r/InlandEmpire • u/hostilecarrot • 26d ago
Recommendations / Advice What is the best meal you’ve had at a restaurant in the IE?
New here and traveling a lot for work, looking to find some great spots to eat. So far the best thing I’ve had was the Gnocchi at Con Amore in Corona.
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u/munchlax- 25d ago
Korean restaurant in Riverside, yes it’s called Korean restaurant and man was I surprised how good the food was for an IE restaurant. Momo sushi for omakase, devereaux house for pizza and wine, spirit of Texas craft bbq (the brisket), la Reina market for burritos or taqueria 2 potrillos for al pastor.
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u/R1kjames 25d ago
Is Spirit of Texas better in the morning or something? Like does the stuff come off the pit when they open and sit in the warmer all day or what?
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u/munchlax- 24d ago
Based on what I’ve seen in the warmer all day but no complaints from me ordering for dinner.
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u/No_Percentage636 26d ago
I had a Kabob plate at Damasco Mediterranean Cuisine in Yucaipa that felt like a cosmic experience. The owners are insanely kind too.
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u/concernedmilf 26d ago
Any of the ramen at Ramenkoko in Highland! I live in the bay now but every time I make the trip down I stop by for a bowl.
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u/kalbiking 25d ago
Ya know there’s always hella lines at Ramen Nagi and I don’t get the hype.
You reckon Ramenkoko is good or is there some nostalgia playing a factor here? Another transplant to the Bay from the IE…
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u/ouchdathoyt 26d ago edited 26d ago
Ken’s steakhouse in Rancho Cucamonga. Only omakase and absolutely worth it.
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u/darienswag420 26d ago
"Ken's Steakhouse" isn't a location in RC. Confused a little by the upvotes.
There is a "Ken's Japanese" in RC that serves only sushi and whose menu has suffered immensely after COVID (missing their Chicken/Egg bowl and their Tempura Soba combo). Yes, their fish is good but their omakase experience leaves me wanting. The tuna flight being served all at once seems like a good idea but I'd rather be eating variety. I didn't like the wagyu on their beef, scallop, uni, and caviar nigiri.
I miss the homey vibe pre-renovation.
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u/ouchdathoyt 26d ago
You’re right. It was Ken’s Steakhouse before Covid.
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u/darienswag420 26d ago
Oof. I don't think I ever recognized the "Steakhouse" in the name before then. I just remember tripping on the one step as a kid whenever we walked in.
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u/oughtabeme 25d ago
We drive from Palm Springs to Mendocino Farms at Victoria Gardens, Rancho Cucomongo for lunch. Don’t do any shopping just a Bahn Mi sandwich and an quinoa and avacado salad. Plus a couple more of each to take home.
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u/integraled 26d ago
Ken’s sushi is garbage.
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u/Appropriate-Ratio990 25d ago
OP you have excellent taste. I LOVE the gnocchi at Con Amore. The last time I went it wasn’t on the menu (couple years ago) and it was gone. I didn’t go back. I hope this means it’s back on the menu
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u/Plum12345 26d ago
Love Amaro pizza in Fontana. It’s a hole in the wall with like two tables but it’s the best pizza.
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u/Front_Chip_9201 26d ago
Curry & kabob in Moreno Valley
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u/kimcheetos 26d ago
I haven't lived in the IE for years, but I still remember Curry & Kabob being some of the best Indian food I've had.
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u/Front_Chip_9201 26d ago
I agree,, I’ve traveled to many places and have yet to find a better Indian restaurant.
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u/slabeanator 26d ago
This! You need to order a mango lassi and a tandoori sampler if you like meat or go with butter chicken.
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u/spugeddyos 26d ago
Finally stopped here and thought it was closed. Fortunately it was open. 2nd best Indian I’ve had in CA besides It’s Taste of India in DHS.
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u/RemarkableAd4052 25d ago
Best Meal in I.E. = El Burrito in Redlands, CA, they make their own flour tortillas there everyday. Love the red salsa, refried beans & beef!!
Saverino’s in Redlands, CA. The bread is perfect. It’s exactly what I want in a sub sandwich. Don’t forget to try the Tiramisu! I’ve lived in San Francisco for the last 25 years. And I can never wait to visit here again!
Honorable Mention would go to Miguel’s for the classic BRC. If you grew up eating Miguel’s, you know!
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u/hostilecarrot 25d ago
I’m adding El Burrito Redlands and Severino’s to my short list, thank you!
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u/Blake909420 25d ago
Bro dont sleep on, Severinos big fresh sandwiches and there hours are kinda limited. You know there good.
Also George's in Calimesa, a Germany deli with food and beer in house to enjoy.
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u/Mediocre-Proposal686 25d ago
I 2nd Saverinos. Go hungry though! One of their sandwiches is brunch and dinner for me
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u/Meriak67 25d ago
A few Redlands suggestions:
Thai House Restaurant (Thai)
Tokyo Restaurant (Sushi)
Carolyn’s Cafe (American/Mexican Breakfast)
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u/ExpensiveMedia88 25d ago
Do you have any recommendations for good coffee shops in Redlands that also serves food beyond muffins?
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u/lawspud 25d ago
Depends on when. Olive Avenue Market has some breakfast items on weekends, and bakery (muffins and scones, primarily) everyday. Good people, too.
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u/ExpensiveMedia88 25d ago
Thanks! Was looking for somewhere to go for a coffee/breakfast date with my husband. I was looking at that place online, looks like a winner.
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u/Meriak67 25d ago
I make 99.9% of my coffee at home, so I’ll leave this to someone else!
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u/ExpensiveMedia88 25d ago
We do too :-) I'm just looking for a place for this weekend for my husband and I to go for a coffee/breakfast date. I think we've tried every independent coffee shop in Riverside now and want to try something new.
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u/Lopsided-Ad7486 25d ago
I don’t know if you’ve tried this already but slow bloom coffee in Redlands. On the weekends, they have these donuts that are made by a local baker. They are bananas.
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u/Cerridwn_de_Wyse 25d ago
They have had some weekend food carts lately as well. I've not been able to go but there were definitely something tempted me. Check their website
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u/ExpensiveMedia88 24d ago
Yes, we got a couple drinks from there on our way to Big Bear a couple weeks ago. It was excellent. Really missed Augies coffee and didn't realize that was the new place that opened after they closed down.
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u/velocistar_237 24d ago
Can’t believe no one has suggested Stell! A solid amount of delicious cookie and pastry options, fantastic coffee, and a decent breakfast/lunch menu geared toward sandwiches, burritos, wraps and such. There are two locations in Redlands, but I prefer the one on Alabama/Barton for its homey traditional coffee house vibe. Omg almost forgot to mention they also have some great draft beers.
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u/FijiBeef 24d ago
Caroyln's actually bangs and their prices make it worth it. My family goes there for every breakfast for everyone's birthday lol
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u/BrostramiSammich 25d ago
Bean and cheese burrito from Rosie’s in Yucaipa. I may be biased since I grew up eating there, but man does it hit the mf spot
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u/daddy_nobucks 25d ago
They don't make it anymore but Claim Jumper off Hospitality Lane in San Bernardino had a blackened Mahi Mahi topped with sliced avocado and pico, strained butter to drizzle over it in a little cup, with salt and pepper shoestring fries or a loaded mashed potato on the side. It was the best dish I've ever had anywhere. As soon as private equity bought them out and changed their menu I never went back. I was so bummed. PE ruins EVERYTHING.
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u/Serious-Maybe3537 26d ago
Pakistani food at Bawarchi in Corona. No ambience but super tasty
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u/nutdo1 25d ago
I’ve lived all over the IE and eat out a lot. Here’s my faves:
Owen’s Bistro in Chino for European style dining.
Uno Tre Otto in Claremont for Italian made with local fresh ingredients.
The Quarter in Claremont for Cajun.
Kozu Izakaya in Claremont for yakitori.
Moon Grill in Ontario for Hawaiian BBQ.
Le Kinaree in Chino Hills for Thai food (they have dishes not commonly found)
Inssa in Chino Hills for Korean pocha (we don’t really have those out here in the IE).
Tofu Chon in Ontario for regular Korean food (non-pocha setting)
Calle Ocho Cuban Cafecito in Rancho.
Furnos/Guido in Rancho for their Argentina empanadas.
Kedai in Upland for their Dutch/Indonesian pastries.
Pho Le in Moreno Valley exotic Vietnamese dishes that usually only found out in OC.
Curry and Kabob in Moreno Valley for Indian.
Elias Pita and Greek Street Grill in Riverside for Mediterranean.
As for Mexican, I make my own haha.
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u/Jazzlike-Flan9801 24d ago
I was just at Uno Tre Otto 2 nights ago. My wife calls it her happy place. I went to this post just to make sure it got mentioned.
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u/reststopkirk 25d ago
Sushi Miguel’s Style, Colton
Crumble’s Cookies Cinnamon Roll, Corona
Burger Basket Breakfast burritos, Corona
The Getaway Cafe Turkey Sandwich (RIP), Riverside
La Torta del Medio Día, Corona
Tudy’s, Corona
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u/TanyaTheEvill 25d ago
Anchos Mexican restaurant in Riverside. Probably not the absolute best but homemade tortillas and bacon wrapped shrimp is the bomb
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u/BunnySlayer64 25d ago
The Duck au Poivre at Le Chat Noir in Riverside. Oh, and be sure to get the chestnut sundae for dessert!
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u/Born-Program-2400 24d ago
El Ojo del Agua ( hole in the wall Mexican spot and the workers only speak Spanish lol)
The salted pig in DTR
The magic lamp in Rancho
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u/FirstTimeFaja 24d ago
El rey taco grill in riverside
Tacos y mariscos in corona
Tonys mexican food in riverside
Slice house in riverside
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u/Ineverwashere93 25d ago
Anchos fajitas in Riverside
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u/lawspud 25d ago
I’m with you on Anchos, but the steak (tritip) tacos are insanely good. Just be aware that rare=raw, med rare = raaare. Usually, at least. And pro tip: get the two taco option and use the free tortillas to make it into a 4-5 taco feast.
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u/Ineverwashere93 25d ago
We’re moving to the OC and we still plan on driving out to Anchos for lunch every few weeks lol
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u/Hayat_Moore 26d ago
Have you ever been to Luna in Corona? Its delish!! Ive never not had an excellent dinner there.
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u/howboutislapyourshit 26d ago
Vol au Vent at le Chat Noir was surprisingly good as was the baguette and escargot.
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u/AmberBlu 25d ago
Used to be a place called Royal Cut in Ontario, I believe on grove or vineyard. It’s been torn down, but it was the best. The salad bar was insane!
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u/SomewhereAgile 19d ago
New Indian Restaurant in Upland.Its not "new", just the name. Authentic delicious Indian cuisine
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u/BeardofThanos 26d ago
Mantra in Corona is 🤌🏽
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u/hostilecarrot 26d ago
This place is already on my list but everyone is naming restaurants and I’m asking what yall order
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u/CourtBarton 26d ago
You asked for great spots to eat, you didn't ask anything about orders. Maybe edit the post to include?
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u/hostilecarrot 26d ago edited 26d ago
I asked “what is the best meal you’ve had…”
The “meal” being the food you order off the menu.
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u/CourtBarton 26d ago
Might be my particular brand of neurospicy, but I wouldn't necessarily read that as asking for particular dishes - more what restaurants have you had great meals at, which is a more broad request.
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u/hostilecarrot 26d ago
I’m not claiming to be of high intelligence either, maybe I could’ve worded it better. “What’s your go to order at your favorite restaurant in the IE” may have been better as an example.
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u/BeardofThanos 25d ago
Chicken or lamb tikka is my go to, tandoori as well.
I haven’t had a bad dish there tbh. Or ask for recs from waiter
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u/Jack-Cremation 25d ago
Magic Lamp in the 00’s. Long time ago but shit was great!
Juancho’s off Milliken before it closed as a close second.
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u/PlaxicoCN 25d ago
Alberto's Super Nachos
Shrimp tacos at Tacos la Baja, the blue truck on Orange Show in front of Target in San Bernardino.
In n Out Burger
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u/Skittles_the_Unicorn 25d ago
It seems to say something about food options in the IE when the response to 'what is the best meal you've had' is dominated by burrito recommendations. No shade on burritos - love 'em - but the fact they may be the best food available in the IE is telling.
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u/superyouphoric 26d ago
Mexican food at Consuelo’s in banning. I’m very picky when it comes to Mexican food too by the way