Rey’s Little Kitchen

The inspiration

Rey's Little Kitchen is a family-owned breakfast and lunch spot built around home-style Mexican and American cooking .

Who's behind it

The restaurant belongs to the Rey family, and Aurora leads the front of house, greeting guests alongside the serving staff .

What to order

• Breakfast plate with carne asada: over-easy eggs with rice, beans, and warm corn tortillas .
• Veggie lovers' omelette: the lighter option if you want vegetables at the center of the plate .

What people are saying

The walls covered with photos of smiling customers hint at the same thing: people come as much for the recognition and sense of belonging as for the food .

Why you should try it

If you're staying nearby, this is the kind of unfussy, homemade breakfast that's hard to find away from home, with both Mexican staples and American classics on one menu . Pair it with a wander through the antique center next door and you have a very Whittier morning .