La Serenata Cantina

I absolutely love this restaurant! The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with stylish, colorful decor that creates a lively yet comfortable setting. The food is incredibly fresh and flavorful — both authentic and health-conscious. I especially enjoyed the shrimp enchiladas, which were exceptional. The drinks are expertly crafted, and the housemade desserts are amazing — a perfect finish to the meal. I’ve also been here for a birthday celebration with a group of ten, and it was a fantastic experience. The staff handled everything smoothly, and the energy made it a really fun and memorable night. I’ll definitely be returning often!

Still the Best Choice for Mexican on the Westside ... There's a reason La Serenata de Garibaldi continues to thrive when so many restaurants have come and gone. The place is authentically both adorable and sophisticated, with Mexican art and design that make me feel like I'm back in Mexico City. The service somehow feels like you've been invited to your abuelita's for dinner and your cousins are helping out. Can't explain why, but it does! You'll see. But what's really important is the FOOD and that continues to be consistently delicious. We still love, love, love and husband can't resist the siren song of the Shrimp Empanadas, even though we've moved a bit out from the Westside. And the margaritas are delicious ... they manage to hit both the classic expectations but have a unique little twist. Keep thinking Ima sit at the bar one day and watch them ... in the interest of science, of course. Just a word though ... read the street parking signs. This is, after all, the Westside. During the day there's also a little parking in the back off the alley. With so many choices for Mexican in Los Angeles, it can be overwhelming, but La Serenata di Garibaldi makes it easy; it's great for both your consistently delicious go-to and for out-of-town visitors. My husband is from Texas and loves his Mexican and La Serenata de Garibaldi is top of his list. I've spent enough time in Mexico I'm picky about Mexican and it's top of mine, too. Vamos!

The food was amazing, especially the eggs in the huevos con chorizo with rice, tortillas, and beans. That was all cooked masterfully well. The service staff were so nice and friendly which I greatly appreciate. They brought food and drinks out fairly quickly so their timing was near impeccable. Finally the atmosphere as great. It was so chill, calm, casual. It didn’t feel like you were being rushed or anything which in my opinion is always a good sign. 10/10 would be extremely happy to go there again

Though the restaurant is in an area where retail is dying, this Mexican restaurant has some if the most authentic food I’ve eaten since being in Mexico.

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 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.

Very tasty food on a menu with wide-ranging choices, served hot. Excellent service - fast and very friendly/helpful. Prices are reasonable, with ample quantities. Chips are fresh and plentiful. Room is a bit noisy, slightly spartan. An excellent neighborhood choice for tasty cuisine.

La Seranata is by far my favorite Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles- period. I’m sure there are many other good ones but I’ve been going there on and off for years and the quality of the food has always been amazing. (I live in the Valley so I’m not over in the West L.A. area that much.) I lived in Mexico City for a period years ago and traveled in many states in Mexico, and this “approach” and quality of food is not extraordinary there, but here, especially in Anglo dominated areas it is, except maybe from street trucks, as in my area of Sherman Oaks, where I get a full meal for 2 for $12. Serenata is one block away from what used to be one of the busiest movie theaters (Landmark) in the area with hundreds of people pouring out and filling up the restaurant on weekends. It’s gone and Serenata is almost empty now. It’s great for me because my in-laws live close by and I go there any chance I get. I’m writing this because I know it will go away unless it gets busier, and I really don’t want that to happen. A word about the “ambiente”, the “feel” of the place. It feels like East L.A. or Mexico, about 40 years ago. It’s calm and was so even when it was full of people, because there’s no hint of corporate music or anti-humanistic management. It is still got a family atmosphere. The menu includes moles which are first rate and are rarely offered at more corporate outlets. Also, the small garden is very pleasant in late afternoon or evening, shielded away from the boulevard’s noise with a tropical feel. The help are super personable. My wife and I are planning to stage a party for friends and family just to introduce people to the place but also to take advantage of the sheer pleasure of being there.

We participated in a birthday party and dinner at La Serenata de Garibaldi on December 15, and we were blown away by the variety, quality, and taste of dishes we were served. This simple restaurant and bar has a nice family-positive ambiance, with friendly and relaxed service. But the food, in all its variety and deliciousness, is to be celebrated!

La Serenata de Garibaldi proved to be the perfect venue for my milestone birthday celebration. From the moment our group stepped through the door, we were enveloped by the warm, inviting atmosphere that seamlessly blends traditional Mexican charm with contemporary style of cooking. The restaurant's ambiance always strikes that perfect balance between festive and cozy. But it's the food that truly stole the show. The kitchen elevates Mexican cuisine to an art form. We started with their signature guacamole, ceviche, quesadillas, all exquisite. Their mole, a recipe that reportedly took years to perfect, deserves special mention. Deep, rich, and layered with subtle hints of chocolate and chile, it transformed ordinary enchiladas into something extraordinary. Even simple sides like the black beans and Mexican rice were prepared with obvious care and attention to detail. Everyone was just enthusiastic! Irma and Marco supervised everything with care and cheerfulness. When it came time for the birthday cake, I was so lucky to have two: a Tres Leches and a Flan. Why choose just one? The bar program deserves its own paragraph. Their margaritas, made with premium tequila and fresh-squeezed lime juice, struck the perfect balance between tart and sweet. La Serenata provided exactly the right mix of festivity and sophistication for a milestone birthday celebration with 30 guests. Whether you're planning a special celebration or simply seeking an exceptional Mexican dining experience, La Serenata de Garibaldi delivers on all fronts. It's not just a meal - it's a memory in the making and La Serenata created one I'll cherish forever. I and some of the guests come from a culture with very high culinary expectations: all of them were met and surpassed.

I was invited to have lunch here with a friend and from the minute I walked in to the place & sat at the bar it was confortable. The persoins there are awesome. This place has light music playing (it does not interrupt conversations); the employees are very attentive; their conversations are very inviting and engaging. I have been to this restaurant 2 times and both times I have ordered different plates. The food is delicious. Very flavorful. My friend had the vegitarian plate & she loves them. I brought a Carne Asada Burrito back to a co-worker (who loves to cook & use to have a catering company). His coment to me was: This is F...... Delicious; OMG I Love this". Great reviews. I will continue to come here and try different items. If you are in the area or would like to take a drive for Mexican Food please stop by here you will not regret it.

We treated ourselves to lunch which included Cochinita Pibil & Tropical Salad with chicken , very well made and presanted very well . La serenata tops the list in the authentic Mexican Restaurant @la_serenata

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!

Extremely friendly family serving amazing authentic Mexican dishes. When I was in the area, it was so good that I visited for lunch two days in a row! Pico and Guacamole starter was so fresh and delicious, my burrito on day one was huge and had a great sauce. Day two, my Fajita beef bowl was delicious and huge portion! Chips were perfectly salted and the staff made us feel very Welcome! Excellent service and delicious food!

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.

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.

Tons of delicious vegan options! The food was fresh and flavorful. Been looking for a place that serves authentic Mexican food and has more than just one or two vegan options. The website and menu is a bit confusing but they 100% have vegan options and a separate menu. Was there on a Wednesday night, seemed a little slow and quiet but the few people there looked like they were regulars. Give it a try!

Where do i begin. I called yesterday to confirm their opening hour for tomorrow and was told 11am just like the info on Yelp. I saw a reservation option and it allowed me to make a reservation for 12/17/24 for 11:30am so I booked it. We arrived exactly at 11:30am and door was locked, lights out and no employees. We saw an elderly woman sitting in a booth what looks to be sleeping. We knocked on the front door several times and waited fir 10 mins. I called 3X and no answer and finally left them a message on Yelp and no response and it's 3:30pm now. Drove all the way from Arcadia over an hour drive for nothing. Very unprofessional business unlike their original location East LA years ago.

Love this place great food, been coming here for years. Their salsa is hands down the best. Great soup, tacos, ensalada and I love their puffy quesadillas.

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.

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.

Wonderful dinner- loved the enchiladas , mocayete and fajitas - flavorful! Super charming staff :)

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!

Went to a birthday party there. Great food, especially the enchiladas and tres leches cake. Atmosphere was perfect for an inter generational party: plenty of seating, plus room for the kids to move around. Keep it in mind for your parties!

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!

I attended a private birthday party in this restaurant. The food was excellent. Staff were extremely friendly and offering their best. I recommend it to everyone who is looking for a friendly environment and tasty food and desert.

Was here for a birthday party and we enjoyed great cuisine and hospitality in a relaxed environment.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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!

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!

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!!!!

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.