A Guide to the Best Mexican Restaurants in Los Angeles

Mexican cuisine is a staple of Los Angeles, with its vibrant flavors, bold spices, and diverse ingredients. From classic street tacos to upscale dining experiences, the city offers a range of options for those looking to satisfy their cravings for Mexican food. Here are some of the best places to try Mexican cuisine in Los Angeles.

Guisados

With its simple and comforting menu of hand-crafted stews served on handmade tortillas, Guisados are a favorite among locals. The braised meats, such as the chorizo and papas, are slow-cooked to perfection, and the salsa bar offers a variety of options to customize each bite.

Coni’ Seafood

This seafood-focused restaurant in the heart of Inglewood is a must-visit for fans of Mexican cuisine. The extensive menu includes dishes such as Camarones al coco, an entree of jumbo shrimp in a spicy coconut sauce, and cochinita pibil, a slow-roasted pork dish from the Yucatan Peninsula. The restaurant’s lively atmosphere and refreshing margaritas make it a great place to spend an evening with friends or family.

El Huarache Azteca

This small and unassuming spot in the Highland Park neighborhood serves up some of the best huaraches in the city. A huarache is a type of Mexican sandal, but in this case, it refers to a large, oval-shaped corn tortilla topped with beans, cheese, and a variety of meats, vegetables, and sauces. Be sure to try the huarache with nopales, a type of cactus.

La Casita Mexicana

This traditional Mexican restaurant in the South Bay is known for its traditional dishes, such as tacos al pastor and mole poblano, as well as its handmade tortillas. The menu is extensive and includes a range of vegetarian options, making it a great choice for groups with diverse dietary needs.

Lares Restaurant

Lares is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine in Los Angeles for over 40 years. The menu includes classic dishes such as tamales, chile rellenos, and birria, as well as more unique options like huitlacoche quesadillas and octopus tostadas. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it a popular choice for families and groups.

Mariscos Jalisco

This vibrant seafood truck in the Boyle Heights neighborhood is famous for its signature dish, the camaron reposado, or breaded shrimp tacos. The truck is known for its long lines, but the wait is worth it for the juicy, crunchy shrimp and the tangy, spicy salsa that tops each taco.

Birrieria Apatzingan

This family-owned restaurant in the Westlake neighborhood specializes in birria, a slow-cooked goat or beef stew that is a traditional dish from the Mexican state of Jalisco. The birria at Birrieria Apatzingan is served with handmade corn tortillas, and diners can choose from a range of dipping sauces, such as salsa roja or avocado-lime crema, to customize each bite.

La Monarca Bakery

This bakery chain, with locations throughout Los Angeles, is a popular destination for sweet and savory Mexican pastries. From classic conchas and empanadas to more unique offerings like tres leches cakes and mango-filled turnovers, there’s something for everyone at La Monarca. Be sure to try the café de olla, a traditional Mexican