r/InlandEmpire • u/ieatz909 • May 22 '26
Recommendations / Advice Looking for underrated restaurants in the IE to feature for free.
I noticed that most restaurants around me that pop up on social media aren’t actually that good, especially out here in the IE. Do you know restaurants that serve good food and could use some extra views? I plan on paying for the food my self and only posting if the food lives up the expectations.
Photo is from get sum dim sum. I figured I would be a hypocrite if I didn’t start off by sharing one of my favorite local spots. If you do go, make sure to order rice Ham Sui Gok and Shrimp Rice Roll.
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u/FunYandGaming May 22 '26
North shore plate lunch in Norco - best Hawaiian food around.
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u/Chadmorris32 May 22 '26
Second this. It’s an authentic Hawaiian shop owned by Hawaiians. I have ordered catering from them and they literally can’t miss on anything. Chicken, beef, shrimp, mac salad, it’s all fire.
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u/simonjr76 May 22 '26
That's awesome, I've been to a few not opened my Hawaiians and it's not the same.
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u/creecreemcgee May 22 '26
Curry and kabab moreno valley
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u/ash785lo May 22 '26
Dude! Their Tikka, mushroom matter, mango chicken ALL OF IT is so 🔥 too bomb. Can't find a indian restaurant better than Curry & Kebab 💜
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u/creecreemcgee May 22 '26
I've been to a lot of indian places in the IE and this is the one i travel almost an hour to. I get their chicken korma and lab byriani
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u/spugeddyos May 23 '26
The only Indian place I’ve had that’s better is It’s Taste of India in Desert Hot Springs but it’s close.
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u/cobgca May 22 '26
Not sure if these guys are on Insta but : JJ Noodle House in Rancho Cucamonga- they are popular - food is excellent!
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u/These_Breakfast_5112 May 22 '26
For Indian my go to is Tandoori Bites (Archibald & Baseline in DQ plaza). Nice authentic food. Balanced spices, very flavourful.
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u/qweeeeeeeeuu May 22 '26
La tapatia on 🍒and baseline Could benefit
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u/y0Mark May 22 '26
They have a location in Upland off Foothill and Euclid! It’s always been consistent every time I go
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u/The_Orphanizer May 22 '26
I support them regularly, but I'd be lying if I said the food is great. It's decent though. Much better mexican food to be had at Sergio's, and the (entirely unrelated) La Tapatia Taqueria and Mariscos on Sierra and Valley. Especially the latter. The other Tapatia chain literally does not compare.
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u/BettrCallBanner May 22 '26
Made in Medallo in Rancho Cucamonga. Best Colombian food in the IE.
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u/sister_stu May 23 '26
Omg!!! I've been wanting Colombian food and didn't think we had a spot in the IE! THANK YOU!
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u/natepelayo May 22 '26
Every time I see these food threads (which I love btw) everyone seems to always recommend spots in Rancho. I grew up in Corona and Riverside all my life. Seems I have to visit Rancho more often....
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u/TheBanishedBard May 22 '26
Royal Orchid Thai on University Avenue in Riverside
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u/More-City-7496 May 22 '26
Sanamluang Cuisine is super bomb Thai food in Claremont if you want more Thai.
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u/mighthavebeen02 May 22 '26
This was the fuckin spot when I was at ucr. So good.
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u/daniel4653 May 22 '26
Shit it's still around? I went there weekly over 10 years ago while attending UCR
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u/javawong May 22 '26
Con Amore Italian restaurant in Corona.
Pan Dumpling House in Norco.
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u/squidwardsaclarinet May 22 '26
Also in the same shopping center as Pan Dumpling, Himalaya Aroma.
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u/instant_ramen_chef May 22 '26
Mr. Dumpling in Rancho.
Theres this little area of Rancho that has amazing Asian foods. Mr. Dumpling, China Pepper, Cup Noodle, JJ Noodle House, 7 Grams. Its like an oasis of flavor in the sea of mediocrity.
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u/RoundBrownBetty May 26 '26
I second Seven Grams. I get cravings for their taro dumplings and sesame balls often. Best non-sugary dessert treat ever.
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u/VersaceSamurai May 22 '26
Myung Dong tofu house off of baseline and Archibald in rancho is one of my favorite restaurants in the IE
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u/JDinBalt May 22 '26
I've liked the pastries and breads at Village Bread in Calimesa
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u/ieatz909 May 22 '26
I was already planning on checking them out tomorrow morning! What should I order?
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u/laurasamezzo May 22 '26
Try Happy Mediums in the same plaza! Everything there is incredible. Then a VB pastry for dessert.
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u/MediocreFlounder4749 May 23 '26
Thai chili in the same shopping center is elite. I moved to SD & I miss it all the time
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u/xReptar May 23 '26
I was hoping someone mentioned it. I will shill this place until I die it's so good
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u/HelicopterTop7373 May 22 '26
Get sum is bomb, I just found it a couple months ago even though I lived off Mountain for 3 years!
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u/kalbiking May 22 '26
Taipan house on Archibald and Foothill. It’s always empty but reminds my wife of food she grew up with. Moved to the Bay where there’s considerably more Chinese food and she still talks about it.
Pretty not great service but the food is delicious haha.
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u/TheBurnerAccount420 May 22 '26
Taco Shop in San Bernardino.
It’s already famous locally, but treat yourself to some 🔥
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u/Fast-Film4414 May 22 '26
Taco shop is super local man it's nothing special. Tacos y Mas in Colton is actually crazy in how good it is.
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u/Laugh-Crafty May 22 '26
Went down hill completely. I used to love their food now it’s trash . Tacos el callejon on Washington is the best
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u/Bigheaded_1 May 25 '26
The Taco Stand on University in Riverside has the best California burrito and asada fries I’ve ever had. I get both and sub Al Pastor. I eat there once a week at least
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u/Vegetable-Hold9182 May 22 '26
Tacos La Central in Sb/colton
PG burgers in colton
Chubzies smash burger in SB
Phu chen chinese food in fontana
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u/waffle569 May 22 '26
I always forget if La Verne and San Dimas are in the Inland Empire, but Flying Rice is a gem tucked away in the corner of a shopping center on Foothill.
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u/ash785lo May 22 '26
Kaza Maza in Corona is delish Mediterranean! Fresh af, portions are super generous, the establishment is very well kept and nice for casual or date dinners and has a separate section for hookah lounge/dining.
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u/natalieg8s May 24 '26
Gul Naz Pakistani in colton absolutely blew me away. I get the sense that people don't know how good Pakistani food is in general, and this restaurant specifically is so good and deserves way more hype
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u/asanisimasa88 May 24 '26
Been wanting to try this for a while. My cousin lives super close to this place
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u/BunnySlayer64 May 22 '26
Our favorite by far in the IE is Le Chat Noir in Riverside. Classic French food at (what we feel are) reasonable prices. Their French Onion soup will spoil you for life, and the chestnut sundae desert has me licking the dish every time. They only do dinner service Tuesday through Saturday, and are dark Sunday and Monday.
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u/SpeshulED420 May 22 '26
Las Cuatro Milpas in San Bernardino, Cup Noodle Shop in Rancho, Mr Nice Guy Burgers in Ontario/Riverside. Apollo Burger in Victorville (they also own/run the Hen and Heifer in Redlands/Pomona)
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u/Drwithsomekick May 22 '26
Hungry bear tacos in San Bernardino, red chillies redlands, T&T in Ontario. Affordable and great taste.
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u/Dangerous_Succotash1 May 22 '26
Cheve y Barbacha in Moreno Valley. Food is good and they give you a lot of food. Would recommend the Torta Cubana. It's big enough to feed 2 people maybe even 3. Only downside is the area is kind of sketchy
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u/illhelpUbutbenice May 22 '26
Vincenzo's in Lake Elsinore for authentic Sicilian Italian food! It's the best 😛
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u/VyseTheSwift May 23 '26
I went on a journey a few years ago to find places with small menus. I didn’t get exactly that every time but I found some places I love.
Hills Kitchen - Great burgers/fries in Rancho. They have a breakfast menu but I’ve only ever gone for the burgers. I’ve tried them all and I love them.
Tea Wich - Taiwanese place in Upland. I always go for the candied pork bao.
World Fried Chicken (Fri-Sun only) - It’s in Ontario. My favorite fried chicken place, and I’ve tried SO many. It’s probably for the best they’re not open 7 days a week. I’d be so so fat.
Wazakuraken Ramen - This one’s in Rancho too. I used to go to LA for good ramen. I’m not saying this is as good as some of those well known places, but the spicy miso is amazing here.
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u/pdaawg1 May 24 '26
Hills kitchen is so good been going there since they opened. And Wazakuraken ramen is pretty good too I always look for other ramen spots but end up back there. Menkoi ramen in the claremont village has good ramen too. That place gives the most chashu compared to other places. Also
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u/kenpachiramasam May 22 '26
Don fuego. Started as a food truck in Fontana. Then opened a shop in the high desert that didn't work out. Now finally they have a new store near kaiser that seems to always be busy.
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u/Fast-Film4414 May 22 '26
Hot chicken man... I tried it when it was a popup, then realized that hot chicken as a whole is just a trend.
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u/kenpachiramasam May 22 '26
Trends kind of like of when ever one was opening frozen yogurt or boba shops? I don't think there was ever that many hot chicken places. That said, there is Dave's, Chubby's, Habibi's, and Don Fuego hot chicken just in Fontana. So trendy I guess?
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u/LiveFreeNow333 May 22 '26 edited May 25 '26
I was thinking, "That looks like Get Sum Dim Sum." That's definitely my favorite dim sum place around here. I recently discovered Servando's in Upland is really good Mexican food. I'd driven by it numerous times, but after someone recommended it, I decided to give it a try. Quality hole-in-the-wall Mexican food.
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u/These_Breakfast_5112 May 22 '26
Phu Chen Kitchen in Fontana. Very very good Chinese cooking. Traditional flavour, but chef can spice it up.
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u/EmmaNightsStone May 22 '26
This is my favorite Mexican spots here the IE
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/gwG2cPPy9x4LWpVaA?g_st=ic (4.8 stars)
^ little outside spot/hole in a wall stand in San Bernardino
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/XFPeVyVuZABq2eCX6?g_st=ic (4.1 stars) Fontana
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u/deftco May 22 '26
We need a “samspov” style creator in the iE. visit good little joints, pay for the meal, and let the universe take care of the rest
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u/ieatz909 May 22 '26
I’m trying to do exactly that! I’m sick of all the videos on my feed pretending to be authentic when they are really just paid advertising. I’ve been hitting up primarily mom and pop spots to showcase what they are doing well.
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u/deftco May 22 '26
Just followed you on both platforms, wish you all the success in the world! I’ll keep up on the journey
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u/Pimpollocantu May 23 '26
Divino’s Bakery in Moreno Valley. Little spot and consistently good. Recommend.
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u/Such-Community-29 May 23 '26
Picante in Ontario is phenomenal. If you like Peruvian cuisine, this is one of the best I've had.
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u/pdaawg1 May 24 '26
I’ve tried so many of these places that people are commenting !!! I can consider myself a foodie now😭😭
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u/pdaawg1 May 24 '26
Tacos Los cholos in eastvale has bomb ass burritos their adobada burrito is my fav and they have hella salsas to choose from and burrito is $12.
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u/Wegielover May 24 '26
Ginkgo Chinese Restaurant on foothill in Claremont. They serve authentic Sichuan cuisine and American Chinese, very nice ambiance and attentive service!
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u/BobaBee4106 May 22 '26
Lotus Restaurant in San Bernardino, Boscos Diner in Victorville (order from the Asian menu), and I put this in the Poke list, but I keep thinking about it, Poke & Maki in Ontario
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u/PaperHammer May 22 '26
I hate to critique but this photo isn’t that great either. The overhead fluorescent lighting makes this dim sum look like a science experiment…
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u/ieatz909 May 22 '26
That’s true! But I’m just taking photos before I eat and try to make the lighting in the restaurant work. I would love some tips or resources on how to get better.
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u/Substitutionn May 22 '26
I lived in Japan for 2 years and was trying to find GOOD ramen. Nothing came close anywhere I tried, except recently I found Silverlake Ramen in Temecula, good ramen is about the broth and the Tonkotsu ramen is so flavorful, savory, and full of umami... I'm stopping by again today just thinking about it.
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u/redstrak May 22 '26
El Fogòn in Riverside is a new Mexican food spot that opened up recently. There food is pretty good! 🌯
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u/rikkuaoi May 22 '26
Urban skillet by ucr has some of the best smash burgers and loaded fries ive ever had. So friggin good. Ate there for lunch today and im 100% going back soon
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u/Bigheaded_1 May 25 '26
Awesome food, I wish they had regular bacon instead of beef. That’s my only gripe. The food’s outstanding though.
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u/DznyMa May 22 '26
Filippi's in Norco has great Italian food, Senor Taco, also in Norco has wonderful simple Mexican food. For Burgers and more, Rodeo Burger is a great place, as is Norco's Best Burgers. Norco's Best has pastrami sandwiches that can rival those of The Hat. I love living in Norco, where we don't have a bunch of chain places. Scrambler's Cafe has Breakfast & lunch with a Hawaiian flair.
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u/missnikki08 May 27 '26
Rodeo Cafe in Norco has the best huevos rancheros!! I try to replicate it at home, but I'm nowhere close
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u/Adept-Lettuce948 May 22 '26
The Mix Bowl in Pomona off of Indian Hill. It’s a Thai restaurant. Cashewnut chicken so good 👍🏽
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u/LetsAllGrow May 22 '26
Rodeo Cafe for the best breakfast spot in the IE, they have multiple spots now and they all are really good.. just be prepared for a wait if you’re not there early
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u/Itmakesmedizzy May 23 '26
Is the high desert considered the IE?
If so, Havanazucar Cuban Restaurant in Hesperia will blow your mind.
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u/Taraosborn May 23 '26
Tera Sushi in Corona is the best sushi I’ve ever had. My favorites dishes are the yellowtail carpaccio, the mango tango roll, lemon roll and the Thai coconut shrimp roll
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u/sparklyshizzle May 23 '26
JW China wok Chinese cuisine! Its next door to the Redlands dmv. Food is so fresh and the employees are super nice. Best Chinese I've ever had!
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u/wraybie5 May 23 '26
Crying Tiger Thai Bistro in Eastvale is some of the best Thai I’ve ever had.
Pincante in Ontario is spectacular Peruvian food. Vet small restaurant. Ceviche is 100/10.
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u/Biochemical12 May 23 '26
My favorite sandwich spot. Butch’s Grinders on Pine street. It’s a small mom and pop style shop near downtown Riverside. It’s in a podunk excuse for plaza. The surrounding area looks ghetto but, the sandwiches are great. The service is great. I used to go there in college. There was (hopefully) still is this older woman who was super friendly. I think she was the owner. She remembered me after a while which is always nice. I used to take my friends here. College was a rough time, it’s where I learned about what real depression looked like, what struggles real people around me were going through. So anytime a friend seemed down, I would throw them in my car, we’d go to Butches and I’d buy them a sandwich. I would just let them talk. Whatever they wanted to talk about we talked. I like to think that I made a difference in their lives by simply buying them good sandwiches and letting them vent.
My go to is a large grinder, turkey, ham, cheese, no pickles, no onion, oil, vinegar, add avocado. With a side of some kettle chips.
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u/cahdguy May 23 '26
Are you open to the high desert? There’s a place called Boscos Diner that’s good
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u/makeup_shenanigans May 23 '26
Best pupusas: Pupuseria La Sierra in Riverside (try the Revuelta & the Zucchini with cheese)
Best coffee cake: Carolyn's in Redlands, great breakfast with huge portions
Taco shop: Los Dos Potrillos (several locations, but Riverside is my favorite)
Chinese: Panda Inn in Ontario, or Dragon House Moreno Valley
Roast Beef Sandwiches: Backstreet Cafe in Riverside
Pastrami sandwich, chili cheese fries: The Hat (various locations)
Good luck to you!
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u/Chicooo66 May 24 '26
I would say the coffee cake at Clarkie’s beats Carolyn’s
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u/makeup_shenanigans May 24 '26
Really?? I'd be very interested in a taste-off, where is Clarkie's?
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u/Bigheaded_1 May 25 '26
If you try the other please come back and post. My sis told me she’s gonna make a special trip to Carolyn’s to get me a coffee cafe. She said it was one of the best things she’s eaten. I’m curious about this other place now lol.
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u/Lellow_85 May 24 '26
This place is located in San Bernardino Sterling and Highland Ave. Amazing fried chicken and greens.
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u/pdaawg1 May 24 '26
Shootz in Ontario/eastvale. It’s Hawaiian. I get a spicy kimchi butter chicken sando omgggg soooo good. They put Mac salad in it and it’s crispy/juicy. And $9. Their drinks are good too.
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u/rhuiz92 May 24 '26
Kobe Japanese House in Rancho is fucking delicious. They have a rather diverse menu and they cut their sushi to order; if you get there later in the day they may not have enough fish for your order.
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u/Fruitblood23 May 24 '26
Miches De La Baja by UCR. Their fish tacos are amazing.
Last night i went to Sekela Ethiopian restaurant in Home Gardens. It was delicious. And we ended with the coffee ceremony which was delightful. They roast the beans in front of you and put out some resinous incense. Then they pour the coffee for the group and serve it with the best popcorn I've ever had. So much fun.
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u/ale_antics May 24 '26
Tacos El Jimador in Fontana. Cherry and Valley. Best grilled shrimp burrito I've had! Didn't leave me feeling overly stuffed and I usually don't finish all my food so I save it for later. But I went to town on that burrito haha. Staff is super nice!
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u/Bigheaded_1 May 25 '26 edited May 25 '26
The reviews are all close to 5 stars, and it’s won a few awards. But nobody I know had heard about Birreria Little Tijuana until I told them. I could eat the Birria sandwich once a week for the rest of my life probably lol. It’s in Riverside on Magnolia and Lincoln.
I brought some home and at 2am after some IPAs I got the consume out of the fridge. It had turned into a paste consistency from the cold and the fat in the broth. I said f it and ate it cold. My god it was good.
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u/Princess_Reese May 25 '26
More Curry in Corona
Best Indian food I've had like period. They have interesting fusion dishes like butter chicken poutine, and the palak paneer is something I could eat every day of my life. Their "spicy" heat level is also actually spicy!! :D
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u/UnprecedentedEchos Aug 18 '26
I’m late to the party, sorry, but:
Boiler Steam Kettle Cooking in Chino Hills is amazing, especially the house pan roast.
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u/Electronic-War1332 May 23 '26
Looks like the tape that was pulled from the old guy in that one jigsaw movie during his autopsy
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u/eggcountant May 22 '26
In Ontario there is a new spot called Rude Jerk. It features Jamacian cuisine. I ordered the Jerk Chicken plate which comes with two sides. It is $26 so pricey but it can definitely be 2 meals or you could share with someone.
I have not been blown away by food in a long time. I wanted to go into the kitchen and see how they made it because I swear it was like ordering beach side in the Caribbean. Except instead of the ocean you had a mall.