01
Best overall pick
The Diplomat Eatery & Tavern
Old Town Side Street Off Myrtle • Mediterranean Tavern And Cocktail Bar • Best All-Around Dinner Choice
Lively Mediterranean spot with shareable plates, a full bar, and a polished but relaxed Old Town vibe.
Tucked just off Myrtle, The Diplomat feels like a neighborhood living room with better lighting and much better food. The menu leans Mediterranean—think hummus, kebabs, and pita—but you’ll also find burgers and big salads that work for mixed groups. It’s an especially strong pick for evening meetups, with cocktails and small plates that make lingering over a long conversation feel effortless.
02
Coziest brunch
Peach Cafe
South Of Old Town Monrovia • Casual All-Day Breakfast And Lunch Café • Best For Slow Weekend Brunch
Sunny, low-key café known for generous breakfast plates, good coffee, and a friendly neighborhood crowd.
Peach Cafe is where locals linger over pancakes and omelets on a Saturday morning before wandering up to Myrtle. The menu covers comfort basics—French toast, scrambles, sandwiches—done in portions that feel more like a reward than a meal. Go early on weekends if you want a quieter table and time to work through a second cup of coffee without feeling rushed.
03
Classic comfort choice
Jake's Roadhouse
Myrtle Avenue In Old Town • Casual Barbecue And Diner-Style Spot • Best For Barbecue And Hearty Plates
Old-school roadhouse on Myrtle serving ribs, burgers, and hearty breakfasts in a laid-back, slightly rowdy room.
Jake’s Roadhouse is the kind of place where you can roll in after a hike in the foothills and not worry about your shoes. Ribs, tri-tip, and burgers are the main event, with smoky flavors and portions big enough to split. Breakfast is equally popular, so don’t be surprised to see plates of chicken-fried steak and stacks of pancakes landing at nearby tables well into the late morning.
04
Top sushi pick
Mikomi Sushi Monrovia
Foothill Boulevard Corridor • Lively Japanese Sushi Bar And Restaurant • Best For Sushi Rolls And Sake
Bustling sushi bar turning out fresh nigiri, inventive rolls, and izakaya-style sides in a modern setting.
Mikomi is where Monrovia heads when the craving for sushi hits, whether you’re in the mood for a quick roll at the bar or a full spread with friends. Traditional nigiri and sashimi are solid, but many regulars lean toward the specialty rolls and shared appetizers. It’s a good idea to plan for a bit of a wait on weekend evenings, when the room fills with groups splitting platters and pitchers of beer or carafes of sake.
05
Best for modern Mexican
Cafe De Olla - Monrovia
East Foothill Boulevard Strip • Modern Mexican Café And Restaurant • Best For Coffee And Mexican Comfort Dishes
Warm, colorful spot pairing café de olla and espresso drinks with chilaquiles, enchiladas, and other Mexican comfort plates.
Cafe De Olla brings a more modern café style to classic Mexican flavors, making it as appealing for a spiced coffee and pastry as for a full sit-down meal. Breakfast and brunch are standouts, with dishes like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros that feel both homey and dialed-in. It’s a reliable choice when your group wants strong coffee, flavorful plates, and a setting that works equally well for families and casual meetups.