Welcome to Tomatillo Express
At Tomatillo Express, we celebrate the rich flavors of New Mexican cuisine right in the heart of Rancho Palos Verdes. Our story began with a passion for authentic, hearty dishes served in a vibrant setting. Nestled conveniently in a Shell gas station, we offer friendship with every order, whether it's our mouthwatering barbacoa tacos or the succulent carnitas burrito. Our patrons rave about the generous portions and handcrafted flavors, all expertly infused with traditional "sazón." Committed to warmth and flavor, Tomatillo Express invites you to enjoy quick, delicious meals while soaking in scenic ocean views. Taste the difference today!
- 28103 Hawthorne Blvd, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 Hotline: (310) 701-3051
Welcome to Tomatillo Express, where the vibrant flavors of New Mexican cuisine come alive! Nestled in the heart of Rancho Palos Verdes at 28103 Hawthorne Blvd, CA 90275, this hidden gem serves up a delectable array of traditional dishes that delight the senses. As a food reviewer for Restaurant World, I am thrilled to share my experience at this delightful eatery.
At Tomatillo Express, the menu features a variety of mouthwatering options that cater to both casual diners and culinary aficionados alike. For just $9.95, you can indulge in their tantalizing burritos or burrito bowls, each crafted with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor. If you're in the mood for something lighter, try the three-taco platter for $9.95, where each taco is filled with your choice of savory fillings, including the much-raved-about barbacoa.
- Barbacoa Tacos: These tacos have received rave reviews for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor. Customer Kenz B. exclaimed, "The barbacoa tacos are so delicious!"
- Carnitas Burrito: A hit among patrons, Elaine W. believes it’s "far superior to the other Tomatillo down Hawthorne" thanks to its juicy, flavorful preparation.
- Friendly Service: Many diners, like Phil S. and Angel D., have complimented the staff for being welcoming and accommodating, making your dining experience even more enjoyable.
But don’t be fooled by the restaurant's quaint location within a gas station; Tomatillo Express prides itself on serving authentic dishes with a traditional Mexican "sazón." Many guests, including Paul C., have shared that the decision to finally sample the food was a game-changer, revealing that it’s much more than mere gas station fare. The place attracts a loyal clientele who appreciate hearty portions and flavorful meals.
As you savor each bite, enjoy the ambiance filled with bright colors and artistic decorations. It's an excellent spot to grab lunch while taking in scenic views of the surrounding Palos Verdes hills and the expansive ocean.
In conclusion, Tomatillo Express is a culinary must-visit for anyone seeking flavorful New Mexican cuisine in a friendly and inviting setting. Whether you're craving a quick meal or looking to satisfy your taste buds with comforting classics, Tomatillo Express will not disappoint! And rest assured, you’ll want to come back for more.
For more information or to place an order, call (310) 701-3051. Discover the magic of delicious Mexican flavors today at Tomatillo Express!

This is excellent!! The barbacoa tacos are so so delicious! The service was fantastic! They made me feel so welcome! The inside was full of bright colors and a big beautiful painting.

Not fair to call this gas station food. Its much better than that. Generously portioned with traditional mexican "sazón". The servers are friendly and oblige small modifications to orders if asked nicely. They hand you a ticket that you turn around and pay at the register. Located in scenic Palos Verdes you can enjoy your lunch overlooking the sea. 10/10 quick lunch spot.

I really like this place. I've had their tacos and burritos 6-7 times now and it's been good every time, and the staff are friendly. I always take it to-go but there are few tables outside if anyone wants to eat there. Would definitely recommend!

I love the carnitas burrito! The service is friendly, thorough, and efficient. It's also, IMHO, far superior to the other Tomatillo (non-express) down Hawthorne. Something about the way they cook the proteins here results in a juicier, more flavorful product!

Friendly & helpful service + tasty food (carnitas burrito bowl & carnitas al pastor burrito) and the chips were yum! Note: we went after 1pm & they were out of carne asada & white rice. Normally I would have ordered those but my meal was still delicious.

I've seen this place for years as I fill up at the shell. I couldn't help but notice that it attracted a lot of the Blue collar folks who come up to the hill to work. Figuring that they know authentic and good, I gave it a go. I am so glad I did. First, the folks working there were super nice and very tolerant of a newbies questions. Get the tortas. Both my son and I got them. You also can customize what goes on it so everyone's a winner. And the food is amazing! Why did it take me so long to try this? Don't let the location (in a shell station) dissuade you. This is the real deal. I will be back...a lot.