Rene “Ray” Ramirez recently rebranded his popular Huntington Park barbecue restaurant as ‘Ray’s Halal Texas BBQ,” in a way to challenge himself and venture into a new territory. Ramirez says no one in LA or California for that matter serves halal Texas-style barbecue, and the pitmaster thinks it’s a way to cater to an untapped niche. Ultimately, for those adhering to a halal diet, it’s a bit of a godsend to have such stellar smoked meat with this certification. —Matthew Kang

For the largest, most drool-inducing selection of paletas in town, head to Los Alpes Ice Cream Parlor in Huntington Park. Fernando Flores, along with his wife, Margarita, opened the shop in 1979 and make over 50 varieties of paletas de aguas (water-and-juice-based pops) and paletas de crema (milk- or cream-based pops). The paletas de aguas, which come in flavors like tamarind (tamarindo), hibiscus (jamaica), and alfalfa, are the most refreshing bunch, while the paletas de crema are a touch richer with flavors like arroz (rice), Mexican eggnog (rompope), and vanilla. —Cathy Chaplin

This affordable soul food restaurant in South Gate serves a daily buffet of Southern classics like smothered pork, mac and cheese, barbecue ribs, smothered oxtails, and fried catfish. The restaurant also delivers. —Matthew Kang

Lynwood’s La Pasta focuses on casual Italian fare done with heart. The family-run restaurant offers housemade pasta at its core, while also turning out pizzas, classics like chicken parmesan meatballs, and calamari for all to enjoy. Don’t feel like eating inside? There’s a parking lot patio available as well. —Farley Elliott

Operated by chefs Jaime Martín del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu, this longtime Bell establishment is a classic fonda serving Mexican favorites like chiles en nogada, enchiladas de mole, and cecina de res. La Casita Mexicana has long been the standard bearer of finer Mexican fare in Los Angeles. —Matthew Kang

Bell Gardens gained a major new restaurant in Tamales Elena y Antojitos, a tamal and pozole restaurant from Maria Elena Lorenzo. Everything here is excellent, from the banana leaf-wrapped tamales to the soulful pozoles, though don’t sleep on the guisados. There’s a handy drive-thru too. —Matthew Kang

The matron of great Mexiccan cooking in Bell Gardens, Rocio Camacho is a mole chef without peer in Los Angeles. Her enduring restaurant Rocio’s Mexican Kitchen serves a wide range of dishes like flautas, chiles en nogada, enchiladas, and plus a variety customizable mole plates. —Matthew Kang

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

Downey’s busiest restaurant is also maybe it’s most fantastically fun. Fatima’s Grill pulses during business hours as fans from all over the state (and from TikTok) converge to order overclocked fries, sandwiches, and burritos served with plenty of Cheetos dust and nacho cheese. For big flavor and big fun, there’s maybe no better place to eat.

Popular Cuban bakery and cafe Porto’s has a busy location along Firestone serving the full complement of sandwiches, salads, pastries, and cakes for a rabid fanbase. The pre-ordering system in the covered parking lot works really well. —Matthew Kang

Downey’s bustling Gaucho Grill is the stuff of Argentine dreams. The growing chain, which hopes to add a Pasadena location in the near future, focuses on large steaks and starters like empanadas, grilled cheeses, and plenty of seafood across a sprawling menu. —Farley Elliott