Top 10 Best Mexican Food Los Angeles
Exploring Mexican Food in LA
LA’s Mexican Food Scene
Alright, let’s talk tacos, tamales, and everything in between. Los Angeles is the place to be if you’re a fan of Mexican food. Seriously, it’s like a foodie playground out here. While New York has its moments, LA is the undisputed champ when it comes to Mexican cuisine. With the largest Mexican population in the U.S., the city is bursting with authentic flavors and endless options (Serious Eats).
Strolling through Boyle Heights or East LA, you’ll be hit with mouth-watering smells and vibrant taco stands on every corner. It’s like a treasure hunt for your taste buds. Whether you’re into traditional dishes or modern twists, there’s something for everyone. And let’s not forget the sit-down spots—18 must-visit restaurants that are like a love letter to Mexican heritage and flavors (Eater LA).
Mexican Food Diversity in LA
The variety of Mexican food in LA is mind-blowing. You can taste the unique flavors from different Mexican states without ever leaving the city. Take La Casita Mexicana, for example. This place is a game-changer with its Aztec cheese fondue, house-made tortillas, enchiladas, and cochinita pibil. Chefs Jaime Martin del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu are basically culinary wizards (Eater LA).
And then there’s Mariscos Jalisco. Their tacos dorado de camaron are legendary. Imagine biting into a crispy corn tortilla filled with fresh shrimp, topped with avocado and salsa roja. It’s a flavor explosion that you won’t forget anytime soon (Time Out Los Angeles).
Every meal in LA is like a new adventure. From food trucks to fancy restaurants, the choices are endless. I’m excited to share my favorite spots and dishes as I continue my culinary journey through LA’s Mexican food scene. For more tasty recommendations, check out my picks for the best food in Los Angeles.
Must-Try Mexican Food Spots
Los Angeles is a goldmine for anyone craving top-notch Mexican food. I’ve scoured the city to bring you some of the most mouthwatering spots. Here are my top picks you absolutely can’t miss!
Coni Seafood
Tucked away in Inglewood near LAX, Coni Seafood dishes out a Nayarit-style feast that’ll blow your mind. Their head-on raw shrimp aguachiles and pescado zarandeado—grilled snook marinated in a tasty mix of orange juice, soy sauce, and a touch of mayo—are to die for. The fish comes with corn tortillas and caramelized onions, making it a seafood lover’s dream. Check out more about this spot here.
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Aguachiles | Head-on raw shrimp with a zesty marinade |
| Pescado Zarandeado | Grilled snook served with tortillas and onions |
Guisados
Every time I hit up Guisados in Boyle Heights, I’m pumped to dig into their homestyle stews and braises. Their sampler platter of six mini tacos is a flavor explosion, featuring goodies like cochinita pibil (pork shoulder) and chicken tinga. The freshly made, nixtamalized tortillas from the family-owned market next door are the cherry on top. Find out more about Guisados here.
| Taco Filling | Description |
|---|---|
| Cochinita Pibil | Slow-cooked pork shoulder with spices |
| Chicken Tinga | Shredded chicken in a smoky tomato sauce |
Blue Corn Quesadilla Cart
If you’re near Echo Park, the Blue Corn Quesadilla Cart is a must-visit. Their fresh tortillas made from blue corn masa are stuffed with delicious options like squash blossoms and chicharrones. Each quesadilla is cooked to crispy perfection and served with raw onions, nopales, or salsa. It’s a simple yet mouthwatering experience! Discover more about this cart here.
| Filling | Description |
|---|---|
| Squash Blossoms | Delicate and flavorful seasonal filling |
| Chicharrones | Crispy pork cracklings for added crunch |
Mariscos Jalisco
No trip to East LA is complete without stopping by Mariscos Jalisco. Their taco dorado de camaron is a standout—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, topped with zippy red salsa and avocado slices. Their ceviches are also a must-try, tart and fresh, served on crispy tostadas. This place is a seafood lover’s paradise! Read more about Mariscos Jalisco here.
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Taco Dorado de Camaron | Fried shrimp taco with salsa and avocado |
| Ceviche Tostada | Fresh ceviche served on a crispy tostada |
These spots are just a taste of LA’s vibrant Mexican food scene. If you’re on the hunt for the best Mexican food in LA, these must-try locations will hit the spot! For more amazing food options, check out my guide on the best food in Los Angeles.
Top Mexican Restaurants in LA
When my taste buds start screaming for Mexican food in Los Angeles, these spots are my go-to. Each one brings something special to the table, celebrating the rich culture and flavors of Mexico. Here are my top three picks:
Casa Fina Restaurant & Cantina
Casa Fina is a treasure for anyone craving classic Mexican dishes. Their menu is packed with mouthwatering options like carne asada, chile verde combo plates, and queso fundido. But the real showstopper? The massive molcajete, loaded with shrimp, jalapeños, onions, cactus, and panela cheese. Perfect for sharing in a cozy, family-friendly setting. Check out more about their offerings on Eater LA.
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Carne Asada | Grilled steak with traditional sides |
| Queso Fundido | Melted cheese with chorizo, served with tortillas |
| Molcajete | A stone bowl filled with shrimp, jalapeños, onion, cactus, and cheese |
Guelaguetza
Nestled in Koreatown, Guelaguetza is a must for anyone wanting to dive into authentic Oaxacan cuisine. Known for its rich moles and giant tlayudas, this place has a festive vibe with live music and colorful decor. I can’t get enough of their crispy toasted chapulines, adding a delightful crunch to any meal. For more details, check out Eater LA.
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Mole | Rich, flavorful sauce served over various dishes |
| Tlayudas | Crunchy tortilla topped with beans, cheese, and other toppings |
| Chapulines | Toasted grasshoppers, often enjoyed as a snack or topping |
La Casita Mexicana
La Casita Mexicana sets the gold standard for Mexican cuisine in LA. Chefs Jaime Martin del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu work magic in the kitchen. I can’t resist their Aztec cheese fondue, house-made tortillas, enchiladas, and cochinita pibil. Each bite is a flavor explosion that takes me straight to Mexico. Explore more about their menu at Eater LA.
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Aztec Cheese Fondue | Warm, cheesy dip served with house-made tortillas |
| Enchiladas | Rolled tortillas filled with meat or cheese, topped with sauce |
| Cochinita Pibil | Slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote and citrus |
These spots are just a taste of the vibrant Mexican food scene in Los Angeles. If you’re on the hunt for the best food in Los Angeles, these places should be at the top of your list!
Best Food Trucks in LA
Looking for the best Mexican food in Los Angeles? Food trucks are where it’s at! Here are some of my top picks that you absolutely have to try.
Mariscos Jalisco
Craving seafood? Mariscos Jalisco is your go-to. Their tacos dorado de camaron are legendary—fresh shrimp tucked into a corn tortilla and fried to crispy perfection. Topped with avocado and salsa roja, these tacos are the stuff of dreams. I can’t pass by without grabbing a few! For more info, check out Time Out Los Angeles.
| Menu Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Tacos Dorado de Camaron | Fried shrimp tacos topped with avocado and salsa roja |
Leo’s Taco Truck
Leo’s Taco Truck is another must-visit, with seven spots around LA. Their al pastor tacos are the real deal—marinated pork with juicy pineapple on grilled tortillas. The staff is quick and efficient, making the experience even better. I always leave with a smile and a full belly. More details at Time Out Los Angeles.
| Menu Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Al Pastor Tacos | Marinated pork topped with pineapple on grilled tortillas |
Kogi BBQ
Kogi BBQ is a game-changer. Founded by Roy Choi in 2008, it blends Korean and Mexican flavors like a boss. Their short rib taco is a standout—double-caramelized Korean BBQ, salsa roja, and a fresh chile-soy slaw. With four trucks roaming the city, you’re bound to catch one, especially in Palms. Learn more at Time Out Los Angeles.
| Menu Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Short Rib Taco | Korean BBQ short rib with salsa and slaw on grilled tortillas |
Tacos Y Birria La Unica
If birria is your thing, Tacos Y Birria La Unica is a must. This cash-only truck serves goat and beef birria tacos that are melt-in-your-mouth tender. They also offer a rich consommé that takes the tacos to another level. Feeling adventurous? Try their deep-fried quesatacos with melted cheese! More details at Time Out Los Angeles.
| Menu Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Birria Tacos | Tender goat or beef served with rich consommé |
El Chato Taco Truck
Last but not least, El Chato Taco Truck is my go-to for affordable, delicious tacos. They offer a variety of fillings like carne asada, al pastor, chorizo, and lengua. Each taco is just $1.75 and comes with roasted salsa roja, cilantro, and onions. Their quesadilla is also a hit! Check out more at Time Out Los Angeles.
| Menu Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Tacos | Options include carne asada, al pastor, chorizo, lengua |
These food trucks are just a taste of LA’s vibrant food scene. Don’t miss out—explore and indulge in the best food LA has to offer! For more recommendations, check out my favorite spots for best food in Los Angeles.
