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Tamales and chocolate spots in California

Made for those who balance their savory cravings for masa-wrapped fillings with a dedicated appreciation for rich, indulgent chocolate.

Based on 764 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
The Peruvian Spot image 1
The Peruvian Spot image 2
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Restaurant offers authentic Peruvian atmosphere with bright, inviting dรฉcor and a spacious layout. It maintains a family-friendly vibe featuring a dedicated kids' play corner visible from dining areas. The environment feels warm and lively, suitable for families and groups seeking a relaxed meal.

Peruvian tamales stand out with fresh, tasty flavors. Pork tamales offer a rich, satisfying taste that pairs well with other dishes like pork loin sandwiches.

Chocolate cake stands out with its homemade richness and is a popular choice among families. Flavored ice creams like lucuma with chocolate cake add a unique twist to the dessert options.

People are saying

"I found the Peruvian food here to be the best I ever had."

"I found the tamales here to be the best I ever tasted."

"I thought the chocolate cake was excellent and a must-try."

Good to know

1

They offer free coffee until 10:30.

2

The kids corner makes it special for families with children.

3

Parking is easy and the location is convenient.

02
Dulcinea Panaderia Oaxaquena image 1

Bakery occupies a repurposed Victorian house with cozy outdoor patio seating and a minimalist Oaxacan design featuring plants. Atmosphere feels warm and family-style, with a pleasant, quiet vibe ideal for enjoying traditional Oaxacan baked goods and meals. Parking lot adds convenience for visitors.

Tamales come with rich flavors and a generous amount of meat wrapped in either corn husks or banana leaves. The masa is very delicious and pairs well with sauces, especially the orange colored one.

Oaxacan hot chocolate stands out with its rich, spicy flavor, ideal for cloudy and cold days. Chocolate donuts offer a soft, sweet treat with a strong chocolate punch.

People are saying

"The Oaxacan bread here is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"The bakery staff here is so friendly and helpful."

"I tried their chocolate pastries and they were delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the side lot and street in front.

2

The bakery is wheelchair accessible with a ramp.

3

Chocolate donuts sell out quickly, so arrive early.

03
Nosotros Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, family-run Mexican restaurant with cozy blue velvet booths and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Lively salsa music plays, creating a community vibe that feels like family. Bakery area displays conchas and stuffed peeps, adding a charming touch to the decor.

Huge tamales come with perfect masa and fillings like spiced chicken, pork, and cheese with chile. They taste rich and flavorful.

Chocolate appears in the conchas de chocolate dessert and the chocolate concha served at the end of meals. Both highlight the use of rich chocolate flavor in traditional pastry form.

People are saying

"The Cafe's service felt like a warm welcome, making everyone feel valued."

"These tamales are delicious and clearly made with care."

"The hot chocolate here is amazing, and the staff is so welcoming."

Good to know

1

Pupusas must be preordered with a minimum of six for availability.

2

Pupusas are available on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

The cafe avoids using styrofoam and plastic for take-out packaging.

04
California Bakery & Cafe image 1

Bakery open 24/7 offers fresh tamales, large chocolate-covered donuts, and traditional pan dulce in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The space draws a steady flow of people seeking hearty breakfast items and sweet treats any time of day. Community involvement adds a local touch to this casual spot.

Tamales come wrapped perfectly and taste well-seasoned with options like pork, chicken, and red and green chile. Red chili sauce is available on the side to add extra flavor.

Large, soft donuts come with chocolate flecks inside and some are fully covered in chocolate. Hot chocolate pairs well with chocolate-covered croissants and other pastries.

People are saying

"These tamales are amazing, tasty, and well-seasoned."

"The pastries here are always fresh and flaky."

"You have to try the large chocolate covered donuts."

Good to know

1

The bakery is open 24/7, perfect for late-night cravings.

2

Prices at California Bakery & Cafe are fair for the area.

3

There is a $5 minimum to use a credit card.

05
Barrio Donas image 1
Donut shop

Donut shop offers a modern, bright interior with cozy, warm atmosphere and beautiful decor. It attracts people who enjoy quiet, happy moments while savoring unique, delicious donuts and pastries. Limited seating and early sell-outs create a sense of urgency for early visits.

Tamales here stand out for their exceptional taste and are often rated a perfect 10 out of 10. They set a high standard for flavor and quality among similar dishes.

Donuts feature Mexican chocolate like chocolate abuelita and mazapan flavors. Options include guava filling, horchata glaze, and dulce de leche with pecans, blending traditional Mexican sweets with classic donut textures.

People are saying

"I found the donuts to be dangerously delicious and insanely tasty."

"Their tortas have the best bread I've ever tasted."

"The Mexican chocolate donuts here are a delicious blend of textures and flavors."

Good to know

1

They're sold out of their top flavors by 10am.

2

Visiting early provides the best selection of Donas.

3

You can't expect to have a full selection of donuts after lunchtime.

06
Lagos Mexican Cuisine image 1

Upscale restaurant with elegant decor and ambient music that keeps the vibe relaxed. Seating offers a 360-degree view around tables, enhancing social gatherings. Atmosphere suits fine dining and date nights with stylish design and comfortable lighting.

Beef tamales come large and filling with ample portions. They pair well with other dishes like tacos and mole, offering a delicious and satisfying option.

Chocolate desserts include Chocolate Caramel Mousse Cake and Chocolate Flan with caramel. The chocolate cake and mousse cake are rich and flavorful, with the flan standing out as particularly delicious.

People are saying

"These dinner spots offer elevated Mexican flavors and fresh, flavorful ceviche."

"The beef tamales here are ample and perfect."

"The chocolate here is so delicious and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required after 6pm; no walk-ins accepted.

2

Parking is free in the adjacent lot for restaurant patrons.

3

An 18% gratuity is added to bills for groups of seven or more.

07
Porto's Bakery and Cafe image 1

Factory-like space with spacious seating and two floors creates a lively, energetic vibe filled with the aroma of fresh yeast and vibrant pastries. The atmosphere is noisy and bustling, often crowded but with a community gathering feel. Outdoor seating adds variety to the experience.

Pork tamales feature mostly cornmeal with a small amount of meat filling. They stand out as a personal favorite and are often paired with other items like potato balls and empanadas.

Parisian chocolate cake stands out as a favorite, rich and satisfying. Chocolate raspberry cake offers a delicious twist, while chocolate cookies like besito add a sweet, crumbly touch.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really great."

"I thought the tamales here were the best I ever had."

"The chocolate hazelnut eclair and cookies are amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is available behind the bakery, but it can be challenging to find.

2

Credit cards are accepted for all purchases.

3

The bakery does not sell slices of cheesecake, only whole cakes.

08
La Sabrosona Bakery Inc. image 1

Mexican bakery with custom birthday cakes and varied pastries offers fresh bread and large tamales. Atmosphere feels clean and efficient, with cakes often matching provided pictures. Lines may form during pick-up, reflecting steady demand.

Tamales come in a bigger size now with more masa but the same amount of chicken. They taste good but could use more meat to balance the filling.

Four distinct layers create a unique chocolate experience with chocolate bread, tres leches, flan, and cheesecake.** The chocolate layer pairs well with moist banana and strawberries.

People are saying

"This cake is super delicious and moist."

"The bakery's cakes are beautiful and delicious."

"This chocolate cake is so moist and flavorful, you'll be sold."

Good to know

1

Custom birthday cakes can be ordered with same-day service if requested early.

2

Prices for custom cakes are reasonable compared to other bakeries in the area.

3

The bakery maintains a clean environment, ensuring quality and hygiene.

09
NaVis Bakery image 1

Small bakery specializes in authentic Mexican sweetbreads and freshly baked bread with a warm, inviting atmosphere. It draws a steady crowd seeking affordable, flavorful pastries and occasional weekend menudo. The vibe stays chill and welcoming, with friendly staff and a clean, fresh-smelling space.

Tamales feature tender, moist meat with a good amount of filling inside flavorful masa. They come ready without pre-order and have a balanced, savory taste that stands out.

Chocolate items include horn with bavarian cream covered with chocolate, chocolate bread with balanced chocolate, and chocolate croissants. The choco-flan slice features a dense, dry chocolate cake with a bitter aftertaste.

People are saying

"These pastries are always fresh, flavorful, and beautifully made."

"I loved the tamales; the masa was tasty and not dry."

"The chocolate bread had just the right amount of chocolate."

Good to know

1

NaVis Bakery is open on Christmas Day, making it a unique option for holiday treats.

2

Reservations are not required, but calling ahead for special items like menudo is recommended.

3

The bakery offers fresh bread and pastries baked daily, ensuring quality and variety.

10
Mercado Gonzรกlez Northgate Market image 1

Mexican grocery store combines vibrant decor with live mariachi music and a full bar inside. Atmosphere feels lively and festive, often with a DJ and food stations creating a chaotic yet welcoming vibe. Outdoor seating adds a quaint touch, making it a unique blend of shopping and entertainment.

Mole, chicken, corn, pork, and Pollo Verde tamales offer a variety of rich flavors. The tamales come with top-notch Birria and pair well with creams and cheeses.

Freshly made churros come with rich hot chocolate for dipping. The chocolate almond ice cream offers a creamy, nutty twist among other flavors.

People are saying

"This grocery store has amazing prepared Mexican food and fresh items."

"You have to try their tamales; they were fire."

"I loved their freshly made churros and chocolate."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every weekend, enhancing the shopping experience.

2

Menudo is served only on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 AM to noon.

3

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends.

11
La Mascota Bakery image 1

Cozy bakery with homelike atmosphere and family-owned charm offers fresh Mexican-style bread and notable tamales. Seating includes a few indoor tables and outdoor spots. Bread quality varies, but the place feels welcoming and familiar.

Tamales here are known for their authentic flavor and come in varieties like pork and veggie. They pair well with Mexican sweet bread and are easy to get quickly.

Chocolate appears in several forms here, from chocolate covered strawberries to chocolate conchas that are soft and rich. Drinks like hot chocolate and mocha latte complement the baked goods well.

People are saying

"I thought the tamales here were some of the best I ever had."

"I never knew if the bread would be soft or hard."

"The chocolate conchas are delicious and soft with a real chocolaty taste."

Good to know

1

They had very limited parking at La Mascota Bakery.

2

Ordering ahead does not reduce wait time on busy days.

3

The bakery specializes in artisanal Mexican-style bread.

12
Guelaguetza Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious indoor and outdoor seating features colorful decor and authentic Oaxacan roots. Live music, including a marimba band and mariachi, creates a lively, noisy atmosphere that immerses diners in culture. A large mezcal selection complements the vibrant setting.

Handmade corn tortillas accompany mole tamales that showcase traditional Oaxacan flavors. The tamales stand out for their authentic preparation and rich taste.

Chocolate appears in several dishes and drinks, including a rich, warm mole negro with chicken and a smooth, water-based champurrado with a hint of sourness. The non-dairy Mexican Hot Chocolate comes with sweet bread and stands out as a favorite item.

People are saying

"I tasted the most authentic Oaxacan food I've ever had in the USA."

"I found the handmade tamales here to be perfect."

"I loved the hot chocolate; it was perfect."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

The restaurant only accepts cash, so plan accordingly.

3

Valet parking is available but can be expensive.

13
Cocina 35 Brunch image 1

Super fancy dining room with Instagramable decor and a beautiful tree inside creates a vibrant, lively atmosphere filled with loud music and festive noise. Popular spot draws energetic crowds who enjoy unique Mexican pastries and a full bar featuring standout cocktails. Tables have a strict 90-minute limit, emphasizing a fast-paced, social vibe.

Sweet corn tamales stand out with their super soft texture and natural sweetness. They appear on sampler plates alongside chilaquiles and machaca, making them a notable part of the meal.

Mexican hot chocolate comes with pan dulce as a sweet, warm treat. Staff often offer hot chocolate and coffee alongside meals or while waiting.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and bursting with authentic flavor."

"The sweet corn tamales here are so soft and flavorful."

"They welcomed me with delicious Abuelita's hot chocolate."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect to wait 1 to 2 hours for a table on weekends without a reservation.

3

The atmosphere can be loud due to frequent birthday celebrations.

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