Pomona Foodie Guide: Complete Culinary Experience
Explore the best restaurants, food tours, local cuisine, street food, and culinary experiences in Pomona. Your complete guide to dining in Pomona.
Welcome to the ultimate foodie guide for Pomona! Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a visiting gourmand, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best culinary experiences that Pomona has to offer. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden street food gems, authentic local specialties to innovative fusion cuisine, we've curated the essential dining experiences that showcase Pomona's vibrant food scene. Our carefully selected recommendations include insider tips, must-try dishes, and everything you need to eat your way through Pomona like a true food lover.
Key Takeaways
- Pomona offers diverse culinary experiences from fine dining to street food
- Local specialties and regional dishes are must-tries for authentic flavors
- Food tours and cooking classes provide immersive culinary experiences
- Reservations recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Markets and food halls offer great variety and local atmosphere
Must-Try Restaurants
From hidden gems to acclaimed establishments, these restaurants showcase the best of local and international cuisine in Pomona.
Hen & Heifer Pomona
Highly rated American in Pomona with 4.8 stars from 147 reviews.
📍 296 W 2nd St, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Coco Palm Restaurant
Highly rated Restaurant in Pomona with 4.4 stars from 2665 reviews.
📍 1600 Fairplex Dr, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
Pomona Valley Mining Co
Highly rated American in Pomona with 4.3 stars from 2752 reviews.
📍 1777 Gillette Rd, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
VITA Italian Bar & Grill
Highly rated Italian in Pomona with 4.2 stars from 697 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3101 W Temple Ave, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Italian cuisine
Gorganson's
Highly rated Restaurant in Pomona with 4.8 stars from 184 reviews.
📍 224 E 2nd St, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Borreguitas
Highly rated Mexican in Pomona with 4.8 stars from 1056 reviews.
📍 987 S Garey Ave, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Mexican cuisine
Restaurant At Kellogg Ranch
Highly rated American in Pomona with 4.6 stars from 101 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 3801 W Temple Ave Building 79-102, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Chase's La Verne
Highly rated American in Pomona with 4.4 stars from 942 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2079 Bonita Ave, La Verne, CA 91750, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
McKinley's Grille
Highly rated Steakhouse in Pomona with 4.3 stars from 165 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 601 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Steakhouse cuisine
The Quarter Creole Cuisine
Highly rated American in Pomona with 4.7 stars from 767 reviews.
📍 201 N Indian Hill Blvd, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Luchador Bar+Kitchen
Highly rated Mexican in Pomona with 4.4 stars from 445 reviews.
📍 184 W 3rd St, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Mexican cuisine
Tropical Mexico
Highly rated Mexican in Pomona with 4.5 stars from 2151 reviews.
📍 1371 S East End Ave, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Mexican cuisine
Street Food & Food Markets
Authentic street food vendors, bustling food markets, and local favorites where you'll find the most flavorful and affordable bites in Pomona.
Pomona Ranch Market
Highly rated International in Pomona with 4.2 stars from 85 reviews.
📍 604 W Mission Blvd, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Pomona Happy Market
Highly rated International in Pomona with 4.5 stars from 15 reviews.
📍 445 W Holt Ave, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
La Fiesta Market
Highly rated International in Pomona with 4.5 stars from 48 reviews.
📍 2290 S Garey Ave #5645, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Central Mart
Highly rated International in Pomona with 4.5 stars from 52 reviews.
📍 1498 S Towne Ave, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Cal Poly Pomona Farm Store
Highly rated International in Pomona with 4.8 stars from 414 reviews.
📍 4102 S University Dr, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
F & A Market
Highly rated International in Pomona with 4.4 stars from 117 reviews.
📍 1694 S Reservoir St, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Food 4 Less
Highly rated Bakery in Pomona with 4.2 stars from 1162 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 2090 S Garey Ave, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Stater Bros. Markets
Highly rated International in Pomona with 4.4 stars from 1368 reviews.
📍 1045 N Garey Ave, Pomona, CA 91767, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Food Tours & Culinary Experiences
Guided food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and immersive culinary experiences led by local experts in Pomona.
Sidewalk Food Tours of Los Angeles
Highly rated International in Pomona with 5 stars from 316 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Melting Pot Food Tours
Highly rated International in Pomona with 4.8 stars from 43 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
LA Food Tours
Highly rated International in Pomona with 5 stars from 88 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
The Palatum
Popular International in Pomona.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Old Stump Brewing Co.
Highly rated International in Pomona with 4.7 stars from 573 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Cal Poly Pomona Campus Tours
Popular International in Pomona.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Cafes & Bakeries
Artisanal coffee shops, charming cafes, and bakeries serving fresh pastries, breads, and sweet treats in Pomona.
Mi Cafecito Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Pomona with 4.7 stars from 1151 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 101 S Main St, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Wish You Were Here Coffee Roasters
Highly rated Cafe in Pomona with 4.7 stars from 118 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 101 E 3rd St, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Thirsty Girl Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Pomona with 4.5 stars from 179 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 170 E 1st St, Pomona, CA 91767, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
CREME Coffee Shop
Highly rated Cafe in Pomona with 4.9 stars from 65 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 432 E Holt Ave, Pomona, CA 91767, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Iron & Kin Coffee Co
Highly rated Cafe in Pomona with 4.6 stars from 300 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 536 W 1st St, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Rail Side Cafe
Highly rated Cafe in Pomona with 4.7 stars from 486 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 322 S San Dimas Ave, San Dimas, CA 91773, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Nambah Coffee Co.
Highly rated Cafe in Pomona with 4.6 stars from 130 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 2232 D St #102, La Verne, CA 91750, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Mestiza Coffeehouse
Highly rated Cafe in Pomona with 4.7 stars from 457 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 200 S Euclid Ave Suite A, Ontario, CA 91762, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Local Specialties & Signature Dishes
Regional dishes, local delicacies, and signature foods you absolutely must try during your visit to Pomona.
Signature Dish
A must-try Pomona specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Local Delicacy
This beloved Pomona dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Traditional Recipe
Experience the authentic taste of Pomona with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Street Food Favorite
Discover why this Pomona specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Regional Specialty
This iconic Pomona creation perfectly captures the essence of the local food culture.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Seasonal Treat
A Pomona classic that combines traditional techniques with fresh, quality ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Classic Comfort Food
A must-try Pomona specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Modern Fusion
This beloved Pomona dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Artisanal Product
Experience the authentic taste of Pomona with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Heritage Recipe
Discover why this Pomona specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Bars & Nightlife
Craft cocktail bars, wine bars, breweries, and unique drinking establishments with character and quality in Pomona.
The Back Door Cocktail Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Pomona with 4.4 stars from 215 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1250 E Mission Blvd, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
dba256 Bar & Gallery
Highly rated Bar in Pomona with 4.5 stars from 403 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 256 S Main St, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
O'Donovan's Restaurant & Pub
Highly rated Bar in Pomona with 4.4 stars from 675 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 101 E 3rd St, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Hi Brow Bar & Grill
Highly rated Bar in Pomona with 4.2 stars from 273 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 547 E Foothill Blvd, Pomona, CA 91767, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Characters Sportsbar
Highly rated Bar in Pomona with 4.3 stars from 378 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 276 E 1st St, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Cosmo Restobar
Highly rated American in Pomona with 4.4 stars from 729 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 197 E 2nd St, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Essential Tips
- 🍽️Make reservations at popular restaurants well in advance
- 🍽️Try local specialties and regional dishes unique to the area
- 🍽️Ask locals and hotel staff for their favorite food spots
- 🍽️Visit food markets early in the morning for the freshest selection
- 🍽️Don't be afraid to try street food from busy, popular vendors
- 🍽️Take a food tour early in your visit to discover hidden gems
- 🍽️Check restaurant hours as they can vary by day and season
- 🍽️Bring cash for street food vendors and small local eateries
- 🍽️Pace yourself - save room to try multiple dishes and restaurants
- 🍽️Document your culinary journey with photos and notes
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Pomona's food scene thrives year-round, though each season brings unique culinary experiences. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor dining and food festivals. Summer features fresh seasonal produce and lively food markets. Winter brings comfort food specialties and cozy indoor dining. Check local food festival calendars for special events.
Average Price
Dining costs in Pomona vary widely. Street food and casual eateries: $5-15 per person. Mid-range restaurants: $20-50 per person. Fine dining: $75-150+ per person. Food tours typically range from $50-150. Cooking classes: $75-200. Markets offer budget-friendly options for self-catering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pomona is known for its diverse culinary offerings. Be sure to try the local specialties and regional dishes that showcase the area's unique flavors and traditions. Ask locals for their recommendations, and don't miss the signature dishes at acclaimed restaurants.
For popular and fine dining restaurants, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Many sought-after spots book up weeks in advance. Casual eateries and street food vendors typically don't require reservations.
Consider taking a food tour early in your visit to get oriented and discover hidden gems. Visit local markets to see fresh ingredients and try samples. Mix fine dining with casual spots and street food for a complete experience. Don't be afraid to venture beyond tourist areas.
Most restaurants in Pomona offer vegetarian options, and vegan choices are increasingly common. Many establishments can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Check menus online or call ahead to confirm options that meet your needs.
Tipping customs vary by location. In the US, 15-20% is standard for table service. In Europe, service is often included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated. In Asia, tipping is less common. Check local customs for Pomona specifically.
Lunch is typically served 11:30am-2pm, dinner 6pm-10pm, though hours vary by establishment and culture. For popular restaurants, consider dining earlier (before 7pm) or later (after 9pm) to avoid peak crowds. Weekend brunch is popular at many spots.
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