LA is a taco lover’s paradise. These are the top spots to find the best tacos in the city.
Los Angeles, a city known for its diverse culinary landscape, also happens to be a mecca for taco lovers. From street vendors to high-end restaurants, the Best Tacos in Los Angeles can be found in every nook and cranny of the city.
Expect a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you prefer traditional Mexican-style tacos or fusion creations, the Best Tacos in Los Angeles offer something for everyone. From juicy carne asada to tangy fish tacos, each bite is a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients and spices that will leave you wanting more.
Guelaguetza
9.4
Highlights
– Oaxacan eatery
– Culinary mission
– Grill station
– Blistering peppers
– Complex mole estofado
– Rich and dark sauce
– Chicken or pork
– Mole coloradito
– Gratis chips
This Oaxacan restaurant has an undeniable culinary focus. The aroma of fiery peppers fills the space from the grill station. The intricate ingredients in the Mole estofado leave patrons guessing amidst its rich and flavorful sauce over chicken or pork. All are treated to a sampling of mole coloradito, a flavorful sauce layered over complimentary chips.
Mentions
“”This distinct Oaxacan eatery knows exactly what its culinary mission is.””
LA’s Best Tacos – The MICHELIN Guide
El Primo Tacos
9.2
Highlights
– Taqueria La Prima is a tiny counter-service spot
– Serves some of the city’s very best plates of tacos
– Formerly named Prima Pizza Taqueria Mexicana
– Serves food all day until at least 4 a.m.
– No-frills ambiance
– Conversation-stopping good food
The unassuming Taqueria La Prima is a haven for taco lovers, serving up some of the best plates in the city. Formerly known as Prima Pizza Taqueria Mexicana, this small counter-service restaurant has ditched the pizzas to focus on tantalizing tacos. A definite bonus for late-night diners, the spot stays open all day and into the early morning hours, until at least 4 a.m. The food here is beyond delicious, so much so that it’s almost impossible to hold a conversation while eating. If you’ve been out all night and crave a conversation-stopping meal, this eatery is just what you need.
Mentions
“”This food is conversation-stopping good.””
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Mariscos Jalisco
9.1
Highlights
– Tacos dorado de camarón
– Mariscos Jalisco
– Old-school taco trucks
– Loyal and devoted following
– Fresh shrimp
– Corn tortilla
– Golden brown
– Avocado
– Salsa roja
– Tostadas
– Poseidon
– Shrimp ceviche
– Octopus
– Fiery red aguachile
San Juan de Los Lagos’ taco dorado de camarón embodies the soul of Los Angeles in a delectable dish. The recipe combines succulent shrimp with a corn tortilla, hot oil, and a refreshing tomato salsa then tops it off with a slice of avocado, providing a burst of flavor in every bite. Often overshadowed by iconic palm trees, the taco truck Mariscos Jalisco on East Olympic Boulevard has earned a notable following for its famous tacos dorado de camaron. The dish is fried to perfection, stuffed with fresh shrimp, and adorned with thick avocado slices and a vibrant salsa roja. Don’t miss out on their famous Poseidon tostada for a memorable seafood experience.
Mentions
“”Cold seafood dishes, shucked oysters”” – positive seafood options.
“”Taco dorado de camarón…indelible image.””
38 Essential Tacos to Try in Los Angeles
“”Legendary tostadas”” with “”fiery red aguachile.””
30 Best Tacos in Los Angeles To Try Right Now
Guisados
9.0
Highlights
Clean, airy family-owned spot – Open all day – Daily specials – Chalkboards for updates – Few tables with grill view – Cochinita pibil – Shredded pork – Sweet achiote spice – Creamy black beans – Warm toasty homemade tortillas.
If you’re in the mood to dine on some delicious cuisine, look no further than this family-owned restaurant. The atmosphere is clean and airy, making it a great spot to relax at any time of the day. Be sure to check out the chalkboards for their daily specials and enjoy your meal while watching the grill. Indulge in the comforting flavors of the cochinita pibil, which consists of savory shredded pork seasoned with sweet achiote spice and creamy black beans. To complete your meal, savor the warm and toasty in-house tortillas that complement the dish perfectly.
Mentions
“”Amazing food and atmosphere!””
“”Cochinita pibil is the very picture of comfort.””
LA’s Best Tacos – The MICHELIN Guide
Tacos Y Birria La Unica
8.9
Highlights
– Popular food truck in LA’s birria wars
– Long lines of taco devotees
– Serves Tijuana-style tacos, dorados, mulitas, quesatacos, vampiros, and quesadillas with birria juices
– Rich, herbal birria stew with streaks of animal fat
– Clean-tasting, less greasy side of birria
– Cash-only taco truck in Boyle Heights and Mid-City
– Fall-off-the-bone tender birria in goat and beef varieties
– Quesatacos with melted soft white cheese
– Cuts of tender beef offal: cabeza, lengua, and labio
LA’s birria scene is full of trucks vying for the top spot, with Taquero Yasmany Mendoza’s food truck standing out as a local favorite. Known for their Tijuana-style taco dishes, such as dorados, mulitas, vampiros, and quesadillas oozing with birria juices, the long lines of taco devotees are a common sight. However, it’s the rich and herbal stew with streaks of animal fat that keep customers coming back for more. Located in Boyle Heights and Mid-City, this cash-only taco truck offers both goat and beef birria served dorados-style with a salty and flavorful consommé. Tacos Y Birria La Unica also serves tender beef offal, including cabeza, lengua, and labio.
Mentions
“”Big winners in LA’s birria wars.””
38 Essential Tacos to Try in Los Angeles
“”Tender birria with rich consommé.””
30 Best Tacos in Los Angeles To Try Right Now
Teddy’s Red Tacos Venice
8.8
Highlights
– Teddy Vasquez’s dream come true
– Prime location by Venice beach
– Birria de res tacos served with red consomme
– Same recipe as original Slauson truck
Teddy Vasquez is fulfilling his goal to make sure the people of LA have access to fantastic tacos. His restaurant found in Venice is a conveniently located establishment by the beach that offers the same mouth-watering birria de res tacos along with its well-known red consomme that his food truck in Slauson is known for.
Mentions
“”Delicious birria de res tacos.””
38 Essential Tacos to Try in Los Angeles
Sonoratown
8.7
Highlights
– Warm storefront taqueria
– Regional Sonoran tacos
– Lorenza
– Caramelo
– Carne asada
– Sonoran wheat flour tortillas
– Chivichanga
– Well-seasoned chicken
– Melted cheese
– Roasted Anaheim peppers
– Tomatoes
– Tasty flour tortilla
– Lightly fried
Jennifer Feltham and Teodoro Diaz-Rodriguez’s cozy taqueria offers a delectable selection of Sonoran tacos, such as the lorenza, caramelo, and carne asada, all nestled inside warm Sonoran wheat flour tortillas which are sure to leave a lasting impression. Must-tries include the chivichanga, a mouth-watering combination of tender chicken, melting cheese, Anaheim peppers, and juicy tomatoes wrapped in a delicious flour tortilla before being lightly fried. The satisfaction of this simple-yet-satisfying dish leaves customers yearning for more.
Mentions
“”Northern Mexican-style tacos done well.””
“”A simple pleasure worth repeating.””
38 Essential Tacos to Try in Los Angeles
Leo’s Taco Truck
8.7
Highlights
– Al pastor’s second wave
– Oaxacan brothers
– Mexico City-style food truck
– Venice and La Brea location
– Mercenary taqueros
– Massive crimson mounds of sweet marinated pork
– Symmetrically trimmed off of vertical spits
– Flying chunks of pineapple
– Fleet of trucks
– Traditional al pastor
– Tacos al pastor
– Most popular purveyors
– $2 apiece
– Fresh pineapple shavings
– Reliable outdoor trompo
– Talented taquero
– Weekends
– After 5pm on weeknights
– Seven locations
– Gas station parking lot
– Party vibe (in normal times)
– Spicy and sweet charred snack
Leo’s Tacos is a popular Mexican eatery in Los Angeles that specializes in al pastor tacos. The restaurant was started by Oaxacan brothers who operated a food truck near Venice and La Brea. The juicy and sweet marinated pork is prepared on vertical spits and served on tortillas with fresh pineapple shavings. Leo’s now has seven different locations, but their original La Brea spot is the best place to experience their traditional al pastor. On weekends and after 5pm on weeknights, they serve the tacos from their outdoor trompo, which attracts large crowds looking for a party atmosphere. It’s no wonder Leo’s is one of the most popular purveyors of al pastor tacos in Los Angeles.
Mentions
Leo’s now has a fleet of trucks.
38 Essential Tacos to Try in Los Angeles
“”Grab a couple of tacos al pastor ($2 apiece) from Leo’s”” – Positive: reliable, popular, talented.
30 Best Tacos in Los Angeles To Try Right Now
Guerrilla Tacos
8.7
Highlights
– Made-to-order street-style tacos
– Tijuana tradition
– Asada or adobada meat
– Other meat options: suadero, buche, lengua, cabeza
– California-inspired and genre-bending tacos
– Fan favorite creations like hamachi tostadas and sweet potato and feta tacos
– Daily specials
– Killer cocktails
– Fish tacos with chipotle créma
– Taquitos with baked potato fixings
– Pan-fried potato taquitos with avocado, tomatillo salsa, cotija, and chives
– Scallop aguachile with strawberry-morrita oil and serrano
This restaurant serves made-to-order tacos in the Tijuana style and is popular for its asada and adobada meat choices, as well as other cuts like suadero, buche, lengua, and cabeza. It offers a variety of dishes from different counters at the front, and is a leader in the genre-bending California taco movement. Previously a food truck, this restaurant now has a permanent home and offers a more fixed menu that includes popular items like hamachi tostadas and sweet potato and feta tacos. Along with the delicious cocktails, the daily specials are also worth trying. The menu has a range of options, such as fish tacos with chipotle créma and taquitos with baked potato. For something unusual, the pan-fried potato taquitos with avocado and tomatillo salsa, cotija, and chives are a must-try.
Mentions
“”Amazing food and atmosphere!””
“”Best tacos in town!””
Where to Eat Tacos in San Diego
“”Farm-to-truck goods…have finally found a permanent home””
30 Best Tacos in Los Angeles To Try Right Now
“”Almost everything on the menu here is worthy.””
LA’s Best Tacos – The MICHELIN Guide
Carnitas El Momo
8.6
Highlights
– Authentic carnitas
– Pickled jalapeño juice
– Artisanal production since half century ago
– Brick-and-mortar shop
– Tender and juicy braised pork
– Heaps of pork
– Thin tortilla delivery method
– Different pork cuts to choose from
– Migajas (extra saturated pork scraps)
– “”Aporkalypse”” surtido taco
– Pig out on pig
– Small family operation
– High demand and risk of running out of options.
Romulo Acosta’s restaurant is famous for its succulent, confit-style Mexican pork, particularly the carnitas. To get the authentic experience, it’s recommended that diners avoid onions and cilantro, instead adding some juice from a pickled jalapeño to each bite, paired with chile. The art of making artisanal carnitas has been passed down through generations, ensuring the best possible flavor. The flagship store in Salamanca has operated for over 50 years, and the business has now expanded to a brick-and-mortar shop in Monterey Park. The main attraction here is the meat, with the tacos offering generous helpings of juicy, braised pork that are guaranteed to please. Be sure to arrive early to avoid missing out as the family-run enterprise has sold out of several options before closing due to high demand.
Mentions
“”Dishes up tacos… around the clock.””
“”Best carnitas in the U.S.””
38 Essential Tacos to Try in Los Angeles
“This is the spot to pig out on pig.”
30 Best Tacos in Los Angeles To Try Right Now
Los Cinco Puntos
8.6
Highlights
– Restaurant named “”Mooncusser Fish House””
– Located in Boston
– Popularity for seafood dishes
– Innovative and creative seafood choices
– Using high-quality ingredients
– Good attention to wine selections
– Cozy and elegant ambiance
– Knowledgeable and attentive service
– Reasonably priced for a fine dining experience
– Best dishes: grilled king crab legs, raw bar, crudo platter, and chocolate hazelnut mousse tart.
These restaurant reviews offer varying perspectives on the quality of food and service at a particular establishment. Some reviewers praise the dishes for their flavor and presentation, while others criticize them for their lack of originality and high prices. In terms of service, some patrons applaud the attentive and friendly staff, while others express disappointment with slow and unresponsive service. Despite these mixed opinions, all the reviewers seem to agree on one thing: the atmosphere of the restaurant is inviting and comfortable. Overall, these reviews provide a comprehensive overview of the dining experience at this establishment.
Mentions
El Ruso
8.5
Highlights
– Walter Soto, a Tijuana native with culichi roots and Julia Silva curate El Ruso taco truck
– El Ruso offers more than just traditional Mexican tacos
– Meta taqueria with menu focusing on LA taco and tortilla trends
– Menu features Mazatlan-style chorreadas, Tijuanense birria de res, Sonora-influenced carne asada with Sinaloan condiments, and Sonoran burritos wrapped in sobaqueras made by Silva from Baja Californian wheat filled with chile colorado
– Menu could only happen in LA
Walter Soto and Julia Silva’s taco truck is more than just a favourite amongst LA’s Mexican communities. El Ruso offers a unique and meta taqueria experience, showcasing LA’s taco and tortilla trends with their menu of diverse Latin American dishes. The taqueria features a range of creative dishes, including Mazatlan-style chorreadas, Tijuanense birria de res, Sonora-influenced carne asada with Sinaloan condiments, and Sonoran burritos wrapped in Silva’s homemade sobaqueras made from Baja Californian wheat. This menu reflects LA’s multiculturalism and love for Mexican cuisine, and El Ruso’s unique take on traditional dishes proves why they are a taco hit.
Mentions
“”El Ruso is the most meta taqueria of the moment”” – LA taco trends reflected in unique menu.
38 Essential Tacos to Try in Los Angeles
Mexicali Taco & Co
8.5
Highlights
– Restaurant named “”Mooncusser Fish House””
– Located in Boston
– Popularity for seafood dishes
– Innovative and creative seafood choices
– Using high-quality ingredients
– Good attention to wine selections
– Cozy and elegant ambiance
– Knowledgeable and attentive service
– Reasonably priced for a fine dining experience
– Best dishes: grilled king crab legs, raw bar, crudo platter, and chocolate hazelnut mousse tart.
These restaurant reviews offer varying perspectives on the quality of food and service at a particular establishment. Some reviewers praise the dishes for their flavor and presentation, while others criticize them for their lack of originality and high prices. In terms of service, some patrons applaud the attentive and friendly staff, while others express disappointment with slow and unresponsive service. Despite these mixed opinions, all the reviewers seem to agree on one thing: the atmosphere of the restaurant is inviting and comfortable. Overall, these reviews provide a comprehensive overview of the dining experience at this establishment.
Mentions
“”Informal eatery with rustic decor.””
Leo’s Tacos
8.5
Highlights
– Second wave of al pastor cuisine
– Mexico City-style food truck
– Strategic location in Venice and La Brea
– Mercenary taqueros
– Massive crimson mounds of sweet marinated pork
– Symmetrically trimmed off of vertical spits
– Flying chunks of pineapple
– Leo’s fleet of trucks
– Traditional al pastor cuisine
– Spreading the gospel to all Angelenos
The renaissance of al pastor cuisine was introduced by the Oaxacan siblings who set up a Mexico City-style food truck in a strategic location near Venice and La Brea, attracting a diverse audience. Food blogs quickly overflowed with accounts of skilled taqueros serving large portions of delicious, marinated pork, cut to perfection from rotating vertical grills. The spectacle of flying pineapple chunks landing on tortillas added to the experience. Leo’s al pastor offering has now expanded beyond the food truck, with a fleet of mobile restaurants bringing the taste of traditional al pastor to every resident of Los Angeles.
Mentions
Leo’s now has a fleet of trucks.
38 Essential Tacos to Try in Los Angeles
Tacos 1986
8.4
Highlights
– Victor Delgado and Jorge “”Joy”” Alvarez-Tostado created L.A.’s most viral taco stand
– Perfect product and total showmanship
– Tacos ($3.50) with adobada from the trompo tossed by team dressed in all red
– Joy’s kissy faces
– Mushroom taco ($3.50) and vampiro ($5) are also delicious
– Tacos 1986 is enterprising
– Tacos 1986 is located in Downtown, Burbank, Westwood Village, Pasadena, Beverly Grove, and inside Echo Park’s Button Mash
Victor Delgado and Jorge “Joy” Alvarez-Tostado worked tirelessly to create L.A.’s most talked-about taco stand – Tacos 1986. Their Tijuana-style tacos, coupled with perfect product and unmatched showmanship, have captured the hearts of many. The team dressed in all red, tossing adobada from the trompo into tacos, deliver a show that can’t be beat. While adobada is the star, you can also try the mushroom taco or the vampiro. Tacos 1986 is an enterprising outfit that has spread across the city with locations in Downtown, Burbank, Westwood Village, Pasadena, Beverly Grove and even inside Echo Park’s Button Mash. Don’t miss out on this viral taco stand.
Mentions
“”…quesadillas & other classics along with horchata & Mexican coke.””
“”L.A.’s most viral taco stand.””
30 Best Tacos in Los Angeles To Try Right Now
Chichen Itza Restaurant
8.2
Highlights
– Xochimilco restaurant in Melrose section of South Bronx
– Named after neighborhood in Mexico City with canals and gondola boats
– Specializes in molotes – fried tacos made from hand-patted masa
– Choice of fillings include cheese, chicken, or chorizo and potatoes
– Chorizo and potatoes is preferred filling
Xochimilco, located in the Melrose area of the South Bronx, takes its name from a Mexico City neighborhood with canals, artificial islands, and trajineras – gondola-like boats. This restaurant’s specialty is the molotes, similar to San Antonio’s popular puffy tacos, which are fried tacos made from handmade masa. Fillings options include cheese, chicken, and chorizo with potatoes, but the latter seems to be the crowd favorite. Stop by Xochimilco to experience its delicious food and unique ambiance.
Mentions
“”Hearty Mexican food favorites””
“”Sweet spot in the Bronx.””
30 Outstanding Tacos to Try in NYC