01
Best overall pick
Din Tai Fung
Westfield Santa Anita, Arcadia • Upscale Taiwanese Dumpling House • Destination For Sharing Plates
World-famous xiao long bao and polished service make this the splashiest option near Mayflower Village.
If you’re willing to wait for a table, Din Tai Fung pays you back with delicate soup dumplings, precise flavors, and a smooth, well-run experience. It’s a go-to for groups, with baskets of dumplings, noodles, and greens built for sharing. Time it for a late lunch or early dinner to skip the longest lines.
02
Classic night out
The Derby
Huntington Drive, Arcadia • Classic American Steakhouse • Special-Occasion Pick
A racing-themed landmark steakhouse that delivers old-school charm and reliably good cuts of meat.
Opened by a famed jockey, The Derby leans into Santa Anita Park history with racing memorabilia and clubby wood-paneled dining rooms. Locals use it for birthdays, anniversaries, and business dinners when they want prime rib, martinis, and attentive, old-fashioned service. Sit in a booth, linger over a steak, and you’ll see why it’s still a local institution.
03
Refined but relaxed
Sesame Grill
South Santa Anita Avenue Corridor • Refined California-French Bistro • Best For Date Night
A small, quietly ambitious spot doing bistro-style plates with a local, neighborhood feel.
Sesame Grill flies a bit under the radar, but regulars swear by its thoughtful menus and friendly, unhurried service. Expect a mix of pastas, seafood, and bistro standards with careful plating that still feels approachable. It’s an easy choice when you want something nicer than a casual chain without going full white-tablecloth formal.
04
Fast-casual standout
Lord Empanada
Old Town Monrovia • Casual Argentinian Street-Food Spot • Laid-Back Lunch Stop
A compact menu of flaky empanadas and comfort sides makes this a fun, low-effort option.
Lord Empanada keeps things simple: pick a few empanadas, add chimichurri, maybe grab a salad or fries, and you’re set. The fillings range from classic beef to veggie-friendly options, so it works well for mixed groups. It’s ideal for a quick bite before strolling Monrovia’s main drag or grabbing takeout on the way back to Mayflower Village.
05
Go-to on a busy weeknight
B & C Teriyaki
El Monte Border • Low-Key Asian Fusion Grill • Weeknight Family Favorite
Generous plates of teriyaki, rice, and noodles make this a reliable, budget-friendly staple.
B & C Teriyaki is the kind of no-frills counter spot that becomes part of a regular rotation for nearby families. Portions are hearty, the menu covers the basics—teriyaki bowls, grilled meats, fried appetizers—and prices stay reasonable. It’s not fancy, but it’s fast, satisfying, and close enough to Mayflower Village for an easy takeout run.