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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Highland Park

Authentic food spots

You want food that stays true to its roots and doesn't try to be something it isn't.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Sichuan restaurant

Compact space with crimson tiles and jade exterior creates an inviting, cozy vibe like dining at a friend's home. Atmosphere stays laid back and quiet, suitable for dates or groups. The spot offers affordable prices and a vegetarian-friendly menu, welcoming even pets inside.

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.

Offers authentic Sichuan food with flavors tailored to American tastes. The dishes are consistently delicious and provide a rare chance to enjoy top-notch Szechuan cuisine at an affordable price.

People are saying

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

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

"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 Mexican diner with street art mural outside and a quiet, homey atmosphere inside. Offers authentic, flavorful dishes including standout vegetarian options and generous wine margaritas. Dining area tends to be calm and slow-paced, suitable for relaxed meals.

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

Food offers authentic Mexican flavor with consistently delicious and flavorful dishes. Quality and taste stand out as excellent and unbeatable.

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
Carnal Cocina Artesanal image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers authentic Oaxacan cuisine with a casual BYOB dining hall vibe and modern cozy ambiance. Dishes arrive on traditional ceramic plates, enhancing the cultural experience. The place feels like a hidden gem with unique flavors and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.

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

Bold, authentic Oaxacan flavors define the menu with traditional dishes that are beautifully presented. The food delivers rich, genuine Mexican taste that feels both satisfying and well-crafted.

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.

04
Folliero's Italian Food and Pizza image 1

Cozy Italian trattoria with rustic dรฉcor and warm colors creates a family-style atmosphere reminiscent of old-school New York. The place feels like dining at home with friends, offering a casual and nostalgic vibe. It draws a steady crowd seeking authentic, affordable Italian food in a lively, intimate setting.

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.

Food here is consistently delicious with large portions and great pizza and pasta. Prices stay reasonable, offering quality meals that satisfy for decades.

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 found the food here to be delicious and the portions generous."

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.

05
Kiez Kรผche & Beer Garden image 1

German beer garden combines outdoor seating, bocce courts, and communal tables for a cozy, lively vibe. Indoor space features high ceilings and art, but can be noisy and echo-y. Dogs are welcome on the patio, and the atmosphere feels like an authentic Berlin neighborhood spot with a modern twist.

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.

Authentic German dishes stand out with excellent flavor and quality. Food consistently rates as better than other German spots in the area.

People are saying

"I loved the great German beer selection here."

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

"I thought the food was delicious and of high quality."

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.

06
Metro Balderas Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers quiet atmosphere with outdoor seating and parking in the back. Menu features authentic dishes like chilaquiles, huitlacoche quesadillas, and chicharron gorditas, drawing a crowd especially on weekends. Staff primarily speaks Spanish, adding to the authentic vibe.

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.

Food here is authentic Mexican with generous portions. Dishes taste genuinely homemade and often take a bit longer to prepare, reflecting care in cooking.

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."

"The food here is authentic Mexican with delicious flavors."

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.

07
El Buen Sabor image 1
Salvadoran restaurant

Small Salvadoran restaurant offers an unpretentious, friendly atmosphere with live music that adds warmth. Authentic pupusas and traditional desserts highlight the menu, served alongside nostalgic soft drinks from El Salvador. Limited parking and early closing hours shape the visit experience.

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

Authentic Salvadoran food stands out with excellent quality and delicious flavors. The dishes come at a decent price and pair well with good service.

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.

08
El Pescador image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small indoor space offers a warm atmosphere with local presence and a large TV showing sports. The vibe is family-friendly with a focus on authentic Mexican flavors and a variety of drinks including distinctive margaritas.

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

Food here is consistently delicious and of top-notch quality. Prices stay reasonable while delivering great taste.

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.

09
Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria image 1

Salvadoran restaurant offers authentic pupusas and seafood soup with fresh fish in a cozy, family-run setting. Atmosphere feels lively and relaxed, with spacious seating and outdoor options. Strong margaritas and micheladas complement the traditional dishes.

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

Food features authentic Salvadoran flavors with pupusas standing out as a highlight. Dishes arrive quickly and offer great value for the price.

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.

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

Simple, clean space with busy kitchen activity and casual, no-frills dining. Atmosphere stays relaxed despite loud radio commercials indoors and outdoor seating that some find unpleasant. Popular spot for authentic Mexican food with flavorful huaraches and tacos.

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.

Food comes out hot and made to order, with flavors that stay authentic and delicious. Dishes like chilaquiles with steak and green sauce bring a taste that reminds of childhood meals.

People are saying

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

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

"The food here, especially the huaraches, is piled high with beans, cheese, and meat."

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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