El Colmao
(213) 386-6131
2328 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles,
CA
90006
34.0472
-118.2872
Neighborhoods: Mid City, Central LA
Reviews & Ratings for El Colmao
8 reviews
What users are saying:
Showing 1-8 of 8 reviews
The Best! Ignore all other cuban in LA
by ACEdge
November 18, 2008
First ate here years ago with a friend who grew up in Pico-union. Authentic. no-nonsense. great food. What else is needed?
- Pros: Ropa, fried plantains...mmm
Very good. by Javier P. at InsiderPages
Contributor
August 12, 2008
El colmao Cuban restaurant is a must, if your ever in the Los Angeles are. Great Cuban food, good prices and friendly waiters have made me and my closes Friends coming back time after time. Great food!
Authentic Cuban Cuisine by E L. at InsiderPages
Contributor
July 30, 2008
Located on Pico Boulevard, El Colmao is a family owned restaurant offering authentic Cuban food. I've been going there for years and love it. The Palomilla ( breaded steak dish) is one of my favorites along with the ropa vieja. They also serve Paella but the wait for it is about 30 minutes (It's worth the wait) so be sure not to be extremely hungry if you order it. Have a jupina (pineapple soda) with your meal, and afterwards have a cortadito (cuban espresso) for a burst of energy. The portions are substantial, and the prices are reasonable.
Been going there since 1972.
by asp811
June 28, 2008
I remember going there with my parents all those years ago. The food has remained consistent throughout that time. Its one of the few places where you can order beef tongue and its served right. The portions are good and overall its still a good value. The only draw back is the lack of parking and the sketchy neighborhood.
- Pros: Good variety of traditional Cuban dishes.
- Cons: Limited parking, neighborhood.
Great Authentic Cuban Food
by cubasianchica
July 14, 2006
Ive been going back to this place for years. My family loves to come here when they visit from Fresno. Its great authentic cuban food for a reasonable price. It a great family setting great for groups. You dont usually need to make a reservation but if you want to make sure you get in, you can make reservations. The only con about this place is that the food does take a little bit to get there but trust me it is well worth the wait. Also its not in the best part of town so make sure you lock your cars. Other than that i recomend this place to everyone if you want to see what real cuban food is about. In my opinion it far exceeds the quality of authentic food of even Jennifer Lopez's restaurant in Pasadena and it is cheaper here!! Very Yummy!
A hidden gem
by codfish
April 10, 2006
I have paid more for Cuban food that is not this good. I will go back to try more of the menu.
I suppose this place would be a dime a dozen in Miami, but it is a find in LA. a geat place for a casual LA lunch on a day when you are hungry.
- Pros: Casual, tasty
- Cons: Casual
Great Food!
by bofill
July 04, 2004
This is a Cuban Landmark. My Parents have taken me their since I was a child. The food is always fresh and the lunch specials are great! It is the best food for your money. Try the Arroz con Pollo or the Bistec Empanizado, it is all great! And when you are done try a flan, its heavenly!
- Pros: inexpensive, secured parking, lots of food
Best in LA
by gamehaus
June 13, 2002
Being Cuban, I'd say this is perhaps the best Cuban restaurant in Los Angeles for down-home "abuelita" style comida. The Wednesday special, "Pollo fricase," is worth a pilgrimage for lunch. Have a Materva with your meal, have a heated conversation about the political death of Fidel Castro and you will have fulfilled your Cuban dining experience.
- Pros: good food, great specials, central location
- Cons: icky neighborhood, parking scarce
