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    El Calentano

    4.4 (34 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

    El Calentano Photos

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    Lyly T.

    The people were very friendly and nice and I wouldn't mind the price change for the asada fries (~$1, from $9.50 to $10.99) but for literally half the original portion I'm very disappointed. $10.99 worth? No. I spent $14 here.

    Pupusas
    Rachel C.

    Food was superb, fresh and made to order. When I first walked in there was someone's abuelita sitting at the table doing needle point. She spoke and smiled so big and sweet. I felt like home right then. The gentleman and other female worker were both kind and beyond nice. I felt some welcomed. It's clean and has plenty of space to dine in. We ordered to go and it was delicious. 3 bucks for a quality pupusa I'm in.

    Parrillada
    Michele N.

    Food was delicious, service was friendly. We ordered the parrillada , menudo, pancake breakfast, pupusa and even there flan. All were equally delicious.

    Marlin Taco
    Camilla T.

    My fave Mexican & Salvadoran restaurant! This is a small mom & pop restaurant in Gardena, off of Van Ness and Marine. If you drive too fast, you might miss it! Service is always 10/10. Business here is slow, but I'm going to help them attract more people here! If I had to describe the food, I'd just say if you came with a group of friends, all you'd see js people shaking their heads and widening their eyeballs at how delicious the food is here lol You have to get pupusas here, it's what they're known for. Next, I'd recommend their tacos. Specifically the Marlin tacos. 11/10 would recommend! Everything I've had here is amazing! I ordered the Calentano plate today with Fish instead of asada... BOMB. Anyways, love the family that owns this restaurant! Go try it for yourself!

    Service is great, food is a joke 15.00 for nothing but caldo menudo.. Juanita's can would of been better .. That's all that came in my bowl .. Puro caldo!

    Very good service, the food was delicious, and it's a family owned business. I ordered a gallina india a Salvadoran plate very yummy.

    Ostiones preparados
    Natalia D.

    Good quality food! Todo una Belleza! Nice owners ! Small place left a huge impact! I will be coming here every time I want mariscos

    a menu for a mexican restaurant

    I'm so glad I came back to try this place after a change in ownership, highly recommend this place, the food is great and made fresh, and is well seasoned (carne asada). I will definitely come back and tell others to try this spot. The service was also great too, workers were friendly and welcoming. There is indoor seating, please don't forget to bring cash. Also I learned I can order anything on the menu at all times of the day. Here is an additional menu I noticed was missing on this Yelp page.

    Carne asada sopes

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    Photo of Andrea C.
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    2 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 months ago

    Booooomb pupusas been going here offer 15 years used to be called jimmys if u know u know

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    6 months ago

    Could be better. Prices online were inaccurate. Six tacos, no salsa, and menudo cost 47 total.

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    10 months ago

    Food is made by hand, fresh as you order. Small family owned business with great customer service & even better food!

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    2 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

    Great food with super friendly service. Nice patio seating. Papusas, huarchas and tortas are delicious. Cozy diner setting inside.

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Food is savory and delicious. Very pleasantly surprised. Great customer service! We'll be back.

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    5 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Underrated authentic Hispanic food. Not going to regret coming here. Flavors burst in your mouth! Delicious!

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

    La comida muy sabrosa , negocio manejado por una familia muy amable , todo muy limpio , altamente recomendable

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Food was soooo fire! Definitely coming here again workers are so nice and the esthetic is dope. Love it!

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    5 years ago

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    Taqueria El Taco Loco 8

    Taqueria El Taco Loco 8

    4.4
    (131 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$
    Speaks Spanish
    Outdoor seating

    Taqueria El Taco Loco really hit me with a wave of nostalgia. I stopped by for breakfast because I…read morewas craving chilaquiles, and I walked out feeling like I had just eaten at my grandmother's table. My plate was loaded, the kind of generous, no‑nonsense serving that tells you they cook with heart, not shortcuts. Every bite had that strictly authentic, home‑style flavor that reminded me of family, childhood mornings, and my grandma throwing down in the kitchen. The spot itself is super casual, eat in or take out, nothing fancy, nothing trying too hard. But honestly, the food and the service are the only "decor" this place needs. If you're craving something real, comforting, and made with love, this taqueria delivers. Miguel C.

    Restaurant is surprisingly spacious inside despite looking very inconspicuous from the outside. The…read moreparking lot isn't too big, but I've never had issues with parking since the other shops around aren't too busy. We normally call ahead to order our food, and it'll take roughly 10 - 15 minutes. Service is always solid - the workers are friendly and helpful. We normally get the carne asada/pollo fries and they're awesome. Fries are cooked perfectly (I swear there was a period of time where they coated the fries and that wasn't it, but thankfully they stopped), comes with the usual toppings like guacamole, onions, cilantro, etc. They top it with a hefty amount of juicy meat - both carne asada and pollo options are solid. Recently though I've been straying from fries and getting different dishes like the chicken flautas, enchiladas, and mulitas. Chefs kiss for each one. The rice and beans + salsa combo are also flavorful and pair nicely with the entree.

    Photos
    Make sure to add us on Instagram for New items coming up! eltacoloc_8
    Make sure to add us on Instagram for New items coming up! eltacoloc_8
    Diabla FRIES or NACHOS!!! Supper spicy try at your own risk
    Diabla FRIES or NACHOS!!! Supper spicy try at your own risk
    Taqueria El Taco Loco 8

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    Coco's Tacos

    Coco's Tacos

    4.4
    (186 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    If you're cruising through Gardena and craving a small, casual Mexican spot that actually hits,…read moreCocos Tacos is one of those neighborhood spots that reminds you why simple food done right always wins. The vibe is unfussy, the service is friendly in that "we got you, don't worry" way, and the food comes out fast enough to make your stomach feel seen. Man cause we were craving some Mexican food. The wet burrito was the star of my visit, big, saucy, and exactly the kind of comfort bomb you want from a spot like this. The red sauce had that perfect balance of savory and tangy, and the burrito itself was stuffed generously. Every bite was so good, so delicious! And the tacos.....Fire. The homemade tortillas make all the difference, soft, warm, and with that fresh‑masa aroma that tells you they didn't come from a plastic bag. No... no... no! They hold up beautifully to the fillings without falling apart, and they add this subtle sweetness that elevates everything. Chips and salsa were simple but solid. The chips had a good crunch, and the salsa tasted fresh, bright, and not overly blended, the kind you keep dipping into even when you tell yourself you're "saving room for the burrito." "Maybe we were just hungry..hungry huh?" The drinks were honestly refreshing as hell. True Mexican style if you're going to complete the meal....que no? The horchata was creamy without being heavy, with that cinnamon sweetness that makes you want to chug it.The agua de Jamaica was tart, floral, and ice‑cold, the kind of drink that instantly cools you down on a hot Gardena afternoon. Cocos Tacos is exactly what a neighborhood Mexican spot should be, casual, comforting, and consistent. If you're in Gardena and want homemade tortillas, a saucy wet burrito, and drinks that actually refresh you, this place deserves a stop. "Always remember the energy you give is the energy you receive! " Miguel C.

    Looking for a place to eat while our car was being serviced around the corner, we found this little…read moremom's and pop's shop. The food was really good, the tacos are yummy! The service was friendly and prompt, Jocelyn was our server. The restaurant is small, but comfortable. We will definitely visit again if in the area.

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    Coco's Tacos
    Coco's Tacos
    Caldo de res.

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    Caldo de res.
    El Antojito

    El Antojito

    3.8
    (692 reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $

    I visited this restaurant this week because my friend mentioned something about a ceviche. First of…read moreall is super big. It has three different areas where you can order different food when you arrive. You will see the food truck. Go there and order any soup, ceviche tostada, any heavy food. I order ceviche and oh boy! this is the best ceviche I have ever tried for 2026!! The price was another thing that really surprised me since when you bought a bigger size of ceviche can go up to more than $60 to my surprise this place give me a very good deal which I do appreciate. This place has been in my head the whole week, servers are very kind patience and give you a lot of options so you can get what you want, after ordering my ceviche I went inside the restaurant now which is the building and they have one section of only ice cream lollipops oh my God they have three times more options than any other places. If you go around where the tables are outside, you will see a little window where you can order any kind of Agua fresca and other snack snack. please go and visit this restaurant. This is a very unique Mexican flavor restaurant You will be amazed by the variety and the taste of the food. they have plenty of parking lot, but I've heard that they can run out of parking lot since a lot of people can come in and out but most people do order and takeout since this Restaurant do not have an AC.

    Walking into El Antojito feels like you're entering a telenovela scene where everyone is waiting in…read moreline to order from the food truck, and everyone knows your name, even if it's your first time. The staff moves fast, smiles hard, and somehow remembers your order better than you do. Blink too slow and your order will pass you up. It's chaotic in the best "my family is loud but loving" way. This spot is open till 2am on Friday and Saturday. Imagine a place that says, "We're here to feed you, not impress you with mood lighting." It's bright, lively, and filled with the soundtrack of sizzling food, and orders constantly being called. The décor is simple, clean but the vibe is pure Gardena comfort, no pretension, just flavor and vibes. If you have those late night cravings for street food? Oh, it's dangerous. The kind of good where you take one bite and immediately start tearing into the rest with such joy and comfort. Every dish tastes like it was made by someone who refuses to let you leave hungry. The flavors slap, the portions are generous, and the tortillas taste like they were handcrafted by angels who specialize in carbs. Oh, how could I not talk about the drinks and desserts, this is something you need to see for yourself, words cannot describe the things they have for that sweet tooth craving. Mmmm, pure heaven! Miguel C.

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    El Antojito
    Outstandong Cuban Sandwich !
    Outstandong Cuban Sandwich !
    El Antojito

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    El Calentano - seafood - Updated August 2026

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