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- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
Sun 12 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
208 reviews for Lomeli's Italian Restaurant
Review Highlights
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208 reviews in English
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Review from kenny t.
Gardena, CA
Dont let the outside fool you. Once you get try and get a table as soon as possible they don't take reservations. Trust the food is worth the wait.
I always get one of the combos 1-5 have plenty of food. Add the soup and salad and wine for $2 its worth it.
I had the Alfredo the other night, words cannot describe it. The taste is perfect not to buttery or too thick. It's a must have for your first time.
The ice cream at the end always tops things off just right. Every flavor I've had so far has been dank.
Ohh and the service. Don't worry about it. Its fast and friendly. -
Review from Rem R.
Lomeli's seems to be a staple of the South Bay/Torrance.
I have been to this spot twice all Take-out. The service has always been spot on and fast.
As many places in this area they tend to service a large business crowd at lunch so if you are coming, come 15 minutes earlier than you were thinking and it will make all the difference.
There are few tables and they fill up quickly, the same goes with dinner.
The food is good but in all honesty not the best Pizza I have ever had. That award still goes to Beach Pizza in Manhattan Beach. -
Review from Andrew R.
mmmmmmmm this place is really good. It's in a strip mall dominated by a Ralphs, and the interior was like a wide hallway (so get there early, or get take-out). The decorations reminds me of a lot of family restaurants, so it was welcoming and old school.
We got some peperoncinis and carrots with dip as an appetizer, which was unusual but tasty. I ordered the meatball casserole on fettuccine, which was awesome and huuuuuuuge. All of the portions were huge, so either come hungry or expect leftovers. The food was really hearty too, like stick-to-your-ribs food. The meatballs were really good, and handmade which is always a plus. The sauce was thick and chunky and the casserole part was the sauce + onions, peppers, and cheese. I got to try some of the ravioli in alfredo sauce and it was delicious! The ravioli were stuffed with a lot of cheese and the sauce was right and creamy.
The service was pretty good, nice and fast even with the lunch rush and my drink was usually refilled before I emptied it. Overall it's a great restaurant and I'll be back. I would say it's a direct competitor with Eatalian, just a few blocks away. I'd go to Eatalian for the pizza and for fancier, lighter meals and I'd definitely stick with Lomeli's if I'm hungry, want a hearty meal, or want some simple, classic pasta and sauce.
OH and they give you free wine :D A glass of the house wine with any meal, I think. I didn't get to partake...cursed work lunches. -
Review from Denise D.
Redondo Beach, CA
I am transported back to my youth when I eat at Lomeli's, because I don't think they've changed the menu since around 1974. The fact that one of the lunch specials comes with a glass of the type of wine that no one has stocked since around 1977 is a plus in my mind. Everything still tastes about the same--ye olde red sauce palace. Maybe your Westside hipsters won't dig it, but who cares what they think anyway?
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Review from Cindy C.
Los Angeles, CA
I LOVE their pizza, especially deep dish--skip the Canadian bacon. Spumoni ice cream is pure awesomeness
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/18/2009
I think I come here more often for the convenience of its location and cheapness (and also that it's… Read more »
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3/18/2009
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Review from JENNIFER N.
Redondo Beach, CA
Tucked away in the Ralph's shopping center with no windows, just a wooden door and a sign on top. I would have never know this place existed if I didn't open up my eyes or my ears.. lol
A friend took me here for dinner. We ordered their
Pesto cream sauce with their beef ravioli.- The Raviloli was very good. But it was VERY heavy and very rich. All I ate was 3 pieces of ravioli because it filled me up so fast.
http://www.yelp.com/us...
Combination with 1/2 Pesto cream sauce beef ravioli
http://www.yelp.com/us...
Roast beef sandwhich- Very salty and was disappointed that it was very cafeteria style sandwhich.
http://www.yelp.com/us...
for $1.99 more you can get a soup or salad, a small complimentary glass of wine and ice cream.
http://www.yelp.com/us... -
Review from Leisa S.
La Jolla, CA
Cons: I am not a fan of the garlic bread, and their minestrone does need a little kick. The place is pretty small though and dark, and I hate the location... it takes a while for us to drive from South Torrance to Gardena.
Pros: I love the stuffed pasta shells with cheese in alfredo sauce, and the strawberry cheesecake ice cream is to die for! The dinner deal with soup or salad, ice cream, and a complementary glass of house wine is definitely worth it.
I'll probably come back next time my mom wants some italian. -
Review from Hugo A.
South Gate, CA
Fettucini Alfredo with chicken and vegetables is the best I've ever had. Period. Spinach ravioli is the best I've ever had as well, get it with Alfredo sauce instead ofarinara. Friendly service, free glass of house wine upon request. Salad comes with a slice of provolone and a pepperoni. Pizza is excellent. Ive had most of the menu and the only thing that is just ok is the spaghetti. The submarine/torpedo sandwich is awesome. So as far as food, 5 stars.
Prices are great, parking is ample because it's in a shopping center. Only downside is that the place is small so you might have to wait. But that is not enough to drop is a star. Definitely a gem-hole-in-the-wall that you must check out.
Lastly, excellent prices for platters/catering prices. My favorite Italian joint to date. Grab an alpine chocolate on your way out. -
Review from Elise P.
Torrance, CA
Went here with the bf for some Italian food one night and now we are hooked. We always get the lasagna/spaghetti/ravioli combo. The garlic bread is delicious! The service is always prompt and fast. The store itself is pretty small but has a nice feel to it. The ice cream is really good too!
Overall, a really great place to come for some Italiano. The prices are really good for what you get too! -
Review from Michele W.
Eugene, OR
Having had some unbelievable Italian back east, I am feeling a 3-Star A-Ok for Lomeli's. Ordered lasagna and it was really good. It even survived a plane trip back to Oregon without any adverse side effects!!
They gave us free wine, which was nice. It's in a strip mall.... not so nice. But I would go back because it's pretty darn good :) -
Review from Sunny L.
I thought Guliannos was amazing, well it is, but Lomeli's is amazing too!
This place is not a deli, its a sit down italian restaurant, serving pizza, spaghetti, and the famous torpedo/submarine.
Get the Submarine toasted and you'll never go back to Guliiannos torpedo anymore. Its super delicious, and I'm sad to discover this place just now!!
I want to go back and try their pizza, I hear its amazing. cant wait cant wait! -
Review from Ronald C.
San Gabriel, CA
I'm only giving this restaurant 2 stars because I was not satisfied with the quality. The prices are reasonable but you only get what you pay for. I had the spaghetti with meatballs. You get a free glass of complimentary wine and some carrot sticks with 1000 island dressing for an appetizer. The spaghetti sauce is a strained bland sauce and the meatballs have a lot of breadcrumbs in them. The service is fast and spotty with just one girl serving a lot of tables. Actually, I didn't finish my food, so I went somewhere else to get a more expensive meal. People come here because they think it's a good value, but it was a waste of time for me. I won't be back. Ron.
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Review from Lisa P.
Gardena, CA
My parents came down for a visit and my husband and I took them for dinner here. My mom have the Alfredo and my dad had the ravioli. My husband had pizza and I had spaghetti with a meat ball. They were all great. We added the combo thingie that gave us bread and soup or salad and desert. We got the spumoni ice cream and it was super awesome. My mum does not like garlic bread so she asked if they would make plan buttered bread and I thought her plan buttered bread was better than the garlic. I plan to eat here again. Oh I forgot to mention that the pizza is fabulous. The outside is not very impressive but the food is great.
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Review from Jeannie J.
Hawthorne, CA
I have been here a couple times and I love it! Beats all the italian chain places by miles.
Before I get into the food, I wanted to talk about the service. I usually take a star off for slow service but I just couldn't this time even though it was realllllly slow. I think I have to cut them some slack for being a family owned institution. Dinner service was busy so it took our waitress a while to get us apps, drinks, orders, the bill, etc. We weren't in a hurry though so I guess it didn't bother us too much.
The food:
Free vege plate with ranch dressing. I actually appreciated the non carb free app. I can't tell you how many times I've gotten full off the free bread while waiting for my entree, haha.
We paid $1.99 each for the dinner add on so we decided to get both soup and salad. The minestrone soup shocked me...in a good way. Why? It was NOT salty, and was still full of flavor. There was plenty of pasta and veggies. Generally soup starters tend to be overly salted so I am just floored that Lomelis version was so fantastic!
My go-to dish is linguini with clams. Never disappoints. The rest of the menu is really varied so there's something for everyone. Portions are pretty generous as well.
Finally the $1.99 add on allows for one scoop of ice cream- I love the cappuccino one!
We have gone on Monday nights so the lines weren't too bad. Might be a long wait for weekends though, so plan accordingly! The place is pretty small. -
Review from Josh O.
Long Beach, CA
Always need a favorite lunch spot, make sure you get there early because it fills up fast. Everything on the menu is great, but as we like to say its 'Lomeli's hot' so be careful and enjoy
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Review from Daniel S.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
I've been going to Lomeli's for years and i've never had a ad meal her. Excellent service and staff has had Lomeli's a local favorite for 20 years.
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Review from Dennis Y.
Gardena, CA
Pizza is great.
I've ordered meatsauce spaghetti which turned out to be tasteless and ended up getting watered down, super soft noodles pasta instead.
The pizza was great, but on the soggy side. I came here because of all the great reviews of this place. I think those people were either high or have really low expectations of Italian food.
The combos can't be beat as the portions are generous, but still, I'd take my money else where.
Service totally sucked. I got glared by the employees when I asked for a baby chair 5 times in 20 minutes. OH mind you, you have to wait a long time to get seated, then a lot longer to get served.
Go somewhere else. I know I will. -
Review from Laura C.
Carson, CA
This dimly lit restaurant resembles that of a cozy mobster den and the food, well it speaks for itself. The salads, pizza and pasta are all quite delicious and the prices aren't bad either. If it's good enough for Eddie Munster and his woof woof, it's good enough for me!
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Review from Kumi S.
Torrance, CA
Shoebox with no windows. Don't take your chick for first date! Not for romantic dinner. But food is good, service is good, reasonable price, big portion! I like it!!!
Good for lunch, good for dinner, good for kids, good for to go! -
Review from Larry H.
Los Angeles, CA
O.K. now let's be realistic for a bit. This is not the best Italian food nor is it the worst. I grew up in Gardena and it's just a city staple. You may have to add some salt on the dishes but it comes out piping hot and will leave your belly full. The take out menu is cheaper for those of you just wanting to try Lomeli's. Today I got chicken cacciatore, the lasagne and chicken fettucine alfredo for $22 take out. Now if you want a real Italian meal I suggest going to C&O Trattoria or Cucina in Venice Beach and MDR respectively. Both on Washington Blvd though.
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Review from david e.
Walnut, CA
the pizza, regardless of toppings, and antipasto salad with house dressing are the way to go when eating here. i wont dare deviate from this formula in the future.
the spaghetti and meatballs and the meat raviolis didnt impress. noodles were too soft and the meat shared the same consistency as taco bell meat--mushy.
sadly, i enjoyed the carrot sticks and pepperoncinis more than the raviolis. -
Review from Howard F.
Gardena, CA
We eat at Lomeli's often, it is a local establishment, and while there is better Italian food out there, we enjoy the combo dinners with the garlic bread, soup or salad, ice cream and wine. The deals can't be beat.
The service has always been a little lacking there..the servers are all great, it just seems that they are a bit too spread out and overwhelmed at times. Today, the service was the worst we had experienced.
The waitress took a long time to come and take our order. If it wasn't for that wonderful older gentlemen taking care of us, I don't think we would have ever been served. The food came out promptly, once we finally ordered, but then that was the last time she spoke to us. She was in the vicinity always, but almost seemed to be ignoring us on purpose. We needed boxes to go, we wanted to order our ice cream, we needed our bill. The wonderful man got us our boxes, we waited another 5 minutes for the server, but she never came back. I finally asked my family to get up, and we went to the front to pay our bill without a bill in hand.
I left no tip. I NEVER do that, but this time, it just wouldn't be right to leave one. Next time I go, I am slipping the old man a few $$ in appreciation of his efforts..I was too angry this time and forgot to take into account that he probably gets a share of the tips, so to punish him was not fair and I will make up for that.
Come on Lomeli's! We love you and want you to get better. Add another server to the floor please, your customers are worth it.
The one star rating is for this time only. I'll amend that, or write another review the next time I go. Bad service is unforgivable. Just an acknowledgement at least that she would get to us soon would have been entirely understandable, but no, we were either ignored, or forgotten. -
Review from Steve A.
Gardena, CA
Haven't found a better pizza in the area. Food is always good and service is good too. But plan on waiting on a table if your here at peak hours. The place is small and the lines can get long. worth the wait though.
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Review from el z.
Manhattan Beach, CA
Ordered a take out and got a quick response, no delays, friendly service, tasty food at a good price. The place itself looks very cozy and popular. Line was stretching 6-9 people outside the restaurant. No joke!
We all enjoyed our food and will probably get more this week.
Enjoy! -
Review from Danny m.
Los Angeles, CA
Nice vibe, good Italian food.
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Review from April S.
Huntington Beach, CA
There food is amazing. We always get there pizza and it just melts in your mouth. The owner is always there and is very nice. Its a little small and old looking but the food is the best. I have been going there since I was a kid.
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Review from mick m.
Los Angeles, CA
I have been coming here since the early 1980's - just about nothing has changed (except the prices of course). This is the typical italian-american red sauce joint. However, this is THE red sauce joint in the local area. If you want good, comforting, large portion italian food that is very reasonably priced - look no further. Pizza is good, dinners are goodfamily friendly, and great catering.
For those of the 'italian purest' sect, stay away. The pasta is not al dente, the dishes are not authentic italian. They use way too much gravy (sauce), garlic, and portions are too large. More for us! -
Review from Yesenia M.
Los Angeles, CA
My husband brought me here when we started dating and now it's a family favorite ! It's worth the wait every time .. Spumoni ice cream is the best !
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Review from karen L.
Gardena, CA
Always a great eat! I love their chicken fettucine! I always leave this place happy. I love how they give you fresh carrots and peppercinis with ranch as starters. Keeps your mind off your hunger.
The foods so good that you forget you are sitting in a 20x20 box with no windows what so ever! I always wondered how they got a permit for a restuarant but figured they were there long before we had a millioin rules to abide to before opening a business in the Los Angeles County! Oh, the good old days! -
Review from Jacky A.
Hawthorne, CA
This was one of my favorite Italian Restaurants until this past Sunday. The food has changed. They gave my mom old lasagna and it smelled real bad. it looked like they just dumped all of the nights before left overs on her plate. i was really disappointing i took a picture and i am thinking of calling health department on them just because i work with food and i know what they gave us was not good. shame on them.
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Review from Chris C.
I've been coming here for years and try to convert anyone within earshot into a Lomeli's loyalist.
Some of, if not the best, pizza in LA! It has a semi-soft hand-tossed crust with a delicious sauce, the perfect amount of cheese, and toppings always taste fresh. Their garlic bread is good as well!
The decor is dark, almost like an old fashioned steakhouse with booths going down either wall and tables for two down the center.
Service is friendly and attentive, and the food always comes out pretty quickly.
Do yourself a favor and get to Lomeli's immediately! -
Review from Kelli B.
Torrance, CA
I have been coming here for years! Since they have opened actually. My kids love their minestrone soup and pizza, and I love the chicken alfredo with veggies!!! SOOoooo good! Perfect romantic dinner environment or a large family (6 maybe 7) gathering. Then my son and I share the cappuccino ice cream and see who gets the most chocolate nuggets! Best Italian restaurant in the south bay for sure!!!
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Review from Cindy R.
Lawndale, CA
Went here after reading some yelp reviews..
Review based on 2 dishes:
Spaghetti meat sauce and meatballs. Meatballs good not dry but moist. Sauce texture is too thin and watery. Sauce needed more flavor kinda bland and old. Pasta is cooked well to throw on a wall and stick.
Shrimp Scampi Alfredo- Very Good.
** two star review. the Turnover rate is slow, and the rate to bring out two simple dishes was 30min. Food was OK to Good nothing Special.
I'm sitting on the toilet typing this review..Food prep? -
Review from Lucy P.
When we entered the restaurant, the owner greeted us so graciously even though this place was packed and people were waiting outside for a table. This is a good sign that they serve good food.
We were presented with menus and the prices shocked us!!! These were prices from 20 years ago.... and for $1.99 extra, you get salad, garlic bread, ice cream and wine!!!
We started off with a small complimentary appetizer of carrots and pepperocini peppers with ranch dressing. It's a nice healthy alternative to bread and butter. Then came our generous side salads full of mixed greens, croutons, provolone cheese, and pepperoni. It was not too bad. Then came our entrees. I ordered on of the combos of lasagna, spaghetti, and chicken ravioli. The food was very marginal and the sauce tasted like crushed tomatoes, straight from the can, devoid of any seasonings or slow simmering. If you are looking for traditional Italian gravy, THIS IS NOT IT!!!! I would rather pay $5 -$10 more for better food!!!! We had plenty of leftovers but took none of it home. The entrees consisted of 90% starch, therefore, they can justify their prices and still make a profit.
Note: Both of us suffered severe sulfuric gas for several hours after eating there.... yeah I know, I know, it's more than you want to read but I'm just sayin.
I strongly believe in supporting the small family run businesses but not if it means compromising the quality of food. If I'm going to order Italian food which tends to be fattening, it better be worth the calories. We went based on the stellar Yelp reviews. As a foodie and amateur chef, we won't be returning. I wish the gracious owner continued success in this well run establishment.Listed in: Mamma mia!!! Italian food…
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Review from terri f.
Los Angeles, CA
This is a great place to get some Italian food. I usually get it to go when I'm going to the Hollywood bowl and it survives the trip. The to go servings are large enough for two people to share. They have really good garlic bread. My favorite sauces are tomato, basil and garlic; Alfredo with chicken; and pesto.
I also like that they are accommodating. One time I was going on a picnic and wanted to pick up 2 individual size pasta dishes at 10am on a Saturday. They fulfilled my request and they were hot. I thought that was great.
I've dined in a couple of times and that is a treat. With the salad and ice cream included with the meal, you are stuffed. If you are going to eat inside, you must come early. It's very small and the seats fill up fast.
If you are in the mood for some Italian, I say forget Olive Garden and Macaroni Grill,come to Lomeli's. -
Review from Mayan P.
Los Angeles, CA
Absolutely delicious. This is a gem in disguise. I drove past this place so many times but didn't think much of it since it looked ancient and it was in a shopping center, until two persons recommended it and also told me about their special where they add wine, salad, garlic bread and dessert for $2!
I have fallen in love with the spinach ravioli with pink sauce and mushrooms. It is absolutely heaven. I used to work in an italian restaurant that served pink sauce with ur pasta and have been looking for years for a place that served pasta this way and with the same delicious flavor. This place takes the price not only for flavor but for the abundance of raviolis, mushrooms and sauce that is ooosing off your steaming hot plate! The garlic bread can be delicious and the italian salad is good because of their dressing, it seems they make it there(i wish it was not mostly iceberg lettuce though).
The place is very cute with a cozy ambient. Its a great place to take a date to or just have a quiet dinner by yourself.Listed in: Food
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Review from Mike W.
Ya know a place has to be good when it's located in a nondescript strip mall with a small sign and it's still packed (@ 11:00 am on a Tuesday).
Anywho, I heard about this place from a friend's wife who made a off-handed remark that she was thinking about stopping by there to pick up some pasta, so I made a mental note to check it out and man it didn't disappoint.
If you can looks past the location, the claustrophobic interior, the awkward narrow design and pedestrian plates/utensils then you're in for a treat. The angel hair pasta with chicken and alfredo sauce is amazing, the chicken is well flavored and sauce is cheesy and delish. My friend's eggplant spaghetti looked good but I didn't have any but between his mouthfuls he said it was good. The garlic bread is whatevers but not a deal breaker for me, ya know?
I think the bang for the buck this place is def. worth trying. -
Review from Denise D.
Lawndale, CA
This is one of my favorite all time Italian restaurants. I have been coming here since I can remember and I'm now 24 years old. There are even some of the same people working there from years a go.
I can appreciate a small, quiet, and family owned business like this one. And I enjoy the fact that things never seem to change. You get so much for so little. This place is a great place for celebrations or just a quiet meal by yourself or with a partner.
I will continue to go here when in the food for good Italian food. Great service, good food, and awesome prices... you cannot beat that in this economy. -
Review from Matthew H.
New York, NY
This place is by no means fancy. What it does, it does well. Firstly, it is a great bargain. Generous portions. Old, homey feel to the place. Some of the wait staff look like they've been working there 20 years. I'd wager it is a family operation.
We ordered the chicken parmesian and the fettucini alfredo w/ chicken. Enjoyed both, but were too stuffed for much else after. Definitely a nice old neighborhood joint!Listed in: Italian
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Review from Major P.
Tustin, CA
"Lomeli's Italian Restaurant" - Gardena, California
"Lomeli's" is undoubtedly One Of The Best Italian Restaurants within Southern California. As One who hails from the East Coast, I have not found many Italian Restaurants out here which I find deserving a second visit.
This is another one of those locations which "The Unknowing" would pass by. It is located within a small shopping center at the intersection of Redondo Beach Boulevard and Artesia Boulevard, and most patrons are usually there for the much larger shops. Had it not been for some former coworkers, I would have never known about it. I shall not identify her, but during one of my visits, I ended up shamelessly - flirting with a well-known Hollywood Celebrity (sic), who happened to be there. Being A Surfer, I used to drool while watching Her in movies/television shows related to "The Surf Scene."
I never patronize chain pizza locations. My Favorite Pizza Location remains a family - owned Italian Restaurant in Fullerton, California. "Lomeli's" comes in as "A Very - Close Second." Sadly, I live so far away, that I usually "Pigged - Out," on my selected pizza, then, I ended up taking the other half over to Southeast Area Community Police Station, and leave the rest for a worthy LAPD employee.
Pizzas are not the only excellent items. There has not been one, single meal, which I have ever selected, which was anything less than "Fabulous." They serve a "Killa Shrimp Scampi." The Garlic Bread has no rival.
My last - ever On - Duty Lunch was held there, where fellow coworkers treated me. Lucky me ! As usual the pizza which I ordered was "Outstanding." However, not only did I receive "A Free Lunch," that Hottie Hollywood Celebrity happened to be there again, and we took photographs together.
Funny - One of the owner's relatives operates a similar establishment in Fullerton. Yet, I have never been inside. I still drive 45 minutes to Gardena. However, I actually reduced the number of visits after that "On-Duty Lunch Experience" because I did not want Her to think that I might be A Stalker.(At least She "befriended" me on Facebook and "small world" - it turned out that we were both invited as Guests to a recent Surfing Event.)
If You are A True Italian Food Lover, this restaurant is "A - Must."
Now, please excuse me as I go send A Facebook Message to that Hottie Celebrity and tell Her how I still have A Huge Crush......
Semper Fi,
"Major Pain"
