Best Mexican Restaurants in Downtown LA (90012)
8 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
8.6
An Olvera Street institution known for crisp rolled taquitos and a punchy avocado sauce that locals and visitors line up for. The menu is focused and fast-moving, delivering old-school flavors with minimal fuss in a historic market setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef taquitos with avocado sauce, Chile verde burrito, Cheesy beans plate
What makes it special: Legendary taquitos made daily on historic Olvera Street.
8.3
Baja-leaning tacos and quesadillas in a casual counter-service space near Chinatown. Strong multi-platform volume backs up consistently well-seasoned proteins and fresh salsas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish taco Baja style, Carne asada taco, Shrimp quesadilla
What makes it special: Reliable Baja-style street food with proven local follow-through.
#3
El Paseo Inn
8.2
A landmark full-service spot on Olvera Street with a lively patio and classic combo-plate comfort. High review volume and long tenure make it a dependable stop for fajitas, table-side guac, and margaritas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tableside guacamole, Sizzling fajitas, Chicken enchiladas
What makes it special: Historic Olvera Street dining with big-table energy and classics done right.
8.0
Cafeteria-style Michoacán cooking that’s been feeding Olvera Street since 1959. Carnitas and handmade tortillas anchor a simple, satisfying lineup that stays consistent year after year.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas plate, Tamales, Handmade tortillas with salsa
What makes it special: Old-school Michoacán cafeteria serving carnitas and tortillas daily.
Worthy Picks
7.8
A compact Olvera Street veteran turning out taquitos, enchiladas, and breakfast-friendly plates. The cooking is straightforward and crowd-pleasing, with solid reliability for a market-strip stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taquitos with guacamole sauce, Enchilada with beans and rice, Horchata
What makes it special: No-frills Olvera Street classics with steady execution.
#6
Las Anitas
7.7
Family-run since 1947, this casual Olvera Street dining room leans into homestyle plates and fast counter-to-table service. Expect dependable combo plates and a cozy, historic-hall setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken taco dorado, Chile relleno plate, Aguas frescas
What makes it special: Multi-generation Olvera Street staple with steady homestyle cooking.
Southern-Mexico-focused cooking in a full-service, margarita-friendly setup on the plaza. The menu goes beyond basics with moles, cochinita pibil, and occasional live-music energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita pibil taco, Mole sampler, Ceviche especial
What makes it special: Plaza cantina highlighting Southern Mexican flavors and moles.
7.6
A small, early-opening Olvera Street counter spot best known for menudo and breakfast-leaning Mexican comfort. Low-key and affordable, it’s a reliable stop for a warm bowl and a stack of tortillas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Menudo, Al pastor torta, Chicken flautas
What makes it special: One of the few Olvera spots doing legit breakfast and menudo daily.