Tried this place, we got fried chicken salad and a sandwich and kids meal. All fantastic and large portions.

Extraordinary service felt extra special from Lisa's for today's lunch to-go. Karen and Sammi were easily generous upon granting our requests, both with smiles and top-notch service. Chef Ray put together delicious sandwiches and the Chinese Chicken Salad was a hit, too, of course! We are eager to return soon, maybe this time to try out a dinner, as we hear the lasagna, especially, is unforgettable. Our experience with Lisa's staff and food were both WINS! read more

Went back to Lisa's today. People are quick to put in a bad review, but not so quick to follow up after an establishment makes efforts to make things right. After a discussion with Ian, I decided to try again. I tried the Thai Crunch Salad, and it was delicious. Fresh tomatoes...lettuce was fresh as were the grated carrots. This is a salad I can come back for again and again. Thank you to Betty, who was most pleasant at the counter. I'll be back again next week. read more

Went there today for breakfast with a friend. Plenty of parking. They're currently under street repairs so it seemed very slow more employees than customers. My suggestion would be to place a sign outside letting people know you're open. I called to ask if the were open. Lady on the phone was very short and not very friendly. She informed they were open. You order on the counter and they serve you when it's ready. Lady who took the order wasn't very friendly. Other than that their burritos are amazing. We had the A.M Burrito. It was super tasty. You have plenty of options to create your own burrito. read more

Lisa's Café & Bakery - Cafes Near Me - Torrance, California

See all

So disappointing as this used to be a consistently flavorful and unique Chinese Chicken Salad (a staple and weekly go-to), however today after having been gone for awhile I discovered indications of quality degradation that will unfortunately land this cafe in my list of greedy has-beens. First are the greens. Sifting the salad around I saw several wilted, dark and nasty old pieces which definitely shouldn't have been there. I also had several large chunks of stalk (white layered base) of the lettuce which wouldn't have been so bad if there was dressing on it, but that brings me to disappointment #2... They've gotten REALLY chintzy with the dressing! So I took a pretty good mixing to the salad beforehand, and it tasted SO bland like imagine chewing on water. Seriously. Watered down lettuce, watered down almond slivers, watered down onions... Heck, even the CHICKEN tasted like water! I even suspect it was canned. Ah and that beautiful zesty tang of the signature dressing was nowhere to be found since there was a lack thereof, so of course I went up to the counter to ask for "a little more" to make it palatable. This is when I find out they charge 75 cents for an extra little container. Listen it's not like I can't afford it, but y'all want to charge me for the dressing that should've been on the salad in the first place?!? Just on principle alone, HARD PASS.. 2 stars for the iced tea and crunchy wontons which were the only things that had flavor. Other than that y'all ruined my lunch and I wasted 40 mins worth of gas. read more

Lisa's Café & Bakery - What's up with these kind of leaves getting past quality control? - Cafes Near Me - Torrance, California

See all

I've been a faithful customer for years. I believe the quality has gone down hill. I was really aware when I ordered 4 corned beef and cabbage dinners for 4. They were AFWUL. I'm appalled. Shame on you. It was worse than disgusting it was shameful. You actually charged for the food. I get food there at least once a week. That won't happen again That's $40 that went into the trash. Shame on you. If you don't know how to cook and present corned beef than don't offer it. read more

DELICIOUS! First time coming back here in a while. I used to come here all the time when I was in high school back when it was called Lisa's Bon Appetit. 20 years later and the Chinese chicken salad still tastes exactly the same. This place is pure nostalgia for me. read more

Five stars for the Chinese chicken salad. It's my go to there and I treated my mom's caregiver today for lunch and we both enjoyed our salad. One star for dessert or I guess no star since we couldn't eat it! Judging by these desserts I would not call it a bakery. The lady in front of us told us that they rarely have the coconut cupcakes and somebody called her because they had them. I figured they had to be pretty special and I love coconut cake so we got a coconut cupcake and then the lady recommended this raspberry tart. The desserts came before our salad and we were going to be sneaky and have a bite but we could not cut into the rock of frosting that was on top of the cupcake. I did ask the server but she said it's just because it's cold and once it thawed out it would be fine . My friend and I spent over an hour gabbing over our salads and when we went to cut the cupcake, the frosting on top was still hard as a rock and could not be cut. When we finally broke into it the cake inside disintegrated like it was still in the filling tasted like lard. It was absolutely awful. So disappointed but we still had the tart. Well low and behold the tart was even more of a disappointment. The Fylling was more raspberry fruit but it had obviously been frozen and thawed out inside so it was watery and bland with no flavor. It was like somebody blended frozen raspberries and put a little cream on top. Thank God we just had a massage and facial next-door and we were really relaxed because the desserts were supposed to be the icing on the cake but instead were super disappointing. If it wasn't for the salad I would probably never go back but it is the best Chinese chicken salad in the South Bay! Two salads and two desserts $40. I should have asked for a refund for the desserts but I guess the lesson is don't ever order again. read more

Lisa's Café & Bakery - Desserts were in edible - Cafes Near Me - Torrance, California

Delicious and reasonably priced food with impressively fast service. The place was spotless, super cute, and my order came out in just a few minutes. I got the Comfort Sandwich and it was exactly that--comforting, well-seasoned, and perfectly made. A great stop if you want something satisfying without the wait. read more

See all

I really like the food here. It's really close to my job so I've been coming here twice a week since I found this place. but the service today was awful. The lady that helped me took my lunch order rushed me didn't say thank you and then turned around and started talking to a manager I believe about someone's funeral that they were gonna cater. She didn't even tell me thank you. She just turned around and walked away. It's like I wanted to get dessert but OK but the food is pretty good here. I don't think I'm gonna come back. She kind of made me feel really bad that she just walked away from me and then as I was standing there waiting for my food, I asked if I could have a cup of ice so I could put some of a lemon water that they had out in it and the girl looked at me she goes. Did you order something like I was some scumbag off the street asking for free ice so I guess I have to find another place but a couple times I've been here. The sandwiches were good. It's too bad. The service is crappy. read more

We had used Lisa's Catering for our daughters services a few years ago and honestly I didn't eat there prior to or after her services. Today, I had some tests I had to run with one of my doctors, was looking for a different place to eat at, ran into Lisa's and decided to give it a try! Well, I apparently had forgotten what food should look and taste like, but now I am reminded. This was an awakening for me, there are great places that are not on the normal routes and hard to notice, but well worth the adventure. I and my friends and family will be going back. read more

Lisa's Café & Bakery - London Broil in peppercorn sauce, mashed potatoes and Zucchini - Cafes Near Me - Torrance, California

Everything is delicious! I always order the Chinese chicken salad with boiled chicken. It's the best salad ever!!

Every salad have gotten here as a 10 out of 10 So fresh so delicious Everything taste high-quality I like the grilled chicken versus the boiled chicken for the Chinese chicken salad read more

Been coming here for years. Pick up salads, soups, desserts 2-3 times a week. The main reason I go (because there are many places to pick up salads, etc) is the hard working, friendly, customer service oriented staff- Ruthie, Karen, Sammy and Ray. They make you feel welcome and they truly care. read more

When Lisa's Bon Appetite used to be a little hole in the wall, by the old Begonia Farm. Their signature Chinese chicken salad (which made them famous), went down the drain when they moved, and again when Lisa's daughter took over. The signature salad, used to be incredible and first class, with an abundance of dressing, chicken, abundance of almonds, crispy wontons, lots of green onions, and cold iceberg lettuce. Now, the portions of dressing is marginal, wontons taste like rancid fryer oil, and the green onions, and almonds are practically nonexistent. Huge disappointment as I was indeed a fan of this place. The sandwiches are okay and the price point is reasonable. read more

I have ordered catering before and enjoyed it so decided to give the cafe a try. The sandwich and kid's food were disappointing and the staff made me feel uncomfortable/unwelcome. I have 3 little kids and will eat almost anything that I don't have to make and I had a hard time eating the Ortega turkey sandwich. It was slimy and the turkey tasted like very average deli meat. It was a very odd and unpleasant experience. I really was looking forward to adding this as a regular option since my kids love nearby Chuck E. Cheese. read more

service was great very friendly staff had the Chinese chicken salad with grilled chicken highly recommend! read more

We heard about the Salad Dressing, that is was amazing and my wife finally purchased 2 bottles of it. It was so tasty we loved it. Would like to try the cafe someday on the weekends. My wife said they had great customer service when she was in the cafe during her lunch hour. It was a very cute place and someday will come and try them out. read more

Food was greasy and salty Menu had half of the items blocked out Came here because I remember Lisa's as being a healthier/ home style option (have not been here since 2020) I think they changed ownership? (I asked, but the girl behind the counter denied it). They used to be open only until 3pm, I called at 3:10, they said they were open until 6. Most of the menu blacked out with tape. I ordered a Ortega turkey panini, I got a greasy grilled turkey on sourdough. Turkey was very salty, low quality. I ate half and decided I just couldn't finish it. Still hungry--Walked back in, thinking I ordered wrong and could order something better (I was going to pay for a separate sandwich- never asked for any discount) I asked if it was possible to order a panini without oil/ grease/ butter on the outside -- I was told "that's a panini, there is no other way" I looked at all the other options and decided that no matter what I ordered, I was going to be unhappy due to the way they prepare their food. Should have just gone to Whole Foods or Mendocino farms. Lady behind the counter was efficient. Pasta salad was alright ( pic shows I ate it all- not sure if it was good or if I was hungry) read more

See all

This place was recommended by a coworker. I really wanted to like it. The prices look reasonable, but remember you get what you pay for! My first online order included a vanilla coffee. Nobody pointed out during pick up that there was no vanilla available. Other options were not offered. I didn't know my coffee was not flavored until I got back to the office. It was a small thing so I thought I would try again. Today I tried for the second and last time. I ordered a sandwich on wheat bread and a lemon tart. First of all, the girl at the cash register was incredibly rude! I asked her a question; she didn't know the answer so she rolled her eyes and rudely called someone else over to help me. My sandwich was on rye not wheat bread. It was the driest sandwich I have ever had!!! The lemon tart MAYBE had 1/16" of lemon (if that), but lots of crust and lots of whipped cream. I had a whipped cream tart. I would not recommend this place and I will not be ordering business lunches here. read more

Great food. All the sandwiches are good. Great Breakfast Burrito. Good lunch spot. The specials are good. Price is good.

I drove all the way from Moorpark to have a lovely lunch with my best friend. I paid for this meal and was completely disappointed. It WAS crap. 1 slice of processed meat, a huge slather of mayo concoction and a chile. I took one bite and was appalled. Here is the receipt and when I asked to order something else and I WOULD pay for it, the girl manager said we don't need you eating here. The sandwich should have been a panini, crisp with a decent amount of meat and cheesy. IT WAS NOT at all, it was dog food to be kind. IT IS NO WORTH THE TIME NOR MONEY TO GO HERE, THERE ARE A TON OF PLACES TO FREQUENT. THE MANAGER, SHE DID NOT CARE NOR WANT YOUR BUSINESS. read more

Lisa's Café & Bakery - ACTUAL BILL wish now I could have my money back, they took me for lunch and pay - Cafes Near Me - Torrance, California

Had the ORTEGA TURKEY PANINI when I got it home and opened the container it was dripping with the Chipotle Aioli sauce. Just oozing out of the sandwich. The ingredients were tasty and overall after removing some of the Aioli it was good but ease up on the Aioli sauce. read more

I have loved Lisa' Chinese chicken salad all these years. I routinely pick up two salads with boiled chicken and a bottle of their delicious salad dressing. This it the first time I was very disappointed with my purchase. I lifted up all the fresh green mixed salad and saw old, brown, crummy parts of iceberg lettuce on the bottom of each of my containers. It's a filler and obviously the old stuff. I'm bringing this to your attention as I expect fresh salad all the way through my purchase as reflected in the price and reputation of Lisa' s Chinese Chicken Salad. The other items were fresh. read more

Lisa's Café & Bakery - Large Chinese Chicken Salad with boiled chicken. - Cafes Near Me - Torrance, California

Always a go-to for fabulous Chinese Chicken salad!! Speedy delivery service, too. Love their catering and special touches. Eating in cafe is not my favorite so I have been having delivery for years. So much easier to manage at home PLUS now the Chinese Salad dressing is available in bottles for delivery!! read more

My first visit here from family recommendations so I'll have to come back again and try other items. Location: PCH in the same shopping center that includes Chuck E. Cheese's and Honey Baked Ham. Across the street from Weinerschnitzel. Private parking lot with plenty of space available. Food: I got the Chinese Chicken salad on the recommendation from a family member. I got the grilled ( other option was boiled) version and I was pleasantly surprised it wasn't too dry (brining?). Chunks weren't too big and the vinigarette dressing was light and not drowned in the stuff. A light, fairly healthy meal. I also had a flat, fried sweet cinnamon pastry that I failed to ask the name of , but it was also pretty good too. Summary: I need to go back for a full evaluation as I didn't get to eat too many things from this chain. They also offer sandwiches, cookies and coffees as well. But what I did get to try, I was happy with. Seems this place is focused on gluten free and healthy options as well indulgent ones so that everyone can be happy with their meal. Would I come back? Sure would. Place is clean and well lit. Staff is friendly and helpful. Will evaulate again at another time. Happy eating!! read more

Lisa's Café & Bakery - Chicken salad - Cafes Near Me - Torrance, California

This place is wonderful and full of hardworking ladies, especially Sammy and Ale, thank you so much for the service and food, keep it up 10/10 read more

Love their Chinese Chicken Salad and their Mexican Salad. I check each week for their Specials. The wife and I eat there each week. The pastries are top notch too. We always ask Ruthie for her recommendations and she's never led us wrong. Outstanding worker! read more

Great people work at the cafe, service is outstanding and the food to die for the servers are outstanding, Ruthie, Sammy,Ali and Karen.

Time to get a new manager. She is awful. Food was lousy. I will make sure I find a better place. I am sorry I spent my money there. I asked for something else and I was told to leave. Are you kidding me...how f-ing rude, you made the meatloaf, I ordered it and thought is was terrible. I wanted a lunch, not slop. read more

Bad Service. I was the only one in there waiting to order at the cashier was zoe, a. girl that looks middle eastern (i did not get her name) , Marvin, A stud looking female and another spanish speaking woman all TALKING and LAUGHING while clearly i was standing there waiting to order. I was so disappointed with the service Zoe was also rude when I asked her about a certain desert and was unsure. They need to Up their service read more

I love the Chinese chicken salad dressing... you can purchase a bottle of it if you want. Service is very friendly and welcoming

Chinese chicken salad with boiled chicken is my go to for this spot. I usually take the premade salad togo so can't say much about their service read more

We have always been big fans of Lisa's! Yesterday while dining in, my baby was very intrigued by one of the workers taking his lunch break. Tito was so friendly and kind and even gave her a special gift. The employees are what truly make the full experience here and I hope they are rewarded for their hard work and hospitable demeanor. Sharing the smallest sentiment of our gratitude as a token of our appreciation. You made our day, Tito. read more

Soooo bummed! I was back in Torrance having my dog groomed and had time for breakfast. I saw that Lisa's (best caterer in South Bay or used to be) had a cafe. I was expecting the same level of deliciousness but...no. Mushroom Swiss omelette w avocado. How can you ruin that? I'll tell you...don't melt the Swiss‍. Asked for salsa, was charged for it and received hot sauce. So sad!! read more

Lisa's Café & Bakery - BYO omelette- Swiss, mushrooms & avocado - Cafes Near Me - Torrance, California

I stopped by for the first time today and everything was excellent. 1- Service was quick & friendly 2- Prices were great 3- Breakfast of eggs, potatoes, ham & fruit was perfect 4- I will be back for excellent looking pastries another time 5- Pineapple lemonade was tasty 6- Place was clean (bathroom was not 100%, but not bad) 7- Decor cute 8- I stayed & ate for about 20 minutes and about 10 different customers came in for orders, so it tells me people like it 9- The place was fully staffed which leads me to believe the owner treats employees well to want to work there Great find and will return! read more

Lisa's Café & Bakery - Pineapple lemonade - Cafes Near Me - Torrance, California

See all

amazing place ! Some of the best pastries I've ever had and I've been all over the world eating sugar and drinking coffee. The Latte my wife got was Stout...not wimpy weak. Loved it. The chocolate eclair was really really perfect and rich... read more

As the name suggests, this is a cafe and bakery where you can get a sandwich or bakery item. You can either order a small or large coffee, but I don't see a reason why you would order a large when you refill your own coffee from the carafe near the front door. They have a large dining area. It's very casual and simple - basic tables and chairs. From where I was seated, you can see the staff in the back preparing the food through the glass window, which I think is always a positive. My sandwich was okay. It would have been better if they baked their own sandwich bread and made it with that, and I'm not ceros menu it took so long. There is plenty of free parking. It's shares with the other businesses in the strip mall. read more

See all

This is a fun little café located on Pacific Coast Highway. For the critics, I think they are missing the point of this restaurant. This is not designed to be a Location Destination. It is simply a nice place to grab some decent food, some nicely presented bakery items, and maybe a coffee or tea. In terms of staffing, they are friendly and helpful. The café itself is very clean, open, and airy. The tables are well situated and none of them are placed too closely to the next. Overall, if you want to grab a quick bite, sit back with some friends, or grab something to go. This is not a bad place to do just that. read more

I have been a customer for years. I love the food here very much. My order was messed up on two occasions while ordering through a third party (at no fault of the restaurant). Both times I was called by the restaurant, and my order was corrected. In addition, a sweet note and a free cookie was included. Amazing customer service each time and the food is always on point. The Claunch bagel and soy chorizo burrito are AMAZING! The cupcakes are heavenly. The coffee is perfect. Run don't walk. You will not regret. read more

Lisa's Café & Bakery - Cafes Near Me - Torrance, California