Bloomington is a quiet corner of the Inland Empire where the hum of the freeway gives way to strip malls hiding culinary gems. You might drive through and wonder where to even stop—until you realize some of Southern California’s most authentic tacos, family-run pho spots, and sizzling barbecue joints are tucked right here. If you’re ready to eat beyond the chain restaurants, start with these 15 local favorites.
Marigold Indian Cuisine
$ | (909) 961-2030 | WEBSITE
“Authentic cuisine” and “quick-serve convenience” are two concepts that don’t usually align, but Marigold Indian Cuisine is the exception. Dishes like the very flavorful Gol Gappe, Garlic Naan, and Mutton Korma are perfect for a weeknight meal when you want something a little more special than whatever you typically grab in a hurry. They’ve also got a neat and clean environment with amazing ambiance that’s open for lunch, dinner, and takeout every day.
Arturo’s Tacos Cocina Tradicional Mexicana
$ | (909) 874-7018 | WEBSITE
You’ll have one of the best Mexican food experiences in Bloomington at Arturo’s Tacos Cocina Tradicional Mexicana. And since their warm and inviting atmosphere makes it a nice place to dine, this is exactly where you should head when you want to eat authentic Mexican cuisine in a comfortable setting. At around $15, their tasty butter and garlic tilapia and shrimp combo plate is slightly less expensive than what you’ll find at some of the higher-end Mexican spots.
So, if you live in the area, this is where you should go for satisfying Mexican food.
Veros pizza
$ | (909) 961-2112 | WEBSITE
If pizza joints had a personality, you’d have to feed Veros Pizza with cheesy slices, crispy wings, and thrifty ice cream to keep it content. In other words, this is where you should go for a reliable meal in Bloomington. If you plan on swinging by with the family and ordering a few club subs, try to grab your food quickly since the small space encourages a grab-and-go approach.
Porky’s Pizza
$ | (909) 877-3493 | WEBSITE
Maybe you’re just craving a straightforward slice where you can enjoy something other than overpriced, complicated pies. That’s when you should head to Porky’s Pizza. This local pizza spot has maintained its quality over the years with fresh cheese and a highly praised crust. You can order things like pepperoni, sausage, and bacon pizzas at reasonable prices. If you’re not ready to commit to a full pie, you can grab their good deals for takeout or delivery.
While generally friendly and courteous staff provide a pleasant dining experience, be aware that occasional issues with order accuracy have been reported.
China Express
$ | (909) 877-2683 | WEBSITE
When you need spicy orange chicken or beef and broccoli in Bloomington, head to China Express. Best known for their Chinese-Mexican fusion, China Express’s kitchen stays busy from lunch through dinner with generous portions and affordable prices. This is important information because they tend to serve up huge plates that leave you with delicious leftovers for the next day.
But if you’re just looking for their standout chicken fried rice or some fiery fried rice, you can stop by their clean dining room and order whatever catches your eye from their straightforward menu till closing time.
Leal’s Sonora foods
$ | (909) 877-6350 | WEBSITE
Leal’s Sonora Foods is an Inland Empire go-to for reliable tire and brake services. The deals are pretty great, and everything on the menu is under $100. The small shop here works well for quick visits, family errands, or any other situation in which you want your vehicle running smoothly again.
El Viejon Mariscos & Sushi
$$ | (909) 682-8845 | WEBSITE
El Viejon is a solid spot for seafood and sushi. You can settle into a clean, nicely lit booth inside where the music stays at a pleasant hum and chat with someone over a molcajete with shrimp, octopus, and avocado or some fresh sushi rolls. We’re partial to the molcajete with its special salsa, and if waitress Mikaela is working, do not miss your chance to get her recommendations—she’s genuinely helpful and kind.
The place does get busy, and parking can be tight, but the food is very good and worth the occasional wait.
MGM Burgers
$ | (909) 421-2488 | WEBSITE
MGM Burgers has one of the best lunch counters in Bloomington. There are red vinyl stools along a polished Formica bar, stacks of paper napkins help keep things casual and clean, and the whole space is bright with fluorescent lights and chrome accents. So if you’re looking for a place to eat satisfying American classics like a brisket sandwich for lunch or an avocado cheese burger at dinner, this is your spot.
Antojitos Mexicanos “El Tachu”.
$ | (909) 284-3612 | WEBSITE
Weekend dinners, family celebrations, and late-night cravings have found their perfect match at Antojitos Mexicanos “El Tachu” for years now. The Birria tacos are packed with tender, slow-cooked meat and served with a rich consommé for dipping, and you can savor them alongside a huarache or maybe even some flan in their welcoming dining room, from lunch through dinner daily.
Farmer Boys
$ | (909) 873-5800 | WEBSITE
Farmer Boys has plenty of parking and a convenient freeway location where you can order American classics like the patty melt, Parmesan grilled cheese, and fancy salads for lunch or dinner every day. So if you find yourself in Bloomington without a plan for where to eat, you should have no problem finding a quiet spot here.
Stater Bros. Bakery
$$ | (909) 877-0091 | WEBSITE
Staff are helpful, but sometimes you just want to surround yourself with baked goods. And since Stater Bros. Bakery offers them fresh daily with incredible service, this is a great place to know for the next time you need to be alone with pastries and breads. They also provide things like fresh foods and a variety of products that you can enjoy in their clean, well-stocked store or take to-go.
Rico Tejuino “El Primo”
$ | (909) 827-6875 | WEBSITE
Rico Tejuino “El Primo” is another great spot for Mexican food in Bloomington, but we especially like it when we’re sitting in their cozy dining room. Dishes like al pastor meat and birria tacos are where you should focus the majority of your stomach space here. And whether you’re dining in or taking your food to-go, be sure to order one of the creative tejuino variations or guava agua frescas on the menu.
El Viejon mariscos and sushi RESTAURANT
$$ | (909) 682-8845 | WEBSITE
Life would be simpler if all restaurant names explained what they serve – like El Viejon mariscos and sushi RESTAURANT. This spot in Bloomington is a good compromise when you want to enjoy seafood and sushi, but also need somewhere with generous portions and great prices that works for a casual night out. The extensive cocktail bar and zarandeado fish make it a top choice for those who enjoy mariscos.
Midnighthibachi
$$ | (909) 769-5218 | WEBSITE
Midnighthibachi is a reliable hibachi spot in Bloomington with generous portions of grilled meats, fried rice, and noodles at wallet-friendly prices. When you order their popular 3 meat trio for takeout or delivery, the friendly staff ensures everything arrives hot and fresh with clear communication throughout. We love the steak for its tender texture and pleasant char-grilled flavor, though sticking to the combo with extra yum yum sauce is always a smart choice.
Cenaduria La Gorda
$ | (909) 877-1490 | WEBSITE
For the sake of your taste buds, swing by the cozy dining room at Cenaduria La Gorda. It’s like a mini Mexican kitchen on the main strip, complete with homemade aromas and tortillas fresh enough to qualify for your abuela’s table. But beyond motivation to care for your cravings, this casual Mexican spot is serving menudo, bean and cheese burritos with sour cream, and pico that you can (and should) have with a cup of coffee.