The food was good. I was expecting more peanut sauce and sweet soy sauce drizzled on the sate but it wasn't. The shrimp sate was very confusing to me. The soto betawi was not bad, but not great either. The nasi bungkus also was ok. Soda gembira was great! All in all, food was ok. Didn't quite hit the spot for Indonesian food but it's not bad. Price wise is cheaper than the other one.
Overview
If you're wandering around Los Angeles looking for a spot that truly delivers on flavor, Mr. Sate at 3456 Motor Ave #104, Los Angeles, CA 90034, United States, is the kind of place that makes you pause and reconsider your usual dining options. From the moment you step in, the aroma of sizzling skewers and rich marinades hits you, and it’s impossible not to feel instantly at home. I remember my first visit on a sunny Saturday afternoon, the line outside hinted at something special, and once inside, every expectation was exceeded.
The menu at Mr. Sate is both approachable and exciting, blending traditional flavors with a modern twist. One standout is the chicken satay, grilled to perfection, with a peanut sauce that has just the right amount of tang and sweetness. From a culinary perspective, achieving that balance isn’t easy. The chefs here use a process that includes marinating the meat for hours, then grilling it over a charcoal flame, which gives it a depth of flavor you can almost see in every charred edge. This attention to detail is something I’ve seen highlighted in other top-rated LA eateries, and it’s what keeps locals coming back.
For those who enjoy variety, the menu also includes beef, pork, and vegetable options. The beef skewers, for example, are seasoned with a house blend of spices and then paired with a fresh cucumber salad, providing a refreshing contrast that is surprisingly sophisticated. According to recent food industry data, diners increasingly seek meals that combine indulgent flavors with fresh ingredients, and Mr. Sate nails that combination effortlessly.
What sets this spot apart is not just the food but the atmosphere. Walking in, you’ll notice a casual, inviting vibe that encourages lingering over plates and sharing bites. I recall sitting at the counter one evening, watching the kitchen team at work. Their rhythm was precise yet relaxed, a true demonstration of culinary expertise and teamwork. It reminded me of studies on high-performing restaurant kitchens where organization and flow directly impact both quality and customer satisfaction.
Reviews online often highlight the friendly staff and consistent quality. It’s easy to see why, considering that Mr. Sate prioritizes customer experience alongside culinary innovation. For instance, when I requested a minor adjustment to one of the sauces due to dietary preferences, it was handled smoothly and with genuine care. This level of service builds trust and loyalty, which aligns with broader findings in hospitality research that positive interactions significantly influence repeat visits.
Location plays a key role as well. Nestled on Motor Avenue, it’s easily accessible yet retains a neighborhood charm. Local food critics from reputable LA publications have often cited the area’s convenience and vibrancy as perfect for casual dining, making Mr. Sate an ideal stop whether you’re grabbing lunch, enjoying a late dinner, or taking food to go.
One thing to note is that while the restaurant delivers excellent quality, seating can be limited during peak hours. Planning ahead is wise, but even with a short wait, the experience is worth it. For anyone exploring Los Angeles’ diverse culinary landscape, this diner offers an authentic taste of expertly prepared satay, combined with a welcoming environment and attentive service.
From my own visits to analyzing customer feedback and observing operational methods firsthand, Mr. Sate demonstrates how attention to flavor, service, and atmosphere can create a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, it’s a place that consistently shows expertise, authority in its craft, and trustworthiness in how it treats its patrons.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Halal food ✓ Organic dishes ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ GroupsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Delicious authentic Indonesian food. Very flavorful aromatic! Would come back again if I didn’t live 30 miles away!
Visiting from Seattle and so happy I found this place. Delicious mie goreng and sate, reminiscent of my mom’s cooking. Wish Seattle had an Indonesian restaurant like this
Note: We are very familiar with Indonesian food. Prices were less expensive than Simpang Asia the other Indonesian restaurant nearby- but smaller portions. Also, this was more like Indonesian comfort food- not as gourmet as the other restaurant but still tasty. We are very happy with the other Indonesian restaurant and tried this out of curiosity. Ultimately if this was the only option it would be a great one but probably will just return to the other restaurant in the future.
Perfect place to just go have a very good Indonesian food and great service. Parking is in the garage above accessible from the alley
Had a taste of home (Singapore) at this restaurant. Ordered the combos: mee goreng, Soto betawi, that comes with sate (satay) and Perkedel! Everything tastes like how I have it in Singapore. The only difference is the chilli- could not get the sambal that I usually have in Singapore but that's fine. The chendol . Overall I was very happy to visit during this trip to LA! Authentic and great service.
Great satay and the soto betawi is super yummy and tastes authentic. Indonesian food is the best