything is freshly prepared, with some really unique options. The seafood calzone is one of my longtime favorites -- huge, golden, cheesy and packed with seafood. The seafood spinach salad is excellent, and their pastas are always delicious, especially the pesto and tequila sauces. With similar dishes getting a lot of attention elsewhere in the area lately, it's worth knowing that El Apetiz has been serving this style of food in Baldwin Park for decades. This is the original spot I've known and loved since the '90s! And a special shoutout to Jose Portillo and his wife Bella, who are absolutely wonderful and continue to provide the same warm, consistent and excellent service after all these years. Great food, generous portions, wonderful people and a true local gem. read more

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Hey mambo, don't wanna tarantella Hey mambo, no more a mozzarella Hey mambo! Mambo italiano!... 5/5 Service Dine in or take out this spot in Baldwin Park has been our go to pasta place. Since Covid they have been primarily take out. They have a small interior to dine in which I can see why most order take out. We have done both. 5/5 Food What can I say I've enjoyed a lot off their menu. From the jambalaya pasta, lasagna, calzone, even a kids spaghetti. 4/5 Parking Parking can get tight as there is a laundry mat next door and mariscos restaurant in the same shopping center. 5/5 Family Friendly The staff is very friendly and was patient with us even with our kiddos bouncing around. They provided disposable plates for them (very helpful for us parents). I really enjoy meals we order from here. Thank you to the staff who always makes us feel welcome. Psalm 130:7, God bless read more

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I've passed by here numerous times but never stopped by. Food was good. I still can't get over that pasta salad, a tad different than most I've had. Veggie pizza was quite interesting because I don't think I've ever had carrots on a pizza. The chicken parmigiana sandwich bread though was kinda spongy, it did have a good taste, I just wish the bread was better. Bella our waitress was really sweet. I'd definitely come back read more

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Went with friends to dine in the other day. Turns out my friend knew the owner from years of visits and catering with this business The owner and his staff are quite pleasant and courteous! I had a wonderful time visiting and hearing stories from the owner as well I've had delivery at work before but haven't eaten in the restaurant in a long time SO GLAD that we chose El Apetiz for lunch. The food was amazing I had the chicken poblano salad and took home the chicken parm. Delicious!! read more

Yesterday after work the open sign caught my attention, aside from that the exterior could be a little more welcoming and well lit. But more importantly let's get to the good stuff, I ordered 2 pastas which were quite delicious. Flavor and portion size was good! Staff was very friendly and inviting! Made good recommendations for my first time being there. Owner was nice and inviting. Strongly recommend and I will definitely be going again to try the other dishes. Thank you guys for the delicious food! read more

El Appetiz - Delicious food! - Italian Near Me - Baldwin Park, California

First time trying this restaurant, and it's amazing! We ordered the salad, shrimp and andouille sausage, and lasagna. Everything was so good! We will definately be coming back. read more

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El Appetiz is quintessential whole-in-the-wall, hidden gem, type status. Huge shout out to owner Jose for his gracious hospitality to me and my fiancee as we pulled up craving some pasta. From the hand made linguine made in house, fresh made from scratch sauces, and succulent choices of meat and seafood, you cannot skip out on the tequila seafood linguine. With a light and creamy yet velvety cream sauce kissed with a touch of tequila and citrus along with loads of tender and juicy shrimps and scallops this place is unbeatable and AFFORDABLE! They only serve take-out or catering orders but they do have a small dining area inside the restaurant for small parties. Jose and the El Appetiz crew has been at this for 30+ years and just after the first bite, you can understand why! read more

El Appetiz - Bolognese Over Linguine - Italian Near Me - Baldwin Park, California

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Amazing service very family oriented and the food is absolutely fantastic love the ambiance read more

El Appetiz - Italian Near Me - Baldwin Park, California

My food was delicious. My chicken club sandwich was made with freshly baked bread! The cold pasta side was also delicious! Great service! Reasonably priced! read more

Food was really delicious and reasonably priced. Friendly owner, homey atmosphere, and great music.

I've been coming to El Apetiz for over 30 years. Amazing recipes at great prices. These are tastes I never experience anywhere else. The bread is fantastic. My fav is the chicken poblano salad and I have them make it extra spicy for me. Chicken Tuscany and The Flank Steaks Ranchero are also great. Realistically I have never had a meal I didnt love here. Highly recommend! read more

I am not kidding this is the best Italian homemade everything super super good tasty fresh salad was awesome homemade dressings that he makes. The owner jose was very friendly. He explained the the food items how they make and what was in the plates? read more

Great Italian food, Friendly staff and good atmosphere. I have had the bolognese, el pescadory, caprese salad.

Th food is scrumptious but my personal favorite is the Chicken Poblano Salad. It's divine.

Once again Jose at el appetiz didnt fail to surprise me with another delicious salad while I waited for my order. The Italian beer was a cherry on top. read more

We have ordered catering a couple of times and the food never disappoints! Our guests always seem satisfied when we order from El Appetiz!

I used to love this place--it was one of my favorite Italian spots and I've recommended it to friends in the past. I hadn't been in about a year and was genuinely excited to come back. Unfortunately, today's experience was beyond disappointing. Both dishes I ordered tasted like soap. Not even exaggerating--they were completely inedible and ended up straight in the trash. I don't know what's changed in the kitchen, but something has gone seriously wrong. Sad to say it, but I won't be returning. Total waste of money and a real letdown from a place I used to trust. 1 Star (would be 0 if I could) read more

El Appetiz - Soap flavored trash! - Italian Near Me - Baldwin Park, California

I ordered the supreme pizza and the Greek salad. It was delicious.!!! The salad was so fresh and the pizza was amazing. I will not buy anywhere else. You have to try won't be disappointed and the service is amazing. They truly care about their food and their customers!! read more

The food was amazing and the customer service was amazing. Definitely recommend for tasty and delicious Italian food

Got to say I will never come here again. Use to come here all the time and decided to stop by today. Keep in mind I live all the way in hacienda heights so I called and asked what time they close. The owner told me 4pm so I showed up at 2:40 pm just for them to tell us we are closed. I even explained I talked to owner and he was too scared to come out and try and see our frustration. That's not how you run a business and will recommend to never come and eat here again the owner doesn't care about his customers so why should we! I would give them a zero star if I could!!!! Stay away!!! read more

Our family was in need of a catering service for a birthday party. We ordered two trays and appreciated the over-the-phone consultation and the quality of the pasta prepared for our event. Our guests loved the dishes--the flavor, the tasty ingredients. We especially loved the white pasta with poblano pepper and the red sauce platters. I seldom offer reviews here, and this venue deserves five stars. read more

The avocado vinaigrette dressing, the fresh avocado, & the warm chicken give this salad an amazing flavor. I could have this every day of the week & twice on Sunday. read more

El Appetiz - Chicken Fiesta Salad is next level. - Italian Near Me - Baldwin Park, California

this place is awesome. i've gotten the meat lovers pizza and chicken ravioli here. so delicious every time

I have been coming to this Italian restaurant for a number of years now and it is probably my favorite local family owned restaurant to go to. Before COVID, there was indoor seating, but ever since then, most of their business appears to be to go orders. There are a few tables inside that I believe are still available for dining in. All of their dishes are delicious. Fresh and good quality ingredients. The lasagna and their meat pizza are probably some of my favorites. You really just can't go wrong with any of their dishes, though. A nice plus is that their side of bread is to die for. I definitely recommend this restaurant, especially if you want to support a local small business. read more

So it's a small business establishment where it' seems kinda hidden but a touch of curiosity where you know you have a feeling this food is going to be delicious. Already came back multiple times but let's get you guys started on the food. The calzones are AMAZING, especially if you like to eat bread because their bread is different BUT their pasta's (multiple choices) chicken is my favorite! The sauce and creaminess is definitely worth trying. They have pizza that i haven't tried, but the salads have a beautiful touch as well if you're tryin to be healthy a bit haha. Go try it! read more

I just called to place an order and the guy on the phone was very rude, I asked him if he had the marinara sauce with little pieces of meat and he laughed at me like how I'm I supposed to know if they have just sauce or meat sauce or it comes with meatballs, just a simple question there is no need to be rude, after that I asked him if it was a size small or large and he said I'm giving you a large if you don't ask how I'm I supposed to know, I was like that's what I'm doing right now I'm asking about the size to know of it was the small or large why he needed to be so rude about everything??? Food is ok nothing great but their service sucks read more

A hidden gem! The service here is outstanding--staff made sure we were well taken care of without being overbearing. The food was divine, from the perfectly cooked ravioli to the seafood risotto that was packed with fresh ingredients and incredible flavor. The ambiance was cozy and intimate, with a traditional Italian feel, soft lighting, and a welcoming vibe that made us feel like we were dining in a small village trattoria. Can't wait to return for more! read more

Our go to place for catering Italian. Prices you can't beat. Jose always helps us out placing orders. Pastas picked up warm and always receive compliments from guests. read more

Great food and fairly priced. Got their homemade lasagna for a birthday party. Everyone loved it. I can honestly Say it's some of the best lasagna I've ever had. No lie. Highly recommend. Will be eating and ordering from them again. read more

This has been my go to spot until today. While eating a chicken tequila pasta, I found a dead roach! It was a medium sized roach and according to the restaurant "they had never seen that before!" read more

Love the pastas and ravioli's here! It's a little bit on what I would call fusion mexitalian. The place is a tiny mom and pop place. Discovered it scrolling yelp one day and they definitely delivered on taste and quality. I've been here a few times and even ordering during COVID quarantine, bringing the same flavors togo. My two go to plates are the chicken tequila fettuccine and chicken pesto ravioli. Everything here tastes fresh and handmade! read more

El Appetiz - Chicken - tequila Cream With Fettuccine Chicken Pesto Ravioli El La-Pescadori Pasta - Italian Near Me - Baldwin Park, California

My daughter in law tried their food through her Company Holiday Party. She asked me to order from El Appetiz for our Xmas lunch. We sure did, and everything we ordered was incredibly delicious. We also wanted to try more options, so we had dinner on Friday at the restaurant. Another great experience. f you are going to eat at the restaurant, please, be very patient , they do not prepare their food ahead of time. Th We all highly recommend El Appetiz! read more

I have been ordering food from this restaurant for special occasions such as birthdays for my colleagues at work, the experience included the food being good and customer service being okay. However the last two visits including todays, May 09,2025, lacked respect and etiquette. On April 1, 2025, food was ordered and one of our items was missing. I didn't make a big deal out of it and just drove back to the restaurant. The owner questioned whether I was being truthful, but eventually gave me said item. On May 7, 2025 I called and placed a lunch order for May 9, 2025 for 12:30pm and paid over the phone a hefty total of $157.90. Today, May 9th, I go pick up the order and arrive at 12:38pm (a bit later than expected pick up time thinking the food would be surely ready) and ring a small bell to let them know a customer has arrived. Cooks come out of the kitchen handing out food orders to other customers, all while I am standing at the register. I am left waiting for 13 minutes until I am finally acknowledged after multiple other customers are helped out. Instead of being directed with a "Thankyou for your patience, how can I help you" I receive a "You are late". I politely but with a sour expression on my face tell the owner that is untrue because I arrived at 12:38 pm and it is now 12:53 pm. Which he responds, "You've been waiting for 30 minutes?" I said no and repeated myself again, to which he shook his head in an arrogant manner and proceeded to go back to the kitchen. He brings out the order and a rude comment I didn't order and says in Spanish, "Siempre tienes esa cara de enojada" (which translates to, "Do you always have that mad look on your face" ). Now up until this moment I had kept my composure but that had gone out the door with that remark. I express to him that I infact was mad, my order wasn't ready on time and to top it off his customer service was terrible, what is the point of placing an order in advance if the pickup time wouldn't be respected.To which he denies my arrival at 12:38 pm because I would have rang the bell. The same bell I rang upon my arrival, that apparently was never heard. I lastly checked all my bags to ensure all my paid items were there so I wouldn't have to drive back as the previous time. To see that I in fact was missing an item, to which I tell the owner and he again questions what I am saying. We both go over the list of items I have in my car and as he sees that I am correct he goes into the kitchen to get the missing dish. However, he has the audacity to say as he hands me the item "Extra for you", when there was nothing extra about it. This wasn't a free courtesy dish, but the one I had a right too because I had already paid for it. read more

Delicious!! My favorite local spot! My favorite dishes are the chicken poblano salad and the blacken chicken sandwich. Their customer service is great! You can only take out , there is no dining in. read more

El Appetiz - The chicken poblano salad - Italian Near Me - Baldwin Park, California

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My first time going here. I ordered the Italian Sausage sandwich, believing there would be a sausage link or slices, but no! I got slop between the buns. Nothing but peppers, onions, sauce, and a little bit of obliterated sausage! WHERE'S THE SAUSAGE? The sandwich was so mushy and soggy that it couldn't be picked up. I'll never go there again. Worst Italian Sausage sandwich ever! read more

El Appetiz - I took the wet bun off the ItalianSausagesandwich. This is what's inside. Slop. - Italian Near Me - Baldwin Park, California

Update: I think whatever pasta option on the menu may be a bit random. I got fusilli even though the menu says rotini. My mom also got a different pasta type than what she ordered. I tried the bacon wrapped shrimp as well this time. The sauce tasted a bit ranch-y and mayonnaise-y but overall it was kind of like honey walnut shrimp, was was interesting. Definitely not my favorite; I prefer the pasta. It came with potatoes that were pretty good, though. read more