Located in the scenic Antelope Valley just outside of the Mojave Desert in Southern California, Palmdale is a desert city unlike any other.
Heavily freckled with Joshua trees and framed by the beautiful Tehachapi, San Gabriel, and Sierra Pelona mountain ranges, the city is small, quaint, and very charming. So it makes sense that the best restaurants in Palmdale match the description of Palmdale itself!
The following is a list of reviews for the 13 best restaurants in Palmdale, composed of multiple dining establishments that were chosen based on the ambiance, the alcohol selection, and most importantly, the amazing food!
1. El Toreo West
$$ | (661) 273-4050 | WEB SITE
From piping-hot albondigas (a delicious meatball soup) to enchiladas smothered in colorful sauces and lots of gooey cheese, El Toreo is serving up authentic Mexican cuisine at a reasonable price. You can choose a combination plate with quesadillas, tacos, and more.
Or try the a la carte options, which include tacos, burritos, and chile relleno. Customers love the homemade salsa, the mole, and the laidback atmosphere. Some customers even claim that El Toreo serves the best Mexican food in the Antelope Valley.
2. Kaze Sushi
$$ | (661) 382-1809 | WEBSITE
If you are a sushi lover like I am, you will love Kaze Sushi. Unlike many other sushi restaurants, Kaze does not skimp on portions. There are several different types of sushi to choose from: octopus, eel, shrimp, salmon, albacore, mackerel, and the classics – yellowtail sashimi and California rolls.
Wash it all down with ice-cold Sapporo beer or chilled white peach Sake. Guests enjoy the sizable portions, the excellent customer service, and the grand presentation of the dishes.
3. Lee Esther’s Creole & Cajun Cooking
$$ | (661) 266-0000 | WEBSITE
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Lee Esther’s is the place to go if you enjoy spicy, flavorful Creole and Cajun comfort food. Upon eyeing the appetizer menu, you will immediately see the mac n’ cheese balls with crab meat and the boudin balls.
There is an entire section of the menu devoted to Po’ Boys (a Louisiana-born sandwich packed with seafood on French bread). And of course, what would a Cajun restaurant be without Jambalaya and etouffee crawfish? The reviews of Lee Esther’s are glowing – guests rave about the incredible quality of the food and the easygoing southern-style atmosphere.
4. Yard House
$$ | (661) 274-9271 | WEBSITE
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Yard House is not your typical sports bar! They serve classic American favorites as well as a few Asian and Mexican dishes, all with a twist. The lists of appetizers and other starters are extensive: poke nachos (wontons, sesame seeds, soy ginger sauce, and ahi); Miguel’s queso dip; buttery shiitake garlic noodles; and Cali roll stacks.
Yard House also serves the Korean BBQ cheesesteak and carne asada tacos. Combine the eclectic food choices with a late-night happy hour filled with an impressive beer selection and you have an overall unique dining experience.
5. Jasmine Thai Restaurant
$$-$$$ | (661) 274-8424 | WEBSITE
Jasmine Thai serves authentic Thai cuisine with no added preservatives, making sure that you receive nothing but the finest quality dishes. In case you are uncertain of what to order, the Jasmine Thai website lists favorites that can help you decide what dish to try during your first visit.
A few of the favorite dishes listed are mangos with sticky rice, pad see eew shrimp and chicken with a fried egg on the side, calamari tempura, and chicken satay.
Any extra-spicy menu items will have multiple hot chili peppers affixed next to the item, so no surprises! The founder of Jasmine Thai is from Thailand and takes great pride in providing great Thai meals to Southern Californians.
6. Baracoa Cuban Restaurant
$$-$$$ | (661) 265-9463 | WEBSITE
Baracoa brings some style to the Antelope Valley by serving mouth-watering Latin cuisine. Start with papas rellenas or ceviche del caribe as an appetizer.
Then try some of the savory dishes that customers love, like rope vieja (shredded beef, onions, and bell peppers in tomato and wine sauce) and vaca frita (beef, onions, and oranges in garlic lime).
The list of alcoholic beverages includes sweet red and white sangrias and Hatuey Cuban beer. Guests are so impressed with the service that nearly every positive review mentions excellent servers by name.
7. Malhi’s Indian Cuisine
$$-$$$ | (661) 947-2277 | WEBSITE
This is Indian fare like you’ve never had before. The menu is divided into vegetarian and non-vegetarian items. The vegetarian side lists items such as matar paneer – a thick, hearty vegetable stew – and mushroom masala. The non-vegetarian side lists chicken vindaloo, beef curry, and lamb palak.
Customers speak of Malhi’s as though the restaurant has swept them up and taken them from California to India. The service is exceptional and combined with the amazing cuisine, it makes for an unforgettable meal.
8. Fresco II
$$-$$$ | (661) 947-6677 | WEBSITE
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Whether you have had the pleasure of tasting great Mediterranean dishes before or if this is your first experience, Fresco II is a fabulous establishment offering foods from several of the 21 countries.
The particular favorite for regular patrons is the Santorini shrimp over angel hair pasta, as well as the Silician pizza. The Monster 4×4 lasagna is ideal for big appetites or sharing with friends. The chocolate pistachio canolis are made fresh daily, and the wine and beer selection is comprised of everything from Stella Artois to Bud Light.
9. Scramblez Cafe
$ | (661) 538-2233 | WEBSITE
Breakfast is not only the most important meal of the day, but it can also be the most delicious. That is especially true at Scramblez. If you enjoy omelettes, this place has plenty to choose from. Many are creative and contain an ingredient or two that may surprise you, such as the chili cheese omelet or the chile verde omelet.
However, Scramblez also has sandwiches, wraps, and quesadillas that the locals love, such as the black Angus sirloin steak sandwich. Come in early for breakfast or stop by for a cozy, low-key brunch.
10. Lemon Leaf Cafe
$$ | (661) 942-6500 | WEBSITE
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Lemon Leaf started as a side business for owner Maria Elena Grado and eventually morphed into its own Californian-inspired, Mediterranean-fusion cafe. Enjoy the spicy pink pasta with grilled chicken, red onions, and a creamy and unique pink sauce with a kick.
Or try the cranberry turkey cobb salad with fresh lettuce, gorgonzola, egg, tomatoes, dried cranberries, pecans, and a cranberry poppyseed vinaigrette that is made in-house. Everything from the salads to the pastas to the decadent desserts is made from scratch daily. Guests love the casual atmosphere mingled with high-end cuisine.
11. Chelly’s Cafe
$ | (661) 267-1700 | WEBSITE
Chelly’s is a family-owned restaurant that creates traditional, All-American breakfasts and lunches. You can order one of their hearty breakfast dishes, such as eggs benedict or chicken fried steak and eggs. Add a side of buttermilk hotcakes to your meal for some added sweetness.
Or try a juicy 1/3-pound bacon cheeseburger with a side of fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or fresh fruit. Guests love the consistently-impressive guest service and the quality of each dish, as well as the family-friendly atmosphere.
12. California Fish Grill
$$ | (661) 450-2512 | WEBSITE
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This is fresh California seafood at its finest. Choose from tilapia, Atlantic salmon, swai, sea bass, rockfish, ahi tuna, catfish, and more served with rice and veggies. There are spicy Cajun salmon sandwiches and grilled shrimp burgers.
The California bowls are divine, especially the dynamite shrimp bowl. Customers are excited to find that there is indeed something for every seafood lover on the menu, no matter their age. The portions are sizeable and the ambiance is casual and relaxing for a family night out.
13. Lucky Roxy’s Cafe
$ | (661) 267-6526 | WEBSITE
Lucky Roxy’s is a local favorite known for preparing comfort foods that are sure to leave you satisfied. Breakfast is served all day, so you can enjoy the huevos rancheros, steak and eggs, and breakfast burritos for any meal.
If you have a sweet tooth, Lucky Roxy’s has stacks of fluffy pancakes or French toast to satisfy your craving. If breakfast food is not for you, you may want to arrive after 11 a.m. so you can order one of their classic sandwiches, salads, or soups.
With the comfortable atmosphere and dishes that taste as if they were crafted in your very own kitchen, Lucky Roxy’s will keep you coming back every time.
Summary
Although Palmdale is not a well-known city in California, the fine foods served at local Palmdale restaurants are definitely worth the trip through the desert.
Driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas might make you hungry like it made me, so Palmdale is the perfect pit stop for great food that will fill you up for the trip. If you ever find yourself in this lovely city, make sure to stop by one (or more!) of the restaurants above.
Hayden has been a digital director for years. He has five years of experience editing and writing about food, restaurant, and recipe review content. At Birch Restaurant, he’s in charge of scouting, showing up unannounced in different restaurants, and writing a thorough food guide!
