Great Restaurants in the South Bay Area

South Bay has never received acclaim for its eating establishments. Perhaps it is because of its location to the south of LA, many Los Angelinos may consider it too far of a drive.

Here are some South Bay restaurants worth a try:

If breakfast is your favorite meal—and the greasier the better—you’ve got to try the Long Beach Breakfast Bar. Like its name it offers plain fare that is simply delicious. Be sure to try “Hung Over.” The “hung Over” meal includes two scrambled eggs with cheese and sausage. The dish is served with French fries and gravy. Add Pico de Gallo or spiced sour cream sauce.

If you are an adventurous eater, try El Rocoto. This Peruvian restaurant is located in a strip mall in Gardena. Signature dishes include, Pescado a lo Macho. This dish includes several kinds of seafood: shrimp, squid, mussel, scallops, and octopus. They are served over an ajiamarillo creamy sauce on a bed of rice.

If you have an urge for Italian, Long Beach’s Bella Pizza offers wheat- and original-crusted pies. The toppings are unique. Try the Bixby pie. It is topped with pine nuts and goat cheese or the Indian tandoori pie topped with jalapeño, cilantro, and spiced chicken. Many go to Bella Pizza for the salads. Small, medium and large salads will satisfy any appetite. Choose from hundreds of fresh ingredients including: romaine, tomato, cucumbers, mushrooms, black olives, onions, croutons, and a wide range of dressings.

Plain is the best way to describe the simple but good pizzas available at Uncle Red’s in Bellflower. It’s worth the trip for the Angel’s memorabilia that hangs on the walls. Be sure to try the Carnivore. It is loaded with a variety of meats and fresh sauce.

At El Picosito in Long Beach, you can dine on interesting and unusual Mexican food in an ultracasual atmosphere. Known for its signature tacos and burritos, you will find dishes and dialogue available only south of the border.

Are you looking for Cajun cooking? It doesn’t get any better than Long Beach’s Sal’s Gumbo Shack. Sal makes the best gumbo you will ever taste outside Louisiana. Sal is also famous for such dishes as BBQ shrimp, and his southern fried turkey chops. Daring eaters will also want to try the oxtails and turkey necks!

South Bay has never been highlighted for its unique ethnic eateries. It’s high time it was! There are many gems to eat at in South Bay.