The Best Mexican in Los Angeles

Dona Maria

★★★★☆ 4 (281) • $$

"Cute little spot in La Canada. Food is pretty good and prices are reasonable. I ordered the beef taquitos plate which came with 4 taquitos, rice and beans. The beef taquitos were nice and crispy. Rice and beans were average. The salsas seemed fresh and they had a good flavor. Service was quick and friendly."

Tamales Veracruz Y Mas

★★★★★ 4.5 (130) • $$

"Originally came for tres leches but they didn't have so got the truffle flan and it was really good! We Ended up getting a chicken empanada too and it was fire definitely coming back. Very cute and clean on the inside. The man working the front was very nice and helpful. They also take ebt. Open 9am-9pm but on Friday and Saturday they stay open till 2am!"

Xtiosu Kitchen

★★★★★ 4.7 (340) • $$

"It's a place where you walk up and order. There is a shaded patio area in front with a couple tables and chairs you eat at. I never had fusion like this before, I ordered the chicken shawarma tacos and upgraded my salad to a side of Tzatziki salad. The chicken was not dry at all and was flavored with Mediterranean spices. The hummus that came with the combo plate was delicious and smooth I ate it all. My favorite salad is Tzatziki so of course I had to have that upgrade and think there were small pieces of nopal in it?! It was a great lunch and glad my friend brought me along to try a unique spot. Vegan options available like the falafel."

Sugar Taco

★★★★☆ 4.3 • $$

"Sugar Taco is one of my favorite spots to grab food in LA!! I've literally had almost everything on their menu at this point. Burritos, tacos, nachos, churro donuts - I love it all! Like I love it so much that I usually order two meals for myself so I can have more the next day. My go-to protein is the carne asada but I also love the pollo. I also feel like everything is reasonably priced for such quality, plant-based food.The restaurant itself is insanely cute and beautifully decorated - capturing the fun, instagram-worthy vibe of LA mixed with the vibrance of Mexican culture. Presentation is flawless! Plus, staff have always been fab! Occasionally I've had to wait longer for pickup than the estimated time so just something to keep in mind.Sugar Taco is the full package and I recommend it to everyone. My whole family has fallen in love. Can't wait for my next Sugar Taco stop!"

Tlayuda L.A. Restaurant

★★★★★ 4.6 (904) • $$

"My friend and I were looking for a late lunch spot since we were starving, and Tlayuda happened to be nearby so we decided to check it out.We came on a Sunday afternoon around 4:30 pm and it was pretty empty with only one other customer in the restaurant. Luckily we found street parking right around the corner, but it didn't look like there was much parking available in this area.The restaurant is quite small and we missed it the first time driving past. Had to circle around again before we spotted it. As the name suggests, their specialty is the tlayuda, which I would describe as a Mexican pizza made using a large tortilla. There's a nice description and picture of one on the front of the menu.Because I was starving, I wasn't feeling particularly adventurous and decided to get the carne encebollada ($16.50) instead, which is a plate of grilled meat with onions, rice, beans, and tortilla. Rice, beans, and meat, you can't go wrong with that combo!I asked for half chicken and half steak so I could try out two different meats and was really glad I did. I liked the chicken more than the steak since it was juicier and more tender. It was a lot of food, but for me it was the perfect amount, and I finished everything off. This meal hit the spot and was exactly what I wanted. My friend got the enchiladas verdes ($15.50) and enjoyed his food as well.The owner was super nice and gave my friend some mole to try when he was considering getting the enchilada de mole but wasn't sure if he would like mole since he's never had it before. That was really nice of her to offer!"

Chulita

★★★★☆ 4.2 (106) • $$$

"Been here a few times - also been to the Venice location. Prefer this location as parking isn't as challenging. And meat is served here! See pics. Anyway, already started with parking. No meters. Street parking. The times I've visited, was for early dinners so parking wasn't an issue. I can't speak for later in the day or on the weekends. Good luck. Each time, I've sat at the bar. Service was excellent each time. Pretty quiet when I've been - but sitting at the bar gives you the advantage of having someone right in front of you. So, even if it was busy and packed, getting the bartender's attention would be easy. They've been attentive. Friendly and nice. As for the food - pics don't do the food justice. I like it enough to have been a few times. Food has flavor and the portion sizes are deceiving. Doesn't look like much but I've left stuffed each time. The drinks are stiff but also balanced. Not just all alcohol. I like Chulitas. The location. The vibe. The food. The Service. I'll definitely be back for more."

Sonoritas Prime Tacos

★★★★☆ 3.9 (356) • $$

"Cute outdoor seating tho it was order at the counter which I am not sure if all locations are like that; pretty sure it is not as I think I have been to a Playa Vista location maybe. The guac was not spicy and tasted more like mashed avocado. You get free chips & salsa. Got tacos which were good/fine. Service was good! Will have to try other items on menu! Excited to come back."

El Carmen

★★★★☆ 4.1 • $$

"If sipping an award-winning margarita at happy hour prices so low they feel illegal isn't your vibe, then what are you even doing--paying triple for watered-down drinks at a bar where the bartender treats you like you're lucky they even looked your way ?This place has forever had the best happy hour prices in L.A.--hands down. For the cost of parking anywhere else, you can load up on happy hour-priced guac, tacos, ceviche, and nachos while sipping margaritas so good they'll ruin all other drinks for you. The chips and salsa go perfectly with those tangy margs.The vibe is perfect complete with classic lucha libre-themed decor, vintage-tiled walls, classic multicolor, string lights, and that red-orange glow for an authentic tequila-bar feel. And if you meet a stranger at the bar, don't be surprised if you end up borrowing one of the bar's many decorative Luchador masks and doing some "wrestling" later."

Evil Cooks

★★★★☆ 4.4 (141)

"So unique and creative! If you have had every kind of taco and want to try something creative, take a drive toward LA. There's a small taco shop recently opened by Chef Alex and Elvia Garcia. They have a strong customer following from their catering and popup business. I read about them in LA Times top 101 tacos in LA. My curiosity was peaked, and bookmarked this location. They've also been recognized by LA Eatery and Life & Thyme Magazine. I chose 3 tacos from their Hell Menu (Black Asada, Carnitas and Green Chorizo). I watched them hand make the tortillas from the masa, press, to the grill. This, in itself, raises the rating to 5 stars. I will have to work my way down the menu to try a Monsterous Burrito or Killer Torta. I want to support this business, it's not easy to start up a restaurant. They have invested their time and finances with plans on expanding the menu. The future looks bright. Bookmark this taco shop and don't forget to tell'em that Rosemary sent ya!!!"

Benny's Tacos & Rotisserie Chicken

★★★★★ 4.8 (129) • $$

"This Benny's location has become my favorite. I love their food and the service and quality are top-notch Benny's. I think some of their locations can get "too big/busy" and you can catch a subpar meal sometimes. This location is consistently excellent, whether taking out or eating in - which I recommend/prefer. Francisca is an awesome greeter/server and the cooks are at the top of their game. Hot, fresh, and delicious.So glad to have them in the neighborhood - but this place is also totally worth a drive."

Chichen Itza Restaurant

★★★★★ 4.5 • $$

"My friend and I planned to eat at Holbox, but with an hour-long wait just to order, we didn't have the time. Thankfully, we discovered Chichen Itza right in the same Mercado complex--and while it's not at the level of Holbox, it's still a solid choice for delicious food without the wait.I ordered the Pollo Asado, a flavorful boneless chicken grilled over mesquite charcoal and marinated with achiote and sour orange juice. It came with perfectly cooked fried plantains (crispy on the outside, soft and sweet inside--so good!), roasted red onions, rice, and black beans. My friend chose the Cochinita Pibil, which was tender, juicy pork marinated in achiote and sour orange juice, cooked in banana leaves, and topped with pickled red onions. It came with rice, black beans, and warm tortillas.We also shared a large Ceviche, which was fresh and zesty. Overall, the food was tasty and well-prepared, with good portions.The ambiance is casual and unpretentious, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal. The Mercado itself has a bustling, lively vibe, which adds to the experience.The big win here? No wait and quick service! Plus, we found street parking right out front, which was super convenient. If you don't have the time to line up for Holbox, Chichen Itza is a great alternative."

Leo's Tacos Truck

★★★★☆ 4.1 (475) • $

"This place is by FAAAR the best Al pastor tacos I have ever had. I feel like after having these I cannot give any other taco truck my money. Needless to say they are famous for their al pastor and the other meats are good, but not great. The asada fries were also really good (better than other places) so would recommend those too.Lengua (beef tongue) taco was not my favorite I have had better.The Horchata was also really yummy and I would recommend. This place is so good I had it twice last week and I want it again lol a must try! Vibes are regular the wait can be long and you have to eat in your car, but trust me it's worth it."

Descanso Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4 (74)

"Beautiful new restaurant that just opened on Wilshire that's within walking distance of Miracle Mile museums. It's across from Equinox.Enjoyed the Descanso margarita and appetizers. Portion size may be on small side. My favorite appetizer was the taquitos; good flavor & they looked like mini shrimp tacos. Empanadas are similar to tacos.It looked like they have many more tables in the back to accommodate large parties. This would be an excellent place to celebrate a birthday or other occasion.I think happy hour is 4 to 6 weekdays and I'll definitely be back!"

Xecora - Los Angeles

★★★★★ 4.5 (63)

"Newcomer Xecora has taken over La Fuente's former location. I stopped in to check it out since I used to come to the former establishment when I lived in Eagle Rock. I had a seat at the bar and requested a menu. I was a but thrown off when I received two - one for Xecora and another for La Fuente. The darling hostess explained that they were still serving the old menu and would eventually add some of the more popular dishes to the new menu. (FYI: There are two other Xecora locations - Downey & El Monte.)Bartender Gareth was delightful. He was friendly and engaging with all the patrons. He brought me warm chips & salsa before taking my order. Xecora's menu focuses on a variety of fresh seafood dishes with an emphasis on quality at an affordable price. I wanted to try something from the new menu and couldn't resist the WTF - a dish consisting of ceviche & cooked shrimp tossed in a habanero chili sauce. It was addicting and delicious with the right amount of heat!I'll admit, I wasn't a big fan of La Fuente. The food was ok, and I would mostly stop in for a drink at the bar. However, I am digging Xecora. The new menu items are an upgrade - even the chips & salsa. The service is friendly, and Gareth is a gem. I'm looking forward to a return visit. *Vegan & Vegetarian items available.*Small parking lot or street parking."

CJ's Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.6 (314) • $$

"Breakfast borrito was the good price also normal I'll come back service is also good clea"

Lenny's Casita

★★★★★ 4.6 (300) • $$

"You can't ask for a funner, tastier, or friendlier spot! Lenny's Casita is such a vibe. The Israeli dance music transports me to Tel-Aviv. The owner treated us like family from the moment we put our name down on the waitlist. He kept checking up on how we were doing after we were seated and cracked some fun jokes. Literally, one of the funnest and warmest places for a great casual dining experience. You will be mindblown at the caliber of flavor each dish punches. Even if you don't keep kosher, give this place a try because it will rival any other Mexican spot. If you got a big tummy, look no further. The portions are HUGE!"

La Fonda of Inglewood Restaurant and Cafe

★★★★★ 4.5 • $$

"Great clean spot. Stopped for a quick lunch solo and got their steak burrito. Great tasting food. They also serve beans and salsa with chips with your food. Solid salsa's. Service was quick and friendly."

Ka'teen

★★★★☆ 4 (896)

"Food was absolutely incredible. The quesadilla and shrimp fried tacos were top notch. Such a medley of flavors that all worked in perfect harmony. The tres leches cake, omg get out. It had a passion fruit drizzle, graham cracker bottom, served with coconut cream and candied walnuts. Like what!? Who is the chef here? Because Jesus Christ this food was so well thought out. Service could have been better, but the food was so yummy I still give them a 5. Ambiance is super elegant and upbeat. Lots of plants and simple white lights. I sent my compliments to the manager because I was just blown away."

Anejo Cantina & Grill

★★★★☆ 3.9 • $$

"Had a Birthday celebration for my Daughter this past weekend.We had a large party of over 20 people .The entire group loved the food from appetizers to main course.We did have a issue with seating at the beginning because of the number of people but everything worked out .I would like to give a big Thanks to the entire staffFor the excellent service provided ."

Mucho Mas

★★★★☆ 3.5 (549) • $$

"Mucho Mas is a Mucho blast, this longstanding family owned restaurant is located on the outskirts of North Hollywood (like you literally cross the street and you're in Burbank)!Easy parking in their lot or own the street (all free ninety nine w/o restrictions, meters or vallet)Upon entering you may notice their large patio to the left of the door. You'll be greeted and seated promptly, give their menu + specials and left to your devices as they say, until it's time to order.Whether you're a large rambunctious party of 12 or a pair of two, you'll get the mucho experience. Our server was very attentive most of our meal. She was very kind and helpful. I went with the veggie fajitas burrito (dry rather than wet, sin queso)... My M.M. regular date went with sizzling shrimp fajitas, which came with sides of beans and rice, like my burrito... Plus we had complimentary chips & salsa and an order of chips and guac... Needless to say... It was a full table! The food was nice, portions big! Very much appreciated all the veggie options (mainly fajita based entrees or salads - vegetarian by default, vegan with simple no dairy mods). They have some fun drink options including margaritas, cerveza y una barra completa (a full bar).The layout is traces of abode meets modern Mexican cantina restaurant, with nods to latin cultura in their art, pictures (such a the late Chespirito) y many attentions to detail.M. Mas was very busy on a Friday Night, We saw some parties waiting for tables on our way out... Grateful we stopped in before 8PM when things super picked up!Open 11AM to 9PM, six days a week (cerrado el Martes)."

Abby's California Kitchen

★★★★☆ 3.9 (11)

"Place is somewhat brand new in the area. I tried their pancakes, with bacon and eggs, and it was FIRE. The coffee is delicious too here and orange juice. Food is relatively inexpensive. You get big portions for your money. Place is clean with clean bathrooms, and the people are nice."

Lucky Boy

★★★★☆ 3.9 • $$

"Lucky Boy is located on Arroyo Pkwy right across Trader Joe's. Been hearing about their double patty melt so I decided to try it out. It was pretty good, though I wish I'd have tried a triple. The grilled onions on the toasted buttery rye bread gave it a very flavorful profile. Cheese on the patties were melted perfectly. Parking is plentiful in the back and lots of tables available inside and outside. Service was fast and the guys are nice and helpful. I'll be back to try a triple."

Mariscos Jalisco

★★★★★ 4.6 (180) • $

"FIRE TACOS!!!! Wow I'm blown away at the deliciousness of these street tacos - fried shell filled with juicy shrimp, potatoes and more. Local food truck with fast service and casual vibes - perfect for a quick bite. I went on a Friday which is supposed to be closed according to Yelp but I was happy to see it open! :)"

A Tí

★★★★★ 4.7 (26)

"Been following Chef Andrew for years at his various pop ups and his food just gets better and better!! You can really feel and taste his love for LA poured into every dish. The combination of flavors and textures are unreal. My go-to's at A Ti are always the duck mole, tuna tostada, Al pastor tacos, crispy beef tacos, and sweet potato tacos. But basically everything on the menu is superb. The yuzu inspired margarita is also delicious! I don't usually revisit restaurants but I literally keep coming back and bringing new friends because it's THAT good. There's a reason it's getting such great reviews in the food world, too. I even decided to do my birthday dinner with 8 of my closest friends and they were so accommodating with a little set menu that made everything super easy. I had the best time! There's a convenient small parking lot attached and I heard they're opening for lunch soon. If you haven't gone yet, go taste for yourself!!"

Sonoratown

★★★★☆ 4.4 • $$

"Fresh tortillas, well grilled steak and seasoned meats. This place hits the spot if you're craving some tacos, burritos, etc!We came by on a Saturday and the place a a bit full, not so full that we couldn't find a barstool seat tho so yay! The person who rang us up made some small talk with my partner because of his hat, this always cheers up my partner hahaah. I ordered the steak, chicken, and chorizo tacos. The steak was my fav! You can taste the grill and the meat was still tender. The chicken was ok, and the chorizo was more of a sausage type of chorizo. Do be cautious of the salsas!!! They really pack some heat in those things hahah. The ambiance is causal, with stickers and picture frames adorning the walls. It was interesting looking through them all as we waited for our food and ate throughout our meal.Would recommend!"

Holbox

★★★★★ 4.8 • $$

"Voted #1 yelp top eats for a dang good reason !! Lines are LONG so be ready to wait over an hour in line. And dress accordingly too ! The line extends alll the way outside of the building so you'll be freezing your butt off in the cold if you're wearing short shorts and a crop top. I've been here twice in the same month and waited about an hour and a half both times. Try to sit at their counter ! It's so fun watching them make the food. What we ordered : Tostada de Atun: local bluefin tuna, arbol-peanut sauce avo puree ($12) - to die for !!! My fav from the menu. I came back the second time specifically for this ! Tuna was so fresh. So much flavor. The toastada was nice and crunchy. I load it up with some more sauces to give it an extra kick. I'm still drooping over it now. Baja Fish Taco: Crispy battered local rockfish, crema, mayo, salsa roja, pico de gallo ($5) - I can't believe they're only 5 bucks each. My friends say it's the best fish taco they've ever had. Raw oysters: not sure how much they were or which ones we ordered but can't go wrong with raw oysters. They were so fresh. Didn't have a strong taste to them. Def a fan. For our entree we ordered Pulpo Asado: Mesquite grilled Gulf of Mexico octopus, almond pipian, cilantro rice, black beans, avocado & pico de gallo ($26)- I wasn't a huge fan of this. But my friends loved it. It was plated really well. Came with rice and tortillas for you to make your own tacos. Some bits were a little bit uncooked. It was still super slimy. I skipped it this second time I came. Camarones al Mojo de Ajo- Roasted TransparentSea Farms local shrimp, garlic-butter, cilantro rice, black beans, grilled bread ($28)- okay I hated this dish. But my friend that ordered it LOVED IT. it was just tooo shrimpy tasting to me. I'm honestly thinking of going back later today just for their tuna toastadas. Drooling."

Encanto Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4 (254)

"Encanto is an absolute gem! Their happy hour is fantastic, and the $10 margaritas available all day every day are an unbeatable deal.The ambiance inside is warm and inviting, with stylish decor that feels upscale yet comfortable. It's the perfect spot for a casual night out or even a celebration. Plus, it's located in a super walkable area, making it easy to explore before or after your visit.Whether you're stopping by for a quick drink or settling in for a full meal, Encanto delivers every time. Highly recommend checking it out for happy hour!"

Simón

★★★★★ 4.6 (79) • $$

"Some of the best fish tacos I've had in LA. Lovely staff, unique menu options. There is serve-yourself salsa station with an impressive array of house made choices. Do yourself a favor and get a crunchy fried fish taco and eat it right when it comes out!!There is limited seating out front, but you can usually snag a table in the shared space between the truck and Pine+Crane."

L.A Autentica Birrieria -North Hollywood

★★★★★ 4.5 (265) • $

"My friend highly recommended this place for their birrieria tacos so we finally came here to grab lunch. We parked at the Target parking lot close to the truck and we came at a good time since there was no line. I got 3 Carne asada quesatacos and 1 birria res quesatacos, my friend said to also ask for the consome Carne as well which is the soup. The food didn't take long to come out and they will announce your number in Spanish. They have a PA system as well for people who won't hear their number. I was asked if I wanted red or green sauce in Spanish as well but when she didn't get a response from me so she asked again in English. I got the red sauce to eat with my taco. I thought the Carne quesatacos were okay but I didn't like the birria res. The red sauce was alright to me as well and has a kick to it. I plan on taking my wife here later just for her to try it."

Mariscos Jalisco

★★★★★ 4.6 • $

"Taco truck across the street from the Estrada Courts. Came for the shrimp tacos but was blown away with the Poseidon tostada. So much fresh seafood and fantastic spice. Fast service and while it's a truck, they have an inside place to sit and eat."

Lost DTLA

★★★★☆ 3.9 (81)

"First time here... it was my friends birthday and his wife got us a reserved table/ area. super cute ambiance. Definitely VIBES!!!!!! food was okay.. little under seasoned.. Dj was vice I loved every song! Not to mention... BLACK OWNED!!!!!!! Ok let's get to the negatives: - the area ... super sketch. My husband and I ran into a mentally unstable homeless man that would not leave us alone!! Very scary. He was also at the front door and the security had to run him off. Not the Venus fault ... it's just downtown -At the end of the night we were wrapping up and my friend was finishing his drink... staff kept yelling " okay yall gotta go" .. like sheesh we know you all close in 15 mins we're just tryna finish what we purchased. It was very uncomfortable to be basically put out. A staff member also said " we know you've been out outta better places"--- I know it was a joke but meh... not coolOther than. Tho two things this lace is really cool and I would come back with friends."

Orale! Mexican Cocina

★★★★★ 4.6 (32)

"One of you is in the mood for good pizza and the other want's a good burrito or taco? Whaddya' gonna' do?I have the solution! Orale Mexican Cocina. They are in the same place as Numbero Uno Pizza. The pizza is great, and so are the burritos and tacos. Parking is free and easy, which is a rarity in this neighborhood. If you live in the neighborhood, let them know and they'll give you a discount. Pretty cool!Most people do takeout here, but there is plenty of comfortable seating...both booths and tables. The burritos and tacos are excellent. If you want an easy, no hassle, good prices, and good food, and casual place to eat in the Mid-Wilshire area, here it is!"

Cafe De Olla

★★★★☆ 4.3 • $$

"We stumbled upon Cafe De Olla after our vacuum service in Burbank, and let me tell you, it's been a game-changer! Seriously, we've been back every other day since. That's how good it is!This place is nothing like your typical Mexican restaurant. It's like stepping into someone's cozy kitchen and getting served the most delicious, authentic home-cooked meals. Every dish is bursting with flavor and feels like it's made with love. Our favorites are the Poblano Soup, signature Cafe de Olla (hot) and Chilaquiles Azteca. I also love their desserts! Usually, I get bloated after desserts. But not at Cafe De Olla. You can tell they use quality ingredients and put a lot of care into everything they make.The staff is friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home."

Hermanito

★★★★☆ 4.4 (765) • $$$

"We came here for brunch for the first time and we were blown away! The food is amazing!I'm not a big Waffle person but I'd eat those again any day of the week! chilaquiles is unreal, my favorite chilaquiles I've ever had. steak & eggs was seasoned and cooked perfectly, the bread on the side is done just right. We had such a good time after walking around the neighborhood we came back for few drinks and the ambiance was completely different but in a good way! They've done a beautiful job with decoration. Drinks were great, birria tacos are perfect happy hour snack. Margaritas are great!Last but not least, service is great! Everyone is super helpful and friendly. Can't wait to come back for dinner"

Mercado Hollywood

★★★★☆ 4.3 (885) • $$$

"The ambience in this place is darker than I like but, the service and food made up for that! We ordered the platter for 2-3 people and it was so good. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the chipotle salsa, just because I'm not a fan of chipotle peppers. The jicama shrimp tacos were so fresh and a little spicy. The guac was creamy and fresh and the chips were . The margaritas were strong and refreshing and they had bottled Mexican coke and sprite. DLEISH! Definitely will be coming back here."