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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Valencia, Santa Clarita

Authentic spots

There is a distinct satisfaction in finding a place that stays true to its roots.

Based on 813 Opinions
+810
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Updated May 2026
01
Taqueria El Tapatio image 1
Taqueria El Tapatio image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic flavors with quality meats and traditional dishes. Casual vibe with self-serve salsa bar and warm chips keeps it quick and easy. Affordable prices and simple seating make it a popular spot for steady diners.

Tacos and dishes here have a real authentic taste that reflects traditional Mexican cooking. The food consistently delivers authentic Mexican flavors that stand out in the area.

People are saying

"I believe it offers the most authentic Mexican food."

"I loved the self-serve salsa bar with its nice selection."

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

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday specials are available with easy online ordering.

2

Bring cash to take advantage of weekend specials.

3

Expect reasonable prices and good portion sizes.

02
Los Tacoholics image 1
Taco restaurant

Patio seating offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for casual dining. Tacos with handmade tortillas deliver authentic Mexican flavors and generous portions. Friendly vibe and authentic sauces make it a top choice for genuine Mexican food lovers.

Food features genuine authentic Mexican flavor with excellent seasoning and delicious sauces. It captures real authentic tastes that remind of home.

People are saying

"I thought the birria burrito was high quality and well-seasoned."

"The authentic Mexican seasoning and sauces taste just like grandma's."

"You have to try the handmade tortillas; they're unbelievably tasty."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features a $6 three-taco special.

2

Taco Tuesday runs from 5pm to 9pm every week.

3

Expect long waits on Taco Tuesday; arrive early.

03
Welik Mexican Cuisine image 1
Mexican restaurant

Warm, modern space offers a casual, fun vibe with a welcoming family feel. Dishes showcase authentic flavors with fresh ingredients and care. Patio provides a relaxing spot with weekend music, adding to the lively energy despite a loud atmosphere.

Dishes showcase authentic flavors with fresh ingredients and care. The menu transports diners to a small town in Mexico with traditional recipes from Zaratecas.

People are saying

"The food here has great flavor and is made in house."

"I found some of the best Mexican food I've had since El Paso."

"The authentic Mexican food here is bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, requiring about a two-block walk.

2

The menu includes options for both meat and vegetarian dishes.

3

Welik has a separate vegetarian menu section with plant-based meat options.

04
India Garden image 1
Indian restaurant

Space blends modern decor with a warm South Indian vibe, making it cozy and inviting. Food offers authentic flavors with bold spices, featuring classic dishes like dosas and biryani. Cleanliness and thoughtful presentation enhance the overall experience.

Food delivers authentic flavors with a strong spice profile. Dishes reflect traditional Indian cuisine served in a casual setting.

People are saying

"The buffet's Indian dishes, especially the dosa, were authentic and delicious."

"The biryani here is so flavorful and perfectly spiced."

"I finally found authentic South Indian flavors here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is closed between 3 and 5.

2

The lunch buffet is priced at $15.99.

3

Expect a spice level that can be adjusted when ordering.

05
Pho Sure image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small, family-run spot offers a cozy vibe perfect for families. Pho shines with authentic broth that warms every bowl. Spring rolls bring traditional flavors that match the genuine taste. Clean decor and friendly service make it a welcoming place for all.

Vietnamese pho features authentic flavors with consistent care. Spring rolls and crispy egg rolls also deliver genuine taste reflecting traditional recipes.

People are saying

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

"The Vietnamese food here is so authentic and flavorful."

"I found the pho and egg rolls to be seriously authentic."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait of about 30 minutes during peak hours.

2

Portions are generous and offer good value for money.

3

Check your order at the counter to ensure it's complete.

06
Italia Panetteria & Deli image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian deli shines with authentic atmosphere and fresh baked bread. Tight counter space uses a number system for quick orders. Popular patio offers lively lunch spot with hearty sandwiches and a well-stocked Italian grocery.

The spot offers a totally authentic atmosphere with genuine Italian food that feels true to its roots. It stands out for its authentic vibe throughout.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches here to be amazing and very good."

"I highly recommend checking out this grocery store."

"Their lasagna is fabulous and goes fast!"

Good to know

1

A small meatball sub costs $11.99 and a large one is $18.99.

2

Expect to take a number upon entering if you plan to order.

3

There is plenty of free parking available.

07
Thai Dishes Valencia image 1
Thai restaurant

Cozy spot with beautiful Thai decorations creates a peaceful vibe. Food offers authentic Thai flavors that stand out in America. Perfect for date nights and family gatherings seeking genuine taste and relaxed setting.

Food delivers authentic Thai flavors with dishes that taste true to tradition. Every bite offers rich, genuine taste that stands out in America.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"I found the Thai food here to be absolutely delicious and full of flavor."

"The authentic Thai food here is packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is suitable for groups of 20 or more people.

2

Thai Dishes Valencia is great for takeout.

3

The prices at Thai Dishes Valencia are very reasonable.

08
Birrieria Sabor Michoacan image 1
Mexican restaurant

Inside a car wash, this spot offers authentic birria tacos with homemade tortillas in a cozy, cramped space. Perfect for quick bites, it delivers traditional Mexican flavors that draw food lovers seeking genuine street-style meals.

Authentic Mexican food shines here with a focus on Birria and Barbacoa. The dishes stay true to traditional flavors and preparation.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing, especially the homemade tortillas."

"The homemade tortillas for the Mexican food are so fresh and delicious."

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

Good to know

1

Takeout is a better option because the space is very limited.

2

Parking is limited and confusing when pulling inside.

3

The restaurant is located inside a car wash.

09
MADRE MEXICAN RESTAURANT & MEZCALERIA image 1

Modern design and outdoor patio seating create a relaxed vibe. Authentic Oaxaqueรฑa dishes shine with mole flavors and pair well with a fabulous mezcal selection. Live mariachi and a DJ bring vibrant energy on weekends.

Dishes showcase authentic Oaxaqueรฑa cuisine with flavors beyond standard Tex-Mex. Freshly made plates pair well with a fabulous selection of mezcals.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"I found the food to be authentic and delicious, with homemade taste."

"The outdoor patio is the best place to sit, especially for special occasions."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dinner service; walk-ins are only accepted at the bar.

2

Expect a 45-minute wait during peak hours, especially on Fridays.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted food and drinks.

10
Slice House by Tony Gemignani image 1

Spacious spot serves Detroit style and deep dish pizza with a crispy thin crust true to NY style. Chef Tony Gemignani's award-winning skills ensure authentic recipes. Loud, lively vibe suits families and kids well.

Pizza features a crispy thin crust and stays true to NY style. Chef Tony Gemignani brings award-winning expertise to authentic recipes.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best pizza I had ever eaten."

"I found the parking available to be easy because of the garages."

"The NYC-style pizza is authentic with a thin, crispy crust."

Good to know

1

The slices cost $6.95 each, which may affect your decision to return.

2

Parking is easy because the malls have garages nearby.

3

The lunch special offers a slice, salad, and drink at a reasonable price.

11
El Cubano image 1
Cuban restaurant

Small Cuban restaurant offers authentic Cuban dishes with morro and fried plantains. Warm, inviting atmosphere with salsa music creates a lively mood. Family-owned vibe welcomes guests like old friends, making it a heartfelt, authentic experience.

Cuban dishes come with morro and fried plantains and feature seasoning on point. The flavors stay true to authentic Cuban cooking.

People are saying

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

"It felt like family, with owners pouring their heart into everything."

"This Lunch Spot's Ropa Vieja was flavorful with lean meat."

Good to know

1

Parking at El Cubano is limited.

2

The wait for food is not long.

3

It costs $2 extra to make the chicken all dark.

12
Casa Pasilla Mexican Kitchen image 1

Cozy Mexican spot offers authentic flavors with well-seasoned beans and Cafรฉ de Olla. Friendly service and cafeteria-style seating create a relaxed vibe. Enjoy Spanish music and TV games for a fun, low-key meal.

Fresh authentic Mexican cuisine shines through with well-seasoned beans and classic dishes like Cafรฉ de Olla, Chips & Salsa, and Concha. The small spot offers friendly service alongside genuinely authentic flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

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

"It's a great spot for a date night."

Good to know

1

The restaurant operates on a walk-up order system with cafeteria-style tables.

2

The food took a little while to come out because it was cooked fresh.

3

We enjoyed a very late breakfast because they serve it all day.

13
El Fuego Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright interior showcases original Hispanic artwork creating a welcoming vibe. Enjoy authentic sauces like El Fuego Spicy made in-house with fresh, well-prepared Mexican dishes. Generous portions and lively atmosphere keep guests engaged during waits.

All sauces come made in house, including the El Fuego Spicy and Serrano Pesto, both authentic and spicy. This place offers unique and authentic Mexican food not commonly found in many other spots.

People are saying

"The food here is amazingly fresh and flavorful."

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and seasoned authentically."

"The Mexican food here, especially the birria, is tender, juicy, and well seasoned."

Good to know

1

The grand opening features $1 tacos and free energy drinks.

2

Expect longer wait times during the grand opening event.

3

Chips and salsa come with burritos at no extra charge.

14
Patron's Mexican Bar & Grill image 1

Large dining room with colorful murals sets a lively scene. Enjoy authentic Mexican flavors blended with American twists. Live mariachi music adds energy while fresh margaritas keep the vibe casual and fun.

Food offers a great blend of authentic Mexican and American fusion flavors. Dishes capture the true taste of Mexican cuisine with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and a great blend of authentic and fusion."

"The chips and salsa here were awesome, tasty, and spicy."

"I loved the authentic Mexican food, especially the tangy enchiladas verde."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available at the bar and patio from 3 pm to 6 pm.

2

Live music occurs on Sundays with mariachi performances.

3

Only one salsa and chips are allowed per table, with extra charges for more.

15
Masa Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small space with One Piece anime decorations creates a cozy vibe. Ramen offers authentic Japanese flavors with rich, flavorful broths. Affordable pricing and limited seating make it a casual, intimate spot.

Food offers authentic Japanese flavors with a focus on ramen. Chicken katsu tastes somewhat authentic but ramen stands out more for its genuine style.

People are saying

"I found the Japanese food here to be the most delicious I've ever tasted."

"I found the ramen here to be the most delicious I've ever tasted."

"I found the most delicious, authentic ramen here."

Good to know

1

The easiest way to order at Masa Ramen is over the phone or in person.

2

Masa Ramen offers affordable meals that are not affected by inflation.

3

Expect a wait time of about 5 minutes for food during lunch hours.

16
Mississippi-Georgia Fried image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food spot shines with fried chicken and homemade-style dishes like catfish and collard greens. It offers authentic homemade soul food close to Southern roots at fair prices. Expect a simple atmosphere and busy kitchen handling large orders smoothly.

Closest in California to authentic homemade soul food with quality and delicious dishes at fair prices. Some find the southern food misses the mark on authenticity.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is cooked to order and simply amazing."

"It's like authentic homemade soul food, just like grandma used to make."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is popular, so plan ahead to avoid long wait times.

2

Order through the hub website and schedule pickup 30 minutes to an hour after opening.

3

In-person orders may require a wait of 30 minutes or more.

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Valencia, Santa Clarita

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