If you found yourself in Moreno Valley one afternoon, you might wonder if you’d stumbled into a secret culinary oasis where strip malls hide treasures and the air smells faintly of carne asada and possibility. This sun-drenched Inland Empire city, with its sprawling parks and neighborly vibe, deserves more than drive-thru dinners. Whether you’re a local or just passing through on the 60, here’s where to find the best tacos, pho, and life-changing birria.
Nature’s Own Tastykake Bakery Outlet
$ | (951) 653-1100 | WEBSITE
We would recommend Nature’s Own Tastykake Bakery Outlet as a casual stop—the baked goods are good, the prices are low and worth it, and the nostalgic, compact space has a friendly atmosphere. No matter what you’re looking for, start with some Sara Lee bread, and then grab the Wonder bread for later use. Also, keep it in mind for quick visits, because it’s located near a well-liked Thai restaurant.
Mahachai Thai Cuisine
$ | (951) 488-9485 | WEBSITE
Mahachai Thai Cuisine is a local spot that serves generous portions of authentic Thai dishes in a room with simple wooden tables and cozy booths. They also do a full vegan menu that includes options like orange chicken and pad se ew with vegan duck, and you definitely want to try those in addition to your shrimp spring rolls and Tom Yum soup. There are no small plates—so plan to share everything with a few other people.
It’s Boba Time
$ | (951) 200-4840 | WEBSITE
This boba tea spot in Moreno Valley makes very good, very refreshing drinks with thoughtful combinations. We’re confident you’ll find something you like here—the menu features creative options like the popular Strawberry Cookies, a strawberry drink mixed with Oreo pieces. On the other end of the spectrum from those fruity options is the classic milk tea, which comes in a generous 24-ounce cup with perfectly chewy tapioca pearls.
At $6.50 for what’s basically a dessert in a cup, it’s a pretty satisfying treat.
Chiquito Picoso Kitchen & Bar
$ | (951) 455-4043 | WEBSITE
Whether you’re heading to Moreno Valley for a game night or just looking for a local spot to unwind, Chiquito Picoso Kitchen & Bar should be on your list. The restaurant, with its sports bar vibe and multiple screens, is perfectly set up for catching UFC fights while you grab drinks. If you arrive early enough, you can snag a table and enjoy some really solid Mexican-inspired dishes under the glow of music videos playing on the TVs.
They’re rightly famous for their ceviche—you’ll get a fresh, zesty, generously portioned bowl with crisp tortilla chips. Apart from that, their shrimp tacos and a solid selection of beers on tap should keep you satisfied for the whole evening.
EL DFectuoso
$ | (951) 697-6667 | WEBSITE
This Mexican restaurant is a vibrant place to enjoy any number of dishes, with festive decorations for special occasions, a clean and pleasant atmosphere, and occasional live music. Friendly staff make tasting samples readily available, and if you need something to go with your light and refreshing horchata, order the alambres with grilled meats and vegetables—mostly for the excuse to eat the wonderfully flavorful salsas that come alongside it.
Or consult the rotating specials listed on the chalkboard.
Steve’s Burgers
$ | (951) 243-0924 | WEBSITE
This bustling, reliably busy burger joint has been a local favorite for years. The burgers are solid, but the fries are what make Steve’s Burgers truly memorable. With simple red vinyl booths, classic soda fountain decor, and an impressive collection of vintage burger advertisements, this place perfectly straddles the line between family-friendly and classic diner.
Order a chocolate milkshake with whipped cream, and try your best not to fill up too much on the perfectly seasoned fries before your carne asada fries arrive.
Shakey’s Pizza Parlor
$ | (951) 242-2200 | WEBSITE
Do you need to feed a whole youth sports team after a big game? Go to Shakey’s Pizza Parlor. It’s a family-friendly spot with an arcade up front and a dining area in the back where there are booths covered in red-and-white checkered tablecloths. The food is solid—they have everything from pizza and mojos to fried chicken and potato rounds—and despite the nostalgic classic old look, it actually isn’t stuffy at all. Wear your jersey, and grab an all-you-can-eat meal deal.
Better-Be Donuts
$ | (951) 992-1134 | WEBSITE
This cheerful Moreno Valley donut shop with its bright, clean decor—all gleaming counters and cheerful displays, with the notable exception of a vintage-style donut case glowing under warm lights—is a welcoming place to grab breakfast or a treat. You shouldn’t leave without trying the fluffy glazed donut: The texture is light, fresh, and perfectly sweet, with a satisfying chew.
If you can snag a spot at one of the simple tables, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of the friendly staff working behind the counter, clearly enjoying what they do.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
$ | (951) 870-6041 | WEBSITE
Crispy fried chicken is the thing to get at this reliable fast-food spot. Our favorite part is the seasoning on the tenders—in general, the chicken at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen runs more savory than spicy, almost like a perfectly seasoned Southern classic. Get the new family deal, which levels up the meal with a welcome hit of value for twelve tenders, four sides, and four drinks.
The service is friendly and welcoming, and the restaurant couldn’t be more accommodating, with both vegetarian options and wheelchair accessibility making it easy for everyone to enjoy.
Mariscos Melgoza
$$ | (951) 243-1894 | WEBSITE
If you’re planning to visit Mariscos Melgoza after hearing about it from friends who’ve traveled from neighboring towns, you’ll want to arrive early to avoid the weekend rush. This spot is a favorite among regulars in Moreno Valley, and it tends to get busy even on weeknights. The bright, casual space feels welcoming and unpretentious, with simple decor that makes it perfect for anything from a family dinner to a quick meal alone.
The menu features standout dishes like the coastal paella and snapper ‘a la diabla,’ plus seafood options such as oysters aguachile and pulpo asado. While the empanadas were a bit overcooked on my visit, the marisco torre and tostadas offer solid value, with most entrees priced between $18 and $28.
Kalaveras
$$ | (951) 653-2021 | WEBSITE
Come to Kalaveras for the best Mexican food in Moreno Valley, on par with some of our favorite regional spots in the entire Inland Empire. The ambience at this restaurant is warm and welcoming, with colorful murals of traditional Mexican motifs painted on the walls and a lively mariachi soundtrack—but their richly flavorful food will transport you right to Mexico.
Our must-order dishes include the luxuriously complex enchilada en mole, and the fall-apart asada simmered with authentic spices that build deep flavor.
The Cupcake & Espresso Bar
$ | (951) 601-2039 | WEBSITE
At The Cupcake & Espresso Bar, they give you a little sample of their cold brew with the perfect amount of sweetness and thick foam to start your visit. We appreciate this because a) the coffee is rich and smooth and b) free things are nice. This bakery spot in Moreno Valley is a great spot to sit down and enjoy a cupcake or scone. The blueberry scone is also delicious (and warmed to perfection), and the bakery has all kinds of other treats.
Come with a friend on a Saturday morning and see how much coffee and baked goods you can consume.
KFC
$ | (951) 242-6036 | WEBSITE
This fast-food mainstay—we’re talking speedy drive-thru service and that familiar red-and-white color scheme, not to mention a clean dining area with plenty of seating—makes consistently satisfying fried chicken. Every item hits the spot, but the crispy, perfectly seasoned Original Recipe chicken, and the warm, buttery biscuits stand out. The standard fast-food fries here are also very good, and even better if you pair them with the Digital exclusive 8 piece + 8 tenders combo.
(Get it fresh, to preserve maximum crispiness.)