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Local picks

Tamales and salad spots in California

A hearty tamale balanced with a crisp, fresh salad makes for a satisfying meal.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Califa's Greens image 1
Califa's Greens image 2
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Latin American restaurant

Bright space with earthy decor and colorful, tasteful decorations creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Energy feels warm and welcoming, with kind and helpful people contributing to a great vibe. The setting stands out as a small, beautiful gem known for its friendly ambiance.

Tamales come in vegan, pork, and chili cheese with black beans options. They taste fresh and homemade, with a delicious flavor that stands out.

Salads here feature fresh, organic ingredients with options like kale and arugula that stand out for their flavor and healthiness. Many salads come packed with veggies and pair well with proteins like salmon or grilled chicken.

People are saying

"Their salads are so fresh and flavorful, I'll be back."

"The Mexican food here is so fresh and flavorful."

"I had the best tamales of my life here; they were delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for homemade tamales, especially on weekends.

2

The menu features a variety of healthy options, including vegan dishes.

3

Expect a mix of Central American cuisine, including burritos and plantains.

02
Sampa image 1
Filipino restaurant

Dark, moody space with black walls and ambient lighting creates an intimate, elegant vibe. A cool cave-like hallway leads to extra seating, adding a unique touch. Music from a DJ keeps energy chill while good acoustics allow easy conversation.

Kare Kare Tamales blend Filipino and Mexican flavors in a unique fusion. They offer a mix of comfort and sophistication that stands out consistently.

Salads feature crispy rice with garlic roasted peanuts and a calamansi vinaigrette, plus a phenomenal papaya salad. The cucumber ribbon salad also stands out.

People are saying

"The Filipino food here is fresh and creatively elevated."

"The cucumber ribbon salad was well-dressed and substantial."

"I'd return just for the delicious tamales."

Good to know

1

There is a public parking lot across the street.

2

Sampa does not have a liquor license yet; only mocktails are available.

3

Reservations are recommended for the tasting menu.

03
Ramiro's Cocina Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, charming hole-in-the-wall with authentic Mexican style and a nostalgic, home-like atmosphere. Quiet and casual with friendly energy and well-chosen music enhancing the experience. Known for delicious, spicy dishes and a warm, welcoming vibe.

Green chili and rajas con queso tamales stand out with a good meat-to-corn ratio. Sweet tamales with nuts and fruit pair well with coffee and come in special orders for large groups.

Salads come fresh with delicious dressing and vibrant flavors. Options like steak fajita and chicken fajita salads get special attention, sometimes prepared right at the table.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, rich, and exceptionally delicious."

"I found the steak salad fresh and flavorful."

"The tamales, especially green chili and rajas con queso, were super delicious."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available from Monday to Friday.

2

Taco specials on Tuesday and Thursday cost $1.50 each.

3

Reservations are recommended due to a small menu that changes daily.

04
Tlaquepaque Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and a welcoming atmosphere features live Mariachi music that energizes the space. Guests enjoy strong, flavorful margaritas alongside exceptional traditional dishes like tamales and mole. The setting combines traditional hospitality with a vibrant, festive vibe.

Beef, pork, and chicken tamales stand out with consistent quality. The Christmas tamales offer a unique twist. Service during pickup is organized and friendly. The red sauce is less favored.

Skirt steak salad stands out with its rich flavor and consistent quality. Chicken salad also appears regularly and pairs well with other dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the birria tacos."

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

"I loved their fantastic skirt steak salad."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a Sunday brunch with live music starting at 11am.

2

Parking is available in a small lot behind the restaurant.

3

Reservations are recommended for the Sunday brunch due to high demand.

05
Al Carbon Pollos Asados Estilo Sinaloa image 1

Small space fills with smoky charcoal aroma that defines the cooking style. Atmosphere feels authentic and cozy despite being a bit cramped. Offers traditional Sinaloa-style roasted chicken with a clean, well-kept environment.

Sweet corn tamales stand out with their freshness and delicious flavor. Pork and corn tamales also offer a satisfying taste that pairs well with other dishes like enchiladas.

Spicy macaroni salad stands out with a flavor that matches those found in Mexico. Sides include cold salad, rice, and charro beans, all prepared with care.

People are saying

"You have to try their delicious pork and corn tamales."

"I thought the grilled chicken was smoky, juicy, and packed with authentic flavor."

"The macaroni salad here tastes just like the ones in Mexico."

Good to know

1

They have a special price on Tuesdays.

2

The restaurant is very clean.

3

Prices are fair for the quality of food.

06
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.

Salads feature leafy green lettuce, kale, and grilled chicken. The apple pomegranate salad with chicken and the Cilantro Caesar salad stand out as popular choices.

People are saying

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

"I loved the chicken Caesar salad loaded with leafy greens."

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

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.

07
VegainzLA image 1
Vegan restaurant

Small space with tropical dining area and free arcade machine creates a unique setting. Atmosphere blends modern-day hippie vibe with loud live DJ energy and friendly faces. Regulars enjoy vegan-focused menu praised for flavorful, healthy options.

Jackfruit tamales stand out as a popular choice here. The tamales are well-liked and come alongside other options like wraps and sushi burritos.

LA Salad features fried oyster mushrooms, fresh veggies, and a chickpea tuna salad. It pairs well with a fresh juice and suits flexitarian diets.

People are saying

"The vegetarian food here is beyond delicious and flavorful."

"The LA Salad's fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors are outstanding."

"I love the crispy oyster mushrooms spread on nachos."

Good to know

1

Expect long waits during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

The menu features a variety of options like wraps, sushi burritos, and tamales.

3

Orders are generally prepared quickly, ensuring a smooth dining experience.

08
Hercules Draft House & Cantina image 1

Mexican restaurant with beautiful design and varied seating options, including a nice outdoor patio. Atmosphere feels warm and cozy, with lively energy on busy nights and quiet vibes suitable for intimate dining. Offers local craft beers on tap alongside authentic Mexican dishes.

Tamales come moist and tender with a perfectly balanced meat to masa ratio. Chicken tamales shine with authentic Mexican flavor and generous molรฉ or green sauce toppings.

Crispy iceberg lettuce forms the base of the medical salad, topped with grilled chicken, blue cheese dressing, cucumber slices, and boiled eggs. The wedge salad also stands out, while the Mexican chop salad has a bland dressing and resembles a wedge salad.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is the best I've ever eaten."

"The tamales here are moist and tender, a real highlight."

"The medical salad was the highlight, so invitingly presented."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Taco Tuesday features $3 tacos and $5 margaritas.

3

Thirsty Thursday offers half-off tequila all day.

09
Morena's Mexican Cuisine image 1

Restaurant offers a clean, spacious interior with a warm, inviting atmosphere and live mariachis on Sundays. Bar area features several TVs often showing sports, creating a casual vibe. Separate banquet room accommodates private events, adding versatility to the space.

Red tamale has masa that is just right and a generous filling of flavorful meat. Pork tamale tends to be bland with a red sauce that is more bitter than rich.

Chicken salads come with high quality ingredients and fresh preparation. Options include a chicken fajita salad alongside other dishes like soups and fajitas.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is so delicious, I took leftovers home."

"I loved their chicken salad."

"The red tamale's masa was just right, generously filled with flavorful meat."

Good to know

1

A 20% service charge is added for large parties, which may not be disclosed upfront.

2

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and is very popular.

3

Mariachi performances occur every Sunday at noon, enhancing the dining experience.

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