Located east of Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley is home to some top-notch restaurants. The best restaurants in San Gabriel Valley include everything from an elegant Chinese fine-dining destination to Texas-style barbecue favorite.
Feast on meat skewers and North Chinese barbecue dishes in Puente Hills. Hit up a legendary equestrian-inspired steakhouse in Arcadia, or linger over a Mexican brunch with mimosas in Claremont.
Save a table at one of the best restaurants in San Gabriel Valley on OpenTable today.
Read on to discover the 10 best restaurants in San Gabriel Valley right now.
For award-winning Chinese cuisine — check out Bistro Na’s (Temple City)
Bistro Na’s is a San Gabriel Valley favorite for its refined Northern Chinese cuisine. Come for signature dishes like crisp Peking duck and baked Dungeness crab. The elegant space, adorned with intricate bamboo panels and glowing red lanterns, sets the stage for a celebratory feast—whether it’s a family gathering or a special night out.
For twists on Asian dishes using fresh seasonal ingredients — head over to Yang’s Kitchen (Alhambra)
A standout in Alhambra, Yang’s Kitchen puts a fresh, modern spin on Asian comfort food starring hyper-seasonal ingredients. The brunch and dinner menus shift with the market, but expect dishes like cornmeal mochi pancakes, “hainan” fish rice, and cold sesame noodles. The airy, aesthetic space is infinitely photographable, while carefully sourced coffee and natural wines round out the menu.
For one of the best brunch spots in Pasadena — head over to Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery (Pasadena)
Located in Pasadena‘s historic Old Town, Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery is a cozy, rustic-chic spot for American-inspired brunch and dinner. Snack on house-made charcuterie or fried cheese curds before moving on to mains like toffee pancakes and duck noodles. Grab selections from the on-site cheesery to take home.
For late-night Northern Chinese barbecue — try Gao’s BBQ & Crab – Los Angeles (Puente Hills)
For bold Northern Chinese barbecue in the San Gabriel Valley, head to Gao’s BBQ & Crab. Feast on flame-kissed skewers ranging from cumin-dusted lamb to crispy chicken skin and a crawfish combo. The energy level is high, with tables packed and grills fired up late into the night. Pair it all with crisp, cold Tsingtao.
For an iconic equestrian-themed steakhouse — book a table at The Derby (Arcadia)
A San Gabriel Valley institution, The Derby blends old-school charm with top-tier steakhouse fare. Open since 1922, this historic spot serves up expertly aged steaks, buttery lobster tails, and classic martinis in a warm, equestrian-themed setting. Rich wood paneling, racing memorabilia, and plush booths make it a go-to for everything from special occasions to catching a game on TV with a hearty meal. Don’t skip the legendary prime rib.
For Texas-style barbecue — visit Craft by Smoke and Fire (Arcadia)
Craft by Smoke and Fire is a destination for Texas-style barbecue with a California twist. Slow-smoked brisket and juicy ribs headline the menu, while dishes like a brisket quesadilla are distinctively LA. The rustic-industrial setting, complete with custom smokers in action, sets the stage for a hearty feast. Don’t skip the churro ice cream sandwich for dessert.
For a Mexican feast at one of the best restaurants in San Gabriel Valley — head over to Casa Maguey (Claremont)
Sunday brunch is the name of the game at Casa Maguey, which serves traditional Mexican flavors buffet-style in a festive hacienda-style setting, unlimited mimosas and all. Dinner is also an event here, with a lively patio scene making it a go-to spot for happy hours and nights out. The menu spotlights handmade tortillas, rich mole, and sizzling fajitas, while the bar shakes up top-tier margaritas with house-infused tequilas.
For Southern barbecue — check out Gus’s BBQ (Claremont and South Pasadena)
Gus’s BBQ brings Southern comfort foods to Southern California. With locations in Claremont and South Pasadena, the menu is packed with smokehouse classics—think baby back ribs, crispy fried chicken, and buttery cast-iron cornbread. If you’re drinking, don’t miss stellar drinks like a mint julep and a brown butter-washed bourbon. With rustic barn-like details, deep leather booths, and a warm, retro-chic feel, the space is as cozy as the comfort-food centric menu.
For a playful Japanese menu at one of the best restaurants in San Gabriel Valley — check out Roe Fusion (Arcadia)
Roe Fusion is a classic Japanese restaurant with fusion-inspired dishes—think crispy tuna rice and chicken teriyaki alongside baked crab mac and cheese and a standout hot chicken sandwich. The modern and unfussy interior complements the creative dishes. Pair your meal with one of the signature cocktails or a pour from the Japanese sake and whiskey collection.
For Cuban food with a view — check out Coco Palm (Pomona)
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the San Gabriel Valley, Coco Palm serves up elegant Cuban and Spanish dishes in a glamorous setting. The sprawling restaurant boasts retro charm with white-tablecloth dining rooms and grand windows. Start with a refreshing mojito or sangria. Must-orders include crisp lechon asado, chorizo and seafood-packed paella, and flaky empanadas. Come at sunset for epic views.
Los Angeles has dozens of top-notch dining options, and the San Gabriel Valley is no exception. From Cuban food with heavy Spanish influences to Texas-style barbecue, there’s something for everyone in the SGV.
Just remember, popular tables book up fast, so be sure to plan ahead.
Reserve a table at one of San Gabriel Valley’s best restaurants by booking ahead on OpenTable before it’s too late.
These are our selections of the 10 best restaurants in San Gabriel Valley. Learn more about other must-try restaurants in Los Angeles with these guides:
- 10 can’t-miss restaurants in Silver Lake, Los Angeles
- 10 top-notch Middle Eastern restaurants to try in Los Angeles
- 10 must-visit breakfast restaurants in Los Angeles
- 13 restaurants for every kind of date in Los Angeles
Esther Carlstone is a travel and food writer based in Los Angeles. Her work has appeared in publications such as Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet, Forbes, Tripadvisor, Insider, and more. Follow her on Instagram @familyfieldtrip.
