12 Unassuming Restaurants To Add To Your Southern California Dining Bucket List
Have you ever noticed that some of the tastiest food and friendliest service is found in the most unassuming restaurants? These places might not look extra-fancy from the outside, but what they lack in exterior beauty they make up in delicious comfort food. Try these 12 restaurants – they don’t look like much from the curb, but you’ll be back over and over again after you try the food! These are listed in alphabetical order.


Abby's has tasty burgers and sandwiches, and delicious breakfast offerings! The building is small and kind of plain, but the food is fabulous. Located in Eagle Rock at 4862 Eagle Rock Blvd N., Los Angeles.


It's nothing special on the outside, but wow! The biscuits and gravy are incredible. 5150 Waring Road, San Diego.


This little Cajun place is located in a boring building, but the Cajun food is anything but. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, but you definitely want to save room for the beignets. 901 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara.


This strip mall-style joint looks like just another restaurant...but you've gotta try the mushroom burger! 3625 Midway Drive, San Diego.


Is there anything better than banana pancakes on a weekend morning? These people know it's true...be prepared for a wait! 562 Broadway, Chula Vista.


Jennifer N./Yelp
Everything on the menu is wonderful, but you're crazy not to order the pastrami. Langer's is in Westlake at 704 S. Alvarado Street, Los Angeles.

Milt's looks like just another plain-Jane diner, but it has excellent food. Try the California burger. 6112 Knudsen Drive, Bakersfield.



Located in Chinatown, Nick's has the best ham and eggs in the city. 1300 N Spring Street, Los Angeles.


This plain little coffee shop does have a super cool vintage sign, and you need to try the eggs Benedict! 8536 W Pico Blvd., Los Angeles.


Trim and clean, this unassuming little deli offers up some seriously tasty pastrami! 18 W Figueroa Street, Santa Barbara.


This little red-and-white building is sweet and unobtrusive...and it has the world's best pancakes. 420 E Dyer Road, Santa Ana.


Delicious Chinese and American food! 205 E Main Street, Barstow.
What is your favorite restaurant in California that might not look like much from the outside, but has a lot to offer inside? Tell us!
If you’re looking for more delicious dining options in Southern California, try these 9 Awesome Diners!