La Serenata Restaurant

We had really hopes for this place. It is so pretty inside and the place is spotless. The service is excellent and parking is pretty easy on the street. We looked at the menu and everything looked good. We were waited on right away and again, the servers were super. Sadly the food and prices were lacking. My grandson loves guacamole and we always order that straight away. We always get a large size. It came and was so small for the very high price. It had some tomatoes etc. on the size and they were good. The guacamole was very good. We had to order a second order because there was so little to be had. My grandson wanted a third, but at the prices I said no. We then had enchiladas served with white rice. Mine was not eatable. It had so much sauce and was so very spicy. I did not order spicy and I am not talking about gee that has a kick, I am talking about so hot there should be a warning next to it like there is on a few other things. The rice was dry and ever so bland. My grandson had ordered the same thing. It also came with beans that were no more than average. I asked my grandson if he wanted my food and he said no, his was too hot and he could not eat it. A few bites were taken and we asked for the check and left. We won't be back. And that is sad. They could make better food, they could warn of super hot and they could notice was no food is being eaten. It is a cute place.

I had saved this place in my list of "want to go" and I'm happy I did, not only is the service excellent, Irma is so sweet and attentive. Even though all the food was delicious, the fresh tortillas and beans were my favorite! I loved the music and ambiance of the place. The best part was hearing the history of the restaurant from Marco. We will definitely be coming again!

We had lunch at this place for the first time since we lived in the neighborhood for 10+ years. Decided to give this place a try, what a mistake, we were the only customer walked in during lunch hour, we ordered shrimp and steak fajita, shrimp was over cooked, burned onion and only 2 tiny strips of steak for $27 and $9 pie was not the best, margaritas were waters down, we had to wait for utensils after fajita was served, no napkins was given to us, we had to get your own. Even stingy on the tortilla chips. Sorry won’t come to this place anymore. Lack of service, worst Mexican food in LA. Only the outdoor seating area has a water fountain which was nice.

This restaurant was recommended to us by a friend and we absolutely loved it. When we came it wasn’t crowded at all, I hope they get more business because the service was amazing and the food was probably the best I’ve had in a Mexican restaurant. We had the shrimp enchiladas, plaintain empanadas, the shrimp Al mojo de ajo, guacamole and chips with molcajete sauce. The salsa was really good and different than I’ve had at other Mexican restaurants. Everything we ate was flavorful. Definitely worth a try! Prices are very reasonable too which is nice post pandemic where everything has gone up significantly in price.

The Enchiladas red guajillo and green tomatito sauce was delivious and tasty at this Mexican Restaurant on Pico & westwood . Recommend this restaurant for Good Mexican food 🎉👍💃 #Laserenata #laserenata_la #mexicanrestaurant #tacos #enchiladas #mexicanfood #bestmexicanfood #ad #thumzup #restaurantla

I used GrubHub to order from this restaurant When I arrived, I had to hunt down someone to help me & give me my food I went all around the place even to the kitchen, when a tall man came up to me & asked if I was there for pickup He took me back to the counter & this woman was on the phone talking with someone about a reservation. Ok, put them on hold & give me my food She keeps me standing there for what feels like a lifetime I give her my name & she says "you come to El Serenata?" Yes & I show her the address on the phone & she tells me somebody with my name already picked up my order!!! She is indifferent to me & says to this lady who just walked in, "you're here to pickup?" I am infuriated. She doesn't apologize & I asked her if she asks for 🆔 and she says it was on the phone, looks just like that. Oh, sure, you weren't positive I was at the right restaurant!! How cold this b is. Bye La Serenata Hope you go out of business soon

The best tortilla I have ever had. Melt in your mouth good. The key lime pie was divine. I ordered two. The owners are very sweet and welcoming. 100 out of 100!

Fabulous tasty Mexican food, beautifully presented, spiced well. Marco the owner was very nice. Full bar. I had a cucumber , cilantro jalapeno margarita! It was the best margarita over ever had. Lots Vegan and vegetarian options. Wheelchair accessible . A few parking spots in the back of the restaurant, accessed through the alley.

We had really hopes for this place. It is so pretty inside and the place is spotless. The service is excellent and parking is pretty easy on the street. We looked at the menu and everything looked good. We were waited on right away and again, the servers were super. Sadly the food and prices were lacking. My grandson loves guacamole and we always order that straight away. We always get a large size. It came and was so small for the very high price. It had some tomatoes etc. on the size and they were good. The guacamole was very good. We had to order a second order because there was so little to be had. My grandson wanted a third, but at the prices I said no. We then had enchiladas served with white rice. Mine was not eatable. It had so much sauce and was so very spicy. I did not order spicy and I am not talking about gee that has a kick, I am talking about so hot there should be a warning next to it like there is on a few other things. The rice was dry and ever so bland. My grandson had ordered the same thing. It also came with beans that were no more than average. I asked my grandson if he wanted my food and he said no, his was too hot and he could not eat it. A few bites were taken and we asked for the check and left. We won't be back. And that is sad. They could make better food, they could warn of super hot and they could notice was no food is being eaten. It is a cute place.

I had saved this place in my list of "want to go" and I'm happy I did, not only is the service excellent, Irma is so sweet and attentive. Even though all the food was delicious, the fresh tortillas and beans were my favorite! I loved the music and ambiance of the place. The best part was hearing the history of the restaurant from Marco. We will definitely be coming again!

We had lunch at this place for the first time since we lived in the neighborhood for 10+ years. Decided to give this place a try, what a mistake, we were the only customer walked in during lunch hour, we ordered shrimp and steak fajita, shrimp was over cooked, burned onion and only 2 tiny strips of steak for $27 and $9 pie was not the best, margaritas were waters down, we had to wait for utensils after fajita was served, no napkins was given to us, we had to get your own. Even stingy on the tortilla chips. Sorry won’t come to this place anymore. Lack of service, worst Mexican food in LA. Only the outdoor seating area has a water fountain which was nice.

This restaurant was recommended to us by a friend and we absolutely loved it. When we came it wasn’t crowded at all, I hope they get more business because the service was amazing and the food was probably the best I’ve had in a Mexican restaurant. We had the shrimp enchiladas, plaintain empanadas, the shrimp Al mojo de ajo, guacamole and chips with molcajete sauce. The salsa was really good and different than I’ve had at other Mexican restaurants. Everything we ate was flavorful. Definitely worth a try! Prices are very reasonable too which is nice post pandemic where everything has gone up significantly in price.

The Enchiladas red guajillo and green tomatito sauce was delivious and tasty at this Mexican Restaurant on Pico & westwood . Recommend this restaurant for Good Mexican food 🎉👍💃 #Laserenata #laserenata_la #mexicanrestaurant #tacos #enchiladas #mexicanfood #bestmexicanfood #ad #thumzup #restaurantla

I used GrubHub to order from this restaurant When I arrived, I had to hunt down someone to help me & give me my food I went all around the place even to the kitchen, when a tall man came up to me & asked if I was there for pickup He took me back to the counter & this woman was on the phone talking with someone about a reservation. Ok, put them on hold & give me my food She keeps me standing there for what feels like a lifetime I give her my name & she says "you come to El Serenata?" Yes & I show her the address on the phone & she tells me somebody with my name already picked up my order!!! She is indifferent to me & says to this lady who just walked in, "you're here to pickup?" I am infuriated. She doesn't apologize & I asked her if she asks for 🆔 and she says it was on the phone, looks just like that. Oh, sure, you weren't positive I was at the right restaurant!! How cold this b is. Bye La Serenata Hope you go out of business soon

The best tortilla I have ever had. Melt in your mouth good. The key lime pie was divine. I ordered two. The owners are very sweet and welcoming. 100 out of 100!

Fabulous tasty Mexican food, beautifully presented, spiced well. Marco the owner was very nice. Full bar. I had a cucumber , cilantro jalapeno margarita! It was the best margarita over ever had. Lots Vegan and vegetarian options. Wheelchair accessible . A few parking spots in the back of the restaurant, accessed through the alley.

Mom and pop restaurant with great vegan options. Their rice and beans are spectacular!

Now that's authentic Mexican that doesn't cost you a whole paycheck! Well done, incredible service, atmosphere and overall ambience. Support local business and have great Mexican food!

My friend Max treated us to delicious supper at La serenata . Thr food & service is excellent #Laserenata #laserenata_la #mexicanrestaurant #tacos #enchiladas #mexicanfood #bestmexicanfood #ad #thumzup #restaurantla

Food is amazing, the flavor of sauces is just a treat to the senses. the staff is super friendly so as the owner very personable. And the ambiance is very cozy. Definitely recommend this to everyone. And will add this to our resto weekly rotation.

We had really hopes for this place. It is so pretty inside and the place is spotless. The service is excellent and parking is pretty easy on the street. We looked at the menu and everything looked good. We were waited on right away and again, the servers were super. Sadly the food and prices were lacking. My grandson loves guacamole and we always order that straight away. We always get a large size. It came and was so small for the very high price. It had some tomatoes etc. on the size and they were good. The guacamole was very good. We had to order a second order because there was so little to be had. My grandson wanted a third, but at the prices I said no. We then had enchiladas served with white rice. Mine was not eatable. It had so much sauce and was so very spicy. I did not order spicy and I am not talking about gee that has a kick, I am talking about so hot there should be a warning next to it like there is on a few other things. The rice was dry and ever so bland. My grandson had ordered the same thing. It also came with beans that were no more than average. I asked my grandson if he wanted my food and he said no, his was too hot and he could not eat it. A few bites were taken and we asked for the check and left. We won't be back. And that is sad. They could make better food, they could warn of super hot and they could notice was no food is being eaten. It is a cute place.

Yummy authentic Mexican food with great service. Chips and salsa were so fresh and flavorful. We had the mole enchiladas, enchiladas suizas, and the hibiscus mint cocktail (pictured). All were 10/10! Parking may be a bit tough, so plan accordingly.

Long wait time and it wasn't even busy. It's almost as if they forgot to make the order and then lied about it be prepared.

Enjoyed the lunch at La Serenta de Garibaldi, upscale Mexican restaurant with choice of a bar The service is excellent and the gourmet delicious food makes visiting the restaurant worthwhile

This is, bar none, the best Mexican food in Los Angeles. Maybe anywhere. Why it does not get more attention is a mystery to me. I have never had a bad dish, the fish tacos are a family favorite, the handmade tortillas are delicious, and the rice is even great.

Service Team is very good, food quality and portions are excellent. They have loteria games on Thursday where you can win FREE DINNER! Ambience is great and the music perfect volume.

Fantastic food! One of the best Mexican restaurants in LA. Service and location were amazing. Highly recommend!

Recently moved back to LA and really enjoyed this new visit here.RheThye have the best Mexican soup I ever had

I have been coming to this restaurant for many years. The food is amazing and fresh. Everything down to the sauces are made daily. Can't find another place with homemade salsa roja and chips, nor black beans the way La Serenata makes theirs. It's a unique experience with a deep rooted history of it first opening in Boyle Heights. They treat you like family and have very gracious servers. One of my favorite spots to watch sports games and bring visitors to. I love the arrangement and vibe of the place. Overall my top 5 restaurants in LA for any occasion. But that's my personal opinion. Try it for yourself!

Just got here and so far, I love the vibe. Fresh food, classic cantina feel, music volume perfect!!! Glad I decided to swing by and support this business, classic LA mexican restaurant, a different breed than the places popping up! EST 1985 in Boyle heights IYKYK!

Sorry folks this might be a little long, so if you're short on time see the five stars and move along. Let's get a few things out of the way. Nachos are NOT mexican food but of course if they're going to serve them they should be good right? Do you go to Denny's expecting a Ceviche to be good? Next, you don't take stars off because you can read either the parking signs or the big chalkboard out front the says not to park on Pico after 4:00. They're is USUALLY parking behind the restaurant. Lastly, white rice is completely tradional in mexican food. I'll explain my point of perspective in a moment but you can ask for "spanish" rice as a sub. Okay, one more lastly, I haven't been here once or twice; I've been eating here at least once a month for a couple of years now and I used to go the Father's original place in Boyle Heights once or twice a year. OH shizzle, one more. Sometimes it's just impossible to get decent avocados for love or money and they have to use what they have. While not as good as a perfectly ripe Haas, a few brown spots won't hurt you. Okay, I lied. ONE more. In Mexico, you always have to ask for the check as you do in many places many parts of the world where throwing the check at you is considered rudely hurrying you up to leave. Who am I? Nobody. But I grew up eating mexican and calimex here in L.A. for over 60 years from the worst trucks to Babita, the original La Serenata, Most of the places in Mercado Paloma and the Little Los Angleles Market. When I was 13 my parents sent me for a week to Mazatlan. Since then, I've lived in Guadalajara for 2 months; been to Michoacan 3 times: been to Guanajuato state two times, spent nine days in Mexico City and 14 in Merida. We won't count all the trips all along Baja from Tijuana to Cabo by car, plane and boat. I've camped on beaches and stayed at 5 star resorts. Is this getting a bit much? Maybe. But it's not to play the expert but to show I have a broad and deep perspective when it comes to mexican food even while I don't claim to be Diana Kennedy or Rick Bayless. Is this specialized, esoteric food? No but it is original and very tasty with the dishes and the craft cocktails designed by someone who grew up in the kitchen of a restaurant that was credited with helping create fine mexican dining by no less than Jonathan Gold back when he was still at the LA Reader before becomong the grand LA food poo-bah at the LA Times. Read the depth of the reviews here and discount the people who should really stay at El Torito and Kalaveras eating nachos and fruit punch margaritas. I've had bad food here. I like fish tacos and they gave me some that were unedible. I did what I do in most places, I politely sent them back and asked for something different which they did graciously and took them off the bill. The time before that I love my salmon and the time after, I loved the asada or whatever else I had. I love the food here. And so do just about all the people whom I have brought here. Let me point out 2 more assets that this restaurant offers: A better than average bar with some very tasty craft cocktails but I usually stay with the also better than average house magarita that is made with quality tequila and a house made mix. The other is that they have a REAL vegan menu with real dishes designed to be delicious without resorting to excessive use of imitation "meats". They're so much better than those places where ordering "vegan" means they leave the asada, cheese and crema out of the asada burrito and leave you with a soupy burrito of onions and bell peppers and maybe some "spanish" rice that was probably cooked with chicken bullion. They're a lovely family and really do try hard but we all know that being a non-corporate restaurant is this day and age is REALLY hard. Give em a try or give them a second try and let's not lose another restaurant that is a treasure to so many of us on the west side.

This is best-in-class Mexican food in Los Angeles and is a generational family-owned outfit, that has maintained fantastic recipes over the decades. Not only do they deliver great food, La Serenata's long-time staff will treat you like family from your first dining experience. Full bar/ serving great margaritas. We've had them cater several parties to the delight of our friends and family. Overall a 10/10 experience. RUN TO LA SERENATA!

DELICIOUS FOOD AND MARGARITAS! I'm not a big fan of Mexican food but our meal won we over. Will definitely come back and try more items on the menu.

One of the few restaurants that survived the pandemic, we are so grateful that we were fed so well during that difficult time with wonderful, tasty food, and now, even though Pico in WLA is showing sad times with the closing of the Westside Pavilion and the movie theaters, the owners still serve with a smile even tastier food. My go-to dinner is the salmon enchiladas with the spicy avocado sauce. My husband loves his hard shell tacos. The food is always fresh, and we can even sit and watch a Dodger game at the bar in summer. A truly unique and lovely restaurant, with the kindest staff.

The food is delicious. The wait staff is very friendly. The ambiance feels authentic Mexican. I go there often when I'm going to the Odyssey Theater because it is conveniently located and the parking is easy. This place has been around for years so you know the food is good.

Really good food and great service. Easy street parking. Marco and his wife Erma are always so welcoming and gracious.

Great for lunch! Food was fresh and delicious. Appreciated the quick service as well.

This neighborhood restaurant used to be packed when the movie theater was nearby. COVID and the theater's demise kind of took this restaurant off my radar. I just went with friends before going to the Odyssey Theater - it's a short drive away. The owner's son took care of us. The service was fantastic, the food was as great as ever, and don't forget their margaritas! I couldn't decide which to order: enchiladas Suissa or chile rellenos. So he suggested that he give me one of each on the plate. Now that combination was not on the menu. It was a custom dinner, just for me! And with flan for dessert, I couldn't have been happier. Support our yummy local Mexican restaurant!! You won't regret it!

Family and Tradition. The real thing. We enjoyed the small patio and were served by a friendly family staff. The food is authentic and tasty. The atmosphere is local and pure. Parking seems limited but the seceret is the few additional spaces in back. Oh, the keylime pie is not to be missed.

First off, check in! Great yelp check in offer. Now, go enjoy the really delicious food available here. This place has been around for quite a long time and is just as good as I remember. I came back for the enchilada suizas which my friend ended up having while I branched out. Delicious. Friendly, family run affair and they need new faces! Get in here. The loss of the Westside Pavilion mall has not helped restaurants along this stretch. Parking in the back. Peaceful little patio.

I usually eat tacos. I like their Home made tortillas. Great service too. Usually eat in the patio.

Ordered some chips and salsa, Fajitas, and some drinks. The food was amazing, the Fajitas were sizzling, and the margaritas were super tasty! The service was also outstanding and super attentive to my food allergies. Would definitely recommend!

Not sure why parking is the responsibility of the restaurant...as some of the negative reviews complain about. Personally I think the food is great...and it is a local family restaurant that offers a really fresh menu. A friend who eats there often introduced me. Any question you have is answered. The bar is comfortable if you just want a drink and bite. The enchiladas mole are tasty and it is one of the best moles I have eaten...all in all I will be back. Regarding prices...it is reasonable for today's restaurants...with the rise in minimum wage (and inflation...if you want a 10$ meal you will have to go to Pollo Loco...or McD's) but it would be a shame to miss the Mole!

My family's FAVORITE Mexican restaurant in the west LA area. The food is always consistent, service is great, and the owners are amazing. We get La Serenata for our family Christmas party every year for the past 15 years! Marco always goes above and beyond and they've become a part of our holiday traditions. Favs in our household include all kinds of tamales, enchiladas suizas, the shrimp burrito, and the ceviche. Stop by and support a neighborhood staple!

Great food and service. I recommend you ask for the keylime pie for dessert. It was delicious.

Don't miss this place before they may have to close due to -- tragically-- lack of customers. The food is simply excellent. It's a terrible location with what appears as no parking but they DO have parking. Just call ahead to get details because if you drive by and miss it it's a few long blocks around again due to the old Westside Pavilion. Well, the new side of the old Westside Pavilion. Be patient. It's a small family place. Order drinks at the bar before you sit, then ask to sit on the patio. Don't rush this place. Ask what they recommend that day, or order a special. Chili Colorado is excellent. Many great dishes, but I ask the chef to bring what he wants mainly. And if he's got em that day, do not miss his desserts. Amazing key lime pie, guava cheesecake. It will be sad if this place closes, seriously.

So fresh & flavorful. Came as a family and we all loved what we ordered. I had a veggie empanada & tamale. The salsa and guacamole is also so good!

This place is absolutely amazing! The food is delicious, and they give an excellent service to their costumers, we feel really welcome every time we go eat there, ad we really appreciate how nice they are to us, the ambiance is so relaxing and they make everything they can for is to feel comfortable! I recommend this place 100%. They have a parking on the back so you don't have to worry. (It is our responsibility to read the signs on the street, so sad people don't know how to do it and blame them for nothing) EXCELLENT SERVICE AND DELICIOUS FOOD! Thank you!!!!

The restaurant is cute and the service is amazing! Irma was behind the bar that night, and she was the best! The mild salsa was so good, flavorful, and served warmed. It was a treat. I'm not in this area very often, but I will be making a point to come here again!

Place was empty but food was absolutely delicious!!! 10/10 authentic mexican food. Has a hidden vegan menu too.

Attentive service and outstanding food. My friend and I went for lunch and shared the ceviche and the volcano molcajete. The latter dish was a delectable house special, designed to be shared, consisting of steak, shrimp, chorizo, chicken, avocado, queso, chiles, rice, beans and warm tortillas. It was as tasty as it sounds.

A superb delicious south american food restaurant. The menue is extensive and offers many south american foods not jus Mexican. The ambiance is wonderful. Very welcoming owners, very keen to make you feel at home and offering outstanding service. I have been going there for close to 20 years and have only had superb meals. Their items have been just outsanding. The service is excellent. The parking is very easy. The prices are reasonable. I recommend it very highly. I am looking forward to my next visit. I give it a ***** rating Dan H Beverly Hills

My husband and I recently got the chance to revisit this hidden gem, and our favorite seafood dish tasted exactly as we remembered! It also brought back fond memories of when we discovered La Serenata in 1995- and all our many dates since. And though it is hard to believe that many years have passed, we are pleased that it is still family owned/run and the quality of its food and service has not wavered with Marco at the helm! Indeed, from our usual fish enchiladas with molcajete sauce to his exceptional key lime pie, both were mouth-watering and delicious! And if you enjoy margaritas, he makes one of the best in town!

Very poor service. THERE IS NO PARKING FOR CUSTOMERS. I was told by the staff that parking on the street was okay & later to find out 3 of us got ticketed $165 each by city for wrongly parking..... Very disappointing that non of the staff told us we had to park elsewhere by 4pm or else we were going to be in trouble. We got there at 3:30 if we would've know this was going to happen we would've never ate there. FOOD ISN'T ALL THAT FOR THE PRICES.

Service was awesome Food was pretty tasty but just ok Portions were small Spanish rice instead of white rice would be much better

One of the better Mexican restaurants in town, certainly one of the best on the Westside.

I wrote a review seven years ago expressing disappointment with how the quality had fallen, but I went back earlier this week and the food was great once again as was the service. Unfortunately, this once thriving neighborhood is going downhill due to the closing of the Westside Pavilion. Many area businesses are closing down...let's hope la Serenata isn't one of them!

Excellent food with old recipes and new tastes for me. Strongly recommend given the service is top level and the ambiance made enjoyable with many plants on the outdoor patio.

A true favorite! One of the few remaining traditional, quiet, Mexican restaurants in West Los Angeles. Best shrimp burritos, different mole sauces, interesting salsas, or more typcial enchiladas, tacos, and fajitas. (If you are inclined, the ceviche is great!) Fine traditional Mexican food. The staff --- and owner, who is generally on site -- are courteous, accommodating, and efficient. My favorite place for a low-key lunch or dinner. There is a bar area that is convivial, and the Cadillac margaritas are the best. Watch out for street parking during rush hour, but we always find a convenient spot. (There is is usually a free space behind the restaurant.)

Just back from another wonderful lunch, with pals, at this venerated Pico Blvd. spot. Five of us have been meeting here every few months for several years. The friend who organizes our lunches drives 55 miles up from Laguna Beach just for the occasion. For me: great chili/cerdo verde today. Unique, fresh, dependable. Full bar too.

Great service! Friendly staff!! The best Mexican food in LosAngeles!! Family owned and I've been enjoying the food since 1984. They have an extensive veggie menu.

Excellent food, with wonderful ambience and attentive service: the real deal. We've been coming here for decades -- always a great experience.

I've been coming to this gem of a restaurant for 30 years, ever since I moved to the neighborhood. The food is delicious and authentic. The staff is friendly. The Cadillac margarita is my favorite. We always feel welcome and never feel rushed.

Incredible food! Real Mexican cuisine. Great and friendly staff! Full bar! Trivia nights- Lotería nights- Live music- a lot of fun!

Have been coming to this family owned gem for years and always bring our out of town visitors who all rave about it. My go to are the enchilada suizas-delicious! Their fish dishes are my husband's favorite, especially the Mahi Mahi molecajete. They also have great mole sauces. I've never had anything I haven't liked