The craving for Sylmar’s hidden gems hits like a forgotten memory resurfacing—sudden, insistent, and impossible to ignore. And the longer you resist, the more your stomach rumbles in protest. If you’re ready to trade predictable chains for authentic flavors that define this sun-drenched corner of the Valley, welcome. From family-run taquerias to innovative bistros, here are 16 spots where Sylmar’s culinary soul truly shines.
Ricas Pupusas
$ | (818) 310-5939 | WEBSITE
A local gem on Foothill Blvd, Ricas Pupusas is the kind of spot that you might become loyal to if you live anywhere near the Vons. And the good news is, it’s currently open for both takeout and dine-in from Tuesday through Sunday, with horchata and agua fresca options as well. You can grab a couple of pupusas for about $12 and also get a side of curtido if you need something fresh and tangy.
19th Hole
$$ | (818) 367-2140 | WEBSITE
The 19th Hole in Sylmar is open for dining and takeout seven days a week from 11am to 10pm. They have a straightforward menu with wallet-friendly options that range from a $12 tuna melt sandwich to a $22 plate of lemon pepper wings with fries. You can grab a seat on their spacious outdoor deck or call ahead for pickup.
Nico’s burgers
$ | (818) 814-7416 | WEBSITE
This is the same casual food truck setup as the valley’s best burger spots, only it’s a single truck and there are slightly fewer parking spaces nearby. You can call ahead to avoid the crowd and check out the menu of burgers, fries, tacos, and burritos on site. The chili cheese fries are a popular choice, and the burgers come with those crunchy edges everyone raves about. It’s cash-only, with burgers running about $8-12 and fries around $4-6—reasonable for food this tasty.
The truck itself is consistently clean with that ‘A’ rating, and the staff is just as friendly as you’d hope. The atmosphere is no-frills, with a few picnic tables nearby for seating. Overall, it’s quick, flavorful, and affordable, living up to its reputation as the best in the valley.
MichexGod
$ | (747) 500-9149 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for an authentic Mexican seafood spot in Sylmar, we always recommend MichexGod as a go-to destination – especially now that they’ve perfected their casual dining setup with reliable service and consistent flavors. The $15-20 range for most dishes is more affordable than the prices at other popular seafood restaurants in the area, but you’ll still get generous portions like plump shrimp tacos, flavorful octopus tacos, and slightly spicy-tasting ceviche.
Not to mention, you have the option to take home their signature michelada mix and chamoys to recreate the experience. The welcoming atmosphere at MichexGod is just as important as the food, which can partly be attributed to the fact that owner David ensures prompt orders with genuine kindness. Expect bold flavors, satisfying portions, and possible cravings for their chili-powder-topped botana.
El Chocherita Pollos A La Brasa
$ | (818) 465-2035 | WEBSITE
If you’re accustomed to what we might call ‘costume chicken’ around LA, El Chocherita’s straightforward pollos a la brasa might appear to be wearing their birthday suits. But that won’t matter once you experience the way the perfectly roasted chicken, a few rogue fries, and warm fluffy rice come together in a little hug of savory goodness. This Sylmar spot has a bunch of tables in their modest dining area, and it’s set back pretty far from the main road.
Casa Torres Restaurante y Cantina
$$ | (818) 362-0384 | WEBSITE
Casa Torres is ideal if you want Mexican food, but you’re with someone who doesn’t. The lunch buffet at this cozy Sylmar restaurant has everything from traditional dishes prepared in the open kitchen, as well as options like various entrees, sides, and desserts (and a decent spirit selection). You can enjoy the lively atmosphere while celebrating special occasions with staff singing and bringing out ice cream with a candle, or watch the food preparation daily during buffet hours.
Don Cuco
$ | (818) 675-1790 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a more authentic experience in Sylmar than late-night drive-thrus, head to Don Cuco. They offer a huge variety of meats and handheld classics like carnitas tacos and tortas, and their burritos and plates are all less than $15 – unless you get a family-sized feast, which is very much an option. You can also swing by until 2am for pickup or a quick bite.
Coffee & Cream
$ | (818) 364-5303 | WEBSITE
If you want to enjoy a cozy coffee experience with a welcoming vibe, you can check out the community favorite Coffee & Cream in Sylmar. They’re serving consistently praised drinks like the mocha frappuccino and caramel latte, along with delicious pastries including the funnel cake topped with fruit.
JARDIN CAFÉ
$ | (818) 624-0085 | WEBSITE
This Sylmar spot specializes in coffee shop classics with tasty sandwiches, muffins, and what they call “specialty drinks,” which include unique options like the churro latte and mazapan coffee. They have matcha options such as horchata matcha and fresas con crema matcha for under $8, and the quality of flavors is better than what you’ll find at most neighborhood spots in the area. You can stop by their cozy indoor space for breakfast or lunch any day, with friendly staff making visits pleasant.
Bayshore Fish & Grill
$ | (818) 899-5347 | WEBSITE
Bayshore Fish & Grill has about a dozen tables set up in their cozy dining area…all in a charming bistro space with a ‘mom and pop’ feel. This spot is known for affordable seafood and southern-style dishes, including lunch specials for around $12. Their Fish and Chips is excellent and the hush puppies are a must-try. Known for the best fried fish in the Valley, this restaurant offers delicious fish and shrimp with great seasoning.
The dishes are generous, perfectly cooked, and bursting with coastal soul. The red snapper is amazing, and the shrimp dinner comes with superb potato salad and coleslaw. They also serve fresh chicken power bowls and thin-cut fries. With fair prices, tasty food, and friendly service, Bayshore Fish & Grill is a longtime favorite for seafood, chicken dishes, and sandwiches. This spot feels like a local secret, where everything tastes like it was made just for you.
Denny’s
$ | (818) 833-7808 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a family-friendly dining spot that’s always open, know that this Sylmar location offers a variety of menu options right now: a vegan burger for plant-based diets, low-calorie choices for health-conscious eaters, and a kid-friendly menu with crayons and games to keep little ones entertained.
While Denny’s isn’t strictly requiring reservations, you can count on plenty of parking spots in the mini-mall, including handicap parking with a ramp for wheelchair access, making it convenient for late-night dinners any day of the week.
Asada Pizza
$ | (818) 403-6933 | WEBSITE
You can also swing by the Sylmar location of Asada Pizza for Mexican-inspired pies and signature slices under a warm glow. Call ahead or go online to place an order for pickup.
Guanatos Tacos
$ | (818) 336-6136 | WEBSITE
Guanatos Tacos is our go-to Mexican spot in Santa Clarita because the fresh meats aren’t overwhelmed by heavy sauces, and you can always count on a welcoming atmosphere. Even in their clean dining room with light music playing, you’ll find a mix of regulars here, including families enjoying weekend meals and food enthusiasts trying their specialties.
If you don’t want the full burrito experience, order the birria tacos, which come with consomé and chile sauce and will give you a taste of their signature flavors. If you’re closer to Sylmar than Santa Clarita, Guanatos Tacos’ location there also offers the same friendly service and quality.
Taqueria Los Compadres
$ | (818) 834-6990 | WEBSITE
The carnitas at this Sylmar spot taste authentic enough to make a heartfelt greeting before you eat them. Stop by their cozy dining room for a combo plate for around $15 or a wide variety of tacos. You can find their daily specials through their social media.
Annie’s Sweet Oven
$ | (818) 617-0048 | WEBSITE
The cozy seating area at this Sylmar spot is open daily from 7am-3pm. In addition to a charming display case that always has fresh pastries, they have a bunch of different breakfast sandwiches for around $8 each, a decent selection of protein smoothies, and a berry croissant for $4. Check out their menu, or place your order for pickup directly through their website. You could always take your breakfast treat to a sunny spot in the neighborhood.
World Donuts
$ | (818) 367-3538 | WEBSITE
This casual Sylmar donut shop has been serving excellent pastries at a budget-friendly price range for years. So if you’re in the neighborhood and you start imagining what your morning might feel like with fresh donut aroma filling your senses, know that you can find out for about $15 at World Donuts. They’ve created a welcoming atmosphere in their local space, and offer a variety of donut options starting at $2.
