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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Downey's best

Dinner spots

You want a sit-down meal that feels like a deliberate choice rather than a rushed necessity.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
Afghan Kabob House image 1
Afghan Kabob House image 2
Afghan Kabob House image 3
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Afghan restaurant

Cozy seating with pillows and rugs creates a warm vibe. Enjoy authentic Afghan cuisine perfect for casual dinners. A cultural corner adds charm, making it a quiet, inviting spot for relaxed evenings.

Dinner here feels welcoming with flexible seating times. The spot suits casual dates and offers consistent Afghan cuisine for evening meals.

People are saying

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

"The flavors here are unique and really good."

"The food at these dinner spots is amazing."

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.

02
Mariscos Choix image 1
Seafood restaurant

Live mariachi music fills the chic space with vibrant energy while lush tropical greenery adds calm. Polite staff offer attentive service without rushing, making solo diners feel welcome. Varied areas include a lively bar and a cozy dining room for a relaxed atmosphere.

Dinner service features polite and attentive staff who check on diners regularly without rushing them. Solo diners receive respectful treatment and can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere even during early hours.

People are saying

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

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

"The service at these dinner spots is attentive and kind."

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.

03
Pieloon image 1
American restaurant

Classic American diner offers a cozy, family-friendly vibe with retro decor and checkered floors. Dinner shines with Sunday ham and red snapper options. Soft 80s music adds a nostalgic atmosphere perfect for casual gatherings.

Dinner features Sunday ham, red snapper, and turkey options. The vibe stays nice and inviting for evening meals.

People are saying

"I thought the breakfast here was great and the food tasted amazing."

"You can't go wrong with any of the amazing homemade pies here."

"The dinner spots here taste homemade and comforting."

Good to know

1

Parking at Pieloon is very limited, so arrive early.

2

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible with designated parking.

3

Expect large portions, making it a good value for families.

04
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill image 1

Buffet offers special request steak and a lively cafeteria vibe with close tables. Family-friendly setting suits casual dinners with self-serve options and an omelet station. Noise levels vary from calm to busy, fitting for groups and families.

Dinner offers a buffet with special request steak included in the price. The atmosphere stays calm and family-friendly, making it easy to enjoy a meal with friends or family.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and suitable for all tastes."

"I loved the steak, they cooked it just how I liked it."

"The dinner spots here have great steaks cooked to your liking."

Good to know

1

Dinner is the best time to come for the unlimited Sirloin steak.

2

Expect cleanliness issues in the restrooms during busy hours.

3

Dogs are allowed inside the restaurant, which may be a concern for some.

05
Fonda Maria Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Dining space features multiple TVs showing global futbol and a clean, comfortable atmosphere with cute decor. Dinner offers satisfying meals and desserts in a chill setting perfect for relaxed evenings. Vibe blends chill energy with lively music and welcomes large groups.

Dinner offers a chill atmosphere with satisfying meals and desserts. The spot serves solid options for a relaxed evening.

People are saying

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

"The chilaquiles here are spicy and so good."

"The dinner spots here are delicious and taste just like homemade."

Good to know

1

The prices are fairly reasonable considering the large servings they offer.

2

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.

3

Hominy can be added to the Menudo if requested.

06
Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue spot offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for family dinners and casual hangouts. Enjoy a four-piece chicken dinner with two sides and cornbread. Southern aroma fills the air, adding to the classic BBQ vibes in a family-friendly setting.

Casual and fun atmosphere suits family dinners or hanging out with friends. Four-piece chicken dinner comes with two sides and a cornbread muffin.

People are saying

"The American Food ribs here are huge and amazing."

"The Wisconsin Cheese Curds were so good, and the service was amazing."

"The ribs here are amazing, falling right off the bone."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only offers takeout service.

2

Expect a wait for food during busy hours.

3

The lunch menu is available from open until 4 pm.

07
The Secret House of Ivy image 1

Garden venue charms with intimate atmosphere and lush floral themes perfect for small gatherings. Dinner shines with flavorful chicken and tasty birria, though service can be uneven. Overall, expect an elegant, magical setting with standout food.

Chicken served for reception dinner stands out with its flavor. Birria and carnitas dishes receive positive feedback. Waiters sometimes miss plates at dinner, causing uneven service.

People are saying

"They went above and beyond to make my private celebration unforgettable."

"Karina made the experience feel personal and showed genuine care."

"The Dinner Spots here are gorgeous, you won't need much decoration."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended well in advance to secure your desired date.

2

The venue accommodates up to 100 guests for events.

3

A preferred vendors list is available to assist with planning.

08
The Olive RestoBar image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean spot shines with live jazzy Spanish music and an energetic patio warmed by heaters. Dinner dishes are flavorful and versatile, fitting both casual and business meals. Inside, soft lighting and a lively bar create a romantic yet inviting vibe.

Dinner offers amazing, flavorful dishes that suit both casual meals and special occasions. The setting works well for client or business dinners and relaxed sit-down meals.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and flavorful."

"The outdoor seating sometimes has a live band playing."

"The dinner dishes here are flavorful and beautifully presented."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 3 PM to 7 PM.

2

The happy hour menu includes $7 kabobs and various drink specials.

3

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant tends to be busy.

09
R&J Southern Homecooking image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food shines with smothered steak and catfish dinner for hearty family meals. Homey vibe feels friendly and lively with live jazz on Saturdays. Sports and entertainment on TV add to the positive energy in a clean, aged space.

Southern cooking shines with smothered steak, catfish dinner, and tilapia options. Large portions suit family dinners and holidays like Thanksgiving.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The fried seafood here is crispy, light, and perfectly seasoned."

"The dinner spots here are delicious, especially the oxtail and candied yams."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every Friday night.

2

The restaurant is handicap accessible.

3

They can accommodate dietary restrictions with vegetarian-friendly options.

10
Benihana - Downey image 1
Japanese restaurant

Lively teppanyaki shows with engaging chefs create a fun dinner spot. Energetic, loud atmosphere suits groups and celebrations. Spacious dining with comfortable seating and attentive service ensures a great experience.

Dinner features a lively teppanyaki show with chefs like Carlos and Vanessa creating an engaging atmosphere. Staff such as Joseph provide attentive service, and seating is prompt to start the meal quickly.

People are saying

"The food here is seasoned and cooked to perfection."

"The chefs' entertaining shows make it really Kid Friendly."

"Dinner spots here are an experience with fun magic shows."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 11 pm.

2

Reservations are recommended for busy weekends.

3

Expect a wait time of 30-40 minutes for online orders.

11
IHOP image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Cozy spot serves breakfast-for-dinner with a family-friendly atmosphere and prompt service. Seating is usually easy to find, and the vibe stays calm and relaxed despite occasional rowdy groups.

Late dinners often feature breakfast-for-dinner options. The menu offers solid choices for both breakfast and dinner any time of day.

People are saying

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

"I found the chocolate chip pancakes to be killer."

"The staff here makes dinner spots feel so friendly and attentive."

Good to know

1

Expect about 10-minute wait times for seating during busy hours.

2

The restaurant maintains a clean environment, including restrooms.

3

There is a car wash next door for convenient service.

12
OLA Restobar Downey image 1
Nuevo Latino restaurant

Nuevo Latino offers a club-like vibe with loud DJ music and stylish decor. Dinner is served in a beautiful setting but stays noisy, making conversation tough. Plenty of seating options include a small patio with quieter music, perfect for hanging out or watching sports on multiple TVs.

Dinner features a beautiful setting but comes with loud music that can affect conversation. The atmosphere stays consistently noisy during dinner hours.

People are saying

"I found the food to be great and well-portioned."

"The staff here really make watching live sports a great time."

"The dinner spots here have great food and drinks."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; seating is first-come, first-served.

2

Expect a one-hour wait during peak hours on weekends.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with larger portions for food and drinks.

13
La Barca Restaurantes image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant features authentic decor and high ceilings for an airy feel. Dinner offers a quiet atmosphere perfect for family or friends. Bar area adds a comfortable spot for evening drinks and gatherings.

Dinner offers a quiet atmosphere during the week and a chance to enjoy drinks in the bar area. Meals suit both family and friends, providing a comfortable spot for evening gatherings.

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."

"The food here is delicious, especially the molcajete."

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.

14
Black Bear Diner Downey image 1
American restaurant

Rustic cabin-style decor and bear-themed accents create a cozy, family-friendly vibe. Dinner shines with Thanksgiving turkey that's tasty and affordable. Clean, inviting space makes it perfect for casual meals and browsing the themed gift shop.

Dinner offers great food with consistently excellent meals. The Thanksgiving turkey dinner plate stands out as very good and reasonably priced.

People are saying

"I thought the diner food here was even better than IHOP or Denny's."

"The servers here make you feel like family on your date."

"Our server Mike was so attentive and helpful during dinner."

Good to know

1

They offer a free breakfast on your birthday.

2

Breakfast and brunch wait times are long.

3

Expect long lines for breakfast, especially on Sundays.

15
DIOSA Downey image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with elegant decor and a tequila cart that livens the bar. Dinner offers tasty dishes with good portions and attentive service. Perfect for celebrations and meetings, blending luxury with comfort.

Dinner features tasty dishes with good portions and attentive service. The vibe suits celebrations and meetings, making dinners pleasant and well-presented.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and well proportioned."

"The happy hour margaritas were delicious and a great value."

"The dinner spots here are delicious and beautifully presented."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM with many sharable food options and drinks.

2

Valet parking is available throughout the shopping center area.

3

A 3% surcharge is added to the check, which may be unexpected.

16
Fatima's Grill image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Small Mediterranean spot offers cozy seating and wall-to-wall art for a warm vibe. Dinner feels like grandma's house, with smooth service even during rush. TVs showing sports add a laid-back vibe perfect for casual hangouts.

Dinner feels cozy, like eating at grandma's house on a Sunday. Jose handles the dinner rush well, keeping service smooth during busy times.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The seafood here is so good and full of flavor."

"The service at these dinner spots was great, especially during the rush."

Good to know

1

Fatima's Grill is open late until 2am.

2

Taco Tuesday specials offer discounted tacos all day.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but a surcharge may apply.

17
Buena Mesa Downey Mariscos and Steaks image 1

Speakeasy-style spot shines with live Whitney Houston covers and a dancing Super Mario hologram. Dinner blends mariscos and steaks in a casual, romantic setting. Warm, inviting vibe suits both dates and friend gatherings.

Offers a casual atmosphere suitable for both romantic dinners and gatherings with friends. Serves a mix of mariscos and steaks for dinner.

People are saying

"The food here is cooked to perfection, especially the steaks."

"The Filet Mignon here made me feel so special and welcomed."

"The food at these dinner spots is delicious and cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger parties to ensure seating.

2

Expect limited menu options due to frequent stock shortages.

3

Happy hour features 14 tap beers with discounted prices.

18
Tropicana Bakery & Cuban Cafe image 1

Large bakery offers fresh pastries and authentic Cuban cuisine in a lively, festive atmosphere. Dinner plates taste homemade with options from sandwiches to desserts. Tables sit close, creating a bustling vibe perfect for casual meals.

Dinner plates offer a homemade taste and come in a variety of options from sandwiches to desserts. The cafe serves delicious meals suitable for both lunch and dinner in a lovely setting.

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."

"The dinner plates here taste homemade and are delicious."

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.

19
Tokyo Garden image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers authentic decor and a cozy atmosphere with fresh sushi and friendly service. Dinner is lively and often busy, perfect for fun nights out or family meals. Seating is spacious but music can be loud.

Dinner here suits both relaxing meals and fun nights out with friends or family. The spot often gets packed for dinner, leading many to opt for takeout.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be consistently delicious."

"The Japanese food here is fast and the service is friendly."

"These dinner spots have really good, generous sushi rolls."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

Expect limited parking; street parking is often necessary.

3

The restaurant maintains high cleanliness standards and offers fresh sushi daily.

20
NORMS Restaurant image 1
Family restaurant

Family restaurant shines with retro decor and neon lights creating a nostalgic vibe. Dinner service is quick with attentive staff like Rafael ensuring quality meals. Ample parking and seating fit large groups, while atmosphere shifts from quiet to lively with old school music.

Dinner offers immediate seating and consistent quality across meals. Service includes attentive staff like Rafael, enhancing the dining experience.

People are saying

"Martha made our breakfast so smooth and pleasant."

"It's a great place to enjoy breakfast with your kids."

"The dinner spots here have delicious food and are fairly priced."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20-45 minute wait during busy hours.

2

Parking is available in front and back of the restaurant.

3

Prices are affordable, offering good value for meals.

21
Stox Restaurant Bakery & Bar image 1
American restaurant

Vintage 60s diner offers a warm, nostalgic vibe with cramped booths and a cozy bar. Dinner shines with old-fashioned turkey dishes and solid salads. Regulars love classic breakfasts and cocktails in an unpretentious setting.

Dinner features old-fashioned food with options like turkey dinner on Tuesdays and an open face turkey sandwich. Salads also appear as a solid choice alongside hearty classics.

People are saying

"It's got a cool old school vibe and a traditional coffee shop feel."

"The diner food here is so good and filling."

"These dinner spots feel like home, with comforting food and a welcoming atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Mimosa specials are available on weekends.

2

Parking is ample with a large lot available.

3

Breakfast items are served until 11am, including affordable options.

22
Gaucho Grill Downey image 1
Argentinian restaurant

Argentinian restaurant shines with warm, romantic atmosphere and live music that lifts the mood. Perfect for special occasions or quiet dinners, staff create a welcoming vibe. Outdoor seating with a bright screen adds charm to casual or festive nights.

Dinner here suits romantic evenings, celebrations with friends, or a quiet meal alone. Staff support adds to the warm ambiance during special occasions.

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 service at these dinner spots is so friendly and attentive."

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.

23
Acapulco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers spacious layout and a vibrant bar with a DJ playing upbeat rhythms and reggaeton. Dinner is consistent with reasonable prices, while the front patio's warm fire feature is perfect for relaxing and watching sports.

Dinner options vary, with some recommending drinks over food. Others find the dinner quality consistent and the prices reasonable across meals.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing and delicious."

"Juan made our lunch experience so special and attentive."

"I loved the tasty food and great drinks for dinner."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour is available on weekdays in the bar only.

2

Sunday brunch features an all-you-can-eat buffet.

3

Expect long wait times during busy brunch hours.

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