La Serenata Gourmet

La Serenata Gourmet Review

With uncomfortable chairs and crowds from the nearby Westside Pavilion boosting decibel levels, this branch of the East L.A. original isn't ideal for leisurely conversation. But the restaurant scores big points for its boldly flavored Mexican cuisine. Pork dishes and moles are delicious, but seafood is the real star—there are chubby gorditas (cornmeal pockets stuffed with shrimp), juicy shrimp enchiladas in tomatillo sauce, and flavorful grilled fish with cilantro or garlic sauce. If your experience with Mexican food has been on the Tex-Mex end of the spectrum, come here to broaden your taste buds' horizons.