No one can deny that Los Angeles is an epicurean paradise. With hundreds of restaurants, trucks, and taquerias offering traditional Mexican tacos and modern interpretations, there’s something to tantalize every palate. To help you make your way through the culinary delights that LA has to offer, here’s a guide to the best taco places in Los Angeles.
Exploring the Culinary Scene of LA’s Tacos
From flavourful street tacos, to fusion-style selections with Asian flavours, there’s something to suit every taste in Los Angeles. Take some time to explore the culinary scene, and find the perfect place to satisfy your taco cravings. To get started, here are some of the best places to sample some of the best tacos in Los Angeles.
If you’re looking for a classic taco experience, head to El Chato Taco Truck in East LA. This popular spot serves up traditional tacos with a variety of fillings, including carne asada, carnitas, and al pastor. For a more upscale experience, try the tacos at Guisados in Echo Park. Here, you’ll find tacos with unique fillings like sweet potato and chorizo, and braised beef. For a truly unique experience, try the tacos at Mariscos Jalisco in Boyle Heights. This spot is known for its seafood tacos, including the famous “Taco Gobernador,” a taco filled with shrimp, cheese, and a special sauce.
Where to Find the Best Street Tacos in Los Angeles
For some of the best street tacos in Los Angeles, head to East Hollywood’s Tacos Ensenada. Here you’ll find traditional Mexican tacos made with fresh ingredients. The signature dish is the Carne Asada burrito, with delicious marinated steak and house-made flour tortillas. You won’t want to miss the tacos al pastor either, made with spit-roasted pork and pineapple. If you have enough room for dessert, don’t forget to try the churros con cajeta.
Tacos Ensenada is a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner. The restaurant is open seven days a week and offers a variety of Mexican dishes, from tacos to burritos to quesadillas. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full meal, Tacos Ensenada is the perfect place to satisfy your craving for Mexican street tacos.
Taquerias with Authentic Mexican Tacos
If you’re looking for truly authentic Mexican tacos, then Tijuana-style taqueria La Casita Mexicana in Bell Gardens is the place to go. Their signature dish is the birria taco, made with tender stewed beef, served with a special spicy broth. Don’t forget their famous carnitas tacos either – succulent braised pork belly cooked and served piping hot. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be delicious and filling.
If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, La Casita Mexicana also offers a variety of fish tacos. Their fish tacos are made with fresh, locally-caught fish, lightly battered and fried, and served with a creamy chipotle sauce. For a truly unique experience, try their shrimp tacos, made with succulent shrimp and a special blend of spices. No matter what you choose, you’re sure to be delighted with the flavors and textures of La Casita Mexicana’s tacos.
The Best Fish Tacos in the City
When it comes to fish tacos, one name stands out – Ceviche Project. With several locations in Los Angeles, they offer an array of fresh fish tacos made with top-grade seafood. You can choose from ahi tuna, Mediterranean seabass and deep ocean sole, all served with a delicious citrus marinade. If you want something a bit different then try their vegan cauliflower tacos for a flavourful twist.
Ceviche Project also offers a range of sides to accompany your tacos, such as their signature guacamole, fresh salsa and crunchy slaw. All of their ingredients are locally sourced and prepared fresh daily, so you can be sure of a delicious meal every time.
Top Rated Taco Trucks in Los Angeles
Just about every neighbourhood in Los Angeles has its own taco truck, offering some of the freshest and most delicious Mexican street food around. From Westwood’s Mariscos El Primo to Glendale’s Tacos El Gallito, there are countless taco trucks serving up deliciousness all over LA. Follow your nose, and you could come across some of the best tacos in town.
Taco trucks are a great way to experience the flavors of Mexico without having to leave the city. The tacos are usually made with fresh ingredients and cooked to order, so you can be sure you’re getting the best quality. Plus, the prices are usually very affordable, so you can enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
The Best Hard Shell Taco Joints in LA
When it comes to hard shells, nothing beats King Taco. Famous for their crunchy tacos, they offer a simple menu of freshly fried hard shells filled with meat, cheese and lettuce. Add some tomatoes and salsa to complete your meal. Don’t forget to try their signature soft flour tortilla taco with roasted pork either, or their vegan portobello mushroom tacos.
If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, head over to El Chato Taco Truck. They specialize in Mexican-style tacos, with a variety of fillings like carne asada, carnitas, and al pastor. They also offer a selection of vegetarian and vegan options, like their vegan chorizo tacos. And don’t forget to try their famous churros for dessert!
Veggie-Friendly Options for the Health Conscious
If you’re looking for healthier taco options then East Los Angeles’ Chicas Tacos is the place to go. All their tacos are made with locally-sourced produce, cooked using traditional techniques and ethically-sourced ingredients. Specialities include their vegan papas gratinadas – roasted potatoes topped with black beans and melted cheese, wrapped in freshly made corn tortillas.
In addition to their vegan tacos, Chicas Tacos also offers a variety of vegetarian options. Their signature dish is the veggie burrito, which is filled with grilled vegetables, black beans, and melted cheese. They also offer a variety of salads, soups, and sides that are sure to satisfy any health-conscious diner.
Locally-Owned Taco Restaurants to Support
If you want to support small businesses in Los Angeles then be sure to check out local establishments such as La Flor de Yucatan. Serving up traditional Yucatecan tacos made from corn masa, their menu offers something a bit different than usual. Another great local restaurant is El Atacor 11 in Inglewood – they’re famous for their chorizo asado tacos served with hand-pressed corn tortillas.
If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, try La Taquiza in Boyle Heights. They specialize in tacos al pastor, made with marinated pork and pineapple. For a truly unique experience, try their tacos de cabeza, made with beef head meat. No matter which restaurant you choose, you can be sure that you’re supporting local businesses and enjoying delicious tacos!
Where to Find Late-Night Tacos in Los Angeles
No matter what hour of the night it is, you can always find a taco joint open in Los Angeles. There’s always the ever-dependable Taco Bell or Jack in the Box for those midnight munchies. Or you can try some of the late-night specialty taco stands such as Lola’s Street Tacos in Downtown LA or Taqueria El Michoacano in Koreatown for some of the best tacos around.
Whether you’re looking for a quick street taco fix or an extravagant culinary experience, Los Angeles has something for everyone. Take some time to explore the city’s diverse taco offerings, and discover why it’s one of the best taco cities in the world.
If you’re looking for a unique taco experience, try one of the city’s many food trucks. From traditional Mexican tacos to fusion tacos with Asian and American flavors, you can find something to satisfy your late-night cravings. And don’t forget to try the famous fish tacos, a staple of the Los Angeles taco scene.