My first thought when I walked into this restaurant was, "Why is this place so empty?" In all honesty, if they don't start getting more customers through the door soon, I worry they may not be around for long--and that would be a real shame. This family-owned restaurant deserves far more attention than it's getting. This was my second visit, as my friend chose it for her birthday lunch because it's one of her favorite spots. My first visit was for her bridal shower, and I remember being impressed by the food then as well. Coming back and finding the restaurant completely empty was surprising because there is absolutely no reason for it. I ordered a grilled chicken taco, a crispy shredded beef taco, and black beans, and every bite was fantastic. My friend ordered the chicken taquitos, while another friend enjoyed a grilled chicken taco and a chile relleno. The tacos are served on homemade tortillas, which immediately sets them apart. As someone who knows and appreciates good Mexican food, I can confidently say this place has it going on. What impressed me most is that everything is made from scratch. Even the cocktails are crafted with fresh-squeezed juice, and you can taste the difference. The owner is also a delight--friendly, witty, and genuinely passionate about his restaurant. If I had to guess why they're struggling, I think part of the challenge is visibility and parking. There is parking available during the day, but from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. the front parking becomes limited. The good news is there are additional spaces behind the restaurant. They also offer a fantastic happy hour from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., and with the quality of the food and the reasonable prices, it's one of the better deals around. I'll admit that before coming, I looked at the online menu and felt a little confused about what to order. Once I arrived, however, everything made much more sense. I shared that feedback with the owner because I genuinely want to see this restaurant succeed. The food is simply too good to be overlooked. So I'm making a personal appeal to the Yelp community: please support this family-owned business and give it a try. You'll be rewarded with delicious, authentic food made with care, and I have a feeling you'll find yourself coming back for more. And if you do stop by, tell them Deborah sent you. read more

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Came into this gem with some friends who had said they loved the food. Very open and inviting, love that they can open the window and let fresh air in. Lots of different food options and culture inside this restaurant. Martin, our server, took care of us. 2 baskets of fresh tortilla chips and 3 salsas. We then ordered drinks, ceviche for apps, and tacos dorados for them & camaron ala ajo for me. Only small compliment was that it took longer than expected, however the food made up for it because it was really good. Thank you very much for the hospitality. read more

La Serenata de Garibaldi - Cheers - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Stopped by for a late lunch at this Mexican food restaurant. The menu seemed plentiful and they even have a separate lunch portion menu, if you want a smaller portion mid-day. I opted to order steak and chicken fajitas off of their full menu. The fatijas came out sizzling hot. Served with freshly made, hand made, corn tortillas which were excellent. The black beans served were frijoles borrachos made with Modelo beer. Delicious! The steak and chicken were tender, and the bell peppers were cooked perfectly with a slight crunch. Just the way they should be The service was friendly and informative. I learned about the family history of the restaurant and the previous multiple locations that the family owned. They are now down to just this one location and still run by the same family. Overall, a great experience, good food and a nice find! read more

La Serenata de Garibaldi - Steak & Chicken Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

My girlfriends and I loved this place when we were living in Westwood. Best tres leches cake EVER!! This is authentic Mexican food. The staff were super friendly. This place deserves to be packed every night! Can't wait to visit again. read more

La Serenata de Garibaldi - Guacamole chips & salsa - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Checked out this place after we saw influencer Kerry rose posting about it. We came for lunch. The place was clean and cozy. We had the chips and salsa which were great. We ordered the chicken enchiladas and beef taquitos. Both were delicious. Sauces were yummy and flavorful. Got the horchata too. Very good. Would definitely return to support this nice family business. read more

La Serenata de Garibaldi - Chicken Enchiladas Plate - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Still one of the best authentic Mexican food restaurants in Los Angeles. The guacamole was so fresh and tasty, and the shrimp enchiladas in pipian sauce was so delicious. Marco came over to our table and offered my girlfriend and I a sample of their butternut squash soup, and hope to see it on their regular menu. Overall, a wonderful dining experience and we can't wait to return. read more

If you want a place where everyone says hello to you, the quac is on point and the enchilada is plate cleaning good this is your spot. It's hidden by a tree but so fun. We went on a pretty dead night. I did order a frozen strawberry marg that was bad. Basically water, ice, and juice sin alcohol. The bathroom is very clean, the space is big and people who aren't even your waiter will check in with you. read more

La Serenata de Garibaldi - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great food. Atmosphere is very friendly and down to earth. I ordered the shrimp tacos and enjoyed them. Parking can be a bit tight during rush hour but found some across the street. Chips and salsa hit the spot read more

La Serenata is one of our favorite restaurants. This family-owned and run establishment has some of the best Mexican food in Los Angeles, including dishes that go well beyond the ordinary, offered with friendly and engaging service. We typically order fish, such as tilapia or mahi-mahi with the garlic sauce or tomatillo sauce. Always excellent, as are the margaritas, and the other menu offerings as well. This restaurant is an essential part of the community around the Pico and Westwood Blvd area. read more

It's a great restaurant with delicious food and wonderful service. Everyone is friendly. We've been going there for years. We highly recommend it. We love to order the chile relleno, fajitas, and guacamole. Their tortilla soup is also great! read more

Looking for a good lunch spot? You will find it at La Serenata. I came in with a small group and ordered various things on the menu. Everything was absolutely delicious, fairly priced, and the service was great. Everyone cleared their plates. I haven't had such good Mexican food in a while and highly recommend anyone to everyone. I plan on coming back. Menu Items I tried and loved, but I am sure most dishes are excellent: Guacamole - perfect Chile Relleno - perfect Handmade tortillas - perfect Enchiladas Chicken Suiza - super tasty and this really hit the spot, I am the person who always orders the enchiladas at Mexican joints. Flan - best flan I ever had!! read more

La Serenata de Garibaldi - Enchiladas Chicken Suizas - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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We have been coming to La Seranata since they opened up in the mid 90's, yes 1995. My kids grew up coming to LA Seranata. The owner knows us and moat of the servers remeber. It a bit like coming home if your home was filled with delicious Mexican food. The restaurant has had their up and downs but now they have focus their attentions to delivering consistent homemade flavorful authentic Mexican food that satisfy the soul and a hungry stomach. My husband always order the shrimp enchiladas that have always put a smile on his face and our most recent trip he said they were incredible. The rice and black beans are not just fillers but rather well executed enhancements that you will not want to miss. They always change the rice recipe but favorite is the white rice with mint, so good. The beans have been lovingly stewed until tender with a subtle laurel/bay leaf flavor. I love the sopes with their thick corn meal disks that hold succulent chunks of beef. On my recent trip I opted for the flautas and was super pleased with the light flour tortilla wrapped around center chunk of chicken and flavorful beef. At $15 for two large flautas still an amazing deal on the Westside for dinner. It is more if you want it with rice and beans but I love you get to choose. Having survived the pandemic, owner is now afraid he may have to close unless business picks up. The economy has shuttered many of my favorite places. I hope La Seranata is able to survive because it will be hard for me to survive without their amazing flan! Don't think but run to this spot, you will not regret it. read more

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Lovely people, fantastic food, fair prices and an excellent bread pudding for dessert. Can't beat it anywhere!

The food- crispy chicken tacos AMAZING. The corn the best I have ever had! Now the fresh key lime pie, I could have had 2 slices. Homemade. EVERYTHING is! Please come check it out! Best Mexican I have had in a looooonnnnggg time read more

La Serenata de Garibaldi - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The food was absolutely delicious & amazing! The customer service was outstanding & the owner is super sweet & honest! Plenty of seating, lots of booths for comfort, lots of art to admire as well. Very clean environment HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!! 10/10 read more

La Serenata de Garibaldi - THE BEST FLAN HANDS DOWN!!!! - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Delicious traditional food right in the heart of West LA great service very big portions good enough for leftovers vegan and vegetarian options! read more

delicious sauces, authentic higher end Mexican food, personable owners, highly recommend!!

Food is excellent at this family run restaurant. It's a shame there aren't more customers. We had carne asada and the Cerdo Verde. The tortillas are handmade & delicious! read more

Absolutely in love with this place. Im shocked it isn't packed 24/7. The hospitality is as if you're part of the family. The music and atmosphere is honestly authentic but it's own. They simply aren't trying to be something they're not. The prices for the food and the drinks are beyond fair, and the quality is like being back at your tia's . I love this place read more

La Serenata de Garibaldi - El Russo. Soo sooo good - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Excellent Mexican food! I had the Chicken Enchiladas Suiza. Outstanding! The sauce is delicious! I will definitely be back soon. Highly recommended. read more

Outstanding family owned neighborhood eatery. Good food, GREAT drinks, and really nice staff. Love this place, been coming here since 2016, hope to keep coming for many more years read more

This place is a local gem in the neighborhood! We love the flautas, the chicken tortillas soup and the enchiladas mole. SO GOOD! The service is always really great and friendly! They have been in business since 1985 and it's a mutual generational family restaurant. Originally they were in Boyle Heights. The Father opened the first location and now the Son, Marco runs this location on Pico Blvd. Definitely give La Serenata a try, it's guaranteed to be somewhere you enjoy! We love this place! Great happy hour also - $5 bottle beers, $5 house margarita. : ) read more

I've been here twice now for lunch with co-workers, and honestly, both times have been underwhelming. The food is just okay -- nothing terrible, but definitely not worth the price. The restaurant itself could use some attention... the physical menus are so dirty, which is kind of gross and makes the whole place feel not super clean. I do like that it's clearly a mom-and-pop type spot -- same servers, same manager both times, which gives it a familiar feel....but the food quality just doesn't match the prices. On my last visit, I ordered the "light lunch" chicken fajita bowl (around $14-15) and asked to sub shrimp. No one mentioned an upcharge, so I was shocked when the bill came out to $24 -- for what was a mediocre bowl. The shrimp didn't taste fresh, the flavor was bland, and it supposedly came with guacamole, but that meant two tiny slivers as garnish. I also ordered the guacamole appetizer for $13, and it was super small and just... not great. The only redeeming thing? The homemade pumpkin cheesecake for dessert -- that was delicious and clearly made with care. But unfortunately, everything else fell flat. For how much they charge, I expected way better food and a cleaner experience overall. read more

I love this place!!! Excellent food, wonderful service. Their fish is always divine. This is REAL mexican food. And I just learned you can order a dozen tamales a couple of days ahead - perfect for a party! read more

This Is the best Mexican restaurant in West LA and Santa Monica combined. The food is authentic and excellent. Wait staff is friendly and attentive. Atmosphere is comfortable and neighborly. Prices are fair for the quality. Highly recommend!! read more

I had not eaten here in a while (I stop by for happy hour occasionally). I forgot how good the food was. I had the Cerdo Verdo (one of the specials) which was great. Everyone is really friendly. read more

We had really hopes for this place. It is so pretty inside and the place is spotless. The service is excellent and parking is pretty easy on the street. We looked at the menu and everything looked good. We were waited on right away and again, the servers were super. Sadly the food and prices were lacking. My grandson loves guacamole and we always order that straight away. We always get a large size. It came and was so small for the very high price. It had some tomatoes etc. on the size and they were good. The guacamole was very good. We had to order a second order because there was so little to be had. My grandson wanted a third, but at the prices I said no. We then had enchiladas served with white rice. Mine was not eatable. It had so much sauce and was so very spicy. I did not order spicy and I am not talking about gee that has a kick, I am talking about so hot there should be a warning next to it like there is on a few other things. The rice was dry and ever so bland. My grandson had ordered the same thing. It also came with beans that were no more than average. I asked my grandson if he wanted my food and he said no, his was too hot and he could not eat it. A few bites were taken and we asked for the check and left. We won't be back. And that is sad. They could make better food, they could warn of super hot and they could notice was no food is being eaten. It is a cute place. read more

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Best hard shell chicken tacos in West LA and they have great service. I get food to go and it is consistently good.

Food was fresh and moderately priced. Staff was friendly. Definitely will add to the local rotation of favorite restaurants.

Excellent food. A strong menu with many unusual dishes. Even the tacos are not ordinary! Marco's deserts are super! read more

We here for dinner and drinks Saturday night this spot was nice the hard shell tacos are bomb and the drinks Fire I will definitely be coming back. Let's go LA.. read more

La Serenata de Garibaldi - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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We had the two fish dishes, Mexican style, and they were both fantastic! The prices are reasonable. The service is great... don't miss having dinner here, a place that has been around for a long time with a wonderful legacy and wonderful food! read more

The food is FABULOUS! Very nice staff. Nice ambience. There's nothing on the menu that isn't delicious.

Chips and salsa are complimentary. Served in a small red plastic basket 6" by 4" half full! Nachos full of wet black beans very little of other toppings. Taquitos almost burned crispy. Enchilada very salty. One bowl came with finger prints of food around the edge. Unappetizing. Our serves was nice I just wish he wore a clean T-Shirt and, not food all over it. A lady friend of the owner came and, asked me what I thought. I nicely explained to her what I thought she was nice and, listen to what I had to say. I asked her for the bill. The bill came spotted with red sauce! I like to enjoy good food in clean environment with pleasant clean server. read more

Potatoes crispy tacos at La Serenata Cantina serving unique and authentic Mexican Cuisine in La. read more

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My favorite restaurant in town. Delicious quality food. Even simple things like pinto beans, table salsa and corn tortillas are sublime. Lots of great seafood and vegetarian options! read more

Very good authentic Mexican food. Friendly service. First time here, and will definitely return. read more

Had fabulous dinner there last night. Family owned with authentic Mexican recipes. Best mole in the city. Black beans are amazing. Everything cooked to perfection. Warm and welcoming staff, full bar with Happy Hours (great margaritas!). Nothing better on the Westside. read more

Sadly just not up to par. Arrived at 6:30 and were surprised that we were the only people there. Greeted by a lovely lady and we ordered some guacamole ( which was good) and chips ( small and broken pieces) . We all ordered our dinners, carne asada ( ok nothing to rave about) the fish ( mahi mahi) not bad, and a combination plate. My food was brought out like warm at best and it took a few minutes to flag down the only waiter they had working to send back to reheat. Not a big deal I guess but disappointing non the less. Really nice folks but overall I just can't give more than 3 stars. There is one standout however the deserts here are 6 stars omg !!!! read more

we had dinner at La Serenata tonight and all 4 of us loved our meals!! the special shrimp quesadilla--A+ chili Colorado angus beef brisket in red quajillo--A+--spicy, but I like spicy Cerdo Verde lean pork chunks in green tomatillo--A+ Grilled Mahi Mahi--A+ we had the side of sliced grilled potato---A+ and we had delicious Key lime pie and Bread pudding that were fantastic!! support this great neighborhood restaurant!!!! read more