Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in East LA

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in East LA? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Dal Rae

4.9

4.9 (6192)

$31 to $50

American

Pico Rivera

About the restaurant

The Dal Rae is the Southern California restaurant where 1950s classics still reign. Lobster Thermidor, Pepper Steak, Chateaubriand, Prime Rib, Fresh Fish, Lamb Chops, Steak Diane and Cherries Jubilee prepared tableside are among more than 100 items on a truly retro menu, complete with some of the city's best martinis. Opened in 1958, the Dal Rae has maintained its original atmosphere, too, right down to a piano bar with live entertainment. And, most important, it has preserved a tradition otherwise found only in private clubs -- knowing its customers by name and treating them like the most important people in the whole wide world. The Dal Rae is located close to the 5 freeway and half-way between LA County, Orange County and The Valley. It is a perfect location for business meetings or entertaining friends and family.

Top review

VanessaVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Like it here! Too loud and crowed but great experience

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Popular dish

Dal Rae Veal Chop

Popular dish

Fresh Chilean Seabass A la Ben

Popular dish

Chilean Seabass alla Ben

Four Bricks by La Crosta

4.7

4.7 (153)

$31 to $50

Italian

Whittier

About the restaurant

Four Bricks by La Crosta is a rustic Italian Steakhouse located in a historic part of Uptown Whittier. The location was named Four Bricks for the first brick buildings built at the turn of the century when the city was established.
We pride ourselves on making fresh handmade pastas, serving highest quality prime steaks, and seasonal Italian creations.

Chef Jason Raiola started his culinary career in 2007 and has worked throughout Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. A love for Neapolitan Pizza led him to start La Crosta Wood Fired Pizza in 2019 with his wife Heather and is proof of his love for fresh Italian ingredients.

Four Bricks by La Crosta is a husband and wife team, a family venture, a place to enjoy great food with family, friends , and community.

Top review

MonicaVIP

Dined 6 days ago

My husband and I shared the shrimp scampi as an appetizer, a Caesar salad, and chicken Parmesan! The food was delicious! The chicken was moist and tender. The shrimp scampi was delicious with the roasted tomatoes. And the Caesar salad was the best Caesar dressing I have ever had anywhere. I recommend it highly.

Azabu Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (278)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Whittier

About the restaurant

Combining unique and exciting Japanese dishes with traditional quality and service, Azabu restaurant in Uptown Whittier offers an unforgettable dining experience.

Great for special occasions, date nights, or just an evening out.

With an upscale-casual vibe and top-notch service, Uptown Azabu offers a full array of amenities:
- Signature Cuisine by Chef Wenceslao
- Full Bar & amazing Craft Cocktail Program
- Premium Service & Hospitality
- Wine, Sake, Beer Menu
- Full Service Sushi Bar
- Patio area
- Large Party Accommodations & Private Room
- Valet on weekends
- Happy Hour every day (4-6pm, closed Mondays)

Please contact us with any questions:
562-789-0881

We look forward to serving you.
Cheers!

Top review

John

Dined on Jun 30, 2025

What stands out the most is the service. Our waiter Rashad W. was the best. So attentive and knowledgeable about the drinks and food. We ordered several of his suggestions and we were not disappointed.

Stevens Steak & Seafood House

4.6

4.6 (748)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Commerce

About the restaurant

It was just yesterday when we opened our doors. If Yesterday was October of 1952.

Steven's is America's premier traditional steakhouse. We are committed to providing you with outstanding hospitality and serving you the best steaks. Our acclaimed wine list, rich ambiance and personal wait-service are designed to provide you with a truly memorable steakhouse experience.

We also have another side of personality. Our lounge is alive with the hottest sounds of Salsa and many other Latin vibes. I

In addition, we have seven private dining rooms for that perfect quiet evening. Whether you are planning a business dinner, graduation, wedding, anniversary, rehearsal dinner, birthday or a large corporate meeting, we will satisfy your needs in a friendly and professional manner. Steven's steakhouse Gift Cards are the perfect gift for every steak lover. We look forward to serving you.

Top review

Daniel

Dined on Jun 15, 2025

Steven steak house never disappoints! We had a table by the kitchen area and the Lady seating that that was very kind to move us by the music area. A Frank Sinatra “impersonator”. The servers were spot on. Food was great, all well prepared. We’ll be goin back soon Thanking everyone at Steven Steak house for a Memorable night!

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Popular dish

10oz Prime Rib

Popular dish

Big Jim 32oz Prime Rib

Rokka Grill and Whiskey Bar - Whittier

4.6

4.6 (218)

$31 to $50

American

Whittier

About the restaurant

Rokka Whiskey Bar has one of the largest collections of Scoth, Bourbon, Rye, Single Malt and Whiskey in uptown Whittier! Take a trip to Japan, Scotland, Australia, and even India with pours that will surprise you even for the most seasoned of Whiskey enthusiasts. Well Crafted Cocktails and Crafted Culinary experience.

Top review

Daniel

Dined on Jun 30, 2025

I ordered the shrimp and grits. It was good but it only had 3 pieces of shrimp and the majority grits. I was hoping a little more shrimp. But overall good. The drinks awesome 👌 👏 👍

19Seventy

4.6

4.6 (257)

$31 to $50

Italian

La Habra

About the restaurant

Family-owned Italian restaurant and bar with a modern twist

Top review

EricaVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Food was great! They are serving fresh food that taste very close to authentic Italian cuisine.

Black Angus Steakhouse - Whittier

4.5

4.5 (2011)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Whittier

About the restaurant

WE’VE BEEN MASTERING OUR CRAFT SINCE 1964, so you could say we know a thing or two. Our cuts are aged at least 21 days, seasoned to excellence, expertly flame-grilled and served up just the way you like it. You’ve earned it. Whether you’re here to throw back a couple with old friends or trying to finish off the High Noon Feast on your own, there’s always a seat for you. So here’s to the nights you can’t remember and the steaks you won’t forget. To learn more visit www.blackangus.com

Top review

Peggy

Dined 4 days ago

We went for the dine in two for one! It was great and very affordable! I hope they bring BOGO dine in back again. We visited often in the past before they changed it from dine in to online take out only. Food was wonderful! Server was wonderful!

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Experience

Rum Experience Dinner

Gaucho Grill - Downey

4.5

4.5 (346)

$30 and under

Argentinean

Downey / Norwalk / Santa Fe Springs

About the restaurant

We host a celebration of contemporary Argentine cuisine and the tradition, values, and culture of the Gaucho lifestyle. We take pride in providing our guests with an authentic experience in a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for social and business lunches, entertaining dinners, and fun celebrations. Established in 2016. Gaucho Grill USA began its operation in Hollywood, CA in the early 1990's. The earliest restaurants practiced traditional Argentine cuisine and have been quite successful as a result. The newest location in Downey, CA unveils a new, contemporary approach to fine Argentine steaks, cuisine, and libations. Gaucho Grill Argentine Steakhouse in Downey has a fully-operating bar and nightlife which perfectly complements the already fervent environment within its walls.

Top review

Crystal

Dined on Jun 16, 2025

Went with my husband and 6 month old for his first father’s day and it was amazing they set us up perfect spot for stroller wont be in the way while having a wonderful view loved it staff super amicable

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Experience

Celebrate in Style: Free Birthday Bash at Gaucho!

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Cerritos

4.1

4.1 (178)

$30 and under

American

Cerritos

About the restaurant

Time counts at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. Since our humble beginnings back in 1978, we've continued to refine our brewhouse experience to make BJ's a place where you can make the most of any meal. We want BJ's to be a place where the moment you leave is the moment you plan on coming back. We pride ourselves in our craft and attention to detail. Our guests come here for our award-winning handcrafted beer. They come here for the Southern California twist we've put on the Chicago-style deep dish pizza. And they come here for our Pizookies®, our world-renowned dessert. But above all we know people come here to make their good times better. So in many ways we haven't just crafted a brand, but a mindset. And our guests are the reason for this. And it's because of them we're continually striving to make sure every moment they choose to spend with us counts. Welcome to BJ's, a restaurant with a Brewhouse soul.

Top review

Shawna

Dined 4 days ago

I had a wonderful experience. I was seated within a few minutes. I didn’t mind waiting because my companion was parking the car.. front desk, seated me and directed them to where I was seated. Our waitress came in immediately. She was very friendly and very knowledgeable.. The food was absolutely delicious as always. I look forward to my next visit there.

Frida Mexican Cuisine Cerritos

4.1

4.1 (262)

$30 and under

Mexican

Cerritos

About the restaurant

We are open for curbside pickup, takeout and delivery - we care for you! Take care of yourselves and eat Mexican food! We are open during our regular hours.
Monday-Thursday, 11am-10pm
Friday & Saturday, 11am-11pm
Sunday, 10am-9pm

Top review

steven

Dined on Jul 6, 2025

Good Food and setting with Mariachi's playing during the Brunch meal with family

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