Welcome to El Rocoto
El Rocoto, a Peruvian breakfast and brunch restaurant in Gardena, CA, offers a diverse menu with options for vegans and limited vegetarians. From the popular Lomo Saltado to the flavorful Pescado a lo Macho, each dish promises fresh ingredients and generous portions. Customers praise the friendly staff and attentive service, making dining at El Rocoto a pleasant experience. With a mix of traditional Peruvian flavors and modern twists, El Rocoto captures the essence of Peruvian cuisine, making it a must-visit spot for those craving authentic and delicious dishes.
- 1356 W Artesia Blvd Gardena, CA 902471356 W Artesia Blvd Gardena, CA 90247 Hotline: (310) 768-8768
Welcome to El Rocoto, a vibrant gem nestled in Gardena, California, where the rich flavors of Peru come to life, especially during breakfast and brunch. Located at 1356 W Artesia Blvd, this dining destination offers an inviting ambiance and a menu that celebrates the culinary heritage of Peru. With a perfect blend of authenticity and creativity, El Rocoto stands out not just for its food but also for its warm and attentive service.
As you step inside, you're greeted by a beautifully remodeled interior that creates a welcoming atmosphere for families and food enthusiasts alike. The menu at El Rocoto is a delightful exploration, featuring dishes that range from the famed Chupe de Camarones, a creamy shrimp chowder, to mouth-watering Fettuccine a la Huancaina paired with Angus beef tenderloin. Each dish is a testament to the skill and passion of the kitchen, where fresh ingredients take center stage.
Recommendations abound for those new to Peruvian cuisine. The Ceviche is a highlight, praised for its freshness and generous portion size, perfect for seafood lovers. And if you find yourself longing for a hearty breakfast, the offerings here are sure to satisfy, with many loyal patrons declaring El Rocoto a family favorite. The versatility of the menu ensures something delightful no matter the time of day, with lunch and dinner options that are equally enticing.
The drink menu, featuring unique beverages like Chicha Morada and the iconic Inka Kola, adds a refreshing twist that transports you straight to Peru. Tailored for adventurous palates, these drink options pair well with any meal, making your experience delightful from start to finish.
However, it’s not just the food that impresses; it’s the service too. Many customers express gratitude for the friendly and attentive staff, highlighting how this enhances their dining experience. From the bustling kitchen to the warm smiles of the servers, El Rocoto fosters an environment that invites you to return time and time again.
Whether you’re seeking a comforting bowl of Parihuela Salvaje or craving the satisfying flavors of Arroz con Mariscos, El Rocoto promises to deliver culinary excellence with every dish. This is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Peruvian culture, where each bite tells a story. So, come and immerse yourself in the flavors of Peru at El Rocoto—your taste buds will surely thank you.

Food is so fresh and good! And generous servings too. Friendly staff rounds it up :)

The ceviche was very fresh and a good size portion. The Arroz con Mariscos was full of seafood and good flavor. The steak was the only disappointment. It was overcooked and a little tough. The service was the best part, they were attentive and friendly.

A family favorite. Love their breakfast menu but if you miss it, no worries because their lunch and dinner options are just as good. I'm half Peruvian so finding good Peruvian food can make me picky but Rocoto has always been delish. We used to live in the area but now we are an hour away, but will always make the drive to eat here.

I normally don't leave reviews, but my last couple of visits have warranted one. I've been coming to this location for YEARS. Although the food has always been amazing, the service has many times fallen short. These past couple of times, my husband, children and I have been served by Paola. Paola is sweet, personable, efficient, and all around amazing. It has really made a difference in our visits here and taken our experiences to another level. Thank you, Paola! We hope you are getting the recognition you deserve

Came here for lunch and were seated right away. It's beautiful inside, it appears that it's been newly remodeled, I haven't been here in about 8 years. I ordered the chicken and it appeared small in Portion but after I dug in, it was plenty of food. The service was good and the food was great. Like everywhere else, the price of the food was a little elevated, but considering how everything else is expensive, it was fine.

It was my first time in the restaurant and my husband's second time. I went in with no expectations since I'm not familiar with the Peruvian cuisine. But wow, the beef tasted really great and tender, the sauce goes really well with the rest of the potatoes and veggies! (I know the beef looked a little burnt but they weren't , trust me!) The seafood plate that my husband ordered was delicious, too! Shout out to our waitress, Betty, who has a beautiful and warm smile. We had a great chat with her :) The restaurant is clean and spacious. There's a little bar in the restaurant, we would like to try their drink menu next time! Overall, it was a good experience. Thank you for the great food and service.

The food here is amazing! My mom and I were walking by and decided to try this spot. The menu was confusing because we didn't understand so we both ordered something random. Everything tasted amazing! Even the sauce with the bread was good. I loved all the spices and the service was fast too. The lomo saltado was super good. My mom got a Mariscos dish, it was like fried rice and also very good. The prices are a little high, but the entrees are generous. We were able to take food home too! I'm happy we found this restaurant.

Nestled in Gardena, this Peruvian gem promises a taste of Peru's culinary essence. As someone who has savored the flavors of Peru firsthand, I found the authenticity of the cuisine strikingly reminiscent of my travels. From the tangy ceviche to the hearty lomo saltado, each dish transports diners to the vibrant streets of Cusco. However, as delightful as the cuisine may be, the dining experience is marred by inconsistent service, particularly for larger parties (our was 9). During peak hours, the staff seems overwhelmed, leading to delays in seating and orders. This can undoubtedly put a damper on the overall enjoyment of the meal, especially for those seeking a seamless dining experience. Yet, for those willing to overlook the service hiccups, the culinary journey offered by this Peruvian establishment is worth the occasional inconvenience. The bold flavors and authentic preparations capture the essence of Peru's rich gastronomic heritage, making it a must-visit for aficionados of South American cuisine. (Excuse the pictures as our party and I were STARVING after my little sister's HS graduation!)

Used to come here when I was a kid all the time. Now I'm an adult and I brought my man to try this place since he hasn't really had Peruvian food. Years later, the food still slaps as hard as it did when I was a kid. My favorites have always been the ceviche mixto and the parihuela. Flavors are rich and seafood is fresh. The Chicha Morada is a nice sweet drink. The man got the oxtail fettuccine; meat was cooked well and was very tender. Noodles were good too! And he also got the arroz con pollo; I loved the sauce that the potatoes were in. Finished it all off with the leche asada. My main complaint is the service; they're friendly but difficult to flag down. It didn't seem that busy (like a 4pm on a Tuesday) but it still took us a really long time to get someone to take our order and then a really long time to get our check and to go boxes.