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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Authentic spots in Highland Park

You have no patience for anything that isn't authentic.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
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Sichuan restaurant

Compact space with crimson tiles and a jade exterior offers a cozy vibe. Authentic Sichuan dishes shine with a genuine Chinese flavor and a standout beef noodle soup. Affordable prices and a vegetarian-friendly menu make it welcoming for all, including pets.

Food features an authentic Sichuan style adapted for American tastes. The beef noodle soup has a notably authentic soup base. Overall, dishes deliver a genuine Chinese flavor.

People are saying

"You have to try the Dan Dan noodles; they're the best Chinese food I've ever had."

"The Szechuan salad is cold, fresh, and crunchy."

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

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait on Saturday nights for a party of two.

2

The restaurant is vegetarian-friendly with adaptable menu options for vegans.

3

Most dishes are labeled for allergies, including peanut allergy-friendly options.

02
Chico's Restaurant ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ image 1

Cozy diner serves authentic Mexican flavor with standout vegetarian dishes. Quiet, homey vibe suits relaxed meals. Generous wine margaritas add a special touch to the calm dining experience.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavor with delicious, flavorful dishes that stay true to tradition.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is fresh, spicy, and super yummy."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan options upon request.

2

Parking is available in a small lot next door.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere during dinner hours, especially on weekends.

03
Folliero's Italian Food and Pizza image 1

Cozy trattoria offers authentic Italian flavor with oven-baked pizzas and classic lasagna. Rustic dรฉcor and warm colors create a family-style atmosphere that feels like dining at home. Lively, intimate setting draws a steady crowd seeking affordable, genuine meals.

Oven-baked pizzas and classic lasagna deliver an authentic Italian flavor. The ambiance matches the food, creating a genuine Italian dining experience in a lively neighborhood setting.

People are saying

"I thought the lasagna here was the best I've ever had."

"It's a vintage spot with an old school Italian family vibe."

"I loved the authentic Italian food and dining experience here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash for payment.

2

Folliero's now accepts credit cards.

3

The portions are large, often leaving leftovers.

04
Carnal Cocina Artesanal image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with authentic Oaxacan flavors served on traditional ceramic plates. Casual BYOB vibe meets modern cozy ambiance for a relaxed meal. Unique dishes offer an artistic twist that feels like a hidden gem.

Bold flavors bring out authentic Oaxacan cuisine with an artistic twist. Dishes stay true to traditional tastes while offering a unique experience.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic with bold, unique flavors."

"The octopus here is a perfect date spot choice, tasting amazing."

"I found the authentic Oaxacan flavors here to be bold and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is a $10 BYOB fee for bringing your own alcohol.

2

Reservations are recommended due to the small size of the restaurant.

3

Free parking is available in the lot behind the restaurant.

05
El Buen Sabor image 1
Salvadoran restaurant

Small Salvadoran spot shines with authentic pupusas and fresh tortillas made the traditional way. Friendly vibe grows with live music that warms the room. Nostalgic soft drinks and traditional desserts round out the menu.

Tortillas come fresh, warm, and thick, made the authentic way. The menu focuses on authentic Salvadorean food throughout.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and decently priced."

"The tortillas here are made the authentic way: fresh, warm, and thick."

"I found the chicken soup to be exquisite."

Good to know

1

Karaoke features both Spanish and English songs every Thursday night.

2

Parking is extremely limited, so consider alternative transportation.

3

Pupusas are reasonably priced compared to other local options.

06
El Pescador image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small indoor space offers a warm atmosphere with authentic Mexican seafood and a large TV showing sports. Family-friendly vibe pairs well with distinctive margaritas and local presence. Flavorful dishes and drinks create a true Mexican experience.

Very authentic Mexican seafood dishes deliver flavorful and tasty experiences. The cuisine stays true to traditional recipes and ingredients.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here is authentic, with amazing queso fundido and carne asada."

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

Good to know

1

Happy hour and specials are available almost every day of the week.

2

There is plenty of parking available in the back.

3

The lunch menu is available during the day.

07
Metro Balderas Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers authentic chilaquiles in a quiet setting with outdoor seating and parking. Staff speaks mostly Spanish, enhancing the authentic vibe. Weekend crowds enjoy traditional dishes like huitlacoche quesadillas and chicharron gorditas.

Dishes here show authentic Mexican flavors with no pretension. Chilaquiles stand out as very authentic and delicious. The food overall stays true to traditional tastes.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and delicious, especially the chilaquiles."

"The Mexican food here is so authentic, it feels like you're in Mexico City."

"I loved the huitlacoche quesadilla; it was the best."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back of the restaurant.

2

The menu is expansive with many authentic Mexican dishes.

3

Expect a crowded atmosphere on Saturday mornings.

08
Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria image 1

Enjoy authentic pupusas and fresh seafood soup in a lively, cozy spot. Family-run vibe with spacious seating and outdoor options. Strong margaritas and micheladas perfectly match the traditional flavors.

Offers authentic Salvadoran dishes with a strong focus on traditional flavors. Serves both Mexican and Salvadorian cuisine that stays true to its roots.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and flavorful."

"I loved the authentic Salvadoran food, especially the pupusas."

"They have great vegan cheese pupusas."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6pm, offering great deals on drinks.

2

You must order food to purchase alcohol at the restaurant.

3

Parking is available in the back, but it is metered.

09
Kiez Kรผche & Beer Garden image 1

German beer garden offers authentic German dishes with bold flavors and a lively vibe. Outdoor seating with bocce courts and communal tables creates a cozy, social atmosphere. Indoor space has high ceilings and art but can be noisy, while dogs enjoy the patio.

The spot serves authentic German dishes with incredible flavors that capture a true bierhaus vibe. The food tastes like it belongs in Germany, offering a wonderful selection of traditional fare.

People are saying

"I loved the great German beer selection here."

"I enjoyed delicious German food at the outdoor seating."

"The German food here tastes incredibly authentic."

Good to know

1

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

2

Parking is limited to metered street parking only, so plan accordingly.

3

The venue is dog friendly, allowing pets on the outdoor patio.

10
El Huarache Azteca ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ image 1

Simple, clean space with authentic Mexican flavor in dishes like cafรฉ de olla. Busy kitchen keeps food fresh and true to tradition. Casual dining with relaxed atmosphere despite loud radio and outdoor seating.

Authentic Mexican flavor shines in the cafรฉ de olla and dishes here. The food stays delicious and true to tradition without needing to travel far.

People are saying

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

"Their huaraches are huge, piled high with meat, beans, and cheese."

"I found the tacos to be delicious and mouth-watering."

Good to know

1

There is only street parking available.

2

The restaurant accepted only cash.

3

The place is small with limited seating.

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Highland Park, Los Angeles

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