29 Essential Mexican Restaurants in LA You Need to Try Right Now

The former NOLA-inspired space that was occupied by Preux & Proper has been transformed into a moody and modern Mexican steakhouse courtesy of chef Daniel Godinez. The just-opened restaurant has a limited menu, but you’ll still find yourself torn between worthwhile dishes like cracker-crispy Rib-Eye Chicharron, savory Calamari with red pepper salsa and Manchego cheese, and entrees like Lobster Quesadillas, plus plenty of prime meats that are served with roasted cabbage, onions, and jalapenos, and bean and salsa puree. Classic cocktails are given additional flair with agave spirits and Mexican ingredients, like a Carrajillo that’s prepared with Oaxacan coffee.

The family behind the popular Guisados chain opened this mariscos-focused stand mid-pandemic, satisfying Echo Park diners with a tight menu and affordable selection of aguachiles, campechanas, ceviches, quesadillas, and tacos dorados. Its convenient location to Dodgers Stadium makes it the obvious pre-game move and don’t forget to order a Mexican Coke or Jarritos to off-set the spice in their salsas and citrus-soaked ceviches.
How to book: Walk-ins only.

Located in DTLA’s Arts District—one of the city’s best emerging neighborhoods for fine dining—Damian is chef Enrique Olvera’s first LA opening following the success of Mexico City’s Pujol and New York’s Cosme and Atla. This semi-outdoor and, shall we say, exceptionally stylish spot is one of those restaurants where everything from your contemporary chair to the dollop of salsa on your plate feels like an aesthetic treat. But all of these refined touches also come with a price, making Damian a great option for special occasions or perhaps a much-needed date night, when ordering in just isn’t the vibe. Here, you can enjoy creative spins on Mexican classics with seasonal California produce, like a soft Tetela stuffed with ricotta, spinach, and poblano chiles; Pork Ribs slathered in mole with a side of kimchi fried rice; and a very tasty Caesar Salad Tostada topped with a generous serving of uni for that little extra slice of decadence.
How to book: Walk-ins accepted, but reservations are strongly encouraged.

LA Cha Cha Chá is a Mexico City transplant in the heart of LA’s Arts District that also happens to have one of the best views in town. This modern cabana-like rooftop has us feeling like we’re lounging in a bustling Tulum bar, even as we take in the DTLA skyline with a great mezcal cocktail in hand. But mezcal negronis aside, LA Cha Cha Chá’s vibrant atmosphere makes it perfect for groups where everyone can sample both individual and shared plates. The menu includes fresh seafood tostadas, like the Tostada Monumental with grilled octopus tossed with cherry tomatoes, habanero chiles, and a creamy cilantro aioli to cool down the heat. Entrees like the Charcoal-Grilled Fish, tender Carnitas, and Braised Lamb Shank are great for family-style dining and constructing some DIY tacos with the kitchen’s fresh corn tortillas. For more after-hour fun, check out the interior La Barra, which features an expanded list of cocktails and casual bites.
How to book: Walk-ins accepted, but reservations are strongly encouraged, especially on Fridays & Saturdays.

Tamales Elena Y Antojitos serves excellent Guerrero-style dishes, including some Afro-Mexican specialities and delicious tamales that make ordering just one nearly impossible. But this Bell Gardens spot hits the mark on just about everything on its menu, from its smoky Pozole Rojo with shredded pork to the super crispy Pescadillas—fried tacos filled with shredded bass, onion, cilantro, and a tangy green salsa. Chef Maria Elena Lorenzo’s family tamales recipes come in both corn husk and banana leaf varieties, with sweet and savory options available for masa fans everywhere. The pork and salsa roja filling is tender enough to eagerly cut through with your plastic fork, while the equally tasty cheese and jalapeño option gives just the right level of cheese pull with some needed heat. When in doubt, mixing and matching is always the move.
How to book: Walk-ins accepted. Order for pickup or delivery online.

Ceviche Project has everything you’re looking for in your favorite bar: good drinks, good music, and a cool interior to tie it all together. But the best part? This Silverlake spot serves incredible Mexican mariscos in an intimate setting, automatically making it much more exciting than that favorite bar of yours. You’ll find chef and owner Octavio Olivas behind his marble countertop in a slick white suit prepping a wide range of seafood dishes, like fresh oysters on the half shell topped with tangerine, pomegranate seeds, and spicy serrano chiles, and a Striped Sea Bass Ceviche with a xni-pec salsa. If you’re looking for a refreshing drink to balance out the chile heat, Olivas also makes one very good Michelada with a homemade mix you certainly won’t want to miss.
How to book: Walk-ins only. Order delivery or pickup online.

Located inside Mercado La Paloma near USC, Holbox is one of the market’s many outstanding Latin American food stalls that happen to catch our eye (and appetite) each time we wander in. This Yucatecan spot was opened in 2017 by Chef Gilberto Cetina, whose family owns and operates Chichen Itza, located just a stone's throw away inside the mercado. This venture’s mission is simple: combine the freshest local seafood with some Mexican flair to create some of the best mariscos in town. You can’t go wrong with the Mesquite-Grilled Octopus served on top of a nutty almond pipian, the Coctel Mixto, with the kitchen’s savory, sweet, and spicy coctel sauce, or the fresh Kanpachi Tostada topped with a beautiful piece of Santa Barbara uni. Taking pictures is also strongly encouraged.
How to book: Walk-ins accepted. Order for pickup online or delivery via DoorDash.

If you’ve wandered around this stretch of 6th street prior to 2011, you might recognize Sabores Oaxaqueños as Guelaguetza’s original location. But this Koreatown joint has made a name for itself by serving some of the best Oaxacan food in LA. After stepping through the restaurant’s mini-mart (and perhaps purchasing some Oaxacan chocolate on the way out), you’ll get seated in a colorful dining space that feels like you’re thousands of miles away from central Los Angeles. But the authentic Oaxacan experience just gets better once you try classics like the homemade Horchata with prickly pear topping, the freshly rolled Memelas topped with asiento, bean paste, and grilled meat, or the king of all Oaxacan street foods – the Tlayuda Mixta. This crispy tortilla dish ticks all the boxes with its flavorful bean paste, perfectly grilled tasajo, cecina, and chorizo links, and the kitchen’s savory asiento that makes every bite good enough to consider not sharing with your dinner companions.
How to book: Walk-ins accepted. Order for pickup online or delivery via DoorDash.

Now with two trucks serving Boyle Heights and Mid City, Tacos Y Birria La Única is bringing the wonders of tender birria to the masses, along with some other taquería favorites like carne asada. Here you can sample both beef and roasted goat birria in a soft taco, fried taco dorado, or a decadent quesotaco that’s stuffed and grilled with shredded cheese until birria melds into the crispy tortilla. If you’re looking to dive further into birria, order a side of smoky, spicy consommé to give your cheesy quesotaco a much-needed dunking.
How to book: For location and hours of operation, follow them on Instagram.

Hermanito is a chic Mexican cantina and restaurant off Sawtelle Blvd with one of the best al-fresco dining experiences on the Westside. Other than its short (but very good) list of cocktail offerings, the bar has an extensive tequila and mezcal selection to pair with any of its small plates or shareable food options. The menu is an eclectic mix of Mexican classics like charred Esquites and Crispy Birria Tacos, with contemporary spins that pay homage to the neighborhood’s Japanese influence, like Al Pastor Pork Belly Bao Buns and Chicken Wings tossed in a smoky salsa macha.
How to book: Walk-ins accepted, but reservations are highly recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday nights. Order delivery or pickup online.

Operating in Koreatown, Los Feliz, and Echo Park, this distinctive flame-painted truck whips up some of LA’s best al pastor and tender cabeza—aka slow-roasted beef cheek. In addition to all the standard taco truck favorites, they’ve got a few playful twists on the menu—like French-fry-stuffed California burritos or Hawaiian-style tortas built around pineapple, ham, al pastor, and refried beans. El Flamin’s red sauce is key here. It’s legitimately spicy—not the weak, watered-down version you might expect—and lends mouth-numbing, slow-burning heat to whatever’s on your plate.
How to book: Check the truck’s schedule here.

With seven trucks positioned around Los Angeles, Leo’s is one of the city’s most prolific taco trucks. Starting at $1.25 a pop, their tacos are budget-friendly and appetizing—with al pastor among the most popular choices. But the Alambre takes the win for best value; the dish includes a huge portion of meat blanketed with melty cheese and grilled veggies, served with several tortillas on the side (a little like a highly shareable make-your-own-taco kit). If you feel like branching off from the classics, opt for the Hawaiian Quesadilla or Salchichas Torta—a sandwich filled with griddled hot dog sausages that’s about the best late-night drunchies we can think of.
How to book: For hours of operation, follow them on Instagram.

Owner Raul Ortega immigrated to LA from a small town in Jalisco, the Mexican state that gave us tequila, mariachi, and plenty of other Mexican staples. It also happens to be on the Pacific coast, meaning Ortega grew up knowing a thing or two about quality seafood. His Tacos de Camarón are consistently hailed as some of the city’s best—a melty mass of fried shrimp, red salsa, and thin-sliced avocado heaped into satisfyingly crunchy taco shells. From shockingly spicy Aguachile to fresh, flavorful Ceviche and Octopus Tostadas, the rest of the marine-centric menu is just as mouthwatering. You can find Mariscos Jalisco trucks in Boyle Heights, downtown, Pomona, and Mid-City (Gardena is closed until further notice).
How to book: For location and hours of operation, follow them on Instagram.

Loqui found its legs as a weekly popup out of the back of San Francisco’s Tartine Bakery— thankfully, they eventually headed south and quickly became one of LA’s hottest taco spots. Their tightly edited menu of tacos and plates—starring Loqui’s handmade, ultra-thin, crisp tortillas—has expanded to include family meals. Don’t miss their house-made Agua Frescas, including Jamaica, Lemonade, and Cucumber flavors.
How to book: Walk-ins only. Order delivery or pickup online.

Even though Azulé’s four locations can be found inside of SocialEats food delivery halls across LA (with a fifth coming soon to the South Bay), its fresh menu offerings still serve us a slice of the beach each time we stop by. The streamlined menu sports an array of tacos, bowls, quesadillas, and nachos, customized with your choice of protein: garlic shrimp, grilled achiote chicken, and even some solid vegetarian-friendly options, like cauliflower al pastor and slow-roasted wild mushrooms with manchego and salsa. Chips and guac, ice-cold cervezas, and cinnamon-dusted churros round out their offerings. And if you want to celebrate Taco Tuesday with a bang, tacos at Azulé are half-off every Tuesday. Azulé has currently suspended its dine-in service, but is available for take-out orders and free local delivery if you’re within a two-mile radius of one of their locations.
How to book: Order online for free local delivery within an eight-mile radius or pickup.

Date nights and special occasions call for dinner at Old Town Pasadena’s Maestro, where the exposed brick walls, mosaic-tiled bar, and cozy banquette seating create just the right atmosphere. The upscale institution merges authentic Mexican cooking with elevated presentation: fancy oysters swimming in aguachile-filled shells, beautifully plated enchiladas and taquitos, perfectly Grilled Octopus served with chile de arbol aioli. The list of spirits is longer than your arm and includes rare and vintage tequilas you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Offered on Sundays from 11 am–2 pm, brunch is also a serious affair—involving savory plates like Chilaquiles and Chorizo Hash, as well as a range of sophisticated cocktails like the tart Blood Orange Margarita or smoky Mezcal Campfire.
How to book: Make reservations online or by calling 626-787-1512.

Chef Wes Avila (who penned this charming ode to LA) elevated the street taco into an art form with Guerilla Tacos, which he left in the hands of restaurant partner Britney Valles, executive chef Jason Beberman, and chef de cuisine Steven Londono, when he left to helm his Chinatown sandwich shop Angry Egret Dinette. But don’t worry—the tacos are still crafted with top-grade ingredients that freely interpret the myriad, multicultural flavors that Avila grew up with in East Los Angeles. Some excellent taco options include a Korean Fried Fish taco with a gochujang glaze, and the popular Sweet Potato taco with feta, fried corn, and a nutty cashew and almond chile sauce.
How to book: Walk-ins accepted. Reservations via Resy. Order delivery or pickup online and via Postmates or Caviar.

Madre’s menu is an unforgettable tribute to Oaxacan cuisine—often utilizing ingredients like chiles, cheese, and spices imported from owner Ivan Vasquez’s native Oaxaca and family recipes passed down from his mother. The restaurant’s renowned for its rich moles, goat barbacoa, and tlayudas, served with thick masa tortillas called memelas, in addition to an extensive bar program. Besides having the largest collection of artisanal mezcal in the country, Madre has a great Taco Tuesday special, daily happy hour, and some very good tamales de mole that we can’t recommend enough.
How to book: Walks-in only at Palms. Reservations are recommended for Torrance and West Hollywood, although both accept walk-ins. Order delivery or pickup online.

Famous for its Sonoran-style tacos, this pint-sized DTLA spot has a straightforward but incredibly delicious menu built around its homemade flour tortillas. With a second location in Mid-City on the way, co-owner Teodoro Diaz-Rodriguez, Jr. brought the flavors of his native San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora to LA with his soft, lard-infused flour tortillas that are unique to the northern Mexican state. These chewy vessels are wrapped around mesquite-grilled meat and sprinkled with green onions, lime, and salsa roja to form one of LA’s best tacos. Sonoratown’s tortillas are also glutted with tender carne asada and blistered tomatoes for a game-changing chivichanga burrito. If you’re looking for some asada tacos to-go (or even some vegan taquería options), this spot offers family-style packages ranging from $28-$34 that include frijoles, tortillas, and your choice of protein options. (No judgment if the family you’re ordering for is a party of one).
How to book: Order for delivery or pickup online.

As you can tell by its name, this beloved spot specializes in seafood—importing shrimp, whole fish, and more from the Mexican states of Sinaloa and Nayarit. Vicente “Chente” Cossio kicked off the concept in the backyard of his Inglewood home in 1987, and daughter Connie has continued the tradition of using family recipes to prepare Nayarit-style ceviche, fish, and shrimp in dozens of ways. The menu’s pièce de résistance, however, is a butterflied Whole Snook—grilled until its edges become crisp, and the moist, meaty parts flake away when you pick at it with your fork. It’s served with sweet caramelized onions and warm tortillas to counterbalance the salty, absolutely mouthwatering bits of fish. Round out the meal with an order of the briny Marlin Tostaditos or a refreshing platter of Shrimp Aguachile, with plenty of heat in its green sauce.
How to book: Walk-ins only.

Born in Boyle Heights to the De La Torre family, Guisados focuses on a simple, straightforward menu of slow-cooked braises and homestyle tacos. Handmade with fresh ground masa, each corn tortilla boasts a tender, braised protein that tastes as if it’s been simmering on the stove for days, like slippery, fatty chicharron in chile verde, or the slightly sweet-yet-spicy shredded pork. They’ve since expanded to seven locations all over LA—including Echo Park, West Hollywood, Pasadena, and Burbank—but all of their stews and masa are still made and delivered from the original location multiple times a day to guarantee freshness. For early risers, select spots offer variations on breakfast tacos—piled with soft scrambled eggs, augmented with flavor-packed chorizo, or punched up with diced onions and jalapenos.
How to book: Walk-ins only.

The children of Fernando Lopez and Maria Monterrubio, the retired husband-and-wife duo who opened Guelaguetza in 1994, after immigrating from their native Oaxaca, keep this iconic establishment’s legacy alive by staying true to authentic Oaxacan ingredients and time-tested family recipes. Although the restaurant’s famous for incredibly complex moles—like the green olive-infused estofado or a sweeter, nuttier mole negro —you’d be remiss not to try the Enfrijoladas, Chiles Rellenos, and a range of other Oaxacan plates like crispy Tlayudas and chewy Memelas with Oaxacan chorizo. With an extensive menu of Oaxacan favorites (and impressive mezcal selection), feel free to order family-style and sample as much masa, mole, and complex flavors as you possibly can.
How to book: Order delivery or pickup online.

Boyle Heights knows how to get down with a good bean and cheese burrito, and Al & Bea’s has some of the best. Beatrice Carreon and husband Albert founded this basic brown stand in 1966, and even during last year’s restaurant shutdown, people still flooded the ordering window. Their descendants continue to churn out steaming-hot burritos, oozing with molten yellow cheddar and creamy, refried pinto beans (it’s said that the latter is the star of the show, cooked on low for 18 hours using a secret family recipe). Ranging from $4.10 to $6.40, their bomb burritos are affordable and just-right-sized—so you’ll still have plenty of room for guacamole fries and sweet horchata. Don’t be afraid to get your burrito “wet” too, with a generous ladling of sauce coming at an extra $2.50.
How to book: Order for pickup by calling 323-267-8810.

The Valley’s beloved Mexican institution is still going strong after over 65 years in business—and a cameo in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood only boosted its profile. Along with iconic landmarks like Musso & Frank and El Coyote, Casa Vega appears in the flick as one of several local historic restaurants from the ‘60s. Nowadays, this family-owned operation has a James Beard Award under its belt while still holding on to its traditions. The tufted red leather booths have endured, the lighting remains dim, and although founder Ray Vega passed away earlier this year, his daughter Christy ensures the kitchen continues to prepare amazing food based on her abuela’s recipes: wonton-crispy flour tortilla chips, lemony-garlic Lobster Enchiladas, and Mexican Pizza. To adapt to the pandemic, she launched outdoor dining and online ordering for the first time.
How to book: Walk-ins accepted, but reservations are highly recommended. Order for pickup online or by calling 818-788-4868.

Sonora natives Alejandro Borquez and wife Rosa opened the first El Cholo in 1923, originally billing it as a “Spanish café.” These days, their grandson Ron Salisbury carries on family traditions at six outposts in LA and OC, where dependably delicious menu items—like the much-lauded green corn tamales and enchilada suiza—appear alongside their years of introduction. To this day, the restaurant’s committed to Rosa and Alejandro’s method of buying 60-pound cheese wheels and aging them for at least a year—ensuring the best-tasting, highly meltable cheese. If you want to bring the party home, El Cholo’s also got you covered with their to-go margaritas available in single, pint, quart, or gallon.
How to book: Walk-ins accepted or call any location to make a reservation. Order delivery or pickup online.

El Parian is a Jalisco-style restaurant from owner Maria Garcia that has thrived for over five decades in Pico-Union. They specialize in birria—intensely flavored roasted goat meat that’s simultaneously crusty, juicy, and tender. Each order typically comes with plenty of onions, cilantro, and a tangy, vinegar-rich habanero sauce that you’ll happily lick off your fingers. Tacos are constructed with thick, chewy, house-made flour tortillas that arrive at your table doubled up—the better to soak in all the delicious drippings. Pro tips: Don’t wear your favorite white shirt (things are bound to get messy) and remember to bring cash. 
How to book: Walk-ins only. Order pickup or delivery via Grubhub.

Laughably large burritos are the claim to fame at this Boyle Heights institution that’s been near Evergreen Cemetery since 1955. Manuel Rojas passed away in 2013, and daughter Elena persists with football-sized burritos like the Hollenbeck, named for prominent 19th-century real estate developer John Edward Hollenbeck, who played a key role in the foundation of Boyle Heights. The cafe honors him with seared pork simmered in chile verde, rice, beans, and guac, all wrapped in a flour tortilla and smothered in more chile verde. Enchiladas slathered with a smoky salsa ranchera, shredded machaca-style beef, and tender pork simmered in chile verde sauce help round out the menu (and your stomach).
How to book: Walk-ins only or order for pickup online.