The Best Restaurants In South Central L.A.

Visit this old fashioned walk up joint and order the ‘chronic’ burger combo. The ‘chronic’ contains a fried egg and bacon, which are as warm and fresh as the patty. The fries are submersed in clean oil and made crisp. Sistah’s Soul Food | © Yelp

Visiting Sistah’s is a tang of real southern hospitality. Come hungry and leave with a full stomach and a fulfilled soul. The aroma upon arrival is riveting. All their meats are exquisitely seasoned and cooked to perfection. The first timer go-to is the turkey meatloaf dinner. The turkey meatloaf is the perfect amount of moistness and firmness. It has a flavor that can only be due to the finely chopped vegetables and the seasoning in the loaf. A dinner plate includes four sides and can feed two people. The best to match with the meatloaf is mashed potatoes, green beans and double mac and cheese. The sides are homespun, even in presentation. To top it all off don’t forget to order dessert. Sistah’s has a selection of amazing homemade southern treats, like banana pudding, peach cobbler and sweet potato pie, all of them a slice of sugary heaven.

Nestled in Long Beach Boulevard (a popular street for excellent restaurants) is celebrated barbeque restaurant Bludso’s. Although this location is a catering/pick up establishment, it is still the original birthplace and it is a go-to for many South Bay residences. Smoked for what tastes like two days, Bludso’s barbeque meat falls off the bone. The sauces, rubs, meats and juices will melt in your mouth. The sides are equally delectable, although they only give small portions with the meals. The cold slaw is crunchy and light. The mac and cheese has all the tart of the cheese and the creamy smoothness of the heavy cream. Remember to call in advance and place your order, because the average wait time for food is 30 minutes plus the wait in line. Surprisingly, Bludso’s lunch plates are the least expensive food on this list.

Although Compton does not seem like the city to have great sushi, Shimai’s rolls will not disappoint. Amazing taste and combinations take form in Shimai’s sushi rolls. Standing at half an inch thick and one and a half inch in diameter, these rolls will take more than 3 bites to finish. Their special deep fried rolls are perfect for the people who do not like to eat raw fish. The ‘McDaddy’ roll is a cream cheese and salmon favorite that is stuffed with avocado and deep-fried to a golden heavenly crisp. For those non sushi-lovers, Shimai also serves bento boxes. Shimai offers great prices for jumbo size rolls.

Sunshine is always happy to welcome people into her small establishment. She greets you with a smile and feeds you like a grandmother. Unlike other popular self-serving Korean barbecue places, Sunny still believes in taking your plate to the table. All the food is made to order and the meats are thoroughly marinated. The meat and rice go perfect with the homemade kimchi, coleslaw, marinated cucumbers, spiced cassava and other items.