Kuya Lord

Kuya Lord

5003 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, United States

Filipino restaurant, Restaurant
(288)
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About This Place

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Los Angeles on Melrose Avenue, Kuya Lord offers an exceptional Filipino dining experience that elevates traditional flavors with a sophisticated touch. This cozy yet lively Filipino restaurant is a celebration of authentic recipes thoughtfully refined, crafting dishes that feel both familiar and exciting.

The menu is a delightful journey through Filipino cuisine's rich tapestry. A standout favorite is the Calamansi Pie, a zesty, bright dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness, leaving a refreshing finish to your meal. For savory indulgence, the Crispy Pork with Rice and Sauce is an absolute must-try — guests rave about its perfectly crispy exterior combined with rich, flavorful sauce that enhances every bite. The Sweet Prime Beef Bowl offers tender, savory slices of beef that melt in your mouth, while the Lucenachon Rice Bowl delivers an elevated rice experience paired brilliantly with the signature chicharrón pork. The kitchen’s dedication shines through in dishes like Pancit Chami and the hearty Kuya Tray - Sausage, Beef, Egg, embodying the spirit of sharing and comfort.

Expect your taste buds to be tantalized by the robust flavors in the Beef Tapsilog — a beautifully composed plate with savory cured beef, garlic fried rice, and a perfectly cooked egg — offering a satisfying balance of textures and richness. Seafood lovers will find delight in the prawns swimming in a rich crab sauce, intense and luscious enough to savor with just yellow rice.

Ambiance-wise, Kuya Lord opts for an intimate, casual setting that prioritizes the food experience. While the seating may be simple with stools that pull you close to the action, the energy here is warm and welcoming. The staff’s friendliness and efficient service ensure that your meal feels personal and cared for. Several diners appreciate how quickly food arrives, even on busier nights, highlighting the kitchen’s precision and passion. It’s the kind of place where you can feel like part of a community gathering, sharing dishes that echo Filipino hospitality.

Drinks here complement the menu beautifully. The Honey Calamansi Juice is a refreshing explosion of citrus and natural sweetness, cleansing the palate between bold bites. For those who enjoy classic beverage options, bottled Mexican Coke and sparkling waters elevate the meal with subtle effervescence.

Real patrons praise Kuya Lord for delivering elevated, refined flavors that taste like cherished family recipes reimagined with flair. Many point out the mastery of Chef Maynard, whose dedication and expertise bring out layers of flavor without overwhelming the inherent simplicity of the dishes. While parking can be challenging on Melrose Avenue, visitors note that the food and welcoming atmosphere are more than worth the extra effort or a car service ride.

In summary, Kuya Lord is a gem for anyone looking to explore Filipino cuisine beyond the ordinary. Whether it’s your first taste or a nostalgic return to beloved dishes, this restaurant’s thoughtfully crafted plates and heartfelt service make for an unforgettable culinary experience in Los Angeles.

Service options
Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Comfort food Small plates Vegan options Vegetarian options
Dining options
Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Trendy
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs
Parking
On-site parking Paid street parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    Closed
  • Wednesday
    11:00 AM - 03:00 PM
  • Thursday
    Closed
  • Friday
    Closed
  • Saturday
    Closed
  • Sunday
    Closed

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Sirinate S
    2 week ago

    The crispy pork rice bowl is the standout super flavorful, perfectly crispy, and so satisfying. The grilled chicken is good as well, just slightly on the dry side. Service is quick, smooth, and the staff is genuinely friendly. Highly recommend!

  • Albert J The Untamed Chef
    1 month ago

    Small Restaurant with amazing flavor. Great tasting Filipino food definitely some of the best I've ever had in my life. Chef Maynard is a master of his craft. It's also very amazing seeing a chef who has achieved so much and still working his own line. The only problems I had there is absolutely no where to park so that will pose a problem unless you're using a car service.. and it took a while to get our food and all I ordered was two rice bowls. Like I said it's a small restaurant and everything is cooked to order. & a little bit pricey but if you're a real foodie and you will appreciate it... I will definitely go back

  • JB Jose
    2 month ago

    Tremendous Filipino food. It’s more elevated than home cooking; like refined versions of the dishes you’d have at Filipino gatherings. The eggplant puree in the insalata was unusual but delicious. The crab sauce on the prawns was insanely rich; you could have the sauce and yellow rice by itself. And the pork belly was delicately crispy. The ambiance was not amazing though. Uncomfortable stool seats and a smoky odor (from the firewood) made for a functional but slightly unpleasant seating.

  • Alex Xander
    3 month ago

    This place is simply outstanding. I stopped by for dinner on Friday evening and my food was ready before I could even sit down! The cashier was super friendly and helped with questions and describing menu items. I went with the a la cart 8oz lucenachon, java garlic rice, and the honey calamansi juice. The rice is one of the best rice I've ever had. It's soft yet firm, moist, without being mushy or overcooked, and has so much amazing garlic flavor without being overpowering. The pork was amazing. The meat was juicy and tender while the skin was thin and so crispy crunchy without being greasy. I am a bit torn on the drink. It's more bitter than I expected but I think the bitterness comes from the honey? I don't know how tart a calamansi is but this wasn't like a lemonade drink. It's nice to have the contrast from the salty and savory foods though! Overall, a fantastic meal and I will gladly return

  • Raoul Tamayo
    3 month ago

    5 star Filipino Food!!! Hard to give Filipino food a five star since I think my grandmother and mom are the best Filipino cook lol. Got lucky to get a table for lunch when we arrived at 1130 on Sunday. Menu is limited but can’t go wrong on trying a selection. We got the Lucerna LeChon plate, special dish- eggplant and tomatoes, and hiramasa collar. All dish were cooked perfectly- the LeChon was juicy and had crispy skin with accompanying achara (pickled vegetable, garlic fried rice, chami noodles. The grilled eggplant with burrata, and tomatoes dish was excellent- the flavor combination is amazing. Love the Almond wood-grilled Hiramasa collars with pickled veggies, dipping sauces: toyemans and chile garlic oil. Didn’t make to desert but the calamansi pie looks great. They do have a house made homey calamansi hibiscus juice- very refreshing. The place is smallish having 5 tables but seems have access for outdoor seating infront and outside. Parking is street meter parking. They do have a restroom on the back. Definitely worth trying. And congrats to the James Beard Award.

  • Donna L
    3 month ago

    Omg the food was very good!! Just a warning, portions are on the lighter side for a meal! The meat dishes are all done wonderfully and the sides are light and refreshing (cucumber tomato salad and pickled vegetable). Also seating is limited and chairs themselves aren’t big, so it may be difficult for plus-sized individuals to dine in.

  • Eidmone Tagaca
    3 month ago

    4.3/5 for the tocilog tray. Java rice was okay but I really liked the longanisa and the beef. The noodles were also decent. The pork lechon was also really good. A bit overpriced for what it’s worth but it’s definitely worth a try.

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