15 Los Angeles Mexican Restaurants Worth A Visit
Los Angeles is a paradise for Mexican cuisine lovers, where vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and rich traditions come together on every plate.
From street-style tacos that burst with authenticity to inventive dishes that put a modern twist on classics, the city offers endless reasons to explore.
Locals know the hidden gems, but visitors are quickly catching on. Each restaurant brings its own personality, making every meal a flavorful journey worth taking.
1. Guelaguetza: Oaxacan Paradise in Koreatown
James Beard Award-winning Guelaguetza reigns supreme as LA’s temple to Oaxacan cuisine.
The Lopez family has been serving their legendary mole negro since 1994, earning cult-like devotion from locals and celebrities alike.
Their tlayudas (massive tortillas topped with black beans and meat) are life-changing, while the colorful micheladas arrive rimmed with worm salt.
Don’t leave without buying their bottled mole to recreate the magic at home.
2. Sonoratown: Downtown’s Flour Tortilla Heaven
Named after a historic Mexican neighborhood in Downtown LA, Sonoratown crafts the most ethereal flour tortillas this side of the border.
These delicate, chewy wonders are made with wheat flour imported from Sonora, Mexico.
The charcoal-grilled carne asada tacos showcase beef cooked over mesquite wood, creating an intoxicating smoky flavor.
Small but mighty, this counter-service spot often sports a line down the block – trust me, it’s worth every minute.
3. Damian: Enrique Olvera’s Arts District Masterpiece
Rockstar chef Enrique Olvera’s LA outpost blends Mexican traditions with California’s bounty.
The sleek concrete space feels like Mexico City teleported to the Arts District.
Their lobster tostada might be the sexiest seafood bite in town, while the duck al pastor tacos redefine luxury street food.
Yes, it’s pricey, but Damian delivers an experience that bridges the gap between fine dining and soulful Mexican cooking with rare finesse.
4. Bar Amá: Downtown’s Tex-Mex Revival
Chef Josef Centeno’s heartfelt homage to his San Antonio roots brings authentic Tex-Mex to LA.
Forget the sad cheese-smothered platters you’re thinking of – Bar Amá elevates the genre with farm-fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
The puffy tacos (a San Antonio specialty) feature fried-until-bubbly tortillas that shatter gloriously with each bite.
Their queso might be habit-forming, especially when paired with one of their amazing margaritas made with fresh-squeezed juice.
5. Holbox: Seafood Nirvana in South LA
Hidden inside Mercado La Paloma, Chef Gilberto Cetina’s seafood counter serves coastal Mexican magic that rivals anything in Baja.
The kanpachi aguachile arrives electric green with serrano chili, cucumber, and lime – a perfect balance of heat and acid.
Their octopus tacos feature tender tentacles kissed by smoke, while the scallop tostadas showcase pristine seafood with minimal intervention.
Budget-friendly yet world-class, Holbox proves extraordinary Mexican seafood doesn’t require a passport or deep pockets.
6. La Casita Mexicana: Bell’s Culinary Landmark
Chefs Jaime Martin del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu transformed a humble space in Bell into a Mexican food pilgrimage site.
Their chile en nogada – a poblano stuffed with fruit-studded picadillo and topped with walnut cream sauce and pomegranate seeds – is the most patriotic dish in Mexican cuisine.
The mole trio lets you compare different regional variations side by side. Vibrant decor featuring handcrafted Mexican art makes every visit feel like a mini vacation south of the border.
7. Casa Vega: Valley Institution Since 1956
Walking into Casa Vega feels like stepping into a time machine – in the best possible way.
This Sherman Oaks legend has been serving old-school Mexican-American classics under dim red lighting since Eisenhower was president.
Celebrities flock here for the strong margaritas and gooey cheese enchiladas. The lobster quesadilla is a splurge-worthy Valley treasure.
Tarantino even featured Casa Vega in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, cementing its status as LA restaurant royalty.
8. El Cholo: Where LA’s Mexican Food Story Began
Serving Angelenos since 1923, El Cholo is practically written into the city’s DNA.
Their famous green corn tamales, available only May through October, cause annual celebrations among loyal patrons who wait all year for these seasonal treasures.
The tableside guacamole remains a theatrical treat, while the #1 Combination plate offers a greatest-hits tour of Mexican-American classics.
Each location displays framed menus showing prices through the decades – a charming reminder of El Cholo’s century-long legacy.
9. El Coyote: Hollywood’s Cheesy Mexican Playground
With its Christmas lights twinkling year-round and margaritas strong enough to knock out a mariachi band, El Coyote has been Hollywood’s favorite guilty pleasure since 1931.
The orange cheese-covered enchiladas define comfort food for generations of Angelenos. Service comes with theatrical flair from longtime waitstaff wearing traditional Mexican dresses.
Celebrity sightings are common, though the dimly lit interior provides welcome anonymity. Come for the kitschy atmosphere, stay for the surprisingly good house-made tortilla chips.
10. Guisados: Taco Perfection Across LA
Guisados’ brilliance lies in its laser focus on one thing: traditional Mexican braises (guisados) served on handmade corn tortillas.
Their sampler platter offers six mini tacos, perfect for first-timers overwhelmed by choices.
The cochinita pibil delivers slow-cooked pork in achiote, while the chiles torreados will test your heat tolerance.
With locations from Boyle Heights to West Hollywood, Guisados democratizes access to authentic Mexican home cooking across LA’s diverse neighborhoods.
11. Tacos 1986: Tijuana-Style Taco Theater
What began as a sidewalk taco stand has evolved into LA’s most entertaining taco empire. Owner Victor Delgado and taquero Jorge “Joy” Alvarez-Tostado bring Tijuana taco culture to life with theatrical flair.
The adobada (marinated pork) spins hypnotically on a vertical spit before being sliced directly onto handmade tortillas.
Mushroom tacos provide a surprisingly meaty vegetarian option. Ask for tacos “con todo” to get the full experience – complete with guacamole dramatically slapped onto your plate.
12. El Compadre: Flaming Margarita Fiesta
El Compadre’s claim to fame? The legendary flaming margarita – a classic lime cocktail crowned with a floating island of flaming lemon-infused liqueur.
These photogenic drinks have fueled countless Hollywood nights since 1975. The food delivers solid Mexican-American classics, with the chile relleno achieving perfect cheese pull in every bite.
Live mariachi performances enhance the festive atmosphere. Multiple locations across LA ensure you’re never too far from that Instagram-worthy flaming cocktail.
13. Salsa & Beer: Valley’s Massive Portion Champion
Salsa & Beer has achieved legendary status among Valley dwellers for serving Mexican food portions that could feed a small village.
The Super Nachos arrive on a platter larger than most coffee tables, piled impossibly high with every topping imaginable. Their wet burritos swim in rich enchilada sauce under a blanket of melted cheese.
Always packed with families, the North Hollywood and Van Nuys locations maintain a festive energy. Pro tip: bring friends or prepare for days of leftovers.
14. Coni’Seafood: Nayarit-Style Seafood Sanctuary
In an unassuming Inglewood building, Coni’Seafood serves coastal Mexican seafood that transports you straight to Nayarit.
Their pescado zarandeado – a butterflied snook marinated in soy sauce and spices before being grilled over charcoal – is a masterpiece requiring 30 minutes to prepare.
Aguachiles and ceviches showcase supremely fresh seafood kissed by citrus and chili. The marlin tacos feature smoked fish that’s been shredded and fried until crispy, creating an addictive textural contrast.
15. Gish Bac: Oaxacan Barbacoa Bliss
Every weekend, Gish Bac transforms into an Oaxacan celebration as families gather for their spectacular barbacoa.
Owners Maria Ramos and David Padilla slow-roast whole goat and lamb wrapped in maguey leaves until the meat falls apart with barely a glance.
Their tlayudas – massive tortillas topped with asiento (pork lard), beans, and Oaxacan string cheese – offer the perfect vehicle for sampling multiple meats.
The Mid-City location’s humble appearance belies the culinary treasures within, making it the definition of a hidden gem.