El Coraloense

Seafood restaurant · Bell Gardens

El Coraloense

Seafood restaurant · Bell Gardens

2

6600 Florence Ave, Bell Gardens, CA 90201, USA

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El Coraloense by null
El Coraloense by null
El Coraloense by null
El Coraloense by null
El Coraloense by null
El Coraloense by null
El Coraloense by null
El Coraloense by null
El Coraloense by null
El Coraloense by null
El Coraloense by null
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Highlights

This unfussy Mexican counter serve offers an array of traditional seafood dishes in informal digs.  

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6600 Florence Ave, Bell Gardens, CA 90201, USA Get directions

elcoraloense.com

$$ · Menu

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6600 Florence Ave, Bell Gardens, CA 90201, USA Get directions

+1 562 776 8800
elcoraloense.com

$$ · Menu

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outdoor seating

Last updated

Mar 4, 2025

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@eater

"18-year-old mariscos restaurant El Coraloense opened this location in Bell Gardens back in 2003 serving a wide array of fresh seafood, tacos, ceviches, and coctels. —Matthew Kang" - Eater Staff

15 Fantastic Restaurants to Try in Southeast LA
View Postcard for El Coraloense
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"Jonathan Gold reviews El Coraloense, describing their aguachile as the epitome of 'ugly delicious'. He also recommends the changito tostada, Luna de Miel seafood cocktail, and taco a la diabla, although the pescado zarandeado does not fare well." - Crystal Coser

Jonathan Gold Talks Up Ugly Delicious in El Coraloense Review - Eater LA
View Postcard for El Coraloense

Adil Hussain

SerpAPI
A totally unassuming gem in Downey. The Diabla Shrimp Quesadilla is one of the best quesadillas I've ever had. The lobster nachos were delicious as well. I'll definitely be coming back here again.

Mary Jane Rogers

SerpAPI
This place is amazing!! Absolutely delicious and unique dishes. Loaded with spice and flavor. Beautiful colors and rich sauces that tantalize the taste buds. Every thing on the menu is a "must try". One of my favorite restaurants in LA.

C Barraza

SerpAPI
The place is scrumptious!!! Lol ... I had the sampler tostadas which u had a choice in between 5 different style ... Your able to pick three. I had "Mariquita", "Conejita"and Mango. Don't let the pink sauce fool you. Flavors are good. First time coming differently will back to try the rest of the Flavors!

Dave G

SerpAPI
As you can see I absolutely destroyed their tuna melt. So good! The whole switching the fries for rice is not a big deal to me but I know that some goofy people would absolutely loose their minds over this but nevertheless will be coming back for more.

Eric M.

SerpAPI
Nice lil restaurant. I went close to 6pm. There were a total of about 12 tables, three of which were occupied. The waiter was quick to take my order and the food came promptly to my table. I ordered a shrimp cocktail and a fish taco. Both had generous serving proportions and were quite tasty

Giselle Huerta

SerpAPI
If you love traditional mariscos with a modern twist, and no loud live music; this is the place for you. They’re fish tacos aren’t traditional, but outstanding. They have excellent customer service. We highly recommend their coctel crudo, agua chile, jaiva, taco de dedo, and the mahi-mahi taco.

Nancy Quintero

SerpAPI
It was delicious like always. Excited that they extended there hours. Customer service was great.

Br3

SerpAPI
Definitely go and try their delicious food. Everything I tried was so flavorful. I recommended getting the taco revolcado, the Mahi Mahi is cooked to perfection.

Samantha C.

Yelp
I can't rave enough about the flavor this place is packing on all menu items!! I visit this place often and it never disappoints. I tell my friends and family about this place and they agree with me. Try it once and you'll be hooked. They are a small business so sometimes the wait times seem long but worth it. I can't imagine trying to keep a good staff that will hold recipe secrets.

Denice D.

Yelp
Thank you Carlos and staff! Everyone was friendly, attentive and when we asked what they suggested, he gave a great overview of what to expect ! The atmosphere was inviting, and nice n cool a/c ! The shrimp dishes were beyond what I expected ! Full of flavor, nice presentation and great price . We will definitely be back again. This Diamond in the rough is the spot to try out !

Diana V.

Yelp
I was very disappointed on my last visit I always use to order the mariscoco before Covid and it was delicious, it's been a while since then, I was there about a week ago place looks different now, I ordered the mariscoco and was very disappointed it was extremely bitter, it had too much lemon juice and was not on the coco shell to the point I had to ask my server to drained all the juice out, all seafood was already too fermented

Silvia I.

Yelp
Great food. Haven't tried something in the menu that we haven't liked yet. The Lobster Nachos and Tacos Revueltos are among the favorites.

Bianca F.

Yelp
Been coming here for years. The food never disappoints, it's amazing. But lately the last few times the service has been very bad we don't get greeted and they take forever to take our order. It was never an issue, but now it just got a little upsetting that it took 10 minutes for them to just take our drink order. Really hope it gets better, because like I mentioned I really enjoy eatin

Jaythel D.

Yelp
This is a great hole in the wall spot! I tried their shrimp empanadas and fish tacos. The portions here for the fish tacos are rather big, each taco comes with 3 pieces of fish. The green sauce on the tacos was exceptional! it was some sort of lime sauce and was just a perfect balance between the fish and crema. The empanadas (didn't have a chance to get a picture) were also amazing. The stuffing was so flavorful and the dough to filling ratio was amazing. Overall the service was very great, our server was attentive the entire time. The interior of this restaurant was also very sleek and clean.

Nora G.

Yelp
Hoy hice una orden para 3 personas y solamente me enviaron 9 tostadas,las cuales no fueron suficientes. Una orden no tenía nada de aguacate y tampoco mandaron salsas extras como en ocasiones anteriores. Que caciques se han vuelto,ya no me quedaron ganas de volver a ordenar.

Joyce A.

Yelp
I've only had food from here as takeout and each time it's been excellent, exceptionally fresh seafood ceviches mixed with chopped everything. I like the Changoneada: shrimp ceviche with chopped mango , cucumbers and peanuts plus the mariquita signature sauce. I also like the klauser: shrimp, shredded carrots topped with more of the spicy habanero aioli and chopped mangoes plus cucumbers. They serve these with crisp tostadas but I usually have some tortilla chips from Northgate market lying around and I like eating it that way instead. Also tried the cucumber lemon drink which is refreshing! I almost never have carbonated soda unless it's ceviche or tacos, so today was my super cheat day.

Vanessa R.

Yelp
Their lobster fries are so good highly recommend. I also enjoyed their fresh Aguas frescas. I can't wait to come back and try the rest of the menu. The parking was a struggle though, but I hope they make enough business to expand.

Cristina N.

Yelp
Tacos are delicious, ceviche has a great taste kinda unique. Most definitely will be coming back and sending friends and family . I ordered the tacos ala diabla & taco revolcado.. delish!!! Service was great.

John L.

Yelp
Small spot in Bell gardens. Not much parking. BUT, great seafood tacos! Wished they served hard liquor, but the cervezas and micheladas will suffice. Had the famous fried fish tacos and fish tacos al pastor! Loved them both. We also had the Tres Palos ceviche with fish, shrimp, abalone, crab, and octopus and it was bomb! Finally, tried the lobster and octopus tacos. Everything was just great! Loved the food and service, all for a fair price based on the quality. Luckily came to dine when it wasn't peak dining hour, so parking was easy and service was quick. Will be back again for more!

Jas A.

Yelp
A MUST GO SPOT in Bell Gardens. The food is truly out of this world delicious. It's the type of meal you find yourself pausing to truly savor the flavors & moments where you just say, "yum". The service is incredible, the recipes are original and wholesome, the portions are fantastic, and the ambiance is humble. I will always crave my next return, and I would certainly recommend this spot to friends & family.

Nathalia S.

Yelp
Honestly best Maricos ever!! Try the lobster fries and lemon pepper shrimp and thank me later

Aleida P.

Yelp
Doesn't look like much passing by but the way they remodeled the inside it's perfect!! The food is amazing, the tacos are so delicious and so is the ceviche ‍ Ohhhh and let's not forget customer service is also A1 ! Shootout too Carlos for his bomb ass service!!

Rosa V.

Yelp
I really wanted to try this restaurant. Unfortunately I was not able to order anything because it was a very busy day and the staff was more attentive with their online orders. I did get a table, but I sat there for 20-25 minutes without anyone taking my drink order or giving me a menu. I was very excited to try this restaurant because my dental hygienist recommended this place and she is friends with the owner. Maybe next time I'll have better luck and I'll get to try their food.

Cristina B.

Yelp
This place is a hidden gem! I was invited by a friend who frequents this establishment and I could see why this place gets busy. Not only is the service excellent the food is very flavorful and their variety is amazing. The micheladas are also very tasty! Will definitely be coming back!

Andres C.

Yelp
Let me tell you, this is a hidden gem. This place deserves more clientele. Exceded every expectation. I won't lie I wasn't to fond to try this just because of the location and how the outside looks but I'm glad I did. It's very nice and clean inside it has a couple of tvs so you can enjoy some sports and even music. The service was the best I've got in these type of restaurants. I felt like I was at home. The food was amazing! Very delicious fresh and did I mention bomb! . We went in as a group and everyone had a different dish and all of them were very nice plated. I had the aguachiles with an oyster shot. The best oyster shot I have ever had. Aguachiles were delicious, fresh and spicy the way they should be. But they also have different style or types of sauces to go with your aguachiles. I wouldn't have mind if it was a bigger portion lol. What caught my eye from the menu was the taco revolcado "voted LA's best taco". And I took that personally and had to try it. It's mahi-mahi pastor style. Best taco I've had in a while. Strongly recommend very tasty. Don't make the same mistake I did and order just one. Maybe the pictures don't do it's justice but you're gonna have to go and try this spot.

Ramona O.

Yelp
Great Customer Service! Food was unique and delicious! I forgot to take pictures of the alcohol menu, they only have beer and micheladas.

Sonia C.

Yelp
This place exceeded my expectations. Not only do they provide excellent service but the flavors of the food we tried were outstanding. We drove over an hour to try this seafood joint out. Ordered the michelada, several different fish tacos (revolteados, D'dedo and a la diabla) and the ceviche sampler. Once we tried the sampler, we knew which ceviche we wanted to order next. The zombie and mango ceviches were outstanding. Five starts just for the ceviche alone. We can't wait to return and try more of their selection. Thanks Coraloense for the superb experience.

Dylan V.

Yelp
Love this spot. Not exactly easy to find good ceviche near Downey, and I find myself defaulting to El Coraloense. Wasn't expecting much from the pastor style fish taco, but it was surprisingly good. Definitely worth checking out because I think they are finally getting their liquor license!

Josh B.

Yelp
Holy cow the oysters were amazing! I also had the Zombie, the pickled onions were great. The salsas are also really good.

Layla A.

Yelp
Food and service are amazing the best mariscos in town We been coming to eat at this family restaurant for years

Kurt B.

Yelp
One of the best fish tacos I've had. So much flavor without being heavy. Hard to believe it's only 5 bucks considering how much Mahi they put in it. 10/10

Jessica C.

Yelp
the one and only place to come and eat seafood. I'm here almost every Friday with friends and coworkers, it's become a ritual and it's never a disappointment. the food, environment, the service 10/10. perfect for any weather and cravings.

Jr R.

Yelp
This place may not look it on the outside but let me tell u this place is second to none. Great food great service great everything all around. The mariquita fish ceviche is personal favorite but they have many options to choose from. The Mahi taco beyond what words could describe once u bite into it ur in heaven. The green salsa they give u with tostadas bomb and if ur a spicy eater like my friend I went with ask for the spiciest they got u won't regret it I did but I'm not big on spicy still the flavor was on point. There hasn't been anything I have tried here that was disappointing. If u have a seafood craving u need to fix this is the spot guaranteed. I steadily return to this place just to get my fix once u try it ull understand why.

Lesly R.

Yelp
This place has yet to disappoint me. Everytime I order it's a hit! I just love how tasty the aguachiles, ceviche de mango and the empanadas de camaron are. I have to get 2-3 orders of both the aguachiles and the empanadas because my kids LOVE them! I love placing my order over the phone. The staff is always so kind and with the best attitude. I've never had anyone be rude or even be bland. They're always kind and very welcoming. If you're ever in the area go in you won't regret it. It's cute and they place good music. It's my families go to, especially on a hot day!

Claudia A.

Yelp
We ordered a paella on Saturday for a get together. Chef Natalie went above and beyond! The paella was incredible. So delicious. Traditional and perfectly cooked. The rice was perfection, the pork tasty and tender. The service impeccable and the price beyond reasonable. What a jewel of place! We are so lucky to have this wonderful chef in the neighborhood!! Thanks Chef Natalie!

Maricela G.

Yelp
Such a wonderful surprise. This place by far one of the most delicious places I've been to in a long time. Large portions, flavorful food, and great customer service. We had the lobster nachos, shrimp tacos, and empanadas. Yum!! Everything was very very good. Definitely will be back.

Manny A.

Yelp
A hidden gem. Best seafood place hands down. Everything is fresh and great about this place. A must try

Jesse A.

Yelp
Food was very flavorful! Service was very accommodating especially when you have a picky ass girlfriend and needs everything before she eat. :) Inside was cool baseball was on with some music 80s fire!

Marllin G.

Yelp
I'm a bit disappointed about not being able to eat inside (they are currently remodeling) and the quantity of food. I remember getting a bit more food for about the same price so was super bummed when I got 2 small cups worth of ceviche. Parking is very limited so BE

Yezzy S.

Yelp
Omg heaven on earth with this food. Fish Tacos amazing Shrimp Tacos excellent Jaiva Tostada so much flavor Mango Tostada my fav fav fav

Adriana G.

Yelp
Absolutely delicious! We went with the family this past Sunday and boy o boy the food was delicious! I ordered a fish taco, a Mango Ceviche (the big order can feed up to 2 people) and an horchata coco drink and it was all delicious! My husband ordered a coco loco and he also loved it! Now the micheladas are bomb too! All staff was very friendly and they all provided great customer service. We were a party of 6 and despite the fact that the restaurant was full they attended us very well. The restaurant looks simple from the outside but once you go in it's pretty cool, it has a modern urban feel to it! They might need to upgrade to a bigger place soon since it does get packed! They do have parking which that's a huge plus. We will definitely go back and try other stuff on the menu!

Lily P.

Yelp
Quick service. Zombie is the best! Aguas frescas are refreshing and not overly sweet. Miss their Downey location!

Robert S.

Yelp
Best fish taco I've ever had! I was viewing a friend in the area and he recommended this hole in the wall. I was NOT disappointed at all. I had the blackened mahi-mahi fish taco and lobster nachos with an agua fresca. I wish I lived closer, I'd go here a lot more! And the people are very friendly

Bill C.

Yelp
This was so good, I can't believe they only have 4 stars. The tostada's are unique and delicious. I also had the Vida Loca, fried tacos with shrimp and potato filling...GTF outa here. The space is great too, it looks like such a hole in the wall outside I almost didn't come in but inside they had the game on, the AC blasting on a hot day, it was

David M.

Yelp
Really wanted to like this restaurant but first impressions is important. Good flavors for the house sauces green and red salsa. Came with my wife on a Friday afternoon the place was not packed at all, ordered a dozen oysters. Fish, shrimp and pulpo tacos and aguachile shrimp. Oysters were fresh just very messy presentation with pitiful looking shrimp as toppers and brown avocado pieces . For the amount of time the food takes to come out you would expect better. The fish and shrimp batter for the tacos was a bit bland and little to greasy. The tortilla totally packaged and very disappointing you would think it would be handmade as the restaurant seems to pride itself on made from scratch. Pulpo taco was definitely over priced for what you get, a over cooked and very chewy piece of octopus served on a pre packaged tortilla. My wife did enjoy her aguachile shrimp . In the end a mediocre experience with a almost good hour wait for over priced basic tacos and oysters.

Elias S.

Yelp
Me and my girlfriend tried this spot yesterday. Not sure why we had never noticed it before. We lived in the area for years. It's definitely a hidden gem. Tried the aqua chile sampler for $21 and all three flavors were very good. Very small portions though so will probably never get it again. Hopefully the full portions are a better deal. We also had a fish taco called taco de dedo $5. It was really good and big portion of fish. Then we had a Mahi taco $5 which was also very good. This place deserves 5 star in flavor. But, i can see some people who are hungry will leave not satisfied.

Sandy T.

Yelp
Best ceviche I have ever had. Should be Micheline star! I love ceviche and have it frequently. This is so good that I travel a distance for it .

Jennifer A.

Yelp
I started this review a while ago and just realized I never finished it so here goes. Changito was the best ceviche I've ever had hands down! It has spicy peanuts and is topped with a green salsa. My second favorite ceviche is the Mariquita which has a peanut sauce that is unlike anything I've ever had before. Their taco a la diabla is the best shrimp taco you can find; you would be doing yourself a great disservice to go without trying it. It's a fried shrimp taco cooked with a garlic butter diabla sauce that is thee best spicy garlicky flavor. A few other recommendations would be the ahogados (red aguachiles), filete empanizado for kids (but I eat it too!), and el maleficio caldo (lemongrass soup). Everything is made to order and fresh, so don't expect the wait time of a fast food restaurant. Good homecooked meals take time, but it will definitely be worth the wait. Overall I have nothing negative to say about this family owned establishment: everything is made in house, fresh and delicious food, great customer service.

Marisela M.

Yelp
I understand times are tough but service shouldn't be affected by it! Specially because there is SO many restaurants that would LOVE the business. We order 5 tacos and waited for over 40mins, because the cashier couldn't step outside to let us know our order was ready. Yet, for other two people she had no problem?! Discriminating TO THE MAX Horrible service never again!

Ilse G.

Yelp
Absolutely love everything on their menu! This is my most favorite mariscos spot everrr I can honestly eat their food every day if I could. Tacos revolcados are my favorite along with the changoneada and zombie tostadas Pleeeease try. You won't regret it

Jason R.

Yelp
Strong 4 stars (4.5 if I could) We came here with another couple on Saturday and we all enjoyed our food and it was the first time eating here for all of us. I ordered the tostada sampler (any 3 mini tostadas for $10). I went with the Zombie, Mango, and the Conejita. All 3 were good, perhaps the Mango was my favorite since I love mango so much. But they have several creative takes on ceviche to choose from. Two people in our party opted to go the taco route and the tacos were large...not stingy with portion size and their favorite was the taco a la diabla. One person got the camarones empanizadas plate and she loved the shrimp but found the rice unappealing and didn't finish it. The prices are more than fair considering what you receive. Cons- a very small corner market shopping center with limited parking, small indoor seating area with a wobbly table, and it was too loud inside...they had the music on which is fine but the TV that was above our table had the volume on which is fine to have the TV on but mute it because no one will be able to decipher what is being said so it just becomes noise pollution. We want to come back on a Tuesday and try their special of 2 tacos for $5.

C B.

Yelp
The place is scrumptious!!! Lol ... I had the sampler tostadas which u had a choice in between 5 different style ... Your able to pick three. I had "Mariquita", "Conejita"and Mango. Don't let the pink sauce fool you. Flavors are good. First time coming differently will back to try the rest of the Flavors!

MyKim P.

Yelp
Never had any ceviche that was out of this world! I loved all the different kinds of ceviche. They tasted so fresh & the flavors were great!

Monica A.

Yelp
Looked up some Nayarit ceviche and this spot came up . Probably new but can surely vouche DELICIOUS got ceviche de mango and just so good really made my day after a busy office day ! Server was really sweet and attentive even thou it's not dine in hopefully yet . But I'll surely be coming back and recommending to all in Downey

Cynthia M.

Yelp
Ceviche is very good, original flavor. Lemonades are awesome and fresh tasting. Everything I've tried is good.

Jake B.

Yelp
The tostada sampler is a must try for different flavors and textures of fish/shrimp ceviche. The mango ceviche platter is fire And the tacos ala diabla also a must.

Christian M.

Yelp
Awesome food and the service was excellent! I highly recommend the Taco Revolcado and the Lobster Taco!

Raul H.

Yelp
Paella and fideua are great to me the fideua is the best . Nice and cozy location with a great experience.Service is great extremely recommend.