Cesar's Bistro

Cesar's Bistro Restaurant Review:

Hidden away in the midst of a strip mall off Pacific Coast Highway, this humble venue feels unassuming, despite the presence of neon green chairs that festoon the compact interior and outdoor patio. Executive chef Cesar Villarreal uses his experiences culled from working in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Peru to create a menu that finds inspiration from various corners of Latin America. Your meal could start with an order of Caribbean sweet plantains, cheese-filled arepas, bacon-wrapped jalapeño fingers, or empanadas stuffed with spicy homemade pork sausage. The international flair continues to the entrées of Caribbean pulled pork, Peruvian chicken and ranchera steak. Desserts such as the handmade hot brownie with ice cream are decidedly more domestic. Breakfast is served on the weekends, and the morning crowd can settle in with mimosas and enjoy a Spanish omelet with sliced potatoes and smoked sausage or a spicy pork sausage burrito.