El Colmao

202

246

634

7 months ago

Dude this is the OG Cuban spot--no joke. I've been coming here since I was little, and it is the best Cuban food. Don't believe me? Order their paella or Ropa Vieja. If you know Cuban food, you know this place. The platanitos are legit. The breaded steak is fire. The Cuban sandwiches are the best. They serve ice cold Iron Beer and Materva. If you smiled reading any if this-this place is for you. This spot has been holding it down for ever. Anytime my family comes to town, they ALWAYS ask so we going to Colmao? If you know anything about authentic Cuban food, you've already been here. If you've never had Cuban food, this is the perfect place to start. It's not fancy--but the food is rich! read more

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D G.

0

25

2

23 days ago

I first came to El Colmao for my kindergarten graduation many years ago, and it's still just as good today. The food is consistently delicious, the service is excellent, and it still has the same warm welcoming atmosphere. A true Los Angeles classic! read more

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P C.

2

76

0

2 months ago

The food was delicious! The service wonderful and quick! Never crowded. We highly recommend this amazing Cuban restaurant. Don't expect a fancy place but expect great and fast service and delicious food! read more

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Kim G.

104

53

5

2 months ago

Ordered a tray of congri (black beans mixed with rice and pork) and a tray of maduros they were a hit at the party. Great portions, excellent service, very yummy food. We'll be back!! read more

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Juan V.

443

506

47

1 year ago

3.5 stars I panned El Colmao a while back, but I'm happy to walk that back: their food has really improved, and the Cuban dishes I've tried have all been very, very good again. The avocado salad was generous and fresh, the roast pork delicious, the "maduros" were sweet and hot, and the black beans were really tasty. The bread is warm and the "arroz blanco" is just fine, too. Plating is a bit messy but who cares? The pacing of the meals is a bit off and wine by the glass is mingy but hey... The vibe and ambiance haven't changed much in almost 60 years and that's also a very cool thing; good authentic Cuban music plays in the room, too. Eddie (the owner) is cordial and the service is OK, too. As of this writing they're staying open until 8pm again, another real plus, as the previous 6pm closing time was a bummer. If you've got a jones for Cuban food and you're in the area I'm happy to be able to enthusiastically recommend El Colmao once again. read more

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Sassy T.

0

72

169

6 months ago

This place came highly recommended so I gave it a try for a weekday lunch and it did not disappoint. There is a big selection of items and the food was very good. I had the C11, sausage stuffed beef with sauce, rice, and black beans. They have lots of GF options. Definitely try the salsa provided in the side. The staff were great, the location is pretty standard for a stop mall restaurant. Free parking is available but there is not a lot of it. read more

El Colmao - C11. Boliche Mechado - Cuban Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Steve C.

37

262

233

2 years ago

A surprising gem for the neighborhood. A Cuban restaurant in a neighborhood that can seem a little "one-note." Service is friendly and food was good. The Ambiance reminds me of a neighborhood diner. If this place were hype or in a more robust food destination neighborhood, maybe it would've gotten a lower review, but for the neighborhood this place truly shines. I will be back to see what I've missed out on. read more

El Colmao - Platanos - Cuban Near Me - Los Angeles, California

El Colmao - Pollo Asado Special - Cuban Near Me - Los Angeles, California

El Colmao - C5. Palomilla Empanizada - Cuban Near Me - Los Angeles, California

El Colmao - Papa Rellena de Carne Molida - Cuban Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Patty M.

0

15

2

7 months ago

Ordered picadillo....too salty and too much fat. Pap rellena good even though the same meat from Picadillo used at least it's well packed. They burned the fried plantains so I won't order that anymore. read more

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Paul G.

Elite 25

5

49

11

1 year ago

This is a classic Cuban staple restaurant. I've been coming here for years and the food is always amazing. Their black beans are always so savory and their breaded Milanese is "chefs kiss" Service is always quick and the server is always courteous. Come here for a lunch date and watch your SO be impressed! read more

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N C.

0

16

10

5 months ago

A hidden gem in LA, been coming here since I was a child! My go to order is a #2 that comes with breaded steak, rice and beans! Not to mention the delicious house bread! Facility is clean and service is excellent! Give them a try, you won't regret it!! read more

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Diego R.

0

13

8

10 months ago

Oh my goodness if you want delicious Cuban food this is the place to be! The atmosphere really sets the tone and makes you feel like you're Havana. The Cuban bread and empanadas to die for and the pork chop with rice and black beans to die for. I would eat here again went on a Wednesday not very crowded and the service was very friendly. I would recommend coming here if you want authentic Cuban food. read more

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John T.

7

160

191

2 years ago

Had lunch here today after reading the reviews in the LA Times. The service was good and the restaraunt had a decent size dining room with around 20 tables. The ambience could have been better but someone in the kitchen was pounding on metal for nearly an hour straight! I could barely hear my guest talking when the pounding was going on. The noise was annoying. Make it worse this was happening during lunch time! Not good. I ordered the Cuban Sandwich and it was ok, not great. The meat was tender and the bread soft but it didn't have the other items I usually get on a Cubano, like mustard. It made the sandwich kind of dry. I ordered the green plantains like the LA Times suggested and they were very good. So with the noise coming from the kitchen and the dry Cuban Sandwich I can't give this place a great review. Sorry :( read more

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Stan E.

25

140

320

1 year ago

I had not been here for a few years and man it felts good to be back my daughter just loves this place and we're able to bring my granddaughter as well. I was worried that it had closed but so happy to see place still running and in my book serving the best of Cuban food we love this place and I have so many memories as a kid coming here with my parents I think I was 8 yrs old a time when things were simple love this place read more

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Vanessa P.

0

49

20

2 years ago

Found this spot after searching for a Cuban restaurant in the area of the convention center. Let me tell you, it's delicious! I ordered the picadillo and the flavor is amazing. The caldo gallego was soooo good! The service was excellent and the staff were all so friendly! Definitely coming back! read more

El Colmao - Picadillo with white rice, black beans and a side of platanos. - Cuban Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Atilio H.

0

4

1

2 years ago

Amazing!!! Food is bomb pollo aljerez, bistec empanizado, rice and beans are delicious and had tostones. Food here is fire, been coming here since I was 2 years old.. read more

El Colmao - P1. Pollo al Jerez - Cuban Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Ruby P.

6

186

585

3 years ago

This is a nice Cuban food place. I got ropa vieja for take out. It's beef with Cuban sauce. The waiter kindly asked me if I wanted both rice and black beans, and I told him I preferred to have 2 servings of white rice. They also included 1 roll. Food tastes great. The interior of the restaurant looks elegant. read more

El Colmao - Ropa vieja - Cuban Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Betancourt E.

92

766

3024

3 years ago

This place has been around for 54 years and the food is a big reason why, I ordered up the chicken breast plate with rice and beans , it was very good , very fresh and it had a good seasoning to it . We also ordered up five empanadas both beef and chicken, they were brought out very fast, they were tender and very good , the service here is very fast and attentive . The ambiance is family like this is a very old restaurant and there are a lot of people who have been coming here for the last 54 years . read more

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Ana B.

0

10

1 year ago

Amazing food!!! Their Cubano Sandwich, Ropa Vieja & Empanadas were absolutely amazing. read more

El Colmao - Sooo many good things to choose from so we chose a lot. - Cuban Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Frank O.

0

25

14

1 year ago

Great place for the family to experience cuban cuisine the old fashioned way. We enjoyed the special of the day, fish and I had the ox tail.

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Elena C.

1

29

21

1 year ago

This is our go to place for Cuban food. So delicious and very friendly service, we drive over 25 miles to enjoy this food.

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Carlos Enrique F.

0

12

1 year ago

Stopped by on Mother's Day and the food was great as always. Been coming here since I was a kid and the food and service are always exceptional. I will definitely keep coming back anytime I'm in LA and get a craving for Cuban food. read more

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Tatiana C.

1

21

14

1 year ago

Food here is so good! Server and service is awesome. My dad said he's been coming here for at least 30 years and we hope to be coming here for the next 30 years. We drive an hour away to eat Cuban food here and look forward to it every time. read more

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Jose G.

0

28

29

2 years ago

"QUE RICO......" Delicious, home cooking and totally delish in ALL aspects. A staple of Cuban Food Here in Los Angeles......! Yummmmmm read more

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Victor M.

0

13

0

10 months ago

A great vintage restaurant great Cuban food you feel like you're walking into a Miami Cuban diner. They've been there for over 50 years. I used to go there when I was a kid. read more

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Alan B.

0

43

0

1 year ago

It was always my Go To place for roast chicken in rich wine and onion sauce. This time sauce was very bland and there was not much of it. Whoever the chef is needs to go back to the great cooking methods that made this a memorable meal. The dish is called Pollo de Juarez! read more

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Gitano C.

0

22

15

1 year ago

I was in LA to go to the LA Natural History Museum. We were hungry for Cuban food and thought we would give this place a try. Service was great. I ordered the 1/2 chicken with yuca and congri. It was great. read more

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Sergio D.

275

489

2711

3 years ago

This place is very good. I love the music and the vibe here. I always have the breaded steak with rice and black beans. Definitely do recommend this restaurant to everyone I know. Please be sure to check it out soon. read more

El Colmao - Pepsi please. - Cuban Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Cheryl C.

0

9

5

1 year ago

Delicious Cuban food, I had the oxtails and I would highly recommend them. The chicken steak is also very delicious. Make sure you taste the black beans! The service was outstanding. The prices are very reasonable. I will be returning often. read more

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Jonathan C.

29

37

74

2 years ago

I've been coming here for 15 years. It always been great. The food is excellent. This is one of the best Cuban restaurants in LA

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Rochele G.

0

10

1

1 year ago

Came here with my boss and coworkers. The food was amazing! Everyone was so friendly. A big hug of an experience!

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Liomee M.

0

53

0

1 year ago

I've been going here since I was a little girl, and this last time, I was so disappointed. Food just did t taste good. Black beans had no salt (what!!!), bistec empanizado was ok, rice was mediocre. I hope this was a one off and the main cook was sick or something. I had invited friend who had never eaten Cuban food and I was so sad they had this as their first experience. read more

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Karen I.

0

1

0

1 year ago

This place has been open for a while. They continue to provide the excellent-food and amazing service!! Their beans, ropa vieja and tostones are the best read more

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Cecilia S.

0

13

1

2 years ago

Me and my family, have been coming to El Colmao, since my now grown kids were little and we love the service and the food, as a matter of fact we now live about an hour or so away, to where El Colmao is and we make our trip back, just to enjoy the Cuban flavor I highly recommend this place read more

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Joy U.

107

169

770

7 years ago

Been coming here since I was a little girl and now my older daughter takes her friends. The prices are way cheaper than any other Cuban restaurant around and the food is Great! I love that till this day they still have some of the same waitresses working there and even the new one was super sweet. This place is a no frills restaurant but what it lacks in decor it makes up on quality of food, for sure. read more

El Colmao - My breaded steak. Best breading ever on a steak - Cuban Near Me - Los Angeles, California

El Colmao - Sangria was good and they make it fresh - Cuban Near Me - Los Angeles, California

El Colmao - Pork chops topped with onions - Cuban Near Me - Los Angeles, California

El Colmao - I get the rice and beans separate - Cuban Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Salvador D.

204

217

40

3 years ago

This is the best Cuban Spot outside of Miami and Cuba itself. Their menu has not changed in decades because it's that delicious and good. The Queen herself (Celia) would come here when in LA read more

El Colmao - Yuca al mojo de ajo - Cuban Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Sonia B.

7

68

5

2 years ago

The best last Cuban Restaurant left in Los Angeles. I always order the bistec empanizado which never disappoints! A special shout out to my amazing waitress Lillie who's always wonderful! Love this restaurant! read more

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More info about El Colmao

2328 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90006
Pico-Union
Directions
(213) 386-6131
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order

Full menu

Hours

What time does El Colmao open?

El Colmao opens at 10:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does El Colmao close?

El Colmao closes at 7:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Payment methods

Does El Colmao take credit cards?

Yes, El Colmao takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does El Colmao have catering options?

Yes, El Colmao does have catering options.

Does El Colmao serve alcohol?

Yes, El Colmao serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does El Colmao have TVs?

Yes, El Colmao has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does El Colmao have bike parking?

Yes, El Colmao has bike parking.

Does El Colmao have outdoor seating?

No, El Colmao does not have outdoor seating options.

Does El Colmao have parking?

Yes, El Colmao has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is El Colmao wheelchair accessible?

Yes, El Colmao is wheelchair accessible.

Does El Colmao have free WiFi?

No, El Colmao does not have free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

El Colmao Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
5 Reviews

Versailles Cuban Food

20 years later I'm not sure that any restaurant will hit you the way it did when you first started…read moregoing. But if you don't go for about 10 years, when you go back it might just come close. Had lunch at Versailles for the first time in a long time. I can honestly say I don't know if I have ever gotten anything different. The #6 garlic chicken substitute fries for the plantains. We started with bread. Not as good as I remember but it's there when you're waiting and if you have extra garlic sauce when you're done you've got something to dip and that's always a treat. The chicken for lunch is filling. The garlic flavor still good and strong. And I can say there's nothing like the plantains at this place. Just the best perfect sweet treat during the meal. I don't know when I'll be back but it won't be another ten years.

Love this place as they have plenty of vegan options and yummy cocktails…read more I took a star off because the tostones were really dry. But the fried yucca was delish as were the black beans and white rice. Chardonnay was yummy and the Sangria was perfection. The service was wonderful and I loved just the overall vibe of the place...very welcoming. Plenty of free parking in the lot.

Indoor seating next to kitchen and main entry

#6 Famoso Pollo Versailles (Versailles Famous Garlic Chicken)

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Indoor seating to the left of the door

Versailles

Versailles has some of the best Latin Caribbean food in LA. I have tried other Cuban restaurants in…read moreLos Angeles I must admit none of them comes close to Versailles. If you can't find a good Puerto Rican restaurant or Dominican restaurant in LA this is your best bet. Onsite parking. Thank me later

The breaded chicken plate slapped. Not politely. Not quietly. It came in like it had something to…read moreprove. Golden. Crispy. Juicy. The kind of chicken that makes the office stop talking for a second and respect the process. We ordered lunch and accidentally started a staff meeting about flavor. The black beans were on point. Thick. Savory. Serious. No watery cafeteria behavior. These beans had credit history. These beans had a passport. They tasted like somebody in the kitchen has been trusted with the family recipes and knows where all the secrets are buried. The yellow rice hit too. Fluffy. Seasoned. Dependable. It did exactly what yellow rice is supposed to do. Support the plate. Hold the team down. Make everything around it better. Basically the office manager of the meal. We ordered through Uber Eats and the packaging came correct. Nothing spilled. Nothing slid around like it was fighting for its life. No surprise soup at the bottom of the bag. Everything arrived neat and ready. Which, in delivery terms, is basically a luxury experience. The whole staff loved it. People were quiet. Plates were cleaned. Productivity may have dropped for a few minutes but morale went way up. Versailles understood the assignment and turned a regular workday lunch into a small Cuban celebration with better beans than most people's personality. it's giving... The Bear if Carmy took one deep breath and opened a Cuban lunch spot.

Interior

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Exterior

Isla Cuban-Latín Kitchen & Rum Bar

Great food! Great service and Ambiance. The live music is a great addition to the dining experience.read more

Or last night and Buena Park Anahiem area. What a find!!!!…read more We were so happy with this place. Service was amazing place was beautiful. We felt underdressed. Everybody was to the nines in their attire. The hostess was so friendly and welcoming. She sat us on a high table in the outside patio area. We didn't even have reservations but she still managed to make it happen. Our server was great (Migel) as well throughout the whole night he had about like maybe six or eight tables still managed to serve our table in an orderly manner, orders take drink orders and maintain it throughout the whole time we were there for dinner. Food here is so next level... The beautiful cuisine to match, so so delicious. Latin flare is alive and well here they had a live band from Miami. It was a cherry on top. It was PERFECT Definitely will be saving this place for future visits when in the area! Great food, service impeccable, and establishment clean, and well presented. Thanks for all make this place special. We enjoyed ourselves me and my family.thank you Migel for making it great.

A very dry and bland Cubano Sandwich and limp fries

Seating area

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Pork mofongo

La Cubana

The food here never disappoints. I've never had a bad meal at this restaurant…read more It is a family-run business with a small, intimate setting. Pictures of Cuba and its heritage are displayed throughout the restaurant. Salsa music plays in the background, and you feel the Caribbean atmosphere as soon as you walk in. Complimentary Cuban bread is served as an appetizer at the table. I always order the Bistec Empanizado with two sides. This time, I had moros (black beans and white rice cooked together) and tostones (fried, smashed green plantains), along with a side of avocado salad with onions, oil, and vinegar. It completed the meal perfectly. My husband had the Carne con Papa (beef stew) with moros and plátanos maduros (sweet fried plantains), along with a bottle of Coke. This restaurant is a Glendale staple for both locals and the Cuban community. I remember when it was located on Colorado Boulevard many years ago. Even after all these years, the quality of the food has remained just as excellent for the past 26 years.

The "cordadito" was amazing! But the Flan was even…read morebetter... The food continues to hit that nostalgic spot from childhood, pollito frito (fried chicken) con arroz y frijoles negros is sooo good and large enough to split with my daughter. Definitely a winner!

In the kitchen, the cooking never stops!

Steak sandwich

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Great fries!

Cafecito

Love it. Awesome…read moresetup, awesome menu, good staff members, clean restaurant, enjoyable food and atmosphere. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Get the guava pastry, trust me, it is delicious! I ordered and tried the Cubano sandwich and loved it. Definitely would be coming back to try other menu items.

The Cuban Sandwich (Cubano) with a coffee was great!…read morePlantains are also great Small restaurant but great to have a good meal.

Where your journey begins...

Vegan Vaca Frita

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Tables, what few there are, are now always filled to capacity.

My Havana Vieja

I drive by this place all the time on my way to the Del Amo Fashion Center and always wondered…read moreabout it. One day I was really hungry after the lunch rush, so I decided to give it a try--and I'm glad I did. The place was quiet, the service was excellent, and the food was delicious. Portions are just right--not too big, not too small--and they have a great variety of fresh juices that are super refreshing. I also loved the music--very Latin/Caribbean, which adds a really nice vibe to the experience. Prices are reasonable too. I've been back a couple of times since then. Definitely a great spot if you enjoy or want to try Caribbean food.

Good yuca frita with the sauce. The ropa vieja was very tender and flavorful. The vaca frita was…read moredecent but a tad bit too much pepper and dryness. The complimentary chicken soup was nice. The staff was super nice and attentive. The atmosphere and vibe and decor was very fun.

Inside

Rabo encendido(oxtail)

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Passion Fruit Mojito

Baracoa Cuban Cafe

I've been coming to this restaurant many times for the past 10 years and lately I have seen the…read moredecline of such a great food place. I was there 2 weeks ago and the customer service is no longer good, the woman is always sitting behind the counter and hardly checks on the customers. The food this time around was not good as my chicken was not cooked well. I ordered jerked chicken with rice and beans. The chicken was hard as if it was frozen then cooked. I didn't eat the chicken as I didn't want to get sick. It's sad to see that the owner has doesn't care anymore. At one point this was great Cuban food.

Baracoa is my go-to restaurant when I'm in Atwater. The food is delicious and I always leave happy…read more The ropa vieja is an absolute dream. The flavoring of the meat is great and not overwhelming. It is served with rice, beans and plantains. The media noche sandwich is outstanding. It is served in a sweet bread with mustard, cheese, pork and ham. Parking can be tough but I always manage.

Panoramic from the corner

Roasted pork sandwich

Store front

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Havana Mania

I got the shrimp fajita with a salad. I understand this is a Cuban place, but I was so glad they…read moreoffered fajitas! The food was delicious and perfectly seasoned. The salad dressing was a cilantro dressing, which was delicious! The waiter was very sweet and accommodating. The ambience was really cute because there was live Spanish music.

It's been years since I've been to Havana Mania…read more On a Friday evening we were sat rather quickly. The server immediately asked if we wanted a mojito. Of course! Lol The restaurant looks the same from over 10 years ago. Lol The Oxtail Stew was on the menu, so that was ordered along with the garlic shrimp and shrimp fajitas. We were all happy with our meal! I'll make sure to add this back in the rotation.

Pollo A la Criolla - Pollo Saltado

The palm

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Delicious mojito

Versailles

The food always hits!! The pork and chicken combo is my go to! A must try if you've never had the…read morechicken here you're loosing out.

My family and I have been coming here for decades but it's not my love for this restaurant, it's…read morebecause my wife loves their oxtail stew (Rabo Encendido). So we come here for her. I've tried almost everything on their menu and was never able to find something i ordered enjoyable. It's just not for me. This visit I ordered their Lomo Salteado and the meat was extremely rubbery and unpleasant. My daughter ordered their chicken empanadas and it was a hard no for her too. When we were ready to close out, I asked the waiter as he was clearing some things on our table, if he could bring some to-go boxes when he had a moment for things we didn't finish so we could take them home. He had a butter knife in his hands and threw it onto the table. Rough day I guess. I personally would not come here myself, but continue to do so for my wife. Will update my review when I visit again. Until next time. . .

Bohemia Pilsner Beer (4.7% ABV)

Dining area

Basket of garlic bread

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Ay Papa Que Rico

The best tasting chicken. I get a whole chicken at least once every two weeks. I get it delivered…read more One night when it arrives; one day later for delicious leftovers. Mmmmmm.

It has been so long. I haven't ordered from Papa Que Rico…read more Today I was able to order from them via DoorDash I got a burrito with chicken and a Cuban sandwich Their food is really tasty and their respect my special instructions I just love that place very much

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Green salsa

Bacari Silverlake

4.6

(4.1k reviews)

3.0 mi

The service was excellent! ( Special thanks to Tube ) . The…read morestaff was friendly, attentive, and made our dining experience very enjoyable. The only downside was that the tables were placed very close together, which made it feel a bit crowded and reduced privacy. Other than that, everything was great.

we loved our server TINA more than anything. HEAVEN MEAL…read more Caroline and Ozzie made us feel like queens.

Sea bass with roasted corn and sundried tomatoes

Indoor area

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Bacari Burger

Din Tai Fung

Food was so good and super fresh. The service was is great. And the ambiance is good . The…read morechocolate balls was so good.

Dumplings are delicious!! The chicken soup dumplings are delicious . Waiters are very helpfulread more

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Holbox

100% worth the wait. Arrived at around 6:30 pm on a Saturday and we ordered about 45 minutes later…read more While the line looks intimidating, it is very organized with staff managing the line and they do keep it moving. They've added more outdoor seating right outside the market + a few spots in the parking lot courtyard. If you're looking for a slightly quieter environment, outside is preferable. As for parking, the lot directly attached to the market is small and paid, but the DMV has opened the back gate allowing much more free parking if you head to the back corner of the market's lot. Overall, food is 10/10, no notes!

Located inside a food court. Be prepared to wait Atleast 45 minutes…read more You purchase your meal at the counter and they bring your food to you. The food court was a bustling; however the noise didn't seem to bother the conversation. Food was awesome!

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BCD Tofu House

Great turnaround for everyone to enjoy the vibe and great food. Promise of estimated time for…read morewaiting to table is right on the nose and accurate, impressive.

Food is always amazing. The service is great as well, with the banchan being replenished,…read moresurprisingly!

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Philippe the Original

116 years in business

Casual dining

If you're looking for a true Los Angeles classic, you have to visit Philippe The Original. This…read moreiconic spot has been serving customers since 1908 and is famous for its legendary French dip sandwiches--and after my visit, I can absolutely see why. I ordered the pastrami sandwich, and wow... it was honestly one of the best pastrami sandwiches I've ever had. The meat was tender, flavorful, and perfectly piled onto fresh bread. Every bite was worth it! The pastrami was incredible, and now I definitely have to come back and try the famous French dip. Even with how busy it was, the line moved quickly and the staff kept everything running efficiently. Ordering was fast and easy. This place is full of history and charm. I loved the vintage telephone booths, the old-school photo booth, and even the little candy area--it all adds to the nostalgic experience. There are plenty of tables, so despite the crowds, it's easy to find a place to sit and enjoy your meal. Whether you're a local or just visiting L.A., Philippe's is a must-try. Great food, quick service, and a timeless atmosphere make it easy to understand why this place has been a favorite for over a century.

Sometimes you don't need to overthink it. Philippe the Original has been doing things the right way…read morefor generations, and my latest visit reminded me why it remains one of my favorite places in Los Angeles. I stopped in just before the lunch rush--a good strategy, especially on a Dodgers game day--and everything clicked from the moment I walked in. The first thing that caught my eye was Elizabeth carving lamb right off the bone and building my French Dip sandwich in front of me. That's not theater; that's the way they've done it for years, and I loved every minute of it. The lamb dip was outstanding, just as I remembered. Add a crisp pickle, a side of coleslaw, and a Miller Genuine Draft, and you've got a lunch that doesn't need any fancy introductions. The sawdust on the floor may be gone, but the personality certainly isn't. Philippe's still feels like old Los Angeles. People share tables, strike up conversations, and enjoy a meal without anyone rushing them out the door. Then there's something you almost never find downtown anymore--free parking. That's worth mentioning all by itself. Could I explain why I'm giving Philippe's five stars? I suppose I could. But when you have friendly people like Elizabeth, a fresh lamb dip made right in front of you, reasonable prices, free parking, and more than a century of Los Angeles history, what more could you ask for? You may have seen this review, or a version of it, in one of the local publications I write for. I always pay for my own meals, and my opinions are my own.

Classic Beef Dip & Pickled Egg

French (double) Dips and Citradelic IPAs for two, please.

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Mm.. lamb

Pine & Crane DTLA

I was in LA for a work conference, and my colleague and I decided to come here on a double date one…read moreevening with our spouses. This place came highly recommended online, and I can see why! First of all, the vibes are sooooo good! From the dope music to the staff, I felt at home walking in the door. I love how the restaurant has an open air feel to it, where even when sitting inside, you're also right next to the outdoor spaces. I ended up sharing the Taiwanese popcorn chicken with my husband and ordered the wonton noodle soup. The soup was pretty good and fresh, but popcorn chicken stole the show! Just delicious. My husband got the Dan Dan noodles which were also super flavorful.

We were craving some Taiwanese food and decided to stop by Saturday morning. There was a short line…read moreas we arrived, because they were transitioning from their breakfast to lunch menu. We were greeted by a friendly hostess who took our order and told us to look for any spot we'd like. The Dan Dan noodles came out quick and was delicious. The noodles had a nice chewy texture and the thick peanut sauce and chili oil that coated it made it super scrumptious. The freshness of the cucumber and herbs cutting through the rich sauce balanced it out. The pan fried pork buns however were rather forgettable. The meat was juicy but I was left wanting more flavour in both the meat and the buns. I also wish the bottoms were a bit crispier. I'm definitely looking forward to coming back to try their breakfast menu and other items though. Because peeking at the other tables they offerings looked delicious.

Interior of Pine and Crane

Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken 鹽酥雞

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Popcorn chicken!

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21 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Beilin D.

79

5

6

11 years ago

I was looking for a dominican restaurant in la ,so that my hubby can celebrate independence day (today). I didnt find one so my next option was cuban food. I havent had any since I moved from Miami (my hometown) yes im cuban to ;). I was tired of the mexican dishes in every corner of CA, so I found this place. As soon as we pulled over I noticed that it was in a "not so nice " area. As soon as we walked in we were seated to the the pungent odor coming from the carpet. We were so hungry that we stayed and ordered. It looked like we were stuck in another era. It really needed some cleaning, the menu was dirty like they had spilled oil it. I had bictec de palomilla and my hubby had the bistec de lomo they were both good .HOWEVER, the congri i had was bland.lt looked like they used food coloring. La ensalada de aguacate was the only really good dish I had. Definitely not coming back. read more

Kim A.

15

9

0

4 years ago

Probably the only real authentic Cuban food left in LA county. Now they are not by any means perfect. But compared to the other trash called Cuban food El Colmao takes the cake. They still have Cuban workers which help since it is Cuban food. Any time someone asks me for a Cuban restaurant recommendation I send them here. If you can't make it to El Colmao for Cuban food... Just wait till you can to avoid a sour taste in your mouth from imitation Cuban restaurants. Great way to tell if they are Cuban is to ask them about Chef Guevara, if they idolize him they aren't Cuban. Ask the people here and you might get kicked out read more

Amanda O.

125

51

0

15 years ago

I went with a co-worker who has been raving about this place for years. It is by far the best Cuban food in L.A. The food is closest to homemade as you can get. The stews and neats are all slow cooked and served with pride. I had the Pollo al Jerez. It was flavorful with a slightly citrus accent. The ox tail stew was also delicious. Black beans and rice comes wtith all dishes and are done right. Genuine Cuban coffee and cola are avilable too. Go during the day since I don't think you want to be in that neighborhood after dark. read more

ceci m.

124

12

3

9 years ago

Yum!! We ordered from here last night because my husband has been craving authentic, good Cuban food after his Cuba trip. We were so happy with our meal and couldn't stop raving about how delicious it was. I called in our order for pick up and the lady that took our order was really sweet. We got the oxtail and breaded beef. Highly recommend it and will definitely keep coming back for more! read more

Amin D.

173

5

4

10 years ago

Having moved recently from Miami, this place was a welcome surprise. My kids and I have grown up eating Caribbean cuisine, and found el colmao to be authentic and official. The colada is the real deal, and so far the only place in LA that makes a real one. The daily specials are plentifully sized and the prices are fair. I will be back. read more

Kristyn C.

9

7

0

4 years ago

This is a little piece of Cuba! The food is homemade and tastes delicious! If you are in the mood for authentic Cuban food with homemade flavors come here! One thing to expect is a while before you get your food. Unfortunately you can not rush perfection! read more

Cruzin' L.

1

11

2

13 years ago

What are you waiting for?service is good. Ask and you shall receive, but if you don't want to be bothered you won't. The place looks old and scary but who cares the food is amazing. I've eaten everything in that joint. Super great food read more

Antoinette J.

38

4

0

4 years ago

My family and I have been coming here for years. Easily 20+ years. This place holds a special place in my heart and the food is always delicious. Best Cuban restaurant in my book. read more

Erick B.

0

6

0

13 years ago

This used to be THE CUBAN restaurant to come to ... USED TO BE. Keep driving to Downey for better Cuban Restaurants that's all I can say.

Jerry C.

38

15

164

14 years ago

I have been going to this place since 1980, the food is great the service is very friendly and the price very reasonable I recommend it .

Ellie R.

0

8

77

9 years ago

This is a wonderful experience! The service and the food absolutely delicious. I will highly recommend it and for sure come back.

Elisa B.

0

27

10

4 years ago

Great service! The server here is amazing, quick and always makes sure our table has everything they need!

William D.

2

6

0

1 year ago

The food is okay... definitely no "wow" factor. The waiter was very nice and friendly, so that was nice.

Joe F.

23

2

10 years ago

Menu is really basic there's nothing on the menu that i was excited about ordering. Won't come again..

Deborah G.

2

0

3 years ago

Being Cuban, I'm very picky about where I eat Cuban food. I have been coming here for almost 20yrs.

Victor O.

2

84

0

16 years ago

Yeeey. Finally a great restaurant that I like! I'm so glad.

Fred W.

0

39

1

11 years ago

This restaurant has long been my favorite for Cuban food.

Patricia Y.

11

22

4

9 years ago

Good food and good service. I would keep going.

Marky L.

3

37

12

16 years ago

Best Cuban food I've ever had.

Veronica R.

20

115

42

14 years ago

Favorite Cuban restaurant!

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El Colmao - cuban - Updated July 2026

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Being Nica and spending Mother's Day with my parents here made this experience important to us…read more The food was great overall, and the vigorón was very mediocre. However, my biggest disappointment was the chicharrón ( nothing but inflated air ) It tasted store-bought instead of fresh and authentic, which was surprising for a restaurant representing Nicaraguan cuisine. That was honestly the only major issue with our visit. Everything else was good, but authentic, freshly made chicharrón would make a huge difference and better match the quality of the rest of the food. I hope this is something the restaurant can improve on because the potential is definitely there.

Although I've visited Nicaragua, I didn't get to try the food there. A great opportunity, then, to…read moretry the cuisine closer to home at Sabor Nicaraguense! A cozy spot that caters to the locals, and I'm pretty sure I was the only non-Spanish speaker that day lol. All the same, the ladies running the restaurant were all super kind, if a bit surprised to see me eating at their establishment. Ordered gallo pinto (small) and nacatamal, both served in generous portions (enough for leftovers). Both were really tasty, hearty and flavorful. No frills, but I enjoyed them. Not expensive at all, totaling just under $15 that gave me two meals! Definitely try Nicaraguan food in your lifetime!

House of Empanadas

5.0

(28 reviews)

While I've not been to their brick & mortar shop, I was ever so lucky to encounter the lovely…read moreladies of House of Empanadas at The Bungalow's night market in Santa Monica. The service was fast & extremely friendly. The price was very reasonable. And, most importantly, the food was friggin' fantastic! I was so enamored with the non-greasy fried bundles of joy - chicken, Cuban, & guava-cheese - that we actually went back to the stand to get extras to take home as we were leaving. I hereby publicly commit to making the trek to their actual store to obtain even more of this deliciousness!

I work nearby so I decided to stop here for lunch and the empanadas were so good! I believe they…read morewere $3-4 a pop and I was told that 2 make a meal. They were very filling. I loved the beef and cheese. The El Cubano was one of their more popular flavors so I decided to try it. It was not my cup of tea, but it had lots of ingredients in it so I can see why it would be appealing to some. The woman who took my order was so nice and friendly, and was happy to give recommendations and answer my questions. There were plenty of clean tables open for me to sit at while I ate on my lunch break. I will be back!

Colombia Parce

3.6

(34 reviews)

This puts Colombian food to shame, it should be called trash food instead. I was so excited to have…read morea bandeja paisa, instead I got bandeja of garbage. Sorry to say because there's people behind this, but the food was so disappointing that I must share .

Worst experience ever. Very unprofessional service. The energy on the place is horrible and they…read moredon't have toddler seats. We were repeatedly lied to about when our food would be ready--each time we asked, the time kept changing (5 minutes, then 6, then longer). We waited 2 and a half hours for our food. Only one plate was brought out at a time, with about 15 minutes between each one. The Cuban guy got our order wrong and brought the wrong plates. My dad paid after being told the last two plates were ready and just needed to be packaged, but that was not true. After taking the payment, the Cuban guy ignored us and started just talking to another customer. I had 2 ask twice after he finally got the food that I needed the food to leave he was purposely keeping it to hang on to us longer. He did not like that we kept asking him about the time of our food so he was purposely doing things to be rude. The food was terrible: some plates were undercooked and others were burned. On top of that, it was expensive this is not a high end restaurant so why try to charge like one By far the worst restaurant experience I've had.

Amalia's Restaurant

3.8

(284 reviews)

Amalia's is unlike no other ! Flavours can't even be found in our hometown Guatemala ! Such a…read morebeautiful place has a beautiful setting you will be welcomed as if family, such quick and compassionate, consistent service honestly by far 10 out of 10 place I've been coming hear since a child was introduced to this pearl by my grandparents that's how you know it's good lol

This place is located in a seedyish part but don't be deterred there are so many great restaurants…read morearound here! Amalias is one of those gems. Came here on a Thursday night and it was karaoke night! So fun but really loud! Not the place to come if you want to have meaningful conversations! Haha! But you don't really come here for conversations, you come here for the best Guatemalan food in L.A.! Here's what we ordered: Enchiladas- which are nothing like Mexican enchiladas. There's no tortilla. It's actually a really fresh healthy dish and more like a salad. Fresh beets either queso fresco. So good! Cheeseburger and fries - ha! Yes the kid ordered that! He said it was delicious! The grilled fish - this comes with rice, beans and a salad. So filling. The fish was perfectly cooked and so light. The grilled shrimp - one this was my favorite. The shrimp was tasty. I keep craving it and need to go back for more. The thing that I could literally bathe in is there salsas. The green one isn't like regular salsa verde. It's more herbaceous and has just the right amount of spice. The red one is more like a tomato based sauce but I think it has red chilis too although it isn't really spicy at all. It is one of the tastiest sauces. It has a richness and the taste is indescribable. It's just delicious!! I'll be back for tubs of that thank you very much. :)

Rincon Hondureno

4.0

(144 reviews)

Food is good. Price is highway Robbery. I won't be back. $33 for their "simple" baleadas. I…read moreunderstand inflation and prices going up. This is overkill . Won't be back And not mention, that they only gave me 3. I was beyond furious. I paid $33 for 3 baleadas.

The food was great, I loved that I can call ahead and pick up my food. It makes it really…read moreconvenient. I didn't sit down to eat but I saw the few people in there they were definitely enjoying the ambiance it's a small family owned business. Service was great the lady answered all my questions i had about their menu. I had their pupusas and they were delicious and portion good size. I think this is what threw me off their pricing was a bit more to me for one but once I saw the size I thought it was fair.

Bocata Kitchen

4.0

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I had the lomo saltado a lo pobre at Bocata Kitchen and it absolutely hit the spot. Under the egg…read morewas rice, and everything came together perfectly. The flavor was very good, the steak and fries were nice and juicy, and the egg and rice blended so well together. I ate every last bit of it. The passion fruit drink was also delicious -- sweet, refreshing, and very hydrating. On top of that, the chicken soup was the icing on the cake. It flushed everything down perfectly and made the meal even better. The neighborhood isn't the best, but it's close to home, which was a huge plus. I didn't have to drive out of my way for some lomo saltado, and I had been craving it all day, so this really satisfied that craving. The cashier was such a wonderful lady. She let me taste two different drinks and was incredibly kind. I'm a Black man, and she spoke to me in Spanish and encouraged me to learn. Growing up with Spanish friends and having a Spanish girlfriend helped, so I was able to hold a conversation, and she seemed genuinely impressed. Her service was amazing and made the experience even better. Great food, great service, and definitely a place I'll be coming back to. Highly recommend. I would also like to inform the owner to update the Yelp menu because the item Lomo Saltado a lo pobre I posted wasn't updated on here, just food for thought! Thanks for the great food and great service!

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Don Felix Restaurant

3.3

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Stepped in and ordered their lomo saltado, dish was bussin! Love the house green sauce, has a nice…read morespicy kick to it. Also loved the table side bread as well. The lomo saltado was so good, the steak was on point! All the veggies were piping hot and tasted good. Service was quick and fast and friendly. Great spot!

I am giving a solid 3 stars which is a good rating. I ordered three items in the menu. I am gonna…read morefocus more in the Ceviche. I can say that this was the best tasting ceviche I had so far. Texture, flavor and seasoning was right on point. The best part of all there was no smelly fishy aroma. The rest of the food that I order, which was rice and shrimp was lucking seasoning, yuca was hard , calamari were ok. I am a foodie and this is my own opinion . You can't find out for yourself.

L.A. Pupusa House

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•$

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Restaurant is not a fancy place, but their food is decent. The wait time for the food to be…read moreserved is over thirty minutes. Their prices are expensive and this place needs renovating. The food is mediocre. This is one of the closest Nicaraguan places near my family's neighborhood. I'm not impressed. The cacao is real good so is the Fritanga. Today, I tried carne desmenuzada (shredded beef) no flavor whatsoever. I'm not coming back. I paid $81.00 and left the rest of the food. There's only three car spaces to park. The waiter is a teenager. He's very shy. Cute kid, but professionals would be better to serve. Their cook needs to improve or this place is not going to survive with their $$$ prices. I would gladly paid but not for their food or the cuisine they prepped.

Mi Cocinita Chapina

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