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| The Top 10 Authentic Mexican Restaurants in Los Angeles |
Los Angeles is often considered the Mexican food capital of the United States. With over 4 million residents of Mexican descent calling L.A. home, it's no wonder you can find tacos, tamales, and other Mexican favorites on practically every corner.
From hole-in-the-wall taquerias dishing out Tijuana-style tacos to upscale restaurants putting modern twists on classic dishes, Los Angeles has it all when it comes to Mexican cuisine. While the options may seem endless, there are certain restaurants that stand out above the rest.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top neighborhoods for Mexican food in L.A., highlight some can't-miss dishes, and review the 10 best Mexican restaurants that capture the culture, flavors, and dining experiences of Mexico. Whether you're a local looking to expand your Mexican food horizon or visitor aiming to authentically experience L.A.’s Mexican cuisine, use this guide to inform your tasting adventure.
A Guide to Mexican Cuisine in Los Angeles
Mexican food in L.A. draws influences from all over Mexico. From the seafood dishes of Sinaloa to the complex moles of Oaxaca, you’ll find diverse regional specialties represented.
Here’s a quick overview of some key styles and popular dishes:
Traditional Favorites
No Mexican meal is complete without staples like tacos, burritos, tamales, tortas, and more. L.A. excels at traditional executions of these classics.
Regional Specialties
Many restaurants in L.A. bring tastes from specific Mexican states. Popular regional styles include Oaxacan (known for moles), Yucatecan (lots of achiote and citrus), Michoacán-style carnitas, and Baja-style seafood.
Modern Interpretations
Chefs are also putting modern spins on Mexican dishes by incorporating ingredients like kale, quinoa, and goat cheese into classics. “Bougie Mex” spots, food trucks, and casual eateries all offer innovative takes.
The Top Neighborhoods for Mexican Food
While you can find great Mexican restaurants throughout Los Angeles, certain neighborhoods offer an especially high concentration of options. Here are some of the top areas to hit up:
East Los Angeles
This predominantly Mexican American community is the epicenter of L.A.’s Mexican culture. Restaurants like Tamales Liliana, El Siete Mares, and La Unica serve up authentic, no-frills Mexican food.
Boyle Heights
This neighborhood just east of downtown L.A. boasts restaurants like Mariscos Jalisco (for shrimp tacos), El Mercadito (a Mexican market), and La Serenata de Garibaldi (for seafood).
Downtown L.A.
Head downtown to Grand Central Market for tacos from Villa Moreliana, Sarita’s Pupuseria, and Horse Thief BBQ. Also check out upscale spots like México City Cuisine and Broken Spanish.
South L.A.
Don't miss Mariscos Jalisco, a legendary Mexican seafood truck on Olympic Boulevard, along with neighborhood gems like Teddy’s Red Tacos and Holbox.
Westside
For a modern dining experience, check out trendy spots on the westside like Gracias Madre, Petty Cash Taqueria, and Guerrilla Tacos.
The Best Dining Experiences for Mexican Cuisine
From taco trucks to fine dining establishments, Los Angeles offers the full spectrum when it comes to Mexican restaurants. Here are some of the top dining experiences to enjoy:
Food Trucks
Chase down the city’s best taco trucks like Mariscos Jalisco, Leo’s Tacos Truck, and Tacos El Venado for affordable, delicious eats. Follow them on social media to find their locations.
Casual Taquerias
For quick, casual Mexican meals, head to no-frills taquerias and stands like The Taco Spot in North Hollywood, Cacao Mexicatessen, or Ricky's Fish Tacos in Los Feliz.
Upscale Dining
Restaurants like Broken Spanish, Toca Madera, and Border Grill offer full-service dining with creative Mexican menus, signature cocktails, and vibrant ambiance. Make reservations ahead of time.
Family-Owned Eateries
Visit local favorites like Casa Sanchez in Long Beach, funded by a Mexican immigrant family in 1925. Their authentic recipes have been passed down generations.
The Cultural Significance of Mexican Cuisine in L.A.
Beyond just being delicious, Mexican food holds an important place in the cultural fabric of Los Angeles. Here’s why it’s so significant:
Mexican Influence on L.A. Culture
From street art to music and fashion, L.A.’s Mexican American culture imbues the city with its energy and identity. Mexican cuisine is the edible manifestation.
Beloved Community Establishments
Many restaurants like King Taco, Casa Vega, and El Tepeyac Cafe have been neighborhood staples for decades, beloved for their dependability.
Family Recipes and Traditions
Menus at family-owned establishments like Manuel’s Original El Tepeyac draw directly from old family recipes and cooking traditions passed down generations.
Holiday Fanfare
During Mexican holidays like DÃa de Los Muertos and DÃa de la Independencia, L.A. puts on elaborate festivals with food vendors serving specialties.
10 of the Best Reviewed Mexican Restaurants in L.A.
Now that you’re acquainted with L.A.’s Mexican food landscape, let’s highlight 10 restaurants that capture the essence of Mexican cuisine and culture in L.A. Based on critic reviews, customer ratings, awards, and local buzz, here are the top choices:
1. Guelaguetza
This Oaxacan institution in Koreatown has earned first place on countless “best Mexican restaurants” lists over the course of its 25-year run. Their handmade moles, tlayudas, and memelas pay homage to the traditional tastes of Oaxaca. Gorgeous decor and festive vibes provide a transportive dining experience.
Location: 3014 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
What to Order: The Enrique Olvera Specialty Platter lets you sample several Oaxacan specialties like duelas, memelitas, and mole negro with chicken.
2. Mariscos Jalisco
This iconic food truck dishing out shrimp tacos draws long lines of hungry Angelenos. Their signature dish is the tacos dorados de camaron: crispy, spicy battered shrimp tacos topped with avocado and a special salsa. This family-owned operation is a fixture of L.A’s vibrant street food scene.
Location: 3040 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023
What to Order: The legendary tacos dorados de camaron, of course!
3. Broken Spanish
Chef Ray Garcia puts a refined, contemporary spin on Mexican cuisine at this downtown hot spot. With a seasonal tasting menu, stellar cocktails, and sleek decor, Broken Spanish elevates your Mexican dining experience. Dishes utilize modern cooking techniques while honoring authentic Mexican flavors.
Location: 1050 S Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
What to Order: The seven-course tasting menu offers the best way to experience Chef Garcia’s inventive cuisine.
4. HomeState
With locations in Hollywood and on the Row at LA Live downtown, HomeState brings the tastes of Texas to L.A. Their breakfast tacos are not to be missed – they come piled high with potatoes, eggs, beans, cheese, and your choice of meat. For lunch and dinner, dive into Tex-Mex classics like queso, fajitas, and puffy tacos made just like home (if home is Texas!).
Location: 4624 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
What to Order: The Breakfast Taco Selection lets you sample an assortment of their epic morning tacos.
5. Holbox
Travel south of the border to the beaches of Holbox island at this hip seafood eatery on the eastside. Inspired by the ocean-to-table cuisine of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, Holbox serves delightful ceviches, aguachiles (citrus-marinated shrimp), and seafood cocktails. With a beachy vibe indoors and outdoor patio seating, it feels like a true escape.
Location: 3500 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007
What to Order: The Frito Misto features an assortment of fried seafood like shrimp, snapper, and calamari – perfect for sharing.
6. Sonoratown
This downtown gem brings the rustic flavors of Sonora, Mexico to L.A. through dishes like mollejas (grilled beef sweetbreads), queso fundido (melted cheese with veggies), and mesquite-grilled meat. Their signature item is the taco de asada – fire-grilled carne asada layered with beans, salsa morita, raw onions, and cilantro on a handmade tortilla.
Location: 208 E 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
What to Order: Build your own tacos with their exceptional fillings, salsas, and tortillas.
7. Tire Shop Taqueria
Housed in an actual former tire shop in East L.A., this unfussy eatery slings delicious tacos, burritos, and quesadillas out of their tiny kitchen. While the ambiance is no-frills, the food really dazzles. Their extensive salsa bar lets you customize your tacos. This place always packs in a crowd, so come early and prepare to wait.
Location: 2200 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033
What to Order: Try one taco each of carnitas, chicken, carne asada, barbacoa, and whatever special protein they have that day.
8. Guerrilla Tacos
This popular taco truck turned brick-and-mortar shows chef Wes Avila’s fine dining background through dishes like oyster mushroom tacos with cashew crema, sweet potato al pastor tacos, cauliflower tikka masala burritos, and other experimental flavors. Their ever-changing menu showcases seasonal, produce-focused tacos along with excellent vegan options.
Location: 2000 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
What to Order: Take your pick from a selection of their unique vegetable-forward or vegan tacos of the day.
9. Casa Vega
Steeped in over 60 years of history in Sherman Oaks, Casa Vega radiates old Hollywood charm with its red leather booths, terrazzo floors, and velvet paintings. This family-owned Mexican institution serves up classics like enchiladas, tacos, and combination plates. Their margaritas come recommended too.
Location: 13301 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
What to Order: Their crispy Tacos de Pescado (fish tacos) have earned legendary status at this Valley favorite.
10. Petty Cash Taqueria
Chef Walter Manzke puts gourmet twists on tacos and other Mexican street food at this Fairfax hot spot. With a counter-service set up, the vibe here is casual and bustling. Their menu offers innovative fillings like smoked brisket barbacoa, shrimp adobo, cauliflower al pastor, and Korean short rib. Even french fries get the taco treatment!
Location: 7360 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
What to Order: Try the Nopales Vegan Taco made with cactus, cashew crema, corn truffles, and salsa verde.
Key Takeaways on Mexican Cuisine in Los Angeles
With its vibrant Mexican American culture, Los Angeles offers unmatched diversity and authenticity when it comes to Mexican food.
Certain neighborhoods like East L.A., Boyle Heights, and South L.A. are Mexican food hot spots thanks to their history and community.
You’ll find the full spectrum of dining experiences for Mexican cuisine in L.A., from taco trucks to upscale eateries.
Beyond just being tasty, Mexican restaurants hold cultural significance by representing family traditions and community.
While the options abound, restaurants like Guelaguetza, Mariscos Jalisco, Broken Spanish, and Sonoratown capture the essence of L.A.’s Mexican food scene.
So explore the neighborhoods, follow the taco trucks, and dine at the top establishments to experience the best of Mexican food culture in Los Angeles! Let us know in the comments if we missed any of your favorite spots.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Mexican Restaurants in Los Angeles
Mexican food is an integral part of LA's culture, with taquerias and taco trucks scattered across the city. If you're looking to experience authentic flavors and vibes, here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
What are the top neighborhoods for Mexican food in LA?
Some of the best neighborhoods for Mexican restaurants include:
East LA - The heart of Mexican culture in LA with no-frills spots like Tamales Liliana.
Boyle Heights - Home to Mariscos Jalisco, El Mercadito market, and La Serenata de Garibaldi.
Downtown LA - Grand Central Market and upscale restaurants like Broken Spanish.
South LA - Don't miss Mariscos Jalisco food truck and Holbox.
Westside - Trendy, modern spots like Gracias Madre and Petty Cash Taqueria.
Should I go to taco trucks, taquerias, or sit-down restaurants?
It depends on your preferences! Taco trucks like Leo's and Mariscos Jalisco offer delicious, affordable food. Casual taquerias like The Taco Spot serve quick Mexican meals. Upscale restaurants like Broken Spanish provide full-service dining with creative menus.
What are some classic Mexican dishes I should try in LA?
Some classics you must try include:
Tacos - Carne asada, carnitas, al pastor, birria.
Burritos - California burrito, chimichanga.
Tamales - Try a variety like chicken mole or vegan tamales.
Quesadillas, tortas, enchiladas - So many options!
Regional specialties - Mole sauce, cochinita pibil, ceviche.
What are the best Mexican restaurants for vegetarians or vegans?
Great options include Gracias Madre, Petty Cash Taqueria, and Guerrilla Tacos. Their menus creatively incorporate produce into tacos, burritos, tamales and offer excellent vegan/vegetarian varieties.
How can I have an authentic dining experience?
Visit family-owned neighborhood institutions that have served traditional recipes for decades, like El Tepeyac Cafe. Explore restaurants representing specific regional styles like Oaxacan or Yucatecan. Order classics like mole, ceviche, and tamales.
How can I pick a top-notch restaurant?
Look for places featured on "best of" lists, with great online reviews, awards and buzz. The restaurants we reviewed - like Broken Spanish, Guelaguetza, and Mariscos Jalisco - consistently top lists for high-quality Mexican food. Trying them is a safe bet.
Is Mexican food in LA expensive?
It depends! Taco trucks and no-frills taquerias serve amazing food for cheap. A basic taco goes for $1-3. Sit-down restaurants range from budget-friendly to swanky. Upscale spots like Broken Spanish offer elevated dining for $$$. But you can find delicious Mexican food across price ranges.
Are reservations needed, or are walk-ins ok?
For top restaurants like Broken Spanish or Guelaguetza, reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. Other places like taquerias and taco trucks are more casual - just walk right up. If going on a weekend or for dinner at a popular restaurant, call ahead just in case.
What side dishes or drinks pair well with Mexican food?
Classic pairings include rice, beans, nachos, guacamole, and salsa. Margaritas, mezcal cocktails, micheladas, and Mexican beers like Modelo, Pacifico, Tecate and Dos Equis are perfect drinks to complement your meal. Be sure to grab some churros or tres leches cake for dessert!
Let us know in the comments if you have any other questions! We hope this guide helps you navigate LA's amazing Mexican food scene.
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