Mole Maven Rocio Camacho Finally Has a Place to Call Her Own in Bell Gardens

Los Angeles’ long-held mother of moles, Rocio Camacho, has finally branched out on her own. For years, Camacho could only be seen working the stoves for other restaurants that she didn’t actually own, like Don Chente’s (where she’s the executive chef) and Aro Latin (where she long consulted). But now, the beloved chef has a place in Bell Gardens to truly call home.

Of course, there is still Rocio’s Mole de Los Dioses up in Sun Valley, but despite the moniker Camacho is only a partner and chef in the business. At her new spot, Rocio’s Mexican Kitchen, it’s all her.

Bill Esparza at LA Magazine has all the details on the new location, including some tidbits about the menu. The restaurant itself is little more than a takeaway operation with a few sit-down tables, which means many of the dishes cater to a more quick-service crowd: think burritos, burgers, even spicy chicken wings. Still, says Esparza, looking past those brings one to Camacho’s truest cooking, found in Oaxacan favorites like albondigas mole and chile costeño.

At first blush, the simple corner location on Garfield Avenue doesn’t look like much. It’s the former location of another Mexican takeaway joint called La Mera Mera, which only ever garnered exactly one Yelp review (one star, from 2010). But inside, Esparza says, Camacho is doing some of her most daring food yet.

Rocio's Mexican Kitchen
7891 Garfield Ave.
Bell Gardens