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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Monrovia

Authentic food

There is no substitute for the taste of a meal prepared exactly as it is in its place of origin.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Sushi restaurant

Small sushi spot offers authentic Japanese flavors with fresh, high-quality fish. Cozy, dim-lit space creates an intimate vibe perfect for savoring simple, intentional sushi. Unique dishes like Chawanmushi highlight true tradition and care.

Sushi here features authentic Japanese ownership and a sushi chef from Japan. Dishes include fresh, light rolls and unique items like Chawanmushi and Agedashi tofu that stay true to traditional flavors.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and thoughtfully prepared."

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh and thoughtfully prepared."

"This sushi is so authentic, it lets the natural flavors shine."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy nights like the Friday farmers market.

2

Happy hour offers great deals, but arrive early to take advantage.

3

Parking is available nearby, with free options and street parking.

02
Lin's Club image 1
Restaurant

Small, cozy space offers an intimate dining experience with authentic Sichuan flavors. Spicy dishes like spicy pigโ€™s ear deliver bold, genuine tastes. Affordable prices and a bustling takeout business add to the lively atmosphere.

Spicy dishes showcase authentic Sichuan flavors with bold, genuine tastes. The menu offers a variety of interesting dishes like spicy pigโ€™s ear in chili oil, reflecting true Chinese culinary style.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and authentic, I keep coming back."

"I loved the authentic Szechuan flavors and home cooking."

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

Good to know

1

The price of Sichuan maocai is $13.99.

2

Seating is limited, so getting to-go is the easier option.

3

You can request to make the food less spicy if desired.

03
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Mexican restaurant

Tacos and Papas offers authentic Mexican flavor in a cozy, laid back atmosphere with a super cool 80s vibe. The space feels roomy and comfortable despite its size, making it a friendly spot for casual dining.

Tacos and Papas serves dishes packed with authentic flavor and care. The laid back ambiance matches the genuine quality of the food.

People are saying

"I found the quesa-birria tacos to be amazing."

"I loved the vegetarian choices, especially the Brussels sprouts."

"I found this spot for good authentic Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos.

2

Dinner for two costs around $40 with drinks.

3

Prices are competitive for the area.

04
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Taiwanese restaurant

Casual Taiwanese spot serves authentic dishes like Shredded Pork with Bamboo Shoot and Satay Water Spinach with Beef. Signature items such as fried sweet taro strips and steamed cod shine for their freshness. Relaxed vibe with quick seating makes it perfect for a tasty, no-fuss meal.

Authentic Taiwanese dishes include Shredded Pork with Taiwan Makino Bamboo Shoot, Satay Water Spinach with Beef, and Three Cups Sauce. Steamed Egg with Seafood and Spinach also delivers genuine flavors.

People are saying

"I found the Taiwanese food here to be the most authentic I've ever had."

"I found the authentic Taiwanese food here to be the best I ever had."

"The fermented black oysters were surprisingly fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is a fast-casual dining option with quick service.

2

Seating is usually available during lunch hours, as it tends to be less busy.

3

Tipping suggestions are based on the post-tax amount, which may confuse some customers.

05
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Thai restaurant

Cozy space with authentic Thai cuisine offers large portions and genuine flavors. Soft lighting and exposed brick create a warm atmosphere perfect for casual meals or date nights. Dog-friendly patio adds a comfortable touch to the charming interior.

Cozy setting serves authentic Thai cuisine with large portions and excellent options that deliver genuine flavors.

People are saying

"This Thai food is full of flavor and amazing."

"The back patio is perfect for a quiet, relaxing lunch."

"I loved the authentic Asian food; it was so tasty and healthy."

Good to know

1

Parking at the parking lot is free.

2

They have a dog-friendly patio.

3

You can choose the level of spiciness from 1 to 5.

06
Girasol Cocina Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, vibrant decor and culturally themed music create a lively, family-friendly fiesta vibe. Food tastes 100% authentic and homemade with fresh ingredients, like eating at a family member's house. Cozy, home-like ambiance draws a busy crowd, especially on weekend mornings.

Food tastes 100% authentic and homemade with fresh ingredients. Flavors remind of traditional Mexican cooking, like eating at a family member's house.

People are saying

"The food here was so delicious, I cleaned my plate."

"The food here is 100% authentic Mexican flavor, like eating at my tia's house."

"The service here is so personal and attentive, it makes for a delightful date."

Good to know

1

The brunch buffet is available on Tuesdays from 10am to 2pm.

2

A Saturday dinner buffet starts at 4:00pm.

3

Expect long wait times during busy weekend brunch hours.

07
Cafรฉ De Olla Restaurant image 1

Colorful, rustic decor creates a warm vibe with indoor and outdoor seating. Authentic Mexican flavors shine in hearty breakfasts and genuine coffee. Loud music and open space cause noise and echoes, making chats tough, but staff add charm with pan dulce from a dessert cart.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with off the beaten path options. Meals range from hearty breakfasts to leisurely lunches and include genuine Mexican coffee.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the chilaquiles and cafe de olla, is really good."

"I found the breakfast here delicious and packed with flavor."

"The food here is so authentic and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of 40-75 minutes during busy weekend brunch hours.

2

Reservations are recommended for large parties to avoid long wait times.

3

A 75-minute time limit on tables applies during peak weekend hours.

08
Yi Mei image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Cramped space with disposable utensils sets a quick, casual tone. Early birds enjoy authentic Taiwanese breakfast featuring meatball and rice bowls. Clean but sterile atmosphere focuses on traditional flavors.

Breakfast features authentic Taiwanese and Chinese dishes with a focus on meatball and rice bowls. The flavors stay true to traditional recipes.

People are saying

"The Taiwanese food here is authentic and affordable."

"I loved the authentic Taiwanese breakfast here, especially the beef rolls."

"I loved the authentic Taiwanese breakfast here."

Good to know

1

Yi Mei opens at 7 am, making it popular for breakfast.

2

The plaza offers a moderate amount of parking spaces.

3

The menu features a diverse selection of Taiwanese classic foods.

09
Las Marias image 1
Mexican restaurant

Family-owned spot serves authentic birria tacos and hearty breakfast burritos at affordable prices. Clean, casual vibe makes it great for filling, flavorful meals. Online deals add extra value to the experience.

Food offers authentic birria and tacos with a delicious taste.

People are saying

"I thought of the birria tacos whenever I thought of this place."

"This family owned spot has delicious, flavorful food cooked with care."

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

Good to know

1

The prices at Las Marias are affordable and reasonable.

2

Las Marias offers big portions for a satisfying meal.

3

The restaurant sells eggs all day for breakfast lovers.

10
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Indonesian restaurant

Indonesian restaurant offers authentic cooking by a grandma, delivering nostalgic noodles and a highly recommended noodle soup. Small food market and ocean view create a clean, busy atmosphere. Evenings feature an open roof with falling tree debris adding charm.

A grandma cooks in the back, adding to the authentic Indonesian flavor. The noodles carry a nostalgic taste and the noodle soup comes highly recommended for its genuine recipe.

People are saying

"I found the Indonesian food here to be the best I had tried."

"This noodle soup is the best I've had in years."

"I found the noodle soup to be authentic and amazingly delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

There is no restroom available for dining-in customers; a nearby facility is required.

3

Parking fills up quickly; consider using the mall across the street.

11
Los Chiles Locos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot serves authentic tacos and breakfast burritos with carefully packaged sides. Outdoor seating faces a busy intersection with loud street noise. Vegetarian options make it great for quick, flavorful bites.

Mexican dishes here deliver authentic flavors and traditional recipes. The food stays true to classic Mexican cuisine without shortcuts.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really good and tasty."

"The staff here are so friendly and thoughtful."

"I thought the breakfast burritos were the best Mexican food in town."

Good to know

1

Los Chiles Locos offers vegetarian options for those with dietary restrictions.

2

The food is packaged for convenience, making it great for takeout.

3

Expect a quick service ideal for grab-and-go meals.

12
Szechuan Restaurant image 1
Wok restaurant

Spacious interior with a wild design sets a warm mood. Bold and spicy flavors deliver an authentic Sichuan kick. Slow food pace invites relaxed dining with standout dishes like boiled fish and hot and sour soup.

Bold and spicy flavors define the dishes here, capturing the signature Szechuan kick. Colors and fragrances stay true to traditional Sichuan cuisine, making the food feel very authentic.

People are saying

"The Szechuan food here is so authentic and delicious."

"You have to try their amazing sauerkraut fish soup."

"I found the food to be authentic with bold and spicy flavors."

Good to know

1

Be prepared to wait, as the food comes out at a very slow pace.

2

The prices at Szechuan Restaurant are reasonable.

3

Their menu features classics like fish filet in spicy oil and Kung Pao chicken.

13
Lord Empanada image 1
Argentinian restaurant

Cozy booths and homey decor create an intimate vibe. Beef empanadas with chimichurri sauce offer authentic Argentinian flavors. Family memorabilia adds a personal touch, blending charm with a lively atmosphere.

Beef empanadas feature hard-boiled egg, potato, and raisin fillings that taste very authentic. Chimichurri sauce pairs well with these Argentinian-style snacks.

People are saying

"These empanadas are so delicious and flavorful."

"I loved the vegetarian empanadas, especially the soyrizo and potato."

"I found the empanadas to be so authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking at Lord Empanada is limited and can be challenging to find.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of empanadas, including vegan options.

3

The seating area is small, making it difficult to find a seat during busy times.

14
Casa Jimenez image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy spot offers authentic Mexican flavors with homemade salsa and dishes like shrimp burrito. Service is attentive and genuine despite some canned-tasting menudo. Prices stay reasonable, making it great for families seeking an inexpensive meal.

Mexican food here shows authentic flavors and genuine preparation. Menudo lacks authenticity and tastes canned, but service remains authentic and attentive.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and the portions are huge."

"The beef soup was delicious with rice and tortillas."

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

Good to know

1

The special, 3 dishes plus soup or salad for around $20, is a good deal.

2

Breakfast specials like pancakes and eggs are available at a very low price.

3

Expect reasonable prices and portions for budget-conscious diners.

15
Kin Khao Thai Eatery image 1
Thai restaurant

Casual Thai spot shines with unique dishes and a lively atmosphere. Real Thai flavors come through in vibrant recipes made for sharing, though boat noodles differ from authentic versions. Spacious plaza and clean design add to the comfortable vibe.

Dishes offer real Thai flavors with a focus on unique, vibrant recipes made for sharing. Boat noodles do not match authentic versions.

People are saying

"It's a casual place with flavorful, generous portions of Thai comfort food."

"The Tom Yum soup is super flavorful with fresh shrimp."

"The food here tastes like real Thai cuisine."

Good to know

1

Check in via Yelp for a free Thai tea promo.

2

Dine Thai LA event runs from March 21-28 with four set menus at $27.

3

The restaurant has plenty of free parking available.

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Monrovia, California

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