Best Restaurants for Local Ingredients in Lakewood / Bellflower

We made the perfect choice for our New Years Day 2025 dinner. Ammatoli gave us an unforgetable meal and memorable service by Jennifer J. We only live less than 2 blocks away & we were always walking past, seeing the meals and taking in the aroma of the food. We decide what better day than New Years Day to stop in. We had 5:15 reservations (we were shocked that they had availability). We arrived about 5:05 and we're seated promptly at 5:15. I'm not sure of the hostesses name, but she was very friendly, welcoming and had a big smile. Walking inside, it was gorgeous. The decor and ambiance was amazing, classy yet not formal. Thank goodness because we were bundled up and warm, we wouldn't have passed for formal. We were seated in the far corner near the dessert display and the bar. Everything looked great and the seats were very comfortable. Our tabled was lightly lit, gave it a romantic feel. Again, perfect! Our waitress, Jennifer J approached, bright smile and glowing personaility. We welcomed us and as first timers went over the menu, offered a couple suggestions for drinks and promptly returned with a Mint Lemonade (OMG it was good). Great recommendation Jennifer. She gave her her personal faves as well as popular menu items. For appetizers, we chose Roasted Beets Labne (a dip of sorts similar to a hummus only more creamy). The way Jennifer described it made us want to try it, and she was on point. It had a little tartness from what I believe was a sour cream mixed with beet. It's tough to explain but try it, definitely won't be disappointed. Oh and get the fresh baked pita, delicious! We also had the Fried Cauliflower, it was so good. Came with a dipping sauce but honestly it didn't even need it, it was bursting with flavor without it. Then the main course, my wife went with a popular item the Spicy Garlic Lemon Chicken. She devoured it, nothing left on her plate, she said it was amazing. I had the Moussaka, a favorite of mine and it did not disappoint. The sauce

A beautiful evening out! Once you get over the sketch area and walking past questionable people on the sidewalk, the restaurant is pretty and inviting inside. All the people are very friendly and attentive. We received amazing service and loved every dish. We ordered 4 appetizers, 3 main dishes, 2 desserts, and 6 drinks amongst 4 people. We shared everything so that we could all taste each dish. Two little comments: cocktails aren’t that strong because I was able to drink 3 “Pretty and basic” drinks without feeling anything.. usually with 2 cocktails at other restaurants I’m feelin it and 3 I’m reallyy feelin it but nothing after 3 here. Secondly, we were “offered” caviar bumps which seemed like they were on the house the way our server asked, but definitely were not when we saw $25 per person on the bill later. I have no issue paying for something but when it’s phrased to make me think it’s included, it’s a little bit annoying to get a bill for it later. We didn’t say anything, but just a word of caution since it surprised all of us ! Otherwise, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves the entire time!

Everything was great. Made the reservations that morning and it was Christmas Eve! We waited about 5 minutes for our table. Server was constantly asking us if we needed anything and was also patient since we were taking time to decide what we wanted! Food was good too! We’ll definitely go there again👍🏼👍🏼

Sunny Side Cafe has a lovely, bright diner layout with a great menu and amazing service! Too many great choices on the menu to name, but be sure to try the Key Lime Pie! Would highly recommend and will definitely be back.