Porto’s Is The Best Cuban Bakery In LA | Line Around The Block

Porto’s Bakery & Cafe is a Cuban American bakery that was opened in Southern California in 1976 by a woman named Rosa Porto. Porto grew up learning recipes from her mother and started an illegal cake business in Cuba when Fidel Castro was in power to make money for her family. Once she arrived in Los Angeles, she baked and sold cakes to neighbors and Cuban immigrants. The family took out a small loan and started the bakery in 1976, and today they have five locations throughout Los Angeles. Porto's Bakery & Cafe is famous for its sweet and savory menu items, including the tres leches cake, sweet pastries like cheese rolls and guava strudels, Cuban sandwiches, and potato balls. The bakery is still a family-run business, with locations in Glendale, Burbank, Downey, Buena Park, and West Covina. Insider's Caroline Aghajanian visited the original Glendale location to get a glimpse of the magic inside the kitchen.
Editor’s Note: Insider visited Porto’s Bakery & Cafe in February 2020. All Porto’s locations are currently closed for dine-in service out of an abundance of caution, but are still offering curbside pick-up and nationwide shipping options.
For more information, visit:
www.portosbakery.com
/ portosbakery
MORE LINE AROUND THE BLOCK:
Why These Juicy Red Birria Tacos Are An LA Favorite | Line Around The Block
• Why These Juicy Red Bi...
Uncle Tetsu's Jiggly Japanese Cheesecake Is Now In Times Square | Line Around The Block
• Uncle Tetsu's Jiggly J...
Why Malaysian Family Recipes Are Key To This Café's Success | Line Around The Block
• Why Malaysian Family R...
-----------------------------------------------------
#LosAngeles #Bakery #FoodInsider
Insider is great journalism about what passionate people actually want to know. That’s everything from news to food, celebrity to science, politics to sports and all the rest. It’s smart. It’s fearless. It’s fun. We push the boundaries of digital storytelling. Our mission is to inform and inspire.
Subscribe to our channel and visit us at: www.insider.com
Food Insider on Facebook: / foodinsider
Food Insider on Instagram: / thisisinsiderfood
Food Insider on Twitter: / insiderfood
Insider on Snapchat: / 4020934530
Insider on Amazon Prime: www.amazon.com/v/thisisinsider
Insider on TikTok: / insider
Food Insider on Dailymotion: www.dailymotion.com/foodinsider
Porto’s Is The Best Cuban Bakery In LA | Line Around The Block

[@annasahlstrom6109]

Porto's is life! Mrs. Porto recently died and I'm so sad! Her cakes will now light up Heaven. Bendiciones, Señora!

[@mountainstream8718]

What... man I'm so sad to hear that 😭 I come back to that buzzfeed worth it video to see their tres leches cake every once in a while and she seems like such a sweet lady. May she rest in peace 💔😔

[@sweetnsour3693]

Wait what!? As in Señorita Rosa? My goodness!

[@britneyt5264]

On December 13, 2019. rip

[@annasahlstrom6109]

@Alex H Blessings in Spanish.

[@slewone4905]

I probably met her as a kid. I lived in the neighborhood of her first bakery. Didn't know it was there till recently. But I did visit the tiny strip mall. THis was before they opened up in Glendale.

[@SuperFlawlessMakeup]

The way her daughter spoke of her parents and the struggles they faced to get where they are today 🥺🥺 I’m not crying you are.

[@ebrady61491]

I am not crying .... look away.

[@lt7993]

Right soo touching ! Self made for sure, Grace of God.

[@Chloe-pd8kf]

666 likes

[@Anonymous-zThor]

They are gusanos if you dont know what that means you know nothing theres no reason to cry for them

[@justjacqueline2004]

@@Anonymous-zThor Why ?

[@pussydweller1015]

Cashier: Welcome to porto- Customer: p o t a t o b a l l s

[@lapepina8417]

PAPAS RELLENAS!!!!

[@mckennakane]

It really be like that tho

[@jasperr_2009]

Oh god

[@raylo1635]

Facts

[@honkgabey]

bcuz of ur pic i can hear kenma saying potato balls in monotone

[@baneherrera2270]

Her crying at the end for her mom was the most humbling and sweetest thing ever !

[@RockstarEater]

As an LA guy, I can testify Porto's lives up to hype. They make the best cakes and pastries ever. You should go just to try those potato balls! Note: I didnt get paid by Portos to give this blurb.

[@damien1781]

LA native here too and it's delicious! I moved away so I miss it !

[@RockstarEater]

@@damien1781 I go to the one in Burbank.

[@javierdelgado1554]

The only thing I can vouch for is their tres leches cake... everything else I had that was recommended to me was average imo. I havent tried the Cubano sandwich, but it looks really good... especially because it's made from scratch and in house.

[@KP0719x]

I been to the one in Glendale. I love the guava cheese pastry. Down the street from raffi’s too.

[@aaguilar1962]

If you are from LA this is life.

[@Xckeyl]

As a SoCal native, Portos deserves just as much recognition-if not more than In-N-Out. Everything is affordable, and of the highest quality- seriously their guava cheese rolls are amazing. So many coffee shops around me source their pastries from Portos and upcharge on them LOL.

[@dethpig420]

Yeah the guava struedels kick ass

[@maynardlim7812]

Yes. (As a Canadian)

[@JCKershAuthor]

If anyone is wondering if they are open during the lockdown, they are, but you should call in for orders to beat the line. Edit: Thanks for the 700+ likes! Update on Portos and the Pandemic: Burbank location, you can't go inside. You have to drive up, take a menu from an employee waiting for you, then park in their parking lot, and call in your order. They'll bring it to you. Don't know about the other locations. Hope that helps!

[@YouloveMikeHawk6969]

J.C. Kersh I’ve been there twice since. Only doing online and phone orders. Curbside pickup after you give them your order number

[@OmnipotentO]

Thanks for the heads up. Will def grab something next time I’m near one

[@jsoe81657]

And the menu is limited. They aren't selling many of the cakes..

[@yamads6515]

@Man Of The Dark Aka Darkman What the hell you weirdo. Go seek help.

[@oudaysendy7790]

Yep i was there yesterday

[@roshif-tv9xd]

When Ms. Porto was speaking about her mothers impact and how her hard work has had such an impact on so many people, and their drive to continue her legacy brought me to tears...i'm of the first generation in my family to be born in the U.S. and I work as hard as i can to show just how much of an honor it is for me to be an American. I try to live my life to honor my immigrant parents and grand parents, and to show that this country would not exist without us!

[@smellypan31]

Finally Porto’s is getting the recognition 👏👏 this place has delicious cakes and pastries 🤤

[@kushtoke3651]

True

[@Kashaan_dh]

I'm jealous that she can try those desserts 😭😭

[@RockstarEater]

I've tried them 😀

[@Kashaan_dh]

😭😭😭

[@livinghand5131]

Ha get noobed lol

[@keplerpierre7783]

You should be

[@La-gy4hm]

I don’t think she buys them, I think insider does. So she pretty much gets pretty free food

[@CR24-proud]

I work for Porto's and watching this at 3am, miss my job so much guysss!

[@angelicaschlitz9933]

the old lady's words at the last of the video made me cry a little bit, she's so emotional :'( and proud of her mom's legacy

[@neelimachristopher620]

Huge respect for Rosa Porto. Her hardwork is so inspiring.

[@amalcalde1]

Grew up with Porto’s in Burbank! Never disappointed and was always the go to for after school treat!

[@kisabel028]

Yes, Porto’s always reminds me of my childhood. I tested up hearing her talk about her mom ♥️ Thank you Señora Porto for your legacy!

[@louzer2566]

Best Cuban bakery??? Porto’s is the best bakery period.

[@bigjon-zx7ly]

💯🙌

[@WeakestSunshotEnjoyer]

Facts

[@Jd-jm8xt]

Yep, couldn't agree more. I am lucky enough to live a few miles from one of their locations and love their food. Their reasonable prices make them a great value, too. Great place all around.

[@Ufollowme2]

Its really good I admit, but definitely not the best

[@diggingmystyle]

Umm...no

[@lf1496]

Soy Cubana tambien. I visited LA and had many of their pasteles. My favorite was their guava and cheese pastelitos😋

[@alexiab3880]

Porto’s has my heart ❤️ Everything I mean it everything is on point We drive over 55 miles so we can enjoy a little taste of her mother’s legacy Thank you Mrs.Rosa Porto

[@richbroke9324]

Everytime I’m I LA I stop by Porto’s for the potatoe balls

[@aestheticpeggy4600]

Me : dying of food cravings Insider : Here are some for tasty creations for you

[@tsukispigtails8750]

Hi how do you change your porfile picture

[@aestheticpeggy4600]

luen milan You can change your profile picture through email or KZbin creator studio.

[@tsukispigtails8750]

Thanks

[@RockstarEater]

I live close to Portos

[@mahaswetachakraborti8309]

Porto's is simply the *best bakery* in LA. Period.

[@goodnightworld9026]

Mahasweta Chakraborti **cries because I can’t afford to go to LA.**

[@ValentineLissar]

Agreed. Saying this as a chinese person who loves the desserts in an Asian bakery.

[@MrJuiceHugo]

Agreed. New Yorkers should come here and try it.

[@mahaswetachakraborti8309]

@@goodnightworld9026 Oh really?

[@goodnightworld9026]

Mahasweta Chakraborti yes but when I get older I might have the money to go

[@abdimohamed2945]

Me: Fasting Food insider: Here are the cakes that you want to try but you live on the other side of the world and you're fasting.

[@Fayoumer]

Same 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@zeynabbbb]

Omg sameeee

[@elaf13604]

And the food isn't hlal

[@anonymouspotato]

@@elaf13604 Sadly 😔

[@ezzatulhaziyah6645]

Same here bud

[@SparkleRanger]

Those guava cheese rolls tho!!!

[@user-xp8rh5yt5k]

U mean "guayaba?

[@carolinechavez1630]

Overterror it’s the same thing

[@kushtoke3651]

🔥

[@thirtyonepigeons9539]

Wow the story behind the store is incredible. I was born into an immigrant family but I was born in the US so this really made me feel proud for the Porto family :) not to mention how good everything looks like woww👀

[@valerieirvin4330]

The love and passion she have for her mom and her legacy is do heart warming.

[@srishti1322]

Agreed

[@sweetreshy]

I'm sorry for your loss, mrs. Porto sounds like an amazing woman. If I ever go to LA I will definitely visit the bakery.

[@chrispark7010]

As an LA native I can safely say, this place is legit. Cakes, pastries, sandwiches, bread, everything is spot on and the price is very reasonable.

[@user-bu4fc6ki9z]

When I was in LA I used to frequent the place. Brought back the memories ❤️.

[@lucegoldenaya]

Porto's is the absolute best!!! Love their lechón plate! To die for!!!

[@arizonad8012]

As somebody who is recently living abroad, and knowing how hard it is, I'm really happy they made it :)

[@AbsolutelyPolar]

The end of this video made my day! Very heartfelt and moving to here Beatriz reflect on her mother's incredibly legacy.

[@debbymendoza6875]

I've been going to porto's my entire life. My family knows the porto's family and they are incredibly kind/ generous people. It's so special to me, as a child of an immigrant, to see this level of success from honest hardworking people. They stay true to their brand and it has payed off. So happy to see they are being recognized on youtube ♥️. Btw their midnight sandwich,meat pies and guava cheese pastries are 🔥🔥🔥. Thank me later 😘

[@RockstarEater]

Porto's is so good that it even has a tremendous line during lockdown. Sure, its unsafe, but what can people do about it if they are addicted to the cakes here. ☹

[@overnightclassic2]

I've tried portos and I think it's good prices but okay quality. Cakes taste slightly commercial compared to homemade ones with real buttercream good ingredients, etc. so I'd say it's a step below a nice bakery but with much better prices. I'm pretty sure they aren't using real butter in the layers of their guava cheese tarts.

[@javierdelgado1554]

@@overnightclassic2 Tres leches cake is good(its subjective but its a little on the sweet side, but still good and worthy of the name)... other than that I'm iffy about.

[@javierdelgado1554]

It almost seems like since they are so popular they must be cutting corners... but who knows. Btw good to see you on here Steve.

[@laurenbray8314]

I'm imagining sitting at home with one of those cakes lol

[@laurenbray8314]

@@overnightclassic2 usually when a restaurant/bakery goes big with numerous locations they have to cut corners to be able to keep up with the high demand. Like they will start having things produced for them in factories or use premade stuff to cut on labor.

[@lindsaywang171]

ugh I love Porto's especially the cheese roll, berry cream cake, and Cuban sandwiches.....a taste of heaven on earth really. So happy I live near a Porto's🥰🥰🥰

[@paolabueso]

Beautiful episode! And everything looks SO delicious! Thank you for sharing this. 🙌🙌🙌

[@carmelcapricorn7701]

Ooh, I like this version 2. Another way 2 enjoy this classic. Looking good.🍰🎂🍮

[@Isabelle4525]

I used to work a block away from the Burbank location and I still dream about those potato balls and cubanos. Miss them so much

[@samlee6152]

Insider, you're killing me with all these uploads. I'm about to hit up every restaurant and cafe in my city once all this is over

[@jeraldb2868]

Finally! A Food Insider segment on Porto’s ☺️

[@iquitlol5505]

I’ve been here before, and ngl it’s actually really good 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱

[@goodnightworld9026]

{ aprilzzx } I might open a bakery but I can’t afford to go to LA. I’ll have inspiration from this place :)

[@GermanBautista511]

I love Porto’s. Been coming here since I was a kid. Best bakery in LA.

[@classicredwine]

Tony Rock casually being interviewed lol

[@Execute_Order__66]

Red Wine did they know who he was

[@nat_hayes]

Immediately thought that, 🤔 then 🤣

[@YourMajesty143]

He's the guy Drew is based off of in "Everybody Hates Chris", it's so on point. This guy is effortlessly cool.

[@malargrosis]

OMG!! I love potato balls. After leaving Florida( lots of Cuban culture there), I thought I would never see them again!

[@oscarp4328]

Such an LA staple. Love their food.

[@meg2231]

Her daughter at the end made me start tearing up omgg

[@cynthiaromero4312]

I love family owned business, what a beautiful story 🙌🏻

[@ildaugurlucan1366]

I've been in LA from Montreal february 2024 I have never tested incredibly so delicious pastries all entire my life and I am not sweet tooth person it's unexplainable. Once you try it you'll never stop going back. Bravo Mrs. Rosa that's all i can say.

[@skandarc2810]

My favorite bakery hands down. Everything is so good. So glad they made the video really personal and insightful about the family. Heart wrenching seeing the daughter choke up at the end 😢

[@abiday4149]

Every time my family and I go to LA, we ALWAYS stop at Porto’s! It is definitely one of the best bakery’s ever! I wish I had some potato balls 🤤

[@Viniskates]

As someone who grew up in LA, I can say that this place is amazing. The mango mousse pastry is a must try!

[@rocketgroot4311]

*Thank that Woman for leaving a legacy* *Of delicious food..* *& Bringing smiles to many of my families birthday parties*

[@ginnydonnelly7440]

One of the very best bakeries ever! Going there is an experience! Wished it was closer to me...

[@zhr14]

We have something a bit similar to their potato balls here in indonesia, it’s called “perkedel”, it is also made from a mix of mashed potato and minced meat (sometimes without), and fried with an egg wash. It’s so interesting to see food cultures in other places. And these just look sooo delicious! :)

[@jennyfurkat]

The best place I’ve been to I dream of their cortadito coffee! I’m getting my birthday cake from there this year can’t wait!

[@michellegousios566]

Papa rellenas!!!! Omg brings me back to my grandma making them when I lived in Puerto Rico

[@ebrady61491]

Lovely children, so proud of their mother.

[@jabessantana354]

the closest one to me is in west covina which is a 45min dirve, needless to say we go at least 3x a month. TOTALLY WORTH IT

[@yumyumboy]

WOW~ It looks really delicious just by watching the video. I want to eat

[@irmairaheta3751]

Love portos my whole family loves portos, beaing buying ,portos. Since ,my wedding cake, 32years ago, them ,my 4kids, birthdays, cakes, cant no be birthdays, without portos cakes, I thnks God, for the portos family, may God bless them always

[@mayraramos7917]

So inspirational! Love this video!

[@BearFoodKitchen]

I’ve been here!! Love all their food.

[@StBarts-hn1qw]

As an LA native I can attest to the quality of Porto’s! You will not be disappointed!

[@Ohhaiitsjackie]

Porto’s has always been a stop for my family when we go to LA growing up. The cheese rolls have always been an obsession for us!

[@tinacorbet4705]

Love the Honest and frankness of the chef!!!! I cook for living and all this looks sooooooo good. :( live in Canada

[@ladydarkb5656]

It's strange to think: In January we are going out because It's normal and enjoy eating in different places In April we are going out just because we need to buy something and just delivery food(i am not complain about this, but I prefer thousand times to go to a restaurant) I miss this little things

[@0o151]

The world ended in August 12 2018

[@ladydarkb5656]

@@0o151 Why always August? kkkkkkk My birthday is in August

[@zia4582]

@@ladydarkb5656 same

[@Tinyfurball]

Dude. Yes. I miss the days where you could walk anywhere without the stupid mask on.

[@AMATCHALATTE]

@@Tinyfurball In some countries it's normal to wear a mask for health or fashion reasons. In the U.S. you don't really see that because sick people usually stay home.

[@mathusharao6864]

Worth it got here 3 years ago.

[@lagbreaker5617]

tell em sis/boi

[@amandagarcia8348]

Which is the best cake?

[@notoriouscasual5004]

Amanda Garcia their Tiramisu cakes are outstanding But by far their biggest selling pastry are their chocolate crossaints

[@orangeblossom7748]

" you know it's necessity thats makes you want to do incredible things " x Mrs Porto - thoses who know,know that part hit different

[@vanessarizo1549]

Porto’s is part of every one of our celebrations and it will never change because what they do is pure magic and comfort for the souls. We love you Portos!

[@johara86]

That looks good all the way from Florida. This looks like some of the hip joints I've seen in Central Florida.

[@siyaciaraamandaperez]

I’m Mexican 🇲🇽 I love tortas w ham and that cake 🎂 5-4-2020

[@dethpig420]

Been here many times to the Buena park location and downey a few times. Place is insane. Best Cubano sandwich ever.

[@Euclideanaxiom]

Such a touching story at the end. God bless and Hopefully more people can experience amazing Cuban food :)

[@no2524]

OMGGGGG I’m so so glad they have done a vid about Porto’s it’s THE BEST bakery everrrr you should try the meat pies there the one that i go to is the one in Burbank but seriously ITS DA BEST

[@JimmiAlli]

The plantain chips look good.

[@zaidmoges374]

It is the only palce where they literally have an army of workers to blow thru the long lines out the door and down the block.🥰 Always so organized and you can't go wrong whatever you order. You will leave with a BIG bag to take home. 😋 Simply the BEST!

[@sabrinafalle4012]

Oh yes, it has so many delicious pastries, cakes, etc. I love the moist chocolate cake, tuna sandwich, and more! 😋😍

[@icordero2409]

I love Porto's and I live on the East coast (they ship, hint, hint). I visit there when I visit my niece in LA. Strangely it is nether the Cubano or the tres leches that I get; not a dig at Porto's, I have never liked either from any place so I don't eat either.. Their lechon plato and cheese roll pastry are my go to. Try those cheese roll pastries ... just the right amount of sweetness without it being overwhelming!

[@robinafrica3456]

Potato balls, cheese rolls and get a loaf of the raisin, walnut bread and don’t forget to get it sliced!!!

[@NellaLongo]

Wonderful, inspiring story. Amazing food. 🙏❤️

[@EvelynHernandez-mp8gn]

Wow now I’m glad I live where the nearest Porto’s is at Downey CA I have to try this

[@jessicaa5189]

Love Portos!

[@ilovemontse]

I go to Porto’s every birthday. Only good place to get cakes

[@michilove942]

What a beautiful story, of what this country Can do.. the possibilities are endless, I am too an immigrant and very grateful to be here since I was 5

[@gracielafelix5845]

I went ones and I felt in love of guava pastries. The best ❤️

[@ephzie]

everytime i go to so-cal my family goes to porto's and get lots of pastries, no matter what. i remember when there was only one porto's in so-cal and it would always be hella crowded and it would take hours

[@kden1922]

My childhood!!! They're also in Orange County. Pretty much every Filipino occasion, we have Porto's. My family and I still go there during this quarantine :3

[@slewone4905]

Yeah, working with Filipinos is a pain. They keep asking me to bring back stuff from Portos, because I live close by. Reminded everyone that two other coworkers are closer.

[@ameliat1560]

Potato balls? You mean papa rellenas?!? I love those! My family is from Puerto Rico, but we loveeeeee some Cuban food. Everything here feels like eating at your favorite vecinos house 😉😍

[@31chrispy]

I absolutely love their potato balls!!!

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

There are also places like that here in the NY Metro. Union City is the place to be for Cuban spots. It’s the Havana on the Hudson

[@oscarp4328]

So lucky I’m 4 miles away from Glendale 🤤

[@jennyrodriguez5727]

Qué historia tan linda! Y la comida se ve deliciosa!

[@bustanut512]

Porto’s brings all race/ethnic groups together in LA all in the name of good food! ❤️ Thank you Mrs Porto!

[@deen7184]

Been to every location, and honestly the one in Glendale is the best.

[@Azzriiel]

ilikeplaness it’s because the Glendale location is the pioneer store :)

[@xXvioletKillerXx]

My aunt took me there! She said "I know you live in Miami, I bet you miss Cuban food"

[@alexisdavenport8654]

Living in Texas I really miss Porto’s! Thankfully you guys ship some items!! 😌

[@Kannnnn87]

Porto's!!!!! I obsessed!!! The greatest bakery!

[@ag-bk5wf]

This place is better then Versailles in Miami! Been to both.

[@calleinad]

ANDREW Garcia im from miami and ive never been to versailles

[@calleinad]

ANDREW Garcia do they have the traditional cuban pastries? pastelito de guayaba, paselito de queso, pastelito de carne??

[@jeilyortega1204]

I was wondering if it can compare to a Miami Bakery, even though Versailles is over hyped

[@JBLAZE305]

Versailles is for tourist. Please do yourself a favor and visit Vicky's in Miami...it will give this place a run for its money. Looks good tho...

[@gisellemunoz2863]

Bro it better live up to the hype I just moved to LA from Miami and I’m missing my Cuban food like crazy☹️☹️

[@Passionforfoodrecipes]

Cubans are delicious! Their bread is pretty good too

[@juliannagonzalez4701]

a bit of a predatory comment, don't ya think?

[@davidmartineztorres8731]

@@juliannagonzalez4701 pick a dictionary and search for the words, "joke" and "sense of humour"

[@susieangelandoy7094]

Another one to add to the bucket list 😍😍🤤🤤

[@DR.ELEKTRIK]

We find ourselves at Porto's everytime we visit LA!! The potato balls.....yummm!!