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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Lakewood

Authentic eats

Authentic food that stays true to its roots instead of catering to the most common denominator.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Basil Mexican Food image 1
Basil Mexican Food image 2
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Small space with just a few tables inside and outside creates a cozy, local vibe. Calm, welcoming atmosphere feels like home, enhanced by outdoor seating under umbrellas. Family-run operation adds genuine warmth and pride to the experience.

Authentic Mexican flavors come through clearly, especially with dishes like Cafe de olla from Oaxaca. The food tastes genuine and stays true to traditional recipes.

Home style cooking shines with delicious pozole and excellent Mexican dishes. Friendly service complements the food, making the experience stand out.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was outstanding and authentic."

"These tacos are the best Mexican food I've ever had."

"I found the authentic Mexican food here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant now focuses exclusively on Mexican food, with no pizza on the menu.

2

Everything is made fresh daily, with meats marinated in the morning.

3

The restaurant is family-owned and operated, ensuring a personal touch.

02
Dae Bak Korean Restaurant image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant offers a quiet, cozy atmosphere with a slightly gloomy dining area. The space feels clean and calm, attracting a small, steady crowd. Authentic dishes like bibimbap and budae jjigae stand out for their rich flavors and generous portions.

Food offers very authentic Korean flavors with dishes that stay true to traditional recipes. The menu features classic Korean staples prepared in a straightforward, genuine style.

Food here is authentic Korean with a savory, delicious taste. A husband and wife team run the kitchen, adding love and care to every dish.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is delicious and savory."

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

"The Korean food here is pretty good and authentic."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available daily from 11 am to 3 pm.

2

The lunch special price increased from $8.99 to $14.99.

3

Sides are included with meals and are packed with care.

03
Mi Casa Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Family-owned Mexican restaurant offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with cultural decor that feels like dining at home. The place is often busy and noisy, reflecting its popularity, and serves authentic dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and micheladas consistently well.

Authentic Mexican food comes in good portions with flavorful, home-cooked fare. The menu offers delicious, traditional dishes that capture genuine flavors.

Food tastes like home-cooked meals with authentic Mexican flavors served in good portions. Presentation is neat and prices are reasonable.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, hot, and flavorful."

"The Mexican food here is served with heartwarming hospitality."

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

Good to know

1

Extra condiments cost $2 each, which may be excessive for small portions.

2

The total cost for a meal can be around $40.00.

3

The restaurant sometimes cannot handle a large number of people.

04
Foggia Italian Market & Deli image 1
Italian grocery store

Small Italian market atmosphere with authentic Italian groceries and family-run deli vibe. Sandwiches stand out for being freshly made and generously filled, offering unique options like pastrami and Italian subs. Busy and lively, calling ahead is common to avoid wait times.

Specially Italian foods offer a more authentic taste than typical supermarkets. The deli features authentic Italian fare like meats, cheeses, pasta salads, olives, and sweets such as Baklava and tiramisu.

Offers authentic Italian cuisine with a variety of choices. Food tastes fantastic and reminds of Italy, standing out from typical supermarket options.

People are saying

"This Italian grocery store has the best authentic meats and cheeses."

"I loved the authentic Italian food here; it reminded me of Italy."

"I found authentic Italian foods you can't find at the supermarket."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid a 20-30 minute wait during busy hours.

2

Parking can be challenging; expect to circle the lot multiple times.

3

The deli offers a variety of authentic Italian groceries not found in big-box stores.

05
Nayada Thai Cuisine image 1
Thai restaurant

Restaurant offers a quiet, calming atmosphere with a friendly, casual vibe in a clean, nicely decorated space. Menu features an extensive variety of authentic Thai dishes with strong flavors, especially in curries and pad thai. Portions are generous, and the setting suits relaxed dining.

Food features authentic Thai flavors with dishes like Spicy Basil Chicken and Green Curry that deliver strong aromas and taste.

Food features fresh, authentic Thai flavors with dishes like spicy tofu vegetable, chicken pad prik, and pad Thai noodles. Service is consistently excellent, complementing the healthy, tasty meals.

People are saying

"I loved the unique, exotic flavors of the Thai food here."

"I found the curry here to be very good."

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a free pad Thai with takeout orders over $40.

2

Expect generous portion sizes, often leaving room for leftovers.

3

Parking is plentiful and easily accessible near the restaurant.

06
Golden Phoenix Chinese Restaurant image 1

Small dining space with old school vibe and hole-in-the-wall look offers a super casual atmosphere. The environment feels cluttered but homely, creating a relaxed setting. Large portions and authentic Chinese cuisine attract those seeking no-frills, reasonably priced meals.

Offers authentic Chinese cuisine with authentic tasting dishes that satisfy cravings for genuine flavors.

Food features freshly-prepared options with huge portions and a consistent delicious taste. The style leans toward Old School 60s Chinese food that stays true to classic flavors.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"The salt & pepper shrimp was amazing."

"I craved authentic Chinese food and this place delivered."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are reasonably priced and offer good value.

2

The portions are large enough to share.

3

Delivery service is available for those who prefer to eat at home.

07
Tacos El Tapatio image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small taco shop offers authentic Mexican food with small street tacos and flavorful salsas. Atmosphere is simple and unpretentious, with a cozy seating area. Prices vary, but the focus remains on timeless flavors and satisfying meals.

Tacos and desserts deliver authentic Mexican flavors with delicious tacos and traditional aguas frescas. Salsa does not match the same authentic taste.

Food arrives quickly, usually in under five minutes. Dishes feature authentic Mexican flavors with fresh ingredients and a tasty, satisfying profile.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, authentic, and flavorful."

"I loved the Mexican food, especially the carne asada nachos."

"I loved the authentic Mexican food and desserts here."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $25 for a meal with drinks and dessert.

2

The seating area is small, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Reservations are not accepted, so be prepared for possible wait times.

08
Thai Corner Restaurant image 1
Thai restaurant

Small dining hall offers a warm, cozy atmosphere with tasteful woodwork and Thai-inspired decor featuring leaves and flowers. The space feels zen and inviting, suitable for quiet dinners or romantic dates. A display case with costume jewelry adds an unusual decorative touch.

Food leans toward Asian-inspired rather than fully authentic Thai. It blends flavors to fit a community outside traditional Thai areas. The style is adapted but still offers a taste of Thai cuisine.

Food features seasonal greens, healthier options, and generous portions at reasonable prices. Dishes taste delicious and flavorful, with quick service and attractive presentation.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here to be delicious and flavorful."

"I found the food here to be delicious and flavorful."

"The ginger beef here is delicious, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, with few spots available nearby.

2

Lunch specials offer good value with large portions.

3

Prices are reasonable, with meals typically under $50.

09
Adalberto's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Drive-thru setup with no indoor seating creates a quick, grab-and-go vibe. Portions are huge and recipes lean toward authentic Mexican flavors. Atmosphere feels functional rather than inviting, with a focus on convenience over ambiance.

Recipes deliver authentic Mexican flavor with traditional tastes. Food reflects genuine preparation despite being part of a chain.

Food features freshness and authentic Mexican flavor with huge servings. Beans stand out as especially good, and customization is available.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The Mexican Food here has huge, tasty tacos."

"I found their food had an authentic Mexican flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open after 10pm for late-night snacks.

2

Taco Tuesday offers smaller tacos for under $2 each.

3

The place is strictly take-out; no indoor dining available.

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Lakewood, California

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