9 Best Food Trucks In Los Angeles, California That Locals Can’t Get Enough Of
If you think food trucks are just quick stops for a snack, Los Angeles will prove you wrong.
Here, they’re the heartbeat of the city’s street-food culture — dishing out smoky tacos that drip with flavor, bagels bold enough to rival New York, and fusion bites so creative they’ve sparked national trends.
I’ve chased these rolling kitchens through traffic, stood in long midnight lines, and tasted my way across LA to find the ones locals crave most.
Hungry yet? Let’s dive into nine food trucks that keep the city buzzing every single day.
1. Mariscos Jalisco: Seafood Heaven On Wheels
Holy guacamole, folks! The first time I tried Mariscos Jalisco’s famous shrimp tacos dorados, I nearly fell to my knees in the middle of Boyle Heights. These crispy, fried tacos stuffed with perfectly seasoned shrimp and topped with slices of avocado and their special salsa roja are simply life-changing.
What makes this truck special isn’t just their incredible seafood – it’s their dedication to authentic Jalisco-style recipes that haven’t changed in over 20 years. The owner, Raul, still uses his grandmother’s recipes!
Their tostadas de ceviche are another must-try item, piled high with fresh seafood that tastes like it was caught mere moments ago. Pro tip: arrive early because the line forms quickly, especially on weekends. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
2. Kogi Korean BBQ: The OG Fusion Trailblazer
Back in 2008, I was one of the first people to chase down Chef Roy Choi’s Kogi truck after hearing about these mystical Korean-Mexican tacos. Thirteen years later, I’m still stalking their Twitter feed to find their locations because their short rib tacos are that addictive!
Kogi basically invented the gourmet food truck movement in LA, combining Korean barbecue with Mexican street food in a way that revolutionized how we think about fusion cuisine. Their signature short rib taco with sesame-chili salsa and kimchi is still the gold standard.
What keeps me coming back (besides the obvious deliciousness) is how they’ve maintained their quality and innovation over the years. The Blackjack Quesadilla with caramelized onions and spicy pork is another knockout that’ll have you questioning why all quesadillas don’t taste this good.
3. Yeastie Boys Bagels: Morning Munchies That Rock
Confession time: I once followed the Yeastie Boys Bagel truck for three miles when I missed them at their usual Melrose spot. Their hand-rolled bagels have ruined all other bagels for me – they’re that spectacular!
These aren’t your average bagels, folks. They’re perfectly chewy with a slight crunch on the outside, and their cream cheese schmears are whipped to perfection. My personal obsession is the Game Over sandwich – scrambled eggs, bacon, tomato, and jalapeño spread on their signature bagel.
What I love most about these punk rock bagel masters is their irreverent attitude and commitment to quality ingredients. They’ve built a cult following among LA locals who know that great bagels aren’t just found in New York. Even my Brooklyn-born friend admits (reluctantly) that these bagels are the real deal.
4. Okamoto Kitchen: Japanese Comfort Food With Flair
Last summer during a heatwave, I stumbled upon Okamoto Kitchen while desperately seeking shade in Downtown LA. What I found instead was the most incredible Japanese-style fried chicken I’ve ever tasted – crispy, juicy, and served with a garlic-soy aioli that I still dream about.
Run by a husband-and-wife team, this truck specializes in Japanese comfort food with a California twist. Their Nom Bomb Burger with cheese-stuffed hamburger, teriyaki sauce, and fried egg is a masterpiece that defies conventional burger categories.
The anime-inspired truck design initially caught my eye, but it’s their consistent quality and friendly service that keeps me tracking their schedule. Fun fact: Chef Chizuru actually worked as a voice actress in Japan before bringing her family recipes to LA’s streets! Their curry is another standout – rich, complex, and nothing like the curry you’ll find elsewhere.
5. Leo’s Tacos Truck: Al Pastor Perfection
The first time I saw the massive trompo (vertical spit) of marinated pork spinning at Leo’s Tacos, I knew I was in for something special. That hypnotic tower of al pastor meat with pineapple dripping down the sides is basically the eighth wonder of the world to taco enthusiasts like me.
Located primarily on Venice Boulevard, Leo’s has mastered the art of al pastor tacos. The taquero skillfully slices the caramelized pork directly onto mini corn tortillas, adding a chunk of pineapple with a flick of his knife that seems almost magical. At just $1.50 per taco, it’s possibly the best food deal in LA.
What makes Leo’s stand out in a city full of taco trucks is their consistency and authenticity. The salsa bar is always fresh and well-stocked, and even at 2 AM (when I’ve definitely found myself there after a night out), the quality never wavers.
6. The Grilled Cheese Truck: Comfort Food Reimagined
On a particularly gloomy LA day (yes, we have those occasionally), I found myself in line at The Grilled Cheese Truck seeking comfort in melted cheese. What I got instead was an epiphany between two slices of bread that forever changed my understanding of what a grilled cheese could be.
Their Cheesy Mac and Rib sandwich combines macaroni and cheese, BBQ pork, and caramelized onions inside a perfectly grilled sandwich that somehow doesn’t fall apart. It’s engineering brilliance meets comfort food mastery. The bread is buttery and crisp while the inside remains gooey and indulgent.
Beyond their innovative creations, they also nail the classics. Their Fully Loaded grilled cheese with sharp cheddar, macaroni, caramelized onions and bacon jam has gotten me through breakups, job interviews, and that time I accidentally dyed my hair green. Comfort food therapy at its finest!
7. Bun & Beyond: Asian Bun Brilliance
I discovered Bun & Beyond completely by accident when my GPS led me astray in Arts District. Best. Navigation. Error. Ever. Their pillowy steamed buns filled with braised pork belly converted me into an immediate superfan who now plans my weekends around their truck schedule.
The bao buns here are cloud-like perfection – soft, slightly sweet, and stuffed with fillings that pack an incredible flavor punch. My favorite is their signature pork belly bun with pickled vegetables and hoisin sauce, but the Korean fried chicken bun with gochujang aioli runs a very close second.
What makes this truck special is their dedication to handmade buns and slow-cooked fillings. Everything is made fresh daily, and you can taste the difference. The owners are always behind the counter, tweaking recipes and chatting with customers. Their fusion buns like the cheeseburger bao brilliantly bridge culinary traditions.
8. The Lime Truck: Citrus-Infused California Cuisine
After watching The Lime Truck win Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race, I had to try it for myself. Six years and approximately 47 tacos later, I’m still not over their California-inspired cuisine that somehow manages to be both indulgent and refreshing at the same time.
Their carnitas fries are legendary – crispy shoestring potatoes topped with slow-roasted pork, cotija cheese, and their signature lime-infused crema. The brightness of the citrus cuts through the richness perfectly. Another standout is their ahi tuna taco with avocado and crispy wontons that delivers a texture explosion.
What keeps The Lime Truck at the top of LA’s food truck game is their commitment to seasonal ingredients and constantly evolving menu. Owner Daniel Shemtob is often at the truck, experimenting with new flavor combinations that push culinary boundaries while remaining approachable and crave-worthy.
9. Seoul Sausage Company: Korean-Inspired Links Of Joy
Remember when sausages were just…sausages? Seoul Sausage Company completely redefined my expectations when I first bit into their kalbi sausage at a food truck festival in Koreatown. The explosion of Korean BBQ flavors in sausage form was nothing short of revolutionary!
Founded by three Korean-American friends, this truck specializes in Korean-inspired sausages and loaded fries that combine the best of Korean flavors with American street food classics. Their signature Kalbi sausage with kimchi relish and garlic jalapeño aioli delivers sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory notes in every bite.
The Galbi poutine – crispy fries topped with beef short rib, cheese, and spicy kimchi – is what I order when I’m having a particularly rough day. It has never failed to improve my mood! What makes Seoul Sausage special is how they’ve created a perfect entry point to Korean flavors for newcomers while still satisfying those who grew up with these tastes.