LA Local Gems You Know About, But Forgot About

In this local gems episode, we’ll explore 3 South Bay eateries with a combined age of 191 years! They have been serving delicious eats to the local community for decades and will continue into the future.
Diana’s Mexican Food, 300 E Sepulveda Blvd, Carson, CA 90745
www.dianas.net/
Gardena Bowl Coffee Shop, 15707 S Vermont Ave, Gardena, CA 90247
gardenabowlcoffeeshop.com/
The San Franciscan, 2520 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
www.the-sanfranciscan.com/
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Intro artwork by Andrew Denina (Instagram: drawmatic.png and dreww.jpg)
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Have something to send us?: Bill & Lisa Food and Travel, 1820 W. Carson St. # 202-161, Torrance, CA 90501
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[@leeannkleine6120]

As a native of Torrance, all 3 stops are true gems of the South Bay. We usually make reservations for the San Fransiscan for my birthday in May. I still bowl at Gardena on occasion, and always get the Katsu plate. You can't plan for the Christmas holidays without tamale supplies from Diana's. So much history and great food at all 3 places. Thanks Bill and Lisa!

[@billandlisa]

Totally agree! Thanks for watching!

[@gloriawinbush1590]

I'm, in love ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. All,three are on my bucket list🤩!

[@gloriawinbush1590]

Everything,look so scrumptious with large portions 🤩 and was an decent price🥰🤤😋!

[@CarolH-ep2gg]

I've been in Torrance since 1974, and the firts time I ate at the Fransciscian was last year! Everyone raves about it, but I never went there. We really enjoyed it!

[@Carl-zz5gz]

Love these local gem videos. Lots of memories growing up in the 60s and 70s. Still waiting for your Bobs Big Boy trip.

[@billandlisa]

Yes, we'll get to Bob's for sure. =)

[@mrxman581]

​@@billandlisaThere's the one in Downey that has a very interesting history since it was an old school diner with roller skate car hop service back in the day. Though that building was actually torn down. You'll see when you research it.

[@terris.1450]

Love me some Gardena Bowl!!!😊

[@AllisonWhittaker]

My favorite of the three was the last one.....the steakhouse. The food looked amazing and so tasty. Thanks for sharing! 😍

[@user-he5pz3zm6d]

Some of my Gardena favorites from the past are Tijuana Inn, Ting Sing, Pit Burger.

[@user-zr3ek7pr3r]

Grew up in Carson and my parents still live there. Diana's is OK lol. I like the mexican street foods more than the restaurants now. And Gardena bowl is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 for sure. Always packed but food is really good.

[@harveyh3696]

03:00 Here in Hawaii I only buy the locally produced flour/corn flat bread products from the company "Sinaloa Tortillas". I'm thinking that wherever you are; you should support your locally produced food products.

[@gloriawinbush1590]

Magnificent 🥰🤤😋👏👏👏!

[@CarloS-ii6hr]

As a South Bay local, I need to try the San Franciscan. I tried Gardena Bowl for the first time last year and it was amazing. Thanks for sharing!!

[@billandlisa]

Sounds great!

[@alant.541]

Best of the South Bay! 😋👍

[@geogent6655]

Love love LOVE when you do "local"!!! I'll definitely be visiting Gardena Bowl and Dianas🤪🤪🤪👍👍👍❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈

[@imagesinla8575]

Thanks for letting me know about Gardena Bowl. I grew up near Holiday Bowl over in the Crenshaw District, and they had a very cool coffee shop as well. My favorite was the Teriyaki steak plate with rice and steamed vegetables. And I loved their Portuguese sausage for breakfast. Sadly they closed down in the mid 90's. I will be heading over to Gardena Bowl to get that good looking Teriyaki steak.

[@rickiwamoto8099]

Also like Your Gardena Bowl Food Trip . And Wow thanks for sharing about ( Diana’s Not 24 Hours Anymore.

[@donnamccormack]

I don't know how I missed The San Franciscan...born and raised South Bay...Went to Del Contes a few times on PCH...Looks really reasonable too!

[@MadameNoir]

Omg why are you so adorable as individuals and as a couple. You are warm & inviting. Amazing smiles too. My ideal dinner partners.

[@SandraRamirez-og7gf]

I was born in Guardina California.1956 Would definitely love to visit. Pretty much grew up. In the Anaheim area at 1 time. I lived right by Knotts berry farm I could walk there when I was little. Also lived in Fountain Valley and Covina. Loving the video.

[@danielvallelunga1596]

Hey Lisa!!!!! Hey Bill !!!!! 👀 looks 👀 Great!!!!! Great video 🎥 🎥 ❤ 😊

[@billandlisa]

Hey Daniel! Thank you!

[@msavp4481]

What is amazing is that these places outlasted the pandemic - a true testament to the quality of their food. I’ve told you before that I grew up in that area down there and those places were around but we were a large family and Mom cooked everyday.

[@billandlisa]

Thanks Sue. We and the community are happy they’re all still around. 😃

[@danawhite6880]

I pass here whenever I visit my nephew and his wife and have yet to stop. Looks like I’ve been missing a treat!

[@WAYIN2DEEP]

Huge thumbs up for the San Franciscan! Great service and very large portions. We've been meaning to check it out and this video made us think of it again. It was wonderful. Thanks Bill and Lisa

[@deedeew4040]

I have dined at the San Franciscan several times, my old stopping ground. Weekends are packed.

[@-amosc.presley-7192]

Me is Speechless

[@titasmom678]

Drove by Gardena Bowl many times, but never went there. Glad to see they are still around. That steakhouse looks legit!

[@billandlisa]

Yup, they’re still serving up Local favorites! 😋

[@thewurm9177]

The San Franciscan is legit! One of my favorite old school places in LA. Absolutely fantastic prices for top notch food. The meat is as good as Lawry's or any expensive high profile LA steakhouse, and the sides and drinks are great. I'm living in Wisconsin now and this place is very much like a typical supper club out here.

[@billandlisa]

Couldn't agree more!

[@lindleyruddick8686]

Love Diana's

[@user-iamRobinV68]

Mmmmmmm. Once again all delicious food!!! 🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@ashleybreckheimer1387]

Prime rib and creamy horseradish may be my favorite meal of all time! Yes, I did want a bite 😢😂

[@MissJackson-rb1nx]

We love the San Fraciscan, local tresure🎉

[@NancysNibblesofLife]

Dang, three winners!! On my way. Thanks guys!

[@billandlisa]

You’re very welcome, Nancy!

[@alyssadiceflipper5201]

Love Local Gems!

[@m.p.w.333]

Tamales and eggs in the morning. 😋🍽

[@beverlyherbert6952]

Another great video!! I used to bowl at gardena bowl back in the 80s and 90s and eat at the coffee shop all the time!!! 😊 need to go back !!!!! Great local place !!!!❤ I can't believe the san Franciscan is still there!! I never tried it but since seeing what it is, might have to try it 😊😊 everything looked really good❤ glad to see these old school restaurants!! Thank you for sharing ❤❤❤

[@billandlisa]

Oh yes, I spent lots of years eating at Gardena Bowl back in the day. Great to see the business still thriving. You’ll like the San Franciscan, one of the last OG prime rib houses still around.

[@csmarsh1957]

I wish I was in Torrance and could go to the San Franciscan. That prime rib and rib eye looked so yummy. You guys are so lucky !!!

[@robertamcmunn3642]

I thought Menudo was a band until I saw your soup and figured it was tripe. LOL "And now, welcome to the stage Cows Stomach". That noodle and Chashu dish looked amazing.

[@vissitorsteve]

It would be fun to see you two make a dinner at home! 😂

[@vanessasolorzano5118]

Oml that's why I miss Cali Soo many memories and places to eat and hang thank u guys for this video 😢 the food looks amazing !

[@billandlisa]

Glad you enjoyed! Thank you for watching.

[@user-uz6oy9qf3f]

From SweetPea, thank u for the Happy Birthday shout out. You both rock...❤

[@billandlisa]

You're very welcome!

[@vggalbraith5076]

The san Francisco stake place looks amazing. Great price to😮

[@stryder36x]

Back when we lived in Long Beach (in '07), we would always go to Chris & Pitts (Bellflower/Downey and the for Anaheim location) for steaks and Naples Rib Company (Belmont Shore) for Prime Rib. You should check them out too!

[@winniepoohbear8916]

You know it's good food when you're in business for 60 years and the place packed! I love your keeping it local videos!!❤

[@billandlisa]

Yes! Thank you!

[@atomicbru4717]

Nothing wrong with a little chopstick innuendo! Lisa, I’ll be in Anaheim next week for work; will say hi if I see you! Please do a best of Dallas/Ft Worth one day!

[@legomars1]

I'm embarrassed to say we've never tried Diana's in person. Will have to change that soon! Love this vid!

[@southbayer236]

Hi Guys! Have you ever thought about doing a review about “Chinese Deli” in Carson - Sepulveda/Avalon Bl. I’ve been going there for 25 yrs, small hole in the wall… if you do, forget the menu board, just say half and half rice chow mein , and select two items right there in front of.. it’s so good, and tasty..

[@mindysmom6132]

Hi Bill! Hi Lisa!! OMG! You're not kidding when you say, 'these are the places that you know about, but forget about.' I haven't been to Diana's, in Gardena, or Gardena Bowl in years!! Thank you for sharing, as when hubby and I head to the South Bay, it's always for King's Hawaiian or Sakae Sushi. Everything that you both had looked delicious! Hubby and I are all about menudo at our local establishments on weekends. I would love to make the drive out to Carson to visit Diana's for a bowl of menudo. Sadly, not sure about the San Franciscan though, unless they can guarantee no cross contamination of shellfish. I'd love to try it, but I have to protect my husband. :( Please take care folks!! Thank you again for always sharing so many amazing places!!

[@billandlisa]

Thanks Mary! Lisa loves their menudo and always orders a large. lol. Thanks for watching!

[@user-fg4fr2bz5y]

Love your videos! Food looks yummy🙏💞😮

[@YourLifeVideos1]

Nice!!! Thank you!! I MUST try!!

[@lindaosuna7259]

Diana was a California Beauty queen, we grew up with their cousins :)

[@billandlisa]

There's a painting up on the wall, must be her.

[@georginamay859]

Thank you for the tip on Diana's! We will be in Cerritos Saturday! We love to visit long standing restaurants!

[@maxiedilworth1973]

Thank you two for sharing!

[@billandlisa]

Our pleasure!

[@snaccounting2824]

That cake looked deelish..yumm

[@makila9493]

I went to the Diana. I really love the Menudo❤ Thank you for introducing this place. My husband loves too. I’ll go to the Gardena bowl next weekend.

[@billandlisa]

Very nice! We almost went for the menudo again. lol

[@eileenrynn5238]

I also love this old local gems keep them coming

[@mnmaddict37532]

Thanks for introducing the San Franciscan. I've driven by many times and it just looked too run down to consider eating there. I will definitely stop by for some prime rib now and the salad with the 1000 island dressing. You know they're old school when 1000 island dressing is available. Love it.

[@billandlisa]

Our pleasure! It’s got that 70’s steakhouse vibe which is pretty cool. 👍🏼

[@susanahidalgo3710]

My husband is from the area and loves these places. Great video!

[@billandlisa]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@larrykarenflowers9371]

All of the food looked wonderful. Thanx for taking us along. Safe travels.

[@billandlisa]

Thank you! You too!

[@susangastelum1998]

We love Diana's. We would go to the one in Norwalk

[@mariog3121]

Thanks for presenting these great eateries !! Everything looked amazing 🤩. The menudo looked so delicious - wish I was there to bring some home 🥰🥰 steak 🥩 and dessert 🥧 looking awesome !! Have a great weekend !! 👍👍❤❤💎💎🤗🤗

[@billandlisa]

Thanks so much!

[@theresabergesson-rp5ez]

Dam would go to that steak house just for the bread alone yum!

[@gregtong8670]

Diana’s is also in Norwalk !

[@michaelarmenta8289]

Oh boy, love me some Diana's, I always get the #31, beef burrito and green sauce with rice and beans on the side. Gardena Bowl has some good chow too. I have yet to eat at The San Franciscan, but by the look of that steak, it will be soon.

[@billandlisa]

#31 sounds good! Thanks for watching!

[@ginNjus]

Old school gems are the best as long as it's consistent. Thanks guys!! These 3 are special.

[@ForeverChanged7]

The San Franciscan has been a long time gem. My Mom n law worked there back in the day. You can't find any place that serves up the quality and the ambiance like the San Franciscan. It has stood the test of time. So happy you guys went in to enjoy and show off one of our best local gems. The Gardena Bowl is just outstanding. The Mexican food place over in Carson we are going to give it a try. The food just looked yummy and all the ingredients to make tomales and the Pan Dolces. It all just was wonderful. These places just can't be forgotten. It's great to know they are still there! Thanks Bill and Lisa.❤I have to go visit Diana's for sure.❤

[@billandlisa]

So glad you enjoyed this video! Agreed, these long standing places need and deserved to be recognized. Hope you make it to Diana's, you'll love it.

[@jessicajohnson8417]

Green chile wet burrito is the ticket. Carnitas hard shell tacos are super delicious. Enjoy 😊.

[@stephensegall1280]

wow

[@rickiwamoto8099]

Awesome Gardena Bowl

[@glendamcdaniel9894]

Bill's chorizo and eggs looks so good. Lisa's menudo!!! Jackpot!!! Looks like I'm making menudo tomorrow, which is perfect since I have 9" of snow on my lawn. Your lunches.....yum!!! Who would have thought going to a bowling alley to eat fabulous food. Dinner and dessert....yum. I would have liked to see Bill get the bone in ribeye. This was a great one day video.

[@billandlisa]

Menudo on a snowy day, perfect!! Thanks for watching!

[@paulachannell4296]

Yummm that steak looks delish, rib eye❤

[@irishgip71]

Omg, that steak looked incredible sir!! I’ve bbq’d along time and never had grill marks like that. Iris and I need another road trip.

[@billandlisa]

I don't get those deep grill marks either. lol. Good stuff!

[@AussieAngeS]

I love that Mexican supermarket with all those tortillas 😍 I could spend a whole day in there just looking through everything. The food looked amazing as always guys 😍

[@billandlisa]

That place is pretty cool, right?

[@davidkost418]

I like when you show the prices. You forgot breakfast and steak - thanks!

[@mrxman581]

Great video. Im a big supportervof local eateries. I will try all of these places. Thanks for this.

[@ireneaguilar872]

Great local gems! Thanks for sharing

[@billandlisa]

Our pleasure!

[@moneyistooeasytomake]

Have to go to mussoandfranks in Hollywood since1919 a time capsule also only establishment allowed to cook steaks on a open grill a true experience much more than a restaurant and the food is divine p.s ask for the bar side when you go..

[@s.jensen1492]

Some really great options for breakfast, lunch or dinner! And who knew a Bowling Alley could turn out food like that!? Thanks Bill and Lisa!

[@billandlisa]

Our pleasure, S! We're lucky to have these places local to us.

[@debbienishiki7976]

All the food at the local gems looked absolutely yum-o especially Lisa's prime rib!! Live life guys!!

[@billandlisa]

Thanks Debbie! We're lucky to have these gems local to us. =)

[@trinamartini7375]

Thank you for sharing the three local gems! Everything looked D-LISH!!! ❤

[@billandlisa]

Our pleasure! Thank you for watching!

[@songsan807]

When you both mentioned Torrance and Prime Ribs I knew you were talking about the San Franciscan. Been there many times prior to Covid and it is a great place for lunch or dinner. Haven't been back since Covid because I thought for a time they open at 3PM. So they might change back their hours and start serving lunch again?

[@billandlisa]

Good question about lunch, best to check their website.

[@csdesjarlais9779]

Pie must be Spumoni which is pistachio, dark chocolate and maraschino cherry. My mom’s favorite ice cream. I don’t think you can buy it anymore!

[@williame8202]

Will give some a shot. 👍

[@anitayee9084]

Happy Wednesday ❤ and Thank you for Share your video. Ox Tail so Delicious 😋 and I never had Ox tail yet. L.o.l ❤

[@billandlisa]

It's pretty good stuff. Happy Wednesday!

[@suecastillo4056]

If you haven’t tried it? Toast them in the toaster oven until crispy OR you can fry them in a little oil until crispy and toasted… to die for!! The corn flavor? You’ll have a hard time eating them regular after you try toasted ones♥️‼️🙋‍♀️love to you both always♥️‼️

[@suecastillo4056]

Oh ya… take them out of the corn husks before you toast them…( sorry, obviously)…♥️🥰

[@michele588]

i love your channel-i always get so hungry! always go where the locals go! i would love to hear the pricing of each dish you get

[@jesusisfaithful7]

OH GOODNESS ALL THE FOOD REALLY LOOKS SO DELICIOUS. THANKS FOR SHARING ALL THESE AMAZING PLACES WITH US.👍🏼😁😋😋😋

[@billandlisa]

Thank you, Tracey!

[@preciousowusu7743]

The steak 😋.

[@conniesmith3922]

Everything looked delicious! ❤❤❤

[@billandlisa]

So good!

[@bw5277]

Azuma, Lomelis, Pit Burger, Gardena Bowl, Hong Kong Deli.....South Bay favorites still around. I miss my So Bay favorites Casa Lopez, Harrys, Takefuku Udon and Ting Sing.

[@bw5277]

Forgot Missile Bowl, Yellow Basket, Ramonas and Blue Lantern

[@bw5277]

I think Azuma and Gardena Bowl same owner???

[@billandlisa]

Not sure. They both use big plates though. lol

[@johnandjaneadventures]

Excellent video! Fun to see these gems. Look forward to visiting the San Franciscan on our next visit to SoCal.

[@rosaspanjol673]

Guys!..you were in my neighborhood!..again!..one of these days I will meet you to say hallo!

[@billandlisa]

Please do!

[@elizabethm.4916]

This video just magically appeared in my feed and I’m loving it! I like exploring new places especially in my native SoCal - there’s so many places I’ve never been, and what a sweet couple! Good food and good company - I just subscribed!

[@billandlisa]

Glad you enjoyed it! Welcome to our channel! 😃

[@lawrenceakini4981]

Thanks for this vlog. Yum. Have an amazing day! Mahalo.

[@billandlisa]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@Angela32117]

Wow everything looked delicious!

[@lesa8020]

OMG! Not sure when the name changed but that Diana's in Carson was my fav mex eating place back in the 70's during my high school years. Back in the 70's it was called La Bonita. Haven't been there in years, guessing it was taken over by Diana's.

[@billandlisa]

Not sure. We saw some tortilla packs there labeled La Bonita.

[@user-cb2uo4jj3e]

Looks great... would really love you guys to do a video on trying greek food!!

[@jadehom8067]

Tyvm and ybqw 🤗

[@jadehom8067]

Great video...food looked fabulous delicious 👍...stay safe and God Bless 😘🤗❤

[@billandlisa]

Thank you, Jade! You too!

[@pattiwhite9575]

What a great video of old favorite places. Who would have thought a bowling alley would have such a popular restaurant. And Asian to boot. The steak house does look like an old vegas hangout. I love spumoni ice cream. I can never find it here. We had a Italian restaurant that serves it. It is an old favorite of mine.

[@billandlisa]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@heatherohler1342]

French fries of the sea. My hubby and I love watching you guys everyday.

[@billandlisa]

Yes!! So good!!

[@kylerdad123]

Aloha Bill and Lisa: You did a great journey to the “gems” of SoCal! I enjoyed the visits to each establishments. However, the ox-tail soup and fried saimin got to me this morning - the place even reminded me of a place named Kam Bowl restaurant, which served similar food. Hope the weather gets better for you both in the south. Soon, it will be the “Year of the Dragon,” therefore, I wish you both a Kung Hee Faat Choy. Best wishes and much 🧧! 🤙

[@billandlisa]

Aloha Bill! Rain coming soon for us. Thank you!