West Covina, nestled in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County, offers a surprisingly diverse culinary landscape that often flies under the radar.
Beyond the chain restaurants and familiar establishments lie several exceptional dining spots that locals treasure but visitors might miss.
Here are five hidden gem restaurants in West Covina worth discovering in 2025.
1. Bánh Mì Mỹ Tho
Tucked away in a modest strip mall on South Glendora Avenue, Bánh Mì Mỹ Tho has earned a reputation among locals as the destination for authentic Vietnamese sandwiches in the San Gabriel Valley.
This unassuming shop specializes in bánh mì that rivals anything you’d find in Vietnam itself.
What makes Bánh Mì Mỹ Tho exceptional is their perfect execution of this Vietnamese classic—crusty baguettes with light, airy interiors loaded with flavorful meats, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and just the right amount of spice.
Their most popular option, the đặc biệt (special combination), showcases a variety of traditional Vietnamese cold cuts and pâté, but their grilled pork and chicken options are equally impressive.
2. Haveli Indian Restaurant
Hidden in an unremarkable shopping center on South Azusa Avenue, Haveli Indian Restaurant represents one of West Covina’s best-kept culinary secrets.
This family-owned establishment serves northern Indian cuisine that stands out for its authenticity and depth of flavor.
What distinguishes Haveli is their commitment to traditional preparation methods and house-made spice blends.
Their tandoori dishes emerge from the clay oven with that perfect char and smokiness that’s often missing in lesser establishments.
The restaurant’s butter chicken strikes the ideal balance of richness and spice, while their vegetarian options like saag paneer and chana masala showcase the kitchen’s skill with meatless dishes.
3. Bahia Cove
For seafood enthusiasts in West Covina, Bahia Cove represents a hidden treasure serving fresh, Latin-inspired seafood dishes that transport diners to coastal Mexico.
Located away from the city’s main commercial areas, this family-owned restaurant has cultivated a devoted local following while remaining largely unknown to those outside the immediate area.
What makes Bahia Cove special is their commitment to freshness and traditional preparation methods.
Their ceviche, available in several regional variations, showcases perfectly marinated seafood with bright citrus flavors and just the right level of heat.
Their signature dish, the molcajete de mariscos, arrives sizzling in a volcanic stone bowl filled with a variety of seafood in a rich, spicy broth—a dramatic presentation that delivers equally impressive flavors.
4. Kathong Thai
Hidden in plain sight in a busy shopping center, Kathong Thai has established itself as West Covina’s destination for authentic Thai cuisine that goes beyond the usual pad thai and curry offerings found at more mainstream establishments.
This family-owned restaurant serves regional Thai specialties rarely found elsewhere in the area.
What distinguishes Kathong Thai is their dedication to authentic flavors without toning down the characteristic heat and complexity of traditional Thai cooking.
Their khao soi, a northern Thai curry noodle soup, showcases the perfect balance of rich coconut curry broth, tender chicken, crispy noodles, and accompanying condiments that allow diners to adjust flavors to their preference.
Their som tum (green papaya salad) delivers the ideal combination of spicy, sour, sweet, and savory notes that define Thai cuisine.
5. Antigua Bread
Completing our tour of West Covina’s hidden culinary treasures is Antigua Bread, a Guatemalan bakery and café that offers much more than its name suggests.
This unassuming establishment serves authentic Central American dishes alongside their impressive selection of baked goods, creating a unique dining experience that bridges café culture and traditional Guatemalan cuisine.
What makes Antigua Bread special is their authentic approach to Guatemalan foods rarely found in the Los Angeles area.
Their breakfast offerings include traditional dishes like motuleños (tortillas topped with beans, eggs, plantains, and cheese) and chuchitos (similar to tamales but with different fillings and preparation).
Their baked goods showcase the Spanish influence on Guatemalan cuisine, with pan dulce and other pastries that pair perfectly with their house-made horchata or Guatemalan coffee.
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