Top 10 Best Restaurants in San Gabriel
The San Gabriel Valley is known for its amazing food variety and quality, but San Gabriel is not to be overlooked! From bustling taco stands and trucks that are open literally all night, to some of the best dim sum you’ll ever have in your life, San Gabriel has something for everyone. I previously made a post about some of the newest boba spots in San Gabriel, check that out if you’ve got a sweet tooth after eating 🙂
I’ll be going into my top 10 best restaurants in San Gabriel. A lot of the restaurants are tucked away on Valley Blvd between New Ave and San Gabriel Ave, but rest assured, we will go over all of the food scene from the whole city. I’ll also reveal the locations of some of the most popular taco stands/trucks you can find littered all over SG.
My Personal Top 10 Go-To
It feels like everyday a new restaurant opens up in San Gabriel. It has become almost like a center hub for all things foodie cuisine. Here are the top 10 restaurants in San Gabriel, many of which stood the test of time and remain a fan favorite among locals, including myself!
TK92 Korean BBQ
It feels only right to start with TK42. Offering up some of the best AYCE KBBQ, their menu is extensive, from dry aged wagyu to some of the most tender pork belly you’ll ever have in your life. Their starting price starts at just $34.99 for their cheapest option, but they really begin to stand out when you try their side dishes, from Tteokkboki to Kimchi fried rice, it’s not just a tactic to fill you are, it’s so good you’ll actually want to order seconds (I know I did haha)
250 W Valley Blvd Ste P, San Gabriel
Mian
If you are a beef noodle connoisseur, this ones for you. Authentic, Sichuan spiced beef noodle soups that’ll leave your mouth tingling all day. Prices range between $10-$20 for a single bowl. There’s really nothing you can go wrong with, this is the perfect treat for yourself on a cold winter day.
310 W Valley Blvd #114-#115, San Gabriel
Sun Nong Dan
Come with a group, their Galbi-Jim is a fan favorite. While it may take a while to prepare, since everyone orders it, it’s definitely worth the wait. Grab a couple of drinks and have a good time. Super casual, great to go with friends to catch up or just another date night out.
927 E Las Tunas Dr Ste J, San Gabriel
Bonchon
Known for their Korean Fried Chicken, Bonchon is a staple amongst locals. I would highly recommend their garlic soy flavor. Bonchon is a big chain with over 473 locations worldwide, however their flavors do not disappoint. Every location has the same consistency you can count on
710 W Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel
Bay Poke
Situated right next to Bonchon, Bay Poke is a relatively new poke shop serving fresh fish with creative side toppings. Known for their customization, simply choose the base and fish you’d like on your bowl and load up with nearly unlimited free sides/toppings. Be as creative as you want, and come hungry, the bowls can end up massive!
710 W Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel
Shancheng Lameizi Hot Pot
It’s not San Gabriel Valley if I didn’t include a hot pot spot in this list. Shancheng La Meizi Hot pot was first opened up in Beijing, China, back in 1993. Now they have over 20 locations, with some being in major cities such as Los Angeles. Authentic, spicy, flavorful hot pot that is perfect for any special occasion. BE CAREFUL, their medium spicy is more like hot. If you can’t handle spice all that well, mild and no spice is your friend.
1530 S San Gabriel Blvd, San Gabriel
Hong Kong Dim Sum House
Ah yes, a Chinese breakfast favorite that’s loved by all cultures. When it comes to Dim Sum quality, Hong Kong Dim Sum House does it the best. From their perfectly filled Har Gow, to their delicate Siu Mai, they know what it means to do one thing, but do it damn good. Not much else to say, if you’re looking to ball out and start the day right, go early, the crowd forms fast.
827 W Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel
Punjab - Indian Market & Cuisine
Half restaurant, half market, everything Indian cuisine can be found here. Spices with names you can’t even pronounce, and delicious curries you can smell from outside, Punjab is truly a one stop shop for your Indian Food cravings. I’d recommend trying their goat curry for its flavorful and subtle gaminess. Their prices are also relatively low to other Indian restaurants, so definitely a cheap eats option for anyone looking to eat good on a budget.
618 W Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel
Augie's Burgers
A mix between American Fast food and Mexican ingredients, Augie’s Burgers quickly gained attention for serving up food with bold flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up, or a hearty breakfast to start the day, Augie’s has got you covered. San Gabriel dining at it’s best.
327 S Del Mar Ave, San Gabriel
Newport Seafood Restaurant
Saving the best for last. If you grew up Chinese like me and ever went to a baby shower or wedding, you most likely came here at least once in your life. First I’d like to just say, the portions are huge… I mean they are seriously big. Classics like Lobster noodles, whole steamed fish, and fried garlic shrimp are a must try here. Newport Seafood Restaurant is one of those gems that get nearly every dish right. There are hardly any bad menu items they serve. Bring the family, be hungry, and have a good time.
518 W Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel
Chinese Cuisine Influence
Like anywhere in the 626 area, the chinese food in San Gabriel does not disappoint. But it wasn’t always like this, San Gabriel’s demographics used to primarily consist of Caucasian back around the 1950s. Ever since the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 removed limitations on Asian immigration, chinese influence slowly made it’s way to San Gabriel. By 1990’s, San Gabriel would consist of 40%-60% asians, compared to the 1%-3% back in the 50’s.
Slowly but surely, this rise in chinese population caused the food scene to shift. Resulting in the now 65%+ majority of restaurants being on some sort of Asian origin, from Japanese Sushi to Korean BBQ.
Taco Stands/Trucks
It wouldn’t be LA county however if there weren’t Taco Trucks located everywhere at night. The Mexican Food in San Gabriel is known for it’s consistency and never lacking in flavors. I’ll be listing some of the best locations you can find some good stands/trucks that serve all night!
Arandinos Tacos El Patron – 608 E Valley Blvd, San Gabriel
Taco Point – 1009 S San Gabriel, San Gabriel
Tacos La Dona – 1380 E Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel
Not much to say here, all of these locations are classics and a must try. The whole menu of each truck is always executed perfectly. Taco Point is my personal favorite but their location may vary. I believe they either switched to a stand or are closed temporarily.
FAQs
Where to Get Dim Sum in San Gabriel?
If you don’t want Hong Kong Dim Sum House, give Wah Sing Dim Sum a try. Their food is exceptional, just not as good as Hong Kong Dim Sum House (I may be biased lol)
Best Affordable Restaurant in San Gabriel?
Augie’s Burger is an absolute banger for good cheap eats in San Gabriel. Get a combo, extra pickles, and you’re enjoying life pretty well in my opinion.
What are Some Romantic Dinner Spots in San Gabriel?
Newly opened, Nem by Summer Rolls is a fantastic vietnamese restaurant serving up fan favorites with a vibe to die for. Great food, not the sexiest cuisine or smells, but you won’t leave hungry.
📍 Final Thoughts from a Local Realtor
San Gabriel has something for everyone — whether you’re wanting delicious classics or if you’re feeling adventurous. The lifestyle in San Gabriel is definitely influenced by food.
Life here is great, whether you like Dim Sum or not 🙂
Have questions about specific neighborhoods, I’d love to help.
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