01
Best overall pick
Luigi's Restaurant & Delicatessen
Old Town Kern / East Bakersfield • Old-School Italian Deli And Market • Best Long-Lunch Tradition
A bustling Eastside institution known for hearty Italian plates, deli sandwiches, and a lively midday crowd.
Luigi's is where Bakersfield families and old friends meet over overflowing platters of pasta, grilled sausages, and antipasto. The lines start early for lunch, and the shared tables and wall-to-wall photos give it the feel of a neighborhood clubhouse. Plan on a long, relaxed meal and a stop at the deli counter on your way out.
02
Essential Basque stop
Wool Growers Restaurant
Old Town Kern • Traditional Basque Family Restaurant • Classic Boardinghouse-Style Feast
Basque comfort food arrives in generous courses, from soup and beans to steak, lamb, or fried chicken.
At Wool Growers, dinners start with soup, beans, and salad and just keep coming until the table is full. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-oriented, with big parties sharing pitchers of house wine and simple but well-seasoned mains. It is a great place to experience Bakersfield’s Basque heritage in one long, satisfying meal.
03
Basque bar favorite
Pyrenees Cafe
East Bakersfield Warehouse District • Lively Basque Bar And Grill • Best For Casual Nights Out
A dim, convivial spot mixing strong drinks, grilled meats, and Basque favorites late into the evening.
Pyrenees leans a little more bar than boardinghouse, with a long counter, jukebox energy, and regulars trading stories over picon punches. The kitchen still turns out hearty Basque plates, from oxtail and lamb to classic sides. It is an easy choice when you want something unfussy, filling, and distinctly local.
04
Seafood standout
La Costa Mariscos
Downtown, Easy Drive From East Bakersfield • Seafood-Focused Mexican Restaurant • Top Pick For Seafood Lovers
Bright, coastal-style plates showcase ceviches, grilled fish, and shrimp in a festive setting.
La Costa brings a Sinaloa-style seafood menu to Bakersfield, with crisp tostadas piled high with ceviche and big platters of grilled fish and shrimp. The dining room is colorful and lively, with TVs over the bar and families sharing seafood towers on weekends. It is a strong option when you want something fresher and lighter than the usual steak-and-potatoes meal.
05
Neighborhood gem
Nuestro Mexico Restaurant
Union Avenue Corridor • Homey Regional Mexican Cafe • Best For Comforting Plates
A low-key spot celebrated for deeply flavored sauces, handmade tortillas, and generous combination plates.
Nuestro Mexico feels like a family dining room, with friendly service and a menu built around classics like enchiladas, chile verde, and rich moles. Portions are substantial and the flavors skew more homemade than chain-style. It is a reliable go-to for a satisfying, reasonably priced meal close to the Eastside.