Several of us were planning to meet for a singles dinner and Mimi's in Torrance, California was selected. While I had heard of Mimi's many times, and no doubt driven past one or two of them, I had never actually had a meal there. I was rather excited to find a new restaurant and knew it would be great. Hey they have been around since 1978! And yes, I consider myself a foodie of sorts.

I easily found parking in their more-than-ample parking lot, but quickly discovered that I was the first of the group to arrive. I therefore sat in their lobby and kind of glanced around at the very large restaurant with a French decor, yet Americanized. There was seating in a room to the left of where I was waiting, and also to the right. While the host/hostesses were very friendly, I was very upset when one of the hosts made a disparaging comment about a developmentally disabled diner. That was in very poor taste, and as I heard the comment, I'm sure others did too. Yes, these were young people, but they should know better. I'm hoping this didn't cloud my opinion of the restaurant. I'd like to think it didn't.

The others in the singles' group arrived shortly thereafter and we were seated at a wonderful round table where we could easily talk with each other. I had never seen this type of table in a restaurant and thought it was frankly, really cool. Our server came by immediately and brought our menus, bread basket. Wow, the menu is extensive, and I was very pleased to see one of my favorites, crab cakes, on the menu. They have a crab cake dinner with sides, and also a smaller version with just coleslaw.

Their menu is too extensive to review in full but they have comfort foods such as pot roast, apple cider pork chops, meatloaf, roasted turkey breast all for $12.00 or under. They of course have various burgers, fish such as their fresh fish, blackened salmon, fish and chips, filet of "soul" as they call it, pasta and steaks, tacos and wraps, you name it, they most likely have it. They also offer wine and beer.

For the kids they offer French toast or scrambled eggs & bacon for breakfast or mini mouse pancakes. For lunch/dinner they offer their Half a Tooner, a tuna sandwich on wheat, a mini burger, quesadilla, Mac and cheese, mini corn dog, all for under $4.50, so quite a selection for the kids. And of course they have high chairs and booster seats.

Desserts you ask? They offer bread pudding, chocolate chip pecan pie (I've tried making this 3 times and was not successful unfortunately), apple cinnamon crisp, banana foster mud pie, triple chocolate brownie. Don't they sound scrumptious?

Service and cleanliness:

The service was very good, even with a dozen people. You know how servers can get a little testy with several people, all with their picayune preferences, but they were quite nice. Our water was kept filled, as was the bread basket. The restaurant, though I did not visit the restroom seemed immaculate.

Okay, but how about the food:

Here is where I had the problem. I absolutely love crab cakes, and these were honestly the worst I have ever had. In my opinion, and I may be wrong, it was not even crab. It just did not taste right. Had I not been with a large group, and had I not wanted to appear bit---, I would have returned it. I've gone to fine restaurants with so-so crab cakes, and mediocre coffee shop type places with terrific crabcakes, so I think I can be very objective. It did not taste good, and it certainly did not taste like crab. The others did not comment on their food. Their choices varied from burgers to salads, and one person just had dessert.

Final thoughts:

At the time I ate there I felt like I would never return again, as I was so unimpressed with the meal I ordered. However, several months have elapsed, and in looking at their menu again, perhaps I would return and just try something else. It all sounds so good! While I cannot recommend it at this time, if I did recommend it I would do so to who enjoy a nice spacious restaurant that is kid-friendly, has a widely varied menu, and want to try something different. As there several other Mimi's adjacent to Los Angeles, I may just try a different location. For this particular visit I am rating Mimi's Cafe a 2 based on my food. However, I may return to this Mimi's Cafe or others in the future. If my opinion changes I promise to update, as one visit can be misleading.

This location:

25343 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 905055590
Phone: 310.326.4477

Additional Southern California locations:

17919 Gale Ave., Rowland Heights, CA 917485593
Phone: 626.912.3350

19710 Nordhoff Place, Chatsworth, CA 913115594
Phone: 818.717.8334


24201 W. Magic Mountain Pkwy., Valencia, CA 913555595
Phone: 661.255.5520

500 Huntington Dr., Monrovia, Arcadia, CA 910065596
Phone: 626.359.9191

Most of their locations are open from 7:00AM to 11:00PM, but call first, and they are happy to take reservations!

Thanks for reading!

Suzi




Recommended: No