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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downey

Authentic eats

Made for those who value cultural heritage and seek out experiences that remain true to their origins.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Arabella Mediterranean Grill image 1
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Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean spot shines with authentic Arabic flavors and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Casual yet beautiful interior invites diners for any meal. Perfect for those craving genuine Egyptian and Arabian dishes in a relaxed setting.

Food offers rich, authentic flavors that feel like a family recipe. Everything is cooked perfectly with genuine Arabic taste.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The shawarma's meat is tender, juicy, and packed with unique spices."

"The food here is so authentic, with rich flavors and seasonings."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers plenty of free parking for guests.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

3

The restaurant is accessible for people with disabilities.

02
Brooklyn Square image 1
Pizza restaurant

Square pies offer authentic New York-style pizza with a thin crust and fresh sauce. Stand-and-eat counters create a quick meal vibe perfect for casual dining. High-quality toppings like spicy pepperoni and pastrami sandwiches add bold flavors to the menu.

Pizza here has a true authentic New York-style with a thin crust and classic toppings. It stands out as authentic New York-style pizza even though it's in Southern California.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I ever had."

"You have to try the vodka pasta; it's a 10/10."

"I thought it was the best pizza I'd ever had."

Good to know

1

Online ordering is available and easy to use.

2

Pizza is sold by the slice or as a whole pie.

3

Expect a wait time of about 15-20 minutes for fresh pizzas.

03
Mr. Menudo Oficial - Downey image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant shines with authentic menudo and homemade tortillas. Festive mariachi music adds charm to the family-friendly atmosphere. Space is clean and cozy, making it a welcoming spot despite being tight.

Menudo here offers authentic Mexican flavor with homemade tortillas. The spot feels cozy and spotless, full of Mexican charm.

People are saying

"I thought the menudo was delicious and the best I had."

"It's a clean, cozy, and comfortable place with authentic Mexican charm."

"The menudo here is rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 30 to 40 minutes during peak hours.

2

Free parking is available for customers.

3

Breakfast specials are offered for $9.99 before 10:30 am.

04
Afghan Kabob House image 1
Afghan restaurant

Traditional seating with pillows and rugs creates a cozy, inviting space. Authentic Afghan flavors shine through fresh ingredients in every dish. A cultural corner adds rich heritage, making the atmosphere both soothing and friendly.

Food offers authentic Afghan flavors with fresh ingredients. The setting reflects rich cultural heritage of Afghanistan.

People are saying

"I thought the food was amazing, especially the kabobs and rice."

"The flavors here are unique and really good."

"I found the Afghani food to be really authentic and fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is HFSAA certified Zabiha Halal.

2

Expect large portions of Afghan food at reasonable prices.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

05
Yolys Mexican Kitchen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with about 10 tables offers a cozy atmosphere and authentic Mexican vibe. Menudo and mole stand out as highly praised dishes. Noise rises during busy times, adding to the lively energy.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors that taste like home-cooked meals. The atmosphere reflects a genuine Mexican ambiance with an authentic display of dishes.

People are saying

"You have to try the flavorful breakfast chilaquiles."

"The coffee here is great, especially with cinnamon."

"I found the food to be very authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Restroom access is only available after paying the bill.

2

Prices are not displayed on the menu or screens inside.

3

Expect to pay around $20 for chorizo and eggs, plus drinks.

06
Fernando's Restaurant image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Small space offers authentic Peruvian dishes like Lomo Saltado and fish ceviche. Atmosphere is lively and noisy during dinner. High-quality meat and bold flavors make dining here a true taste experience.

Small setting serves authentic Peruvian food with true tastes reflecting typical dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the Peruvian flavors."

"I loved the authentic Mexican food; it was the best I've ever had."

"I had the most delicious fish ceviche I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Fernando's Restaurant automatically adds a gratuity fee for a single diner.

2

The prices are reasonable, with plates starting around $23.

3

The parking lot is small and often full.

07
Hong Kong Chef image 1
Chinese restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall spot offers authentic Cantonese cooking with classic Hong Kong-style dishes. Enjoy affordable lunch specials featuring soup and rice in a utilitarian interior without air conditioning. Well-cooked meats and flavorful soups create a genuine, traditional yet contemporary vibe.

The place serves authentic Cantonese cooking with a strong focus on traditional flavors. The noodles taste genuine and the atmosphere feels true to the culture.

People are saying

"I've been eating their delicious Chinese soup for over 15 years."

"The lunch specials are an amazing value for the quality."

"I found the atmosphere and the Cantonese cooking to be authentic."

Good to know

1

The lunch special costs $10 and includes soup and rice or fried rice.

2

Cash only accepted for lunch orders under $20 due to merchant fees.

3

The minimum fee for card payments is $10, which may not be worth it.

08
Antojitos y Pupuseria Toñita image 1

Small spot serves authentic Salvadoran dishes with big pupusas and homemade corn atole. Atmosphere feels personal and welcoming, perfect for families. Parking is tight but street options exist, and phone orders are common.

Flavors stay true to tradition and the food tastes consistently delicious and authentic. The atmosphere feels personal and genuine from the moment you enter.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes like home."

"The food tastes like real home-style cooking, full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is directly behind the restaurant with a few marked spots.

2

There is plenty of street parking available.

3

Only 2 parking spots are in front of the restaurant.

09
Mariscos Choix image 1
Seafood restaurant

Live mariachi music fills the chic space with vibrant energy. Fresh ingredients deliver authentic flavors in every dish. Lush tropical greenery adds a calming outdoor vibe alongside a cozy dining room.

Fresh ingredients create authentic flavors in every dish. Seafood comes well-prepared, making the plates truly delicious and genuine.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and really well prepared."

"The octopus and marlin tacos here are tender and unforgettable."

"The food here is so authentic and bursting with fresh flavors."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, up to five hours, during peak dinner hours.

2

Parking is available on the side street, but can be limited.

3

Live music is featured on Friday nights, enhancing the dining experience.

10
PITA GR image 1
Greek restaurant

Bright dining room blends modern and traditional Greek design with soft lighting. Street style Greek food delivers authentic Mediterranean flavors using fresh ingredients. Casual vibe with rap music and TV games adds casual energy to the clean, spacious space.

Street style Greek food offers authentic Mediterranean flavors with fresh ingredients. The atmosphere stays casual and clean, matching the genuine taste of the dishes.

People are saying

"The Greek food here is delicious, especially the juicy gyro meat."

"The pita here is so fresh and fluffy."

"I found the Greek food here to be authentic and fresh."

Good to know

1

Online ordering is convenient for lunch breaks.

2

The restaurant is spacious with plenty of parking available.

3

Vegan options are available, but ask for modifications.

11
Myra's Salvadorian Cuisine image 1
Salvadoran restaurant

Cozy space offers a warm, friendly vibe with authentic Salvadoran flavors in every dish. Pupusas come in varied sizes and fillings, showcasing true tradition. A TV adds a slight distraction but does not overshadow the genuine cuisine experience.

Dishes showcase authentic Salvadorean flavors with recipes that stay true to tradition. The food tastes very authentic and consistently delivers on genuine Salvadorean cuisine.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and very flavorful."

"I found the food to be very authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is available during midweek visits, making it easy to access.

2

Expect higher prices due to inflation; some dishes may feel overpriced.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment, which is a positive aspect.

12
Tropicana Bakery & Cuban Cafe image 1

Large bakery offers fresh pastries and authentic Cuban flavor with standout fried chicken. Lively, festive atmosphere buzzes with music and energy. Tables sit close, creating a bustling, crowded vibe that feels warm and inviting.

Food offers authentic Cuban flavor with well-made fried chicken and freshly baked items. The cafe serves dependable quality and flavorful Central American dishes that stand out outside Miami.

People are saying

"I loved their pastries; they were heavenly and consistently good."

"This lunch spot serves authentic, flavorful Cuban food that reminds me of home."

"I found the Cuban food here to be incredibly authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back, but it can be difficult to navigate.

2

A 3% fee applies for credit card transactions, disclosed only on the receipt.

3

The bakery offers small birthday celebrations with staff singing and playing bongos.

13
Gaucho Grill Downey image 1
Argentinian restaurant

Argentinian restaurant shines with authentic flavors and rich cultural decor. Warm, romantic vibe suits casual or special nights. Live music and a bright outdoor screen add unique charm.

Food bursts with authentic Argentinian flavors and precise seasoning. Decor reflects rich cultural heritage, enhancing the authentic dining experience.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and cooked to perfection."

"The food here is a celebration of authentic, flavorful Argentinian culture."

"The authentic Argentinian food here is unforgettable and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are only available at the bar.

2

The restaurant can host events like birthdays and baby showers.

3

Expect a 30% automatic gratuity added to your bill.

14
Señor Birria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall spot offers best birria tacos with handmade tortillas and a spicy, authentic sauce. Small but roomy space includes outdoor seating and a condiments bar with lemons and habanero onions. Chill vibes mix with lively Spanish music, though noise can get loud.

Sauce and chopped onion bring a spicy, authentic flavor. The birria tastes very high-quality and traditional with delicious, genuine Mexican notes.

People are saying

"The birria here is super delicious and tender."

"The food here is delicious and satisfying."

"I found the birria here to have the most delicious, authentic flavors."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for only $1 each.

2

Seating is limited to about 30 people, so arrive early.

3

Parking is free but can be tough to find on busy days.

15
Tamales Guadalajara image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small dining area offers a cozy atmosphere with a family-owned feel. Menu features authentic Mexican flavors, especially tamales with spicy salsa. Prices reflect quality and care in preparation.

Tamales Guadalajara stands out for its authentic Mexican flavors that have remained consistent for over 10 years. The food reflects traditional recipes that resonate with family tastes.

People are saying

"These tamales are delicious and packed with meat."

"The food, especially the tamales, is tasty and packed with meat."

"The food here is authentic, homemade, and prepared with genuine care."

Good to know

1

Reservations or orders should be placed ahead of time, especially during busy months.

2

The restaurant is small, making takeout a convenient option.

3

Prices are mid to upper range, but many find them reasonable for the quality.

16
La Chiva Loca Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with authentic Jalisco style and warm decor that feels like Mexico. Known for Tortas Ahogadas and tacos dorados, it offers fresh, flavorful dishes. Loud indoors push diners outside for a quieter meal, but bring cash and patience for limited parking.

Food offers authentic Jalisco style with fresh, flavorful dishes like Tortas Ahogadas and tacos dorados. The atmosphere reflects a warm, authentic Mexican decor that feels like a slice of Mexico.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and full of flavor."

"The Mexican food, especially the tortas ahogadas, tasted just like Guadalajara."

"The food here is so good, fresh, and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash or Zelle for payments.

2

Parking is limited and can be difficult to find.

3

Expect to pay around $50 for a lunch for two.

17
La Barca Restaurantes image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant boasts authentic flavors and traditional dishes in a setting with genuine Mexican decor. Large tables suit families and groups, while the quiet, modern vibe fits private talks and date nights.

Mexican cuisine here offers authentic flavors and traditional dishes. The decor reflects genuine Mexican style, creating a true cultural atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and came with good portions."

"I found the Mexican food here to be truly authentic and the best."

"I found the parking available was plentiful and spacious."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available at the restaurant.

2

The restaurant does not accept American Express for payment.

3

On Fridays and weekends, expect a wait for seating and food.

18
El Salto Del Fraile image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Small space with modern decor and a cozy vibe suits quiet dinners and celebrations. Ceviche offers authentic Peruvian flavor true to Lima's taste. Good Peruvian beer and music create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Ceviche matches the authentic taste from Lima, Peru. Dishes come generously portioned and stay true to traditional Peruvian flavors.

People are saying

"The Peruvian food here is authentic and delicious."

"The seafood here, especially the fish ceviche, is delicious."

"I found the Peruvian food here to be truly authentic."

Good to know

1

Credit and debit cards are not accepted; Zelle payment is required.

2

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during busy dinner hours.

3

The food is made fresh, which may increase wait times.

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Downey, California

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