Mekeni Pinoy's Pride
If you're in the mood for a laid-back, yet flavorful dining experience, Mekeni Pinoy's Pride is the place to be! Nestled at 18152 Pioneer Blvd, Artesia, CA, this Filipino restaurant offers an authentic taste of the Philippines in a casual and inviting atmosphere. Whether you're hanging out with friends or enjoying a family meal, the vibe is perfect for groups, with just the right amount of buzz without being too noisy.
Mekeni Pinoy's Pride is all about serving up the heart of Filipino cuisine. Their menu is packed with crowd favorites that never disappoint. If you’re a fan of rich, savory dishes, you’ll love their Kare Kare – a creamy peanut sauce-based stew served with tender oxtail and vegetables. For those who enjoy a crispy, golden delight, Crispy Pata is a must-try. This deep-fried pork leg comes out crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making it a hit for anyone craving something indulgent.
Another gem on the menu is Lechon Kawali – crispy, pan-fried pork belly that’s perfect for sharing, especially with the accompanying dipping sauces. And if you’re craving something fresh and light, Fresh Lumpia is the way to go. These soft, spring roll-like wrappers are stuffed with a delicious mix of veggies, shrimp, and a savory sauce that makes each bite a refreshing treat. Of course, no Filipino meal is complete without noodles, and the Pancit Malabon will not disappoint. Its flavorful mix of seafood, pork, and a hint of garlic will have you coming back for more.
The restaurant’s vibe is relaxed and welcoming, making it a great spot for group gatherings or casual outings with loved ones. The noise level is moderate, allowing for easy conversations while still enjoying the lively energy of the place.
Whether you’re a Filipino food enthusiast or a newcomer looking to explore Filipino flavors, Mekeni Pinoy’s Pride offers something for everyone.
Reviews
Great Filipino home cooking. Everything was so fresh and sarap (delicious). Seems family owned because it has a very friendly locals vibe. I'd come back.
Mekeni feels like an intimate Filipino party, from the food, the music, and the overall vibe. My personal favorites of their buffet spread -- Lobster, Dinakdakan, and Lechon! Overall, I had an AMAZING experience here. The service here was also great. If you want to eat here, you might want to call ahead and make a reservation. Great restaurant for any Filipino big backs in the Artesia/Cerritos area!
I was able to try Mekeni's at Asian American Expo & let me tell you their Pork Belly + Shrimp were SO DELICIOUS !!!!! I wished I was able to try more of their foods but I promise you they made the food with love because they did not miss on their flavors at all!! Looking forward to try more dishes with yall soon!!
Food is ok typical filipino food. We have high hope for the lechon but it's not what we think it is., its just a cebuchon style not the whole pig lechon. Service is excellent cant complain, everyone is friendly. Ambiance is nice and clean..we went on a Friday. we did called to reserve a table so we don't have to wait. Everything was going smoothly. There's also a singer.and then... there's a lady wearing a plaid blazer suddenly grab chicken skin chicharon with her bare hand didn't use the thong and dump it in the sauce that was serve there and bite the chicharon and double dip the freakin' chicken skin. And that was it im done!!I don't know if she owns the restaurant or what... i dont care but she did double dip! In the sauce that was there...
Do not know how to feel about this place. In part due to insufficient experience with Filipino food. In other part due to the fact that buffets have less appeal to me. And in third part due to that my desire to sit through traffic for hours is even less these days. Service for a buffet is excellent. Vibe is slightly odd, slightly familiar; the old-school-refined idea of "nice" from a decade or two or three ago. Just enough parking. And the food does have some standouts. The bone marrow soup is delicious, and there was both a menudo as well as sliced pork dish that hit the spot. The rest is good, including the chop suey (which is not the Chinese style I'm used to, but still tasty), but a bit more variable.