South Bay’s Best Roadside Diners By Writer and Contributor NJ Jaeger
In 2026 the Diner is no longer a fast fill up breakfast choice or late-night club stop, it’s become a preferred familiar and relaxed family option for breakfast, lunch or dinner and the South Bay has a wide selection of offerings. Here are some no-fuss diners where you can relive that time of endless cups of coffee, padded booths and counter stools where friendly servers take your order.
Norms, Torrance
24/7 Service
(310) 370-4469
18705 Hawthorne Blvd Torrance, CA 90504
Named after Norm Roybark, the first 24-hour Norm’s restaurant opened in 1945 and in 1957 Norm’s iconic space-age pennant sign design was installed at the Norms La Cienega location. The La Cienega location was designated as a historical landmark in 2015. The Torrance location across from the Rolling Hills Shopping Center is classic, busy and has a friendly staff. There is easy parking in a large private lot.
*Wi-Fi and Rewards Program
Dennys, Torrance
24/7 Service
(424) 336-8130
21270 Hawthorne Blvd Torrance, CA 90503
A haven for exhausted families driving across America on the annual family vacation, Denny’s lighted sign could really cheer up hungry children and parents. Servers always seemed to get that first piping hot cup of coffee on the table fast and their giant menu had something for everyone.
*Wi-Fi and Rewards Program
Hot N Tot, Lomita
Opens 7AM
(310) 326-9626
2347 Pacific Coast Hwy Lomita, CA 90717
The lone local survivor of a larger chain, this busy Lomita landmark has been in operation since 1946 offering up blueberry pancakes and chicken fried steak along with most of the comforting menu staples you would expect of roadside diners.
*Wi-Fi and Rewards Program
Cozy Café
Serving Breakfast, Lunch
(310) 316-1414
307 S Pacific Coast Hwy Redondo Beach, CA 90277
A tiny place and smallest diner on the list with the friendliest family running it. The menu includes traditional American, Greek and Mexican options. The food is always good, and this is the kind of place “where everybody knows your name.”
The Pan
Serving Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
(424) 285-0385
3160 E Pacific Coast Hwy Torrance, CA 90505
Big place. Big Menu. Pan's Original Old-Fashioned Hash is one of the most frequently ordered menu items. The hash browns come topped with shredded cheese, bacon, sausage, and two eggs. The guava pancakes and chicken and waffles with blackberry butter are sure to please.
Black Bear Diner
Serving Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
(424) 704-2241
24021 Hawthorne Blvd Torrance, CA 90505
Old timers will remember this as the site of the old Big Boy restaurant. This is a great place to find pies, pancakes, hand scooped malts and corned beef hash with American-sized portions. Sit at the comfortable counter or come with a large group. A private parking lot at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Hawthorne makes this a convenient location to meet.
Eat at Joes
Serving Breakfast, Lunch
(310) 376-9570
400 N Pacific Coast Hwy Redondo Beach
A Redondo Beach landmark since 1969 features a large pet-friendly covered patio. Known for the John Wayne Special: Two eggs over medium, with cheese, on home fries and a tortilla, smothered in Spanish sauce, this is iconic, messy meal that is large enough for two. A nice perk is a complimentary cup of coffee before leaving.
Eat at Rudy’s
Serving Breakfast, Lunch
(310) 533-0752
1340 Post Ave Torrance, CA 90501
Very homey with limited seating inside with outdoor tables on the sidewalk. The marinated steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy are menu standouts. This mom-and-pop diner is a perfect reflection of charming old Torrance.
The Kettle
Serving Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
(310) 545-8511
1138 Highland Ave Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
This is one of the best diner experiences in South Bay. From the fluffy eggs and banana pancakes to the crispy fries, wedge salad, orange muffin, hamburger and French onion soup, the food is consistently excellent, and the setting is beachy and comfortable with some outdoor seating. Weekend hours are 24/7.
Wildflower Café
Serving Breakfast, Lunch
(310) 406-3808
600 S Pacific Coast Hwy Redondo Beach, CA 90277
A diner/café with a small, heated patio and street parking. The extensive menu features several healthy takes on tradition. The Wildflower Twos: 2 eggs any style, 2 slices of turkey bacon or turkey sausage, pork sausage or ham, and 2 pieces of toast whole wheat, rosemary garlic, sourdough, olive, plain Italian style Stirato or English muffin served with roasted potatoes and fresh fruit. The Lox Platter includes smoked salmon, sliced red onions, tomatoes cucumber, bagel and cream cheese. Be prepared for a wait on weekends.
Ocean Diner
Serving Breakfast, Lunch, Closed Wednesdays
(310) 372-3739
959 Aviation Blvd Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
A wildly popular choice with locals for diner favorites you want to see. Memories will flood over you as the plates arrive looking like they came from Grandma’s kitchen. Enjoy homemade macaroni and cheese, granola banana pancakes or a turkey bacon club served with Java Man coffee any time of the day.
The Local Yolk
Serving Breakfast, Lunch
(310) 546-4407
3414 Highland Ave Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Homestyle meals with old school diner charm. Sit at the counter of this local venue to enjoy breakfast or lunch. Known for their omelets and scrambles served with hash browns and biscuits or pancakes. The biscuits are delicious, huge and fluffy. Fast and attentive service.
Good Stuff
Serving Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner(
310) 544-8000
550 Deep Valley Dr, Ste 15, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
The only diner/restaurant on the Palos Verdes Peninsula this large restaurant has a private area for groups and a sidewalk patio to enjoy South Bay’s perfect weather.
Omelet & Waffle Shop
Serving Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
(310) 831-3277
1103 S Gaffey St San Pedro, CA 90731
For 30 years they have specialized in the preparation of over 100 omelets. The Li'l Fisherman Omelet comes with real crab meat, fresh asparagus, tomato, spinach and melted jack cheese but ask for the homemade clam sauce on the side. The crispy and buttery waffles are thinner American style not Belgian style. The stainless creamers are filled with non-dairy, so ask if you want half and half, almond milk or 2% milk.
San Pedro Café
Serving Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
(310) 547-0961
605 S Pacific Ave San Pedro, CA 90731
Voted Best Breakfast by the Daily Breeze. If you arrive before 9AM you can order the Early Bird special. People rave about their homemade banana bread and huge portions. This place is always busy. Do not park in residential spots, you will be towed.
Loaded Café
Serving Breakfast, Lunch
(310) 676-4505
15126-B Hawthorne Blvd Ste B Lawndale, CA 90260
American and Mexican plates served with a complimentary paniceto. Here are some favorites:
Mazapan Crepe, Spinach Mushroom Hollandaise w/hash browns, Veggie Egg sandwich, Carne Asada Chilaquiles, French Toast combination, Chocolate pancakes w/ scrambled eggs and bacon, and Carrot Cake.
Lisa’s Bon Appetit Cafe & Bakery
(310) 784-1077
2809 Pacific Coast Hwy Torrance, CA 90505
A cafe that deserves a special mention because it has the most delicious hand-sliced bacon in town. Enjoy the daily specials and specialty pastries with staff Zoe and Sammi.
NJ is a storyteller who has written in many voices for clients in health, education, entertainment, food, sport and politics. Her firm managed publicity for documentary films, book authors and the U.S. Championships. NJ received the Lynn Weaver Award from the Entertainment Professional Publicists Society for her lifelong commitment to philanthropy and community volunteerism.