Have you ever found yourself in that familiar culinary rut, scrolling endlessly through online reviews, desperately seeking a new and exciting place to eat? The San Gabriel Valley is known for its amazing food scene, but sometimes, even the most dedicated food lover can overlook hidden gems. West Covina, nestled in the heart of the SGV, is a surprisingly delicious destination often missed by casual observers. It’s a melting pot of cultures, and that diversity translates directly onto its vibrant food scene. Forget the chain restaurants and predictable fare; West Covina is calling your name with a symphony of flavors waiting to be discovered.
This article serves as your passport to navigating the diverse and delightful culinary landscape of West Covina. Prepare to have your palate awakened as we explore must-try spots for every taste bud, from authentic Asian cuisine to comforting American classics, and everything in between. So, buckle up, food enthusiasts, and get ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure through the heart of West Covina!
Asian Cuisine Powerhouse
West Covina shines as a beacon for Asian food lovers. The sheer variety and authenticity of its Asian eateries are a testament to the community’s rich cultural tapestry. Forget generic Asian takeout; we’re talking about expertly crafted dishes that transport you to faraway lands with every bite.
Dim Sum Delights
No exploration of West Covina’s food scene would be complete without diving into its dim sum offerings. Look no further than Capital Seafood Restaurant, a local favorite known for its bustling atmosphere and delectable dim sum carts. Located on Plaza Drive, Capital Seafood is an experience. Servers navigate the crowded dining room with carts piled high with steaming baskets of dumplings, buns, and savory treats. The constant chatter, the aroma of freshly cooked dishes, and the visual feast of dim sum carts create a sensory overload in the best possible way.
What makes Capital Seafood special? First and foremost, it’s the freshness of the ingredients. You can taste the quality in every bite. From the plump shrimp in the har gow (shrimp dumplings) to the savory pork in the siu mai (pork dumplings), each ingredient is carefully selected and prepared. Second, it’s the sheer variety of offerings. You’ll find all the classics, like char siu bao (barbecue pork buns), chicken feet, and egg tarts, alongside more adventurous options.
A must-try dish is the xiao long bao (soup dumplings). These delicate dumplings are filled with a flavorful broth and a pork filling. Be sure to eat them carefully to avoid squirting the broth! Another highly recommended item is the cheung fun (rice noodle rolls), which you can fill with shrimp, pork, or vegetables.
While Capital Seafood sets the standard, it’s worth noting that other dim sum options exist in the area, each with its own unique appeal. Exploring different dim sum restaurants is a great way to discover your personal favorites.
Noodle Nirvana
When the craving for noodles strikes, West Covina delivers in spades. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of ramen, a fragrant pho, or hand-pulled Chinese noodles, you’ll find it here. However, one restaurant stands out in the ramen category: Jinya Ramen Bar on Plaza Drive.
Jinya Ramen Bar offers a modern and stylish atmosphere, a stark contrast to some of the more traditional eateries in the area. The dimly lit interior, the sleek wooden tables, and the bustling open kitchen create a vibrant and energetic ambiance. However, the real star of the show is the ramen.
Jinya offers a wide variety of ramen options, from classic tonkotsu (pork broth) to spicy miso. Each bowl is carefully crafted with high-quality ingredients and attention to detail. The broth is rich and flavorful, the noodles are perfectly cooked, and the toppings are fresh and vibrant.
A must-try dish is the Spicy Chicken Ramen. This bowl features a creamy chicken broth, spicy sesame oil, chicken chashu, spinach, and green onions. The spice level is just right, providing a pleasant kick without being overwhelming. For vegetarians, the Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen provides just as much flavor with tofu and a creamy base.
Beyond Noodles and Dim Sum: Exploring Regional Asian Flavors
West Covina’s Asian food scene extends far beyond dim sum and noodles. You can find a diverse range of regional Asian cuisines, including Taiwanese, Korean barbecue, Vietnamese, and Thai. One restaurant that truly stands out is Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong, a Korean barbecue establishment on Nogales Street.
Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong offers an authentic Korean barbecue experience. The restaurant is always bustling with diners grilling their own meats at the table. The atmosphere is lively and convivial, making it the perfect place to gather with friends and family.
What makes Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong special is the quality of the meat. They offer a wide variety of marinated and unmarinated meats, all of which are incredibly tender and flavorful. From the classic galbi (short ribs) to the samgyeopsal (pork belly), each cut is carefully selected and prepared.
A must-try dish is the Chadol Baegi, thin slices of beef brisket that cook quickly on the grill. Dip the cooked meat in sesame oil and salt, then wrap it in lettuce with kimchi and other condiments for a truly satisfying bite. The restaurant also has a wide variety of side dishes that help emphasize the experience and flavors.
Mexican Food Fiesta
No Californian food journey is complete without exploring Mexican cuisine, and West Covina offers an abundance of options, from humble taco stands to restaurants specializing in regional delicacies.
Authentic Tacos
For a taste of authentic Mexican tacos, head to Tacos El Gordo on Vincent Avenue. This unassuming taco stand is a local institution, known for its flavorful meats, fresh tortillas, and vibrant salsas.
What sets Tacos El Gordo apart is its commitment to quality and authenticity. They use only the freshest ingredients, and their tortillas are made fresh daily. The meats are marinated and cooked to perfection, and the salsas are fiery and flavorful.
A must-try taco is the adobada, marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit. The pork is thinly sliced and served on a warm tortilla with cilantro and onions. Be sure to try their homemade salsas, which range from mild to scorching hot. Prices are incredibly reasonable, making Tacos El Gordo a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.
Beyond Tacos: Regional Mexican Cuisine
While tacos are a staple, West Covina also offers a variety of restaurants specializing in regional Mexican cuisine. Mariscos Los Toritos, located on Garvey Avenue, is one of the most exciting spots.
Mariscos Los Toritos specializes in seafood dishes from Sinaloa. The restaurant has a relaxed and casual atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day.
A must-try dish is the Aguachile Verde. This spicy dish features shrimp marinated in lime juice, serrano peppers, and cilantro. It’s a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a hot day. They also offer a variety of seafood cocktails, ceviches, and grilled fish dishes.
American Comfort Food & Modern Twists
Sometimes, all you crave is a classic American burger or sandwich. West Covina has you covered with a variety of establishments serving up comforting and delicious American fare.
Classic Burgers and Sandwiches
The Habit Burger Grill on Barranca Street has become a Southern California staple. While technically a chain, The Habit consistently delivers high-quality burgers and sandwiches at a reasonable price.
What makes The Habit special is its focus on fresh ingredients and customizable options. Their burgers are made with charbroiled patties, fresh lettuce, tomato, and onions. They also offer a variety of toppings and sauces to customize your burger.
A must-try item is the Charburger. The Charburger features a charbroiled patty, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and mayonnaise on a toasted bun. You can add cheese, bacon, or avocado for an extra charge. Their French fries are also worth a try. They are crispy and golden brown, and perfectly seasoned with salt.
Brunch Spots to Savor
Weekends in West Covina call for brunch, and there are several spots that cater to the brunch crowd. The Broken Yolk Cafe on Lakes Drive is a popular spot known for its hearty portions and classic brunch dishes.
The Broken Yolk Cafe has a casual and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect place to gather with friends and family. The menu features a wide variety of brunch items, from pancakes and waffles to omelets and breakfast burritos.
A must-try item is the Golden State Benedict. This dish features two poached eggs, avocado, bacon, and hollandaise sauce on an English muffin. They also offer a variety of pancakes, waffles, and French toast options.
Sweet Endings
No meal is complete without a sweet ending, and West Covina offers a variety of dessert destinations to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Dessert Destinations
Afters Ice Cream on Plaza Drive is a popular spot known for its unique ice cream flavors and creative creations.
Afters Ice Cream offers a variety of unique and interesting ice cream flavors, from Milk and Cereal to Cookie Monster. They also offer a variety of toppings and sauces to customize your ice cream.
A must-try item is the Milky Bun. This creation features a scoop of ice cream inside a warm glazed bun. It’s a decadent and delicious treat that’s perfect for sharing.
Boba Bliss
West Covina has seen an explosion in the amount of Boba shops in recent years. Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea, located on Nogales Street, stands out due to their dedication to fresh fruit and authentic Taiwanese flavors.
Yi Fang specializes in teas made with fresh fruit. All of their fruit is sourced locally and prepared fresh daily. This leads to a much brighter and fresher flavor compared to most of the other Boba stores in the area.
Try their signature Yi Fang Fruit Tea! The drink is made up of passionfruit, pineapple, apple and orange and it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite for newcomers.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
Beyond the well-known establishments, West Covina is home to several hidden gems that are worth seeking out.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Eateries
El Sauz is a small, family-owned restaurant on Vine Avenue specializing in Salvadoran cuisine. This unassuming eatery is a favorite among locals for its authentic pupusas and other Salvadoran specialties.
What makes El Sauz special is its commitment to traditional recipes and family-style cooking. The pupusas are made fresh daily and filled with a variety of savory fillings.
A must-try item is the revuelta pupusa. The pupusa is filled with pork, beans, and cheese. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
The Best Kept Secret
La Carreta, a tiny hole-in-the-wall on Valinda Avenue, is often overlooked, but those in the know flock there for their exceptional birria. This slow-cooked goat stew is incredibly tender and flavorful, and it’s served with a side of warm tortillas for dipping.
Conclusion
West Covina’s food scene is a vibrant and diverse tapestry woven with flavors from around the world. From authentic Asian cuisine to comforting American classics, this SGV gem offers something for every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a new and exciting place to eat, West Covina is sure to impress. So, next time you’re craving adventure, skip the usual suspects and head to West Covina – your taste buds will thank you!
