Publisher’s Pick: Lomeli’s Italian Restaurant makes lunch ‘special’

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Last Monday I had the pleasure of a lunch meeting at Lomeli’s Italian Restaurant. I have wanted to try this Gardena landmark since moving to the South Bay. But it was Monday, the first day of my diet. Every plate of pasta, lasagna and pizza that passed would not keep me on track the first day. I was determined not to goof the lunch on the first day (at least not too bad).

Last Monday I had the pleasure of a lunch meeting at Lomeli’s Italian Restaurant. I have wanted to try this Gardena landmark since moving to the South Bay. But it was Monday, the first day of my diet. Every plate of pasta, lasagna and pizza that passed would not keep me on track the first day. I was determined not to goof the lunch on the first day (at least not too bad).

I ordered the Antipasto salad with the house dressing. It was terrific, so fresh with crisp lettuce, vine-ripe tomatoes, thinly-sliced sweet red onions, crusty croutons, shredded carrots and red cabbage that gave just a bit of color and crunch, and topped with pepperoni, cotta salami, provolone and Mortadella cheese.

The dressing was a perfect blend of Italian spices, the lightest olive oil and just the right tang of vinegar.

Restaurant owner Carlo Lomeli greeted me and asked if I liked the salad. As I was finishing my last bite or two, I told him how much I enjoyed the salad and especially the dressing. I told him he should bottle and sell this fantastic dressing. Then he brought me a bottle of dressing (Mr. Lomeli told me the water in the dressing was VERY important). They have a shelf full of wonderful salad dressing right behind the register as you leave. I recommend you don’t leave without a bottle or two.

This salad as a meal is big enough to share with two or three people. I’ll return again on a non-diet day. Lomeli’s Restaurant serves up fine food for lunch and dinner.

 Lomeli’s is located at 2223 W. Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena. Give them a call at 310-323-7993.