Welcome to El Rocoto
At El Rocoto, we celebrate the vibrant and diverse flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Nestled in Gardena, our restaurant offers a casual yet inviting atmosphere where families, friends, and food enthusiasts gather to enjoy expertly crafted dishes. From our renowned Lomo Saltado, a stir-fry of tender Angus tenderloin, to our rich Aji de Gallina, we pride ourselves on using high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes. Our menu caters to everyone, including vegan options, ensuring no palate is overlooked. With accessible parking and outdoor seating, El Rocoto is the perfect spot for a delightful brunch, lunch, or dinner, reflecting the heart and soul of Peru.
- 1356 W Artesia Blvd Gardena, CA 90247 United States Hotline: (310) 768-8768
Welcome to El Rocoto, a vibrant Peruvian haven located at 1356 W Artesia Blvd, Gardena, CA. This inviting breakfast and brunch spot captures the essence of authentic Peruvian cuisine, blending tradition with contemporary tastes in a casual and family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you're planning a lunch outing, family dinner, or simply indulging in a late brunch, El Rocoto promises a delicious culinary experience that doesn't disappoint.
What sets El Rocoto apart? The brand shines with its rich tapestry of flavors and dishes, from the iconic Lomo Saltado—a fan-favorite stir-fry of tender Angus tenderloin, onions, and tomatoes—to the comforting Aji de Gallina, featuring shredded chicken in a creamy aji amarillo sauce. Each dish is meticulously crafted, showcasing ingredients like cilantro beer sauce, canario beans, and a variety of spices that transport your taste buds straight to Peru.
Here are just a few highlights from El Rocoto's extensive menu:
- Seco Carne: Braised beef short rib served with cilantro beer sauce and canario beans. ($26.00)
- Malaya con Ocopa: Braised skirt steak enveloped in aji panca sauce, accompanied by potatoes and the signature ocopa creamy sauce. ($24.00)
- Seco de Pescado: A delightful white fish and shrimp stew in cilantro beer sauce, served over rice. ($25.00)
- Jalea: A fried seafood medley of fish, shrimp, and scallops, complete with salsa criolla for dipping. ($23.00)
Beyond the main dishes, El Rocoto offers various options for everyone, including vegan and limited vegetarian selections, and an array of appetizers that are perfect for sharing. For those looking to unwind, the restaurant features a happy hour with beer and wine specials, making it an ideal spot for casual gatherings.
Accessibility is another noteworthy aspect of El Rocoto, with easy parking options and outdoor seating available. Plus, they offer catering services, making it simple to bring a taste of Peru to your next event. The restaurant's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its use of reusable tableware, ensuring that your dining experience feels good in more ways than one.
If you're in Gardena and seeking a delicious culinary adventure, El Rocoto is the place to be. From the bold flavors of their traditional dishes to the warm ambiance perfect for groups and families, this gem is bound to leave a lasting impression that will have you returning for more. For reservations or takeout orders, give them a call at (310) 768-8768. Come discover the richness of Peruvian flavors at El Rocoto!

A friend brought me here for the first time and it was pretty good. The service was friendly and efficient. The place was a nice medium size good for small or larger parties. And the food was tasty. I had the Lomo Saltado. The meat was tasty but the rice was a bit dry. . I added fried plantains which I highly recommend to accompany your meal. My friend had the Tallarin Verde. The pasta with green sauce was really good as was the chicken. The chicken needed some kind of light sauce or maybe lemon The pasta sauce was just enough for pasta and didn't help the chicken. I plan to return and try other items.

Excellent food. I ordered modified food suitable for vegetarian. It was a pickup order and the service was very good. At a glance the ambiance also looks good. The staff at cash was also very cooperative .

It's so hard for me to try something new here because the pescado macho is so delicious! Any recommendations what to try next? If you love peruvian food you should try this spot

Went to El Rocoto for dinner with my wife. She had the Pescado Sudado. It was a delicious stew like dish, tender fish with a lot of flavor. I had my usual, Lomo Saltado, the meat was tender and juicy and cooked to perfection. The potatoes were cooked well, crispy on the outside. It's a very nice atmosphere, lots of seating and very cozy. The servers were attentive and gave great suggestions if you've never been there. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, I would definitely return here!!!

We love this place. It's authentic and delicious. We have always done take out and they make sure it's packaged well and hot for us to eat. The sauces are delicious, the portions are great and it's just amazing Peruvian food. The staff is always nice when we come to pick it up. We love this place so much. My only down side is the parking lot of where this is located. Granted I am there after school hours , but with 85 and mc Donald's there it's a complete shit show when it comes to parking.

Had a lunch meeting with a client this past Tuesday and I suggested to meet here so I can have my favorite Chaufa Mariscos again. Just like last time, it was soooo good and still a very generous portion at $ 26.

My husband and I went to El Rocoto for a date night. The experience was nice, and the food was good, but not amazing. We ordered steaks, rice and beans, fried yucca, fried plantain, and fried Peruvian donuts. While the steaks were not the best, everything else was very flavorful and well-prepared. The sides and desserts were definitely the highlight of the meal! Overall, it was a good dining experience, but I'd probably return for the yucca, plantains, and donuts rather than the steaks.

The food here is amazing! My mom and I were walking by and decided to try this spot. The menu was confusing because we didn't understand so we both ordered something random. Everything tasted amazing! Even the sauce with the bread was good. I loved all the spices and the service was fast too. The lomo saltado was super good. My mom got a Mariscos dish, it was like fried rice and also very good. The prices are a little high, but the entrees are generous. We were able to take food home too! I'm happy we found this restaurant.

Nestled in Gardena, this Peruvian gem promises a taste of Peru's culinary essence. As someone who has savored the flavors of Peru firsthand, I found the authenticity of the cuisine strikingly reminiscent of my travels. From the tangy ceviche to the hearty lomo saltado, each dish transports diners to the vibrant streets of Cusco. However, as delightful as the cuisine may be, the dining experience is marred by inconsistent service, particularly for larger parties (our was 9). During peak hours, the staff seems overwhelmed, leading to delays in seating and orders. This can undoubtedly put a damper on the overall enjoyment of the meal, especially for those seeking a seamless dining experience. Yet, for those willing to overlook the service hiccups, the culinary journey offered by this Peruvian establishment is worth the occasional inconvenience. The bold flavors and authentic preparations capture the essence of Peru's rich gastronomic heritage, making it a must-visit for aficionados of South American cuisine. (Excuse the pictures as our party and I were STARVING after my little sister's HS graduation!)