Best Tacos Restaurants in Los Angeles
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
El Ruso
Handmade Sonoran tortillas from Tijuana flour with perfectly grilled meats
Notable Picks
#1
El Ruso
8.9
Featured on Netflix's Taco Chronicles and Food & Wine's Best New Restaurant 2020, this Sonoran-style truck crafts handmade flour tortillas from Tijuana-sourced flour. The mesquite-grilled carne asada and massive sobaqueras burritos showcase owner Walter Soto's commitment to authentic border flavors with meats that develop serious char.
Must-Try Dishes:
Muñeco Combo Taco, Chile Colorado Burrito, Carne Asada Taco
What makes it special: Handmade Sonoran tortillas from Tijuana flour with perfectly grilled meats
8.9
A modern, upscale Mexican-inspired plant-based restaurant with vibrant, creative dishes that highlight seasonal produce. Known for their fresh, flavor-packed tacos and bowls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jackfruit Tacos, Mole Enchiladas, Cauliflower Ceviche
What makes it special: Plant-based Mexican cuisine with bold flavors and beautiful presentation.
8.9
Chef Victor Villa’s Highland Park flagship turns handmade blue-corn tortillas into overloaded tacos layered with grilled meats, melted cheese, and bright salsas that regulars line up for. Recognized with a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, it blends street-taco roots with destination-level execution while still feeling very neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blue corn carne asada taco, Queso taco with asada or al pastor, Papa con chorizo taco
What makes it special: Hand-pressed blue corn tortillas with MICHELIN-recognized toppings.
#4
Yagul Cafe
8.9
This hidden Oaxacan gem crafts exceptional house-made tortillas from fresh nixtamal masa at their own tortilleria, elevating traditional tasajo and cecina tacos with authentic preparation methods. Family-owned since 2021, the bright downtown cafe serves breakfast and lunch with a focus on traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tasajo Tacos, Cecina Tacos, Mole Enchiladas
What makes it special: House-made nixtamal tortillas from their own tortilleria
8.8
Benito’s Taco Shop is a classic Beverly Grove counter-service institution, turning out rolled tacos, burritos, and late-night combo plates to a massive, devoted following. It’s where locals go for reliably hot, comforting Mexican-American staples at almost any hour without spending much.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rolled tacos with guacamole, California burrito, Carne asada tacos
What makes it special: High-volume, late-night shop serving classic burritos, taquitos, and tacos.
#6
Guisados
8.8
Counter-service taqueria specializing in braised stews served on hand-pressed corn tortillas made fresh from ground masa. The kitchen's slow-braised meats in rich guisados mirror traditional Mexican home cooking, with a sampler option allowing exploration of multiple flavors including their signature cochinita pibil and mole poblano.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita Pibil Taco, Mole Poblano Taco, Tinga de Pollo
What makes it special: House-braised meats in traditional guisados on handmade tortillas
#7
La Purepecha
8.8
Named after Michoacán's indigenous societies, this year-old taquería offers handmade corn tortillas with exceptional meat-to-tortilla ratios. Tuesday's $1.99 tacos draw crowds for authentic carnitas, adobada, and their memorable grilled fish tacos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Taconazos, Grilled Fish Taco, Adobada Taco
What makes it special: Handmade tortillas with cheese-melted taconazos option
8.7
Tijuana-style taco stand with hand-pressed yellow corn tortillas made fresh on-site and mesquite-grilled meats shaved from an al pastor trompo. The assembly-line process showcases tortilla-making artistry while generous portions of meat pair with thick, firm tortillas designed to handle heavy fillings and creamy avocado salsa.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Taco, Carne Asada Taco, Quesataco
What makes it special: Hand-pressed yellow corn tortillas with perfectly grilled Tijuana-style meats
#9
Guisados
8.7
Born in Boyle Heights, this homestyle taqueria serves traditional braised meats on handmade corn tortillas made from fresh masa daily. The Beverly Hills outpost maintains authenticity in a hidden alley location, with stews delivered multiple times daily from the original kitchen.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita Pibil Taco, Mole Poblano Taco, Tinga de Pollo
What makes it special: Authentic guisados with fresh handmade tortillas daily
8.7
Cypress Park’s buzzy Tijuana-style taqueria built around a trompo-driven al pastor program and fresh tortillas made to order. The tacos land with sharp smoke, juicy meat, and salsa balance that feels dialed-in beyond a typical neighborhood stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Adobada (al pastor) tacos, Vampiro with asada, Quesataco
What makes it special: Trompo-fired pastor and handmade tortillas with Tijuana DNA.
#11
Ka'teen
8.6
Hidden behind a foliage-lined entrance off Selma, Ka’teen opens into a lantern-lit jungle courtyard that feels far from the bustle of Hollywood Boulevard. Chef Wes Avila’s Yucatán-inspired plates, from cochinita pibil to whole grilled branzino, pair with mezcal-heavy cocktails and a club-adjacent soundtrack. It’s built for scene-y dinners where food and atmosphere share top billing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita pibil, Whole grilled branzino, Charred street corn or papas
What makes it special: A lush, Tulum-style courtyard with Yucatán cooking and party-ready cocktails.
8.6
A roaming taco truck serving al pastor, burritos and mulitas until 2 a.m. in Mid‑City, this spot delivers solid Mexican street food for late‑night cravings. Simple counter‑style service, loud music and steady queue reinforce its status among night owls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos al pastor, Mulitas al pastor, Quesadilla al pastor
What makes it special: One of the few options open until 2 a.m. in 90016 serving tacos al pastor on the street.
#13
Mideast Tacos
8.6
Armenian-Mexican fusion from the Mini Kabob team serves falafel tacos alongside smoky chicken and steak kebabs on fresh flour tortillas. This Silver Lake counter-service spot draws crowds for its inventive mashup of traditional Armenian barbecue with Mexican street food sensibilities, featuring signature toum garlic sauce and house-made salsas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel Taco, Chicken Kebab Taco, Steak Quesadilla
What makes it special: Original Armenian-Mexican fusion with authentic falafel tacos
#14
Taco Zone
8.6
Late-night taco truck institution serving acclaimed mulitas and suadero tacos with house-made tortillas and an extensive salsa bar. Featured by local food media for consistent quality across years of operation, with lines forming nightly as hungry crowds gather for their signature veggie and meat combinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Suadero Mulita, Veggie Mulita, Pollo Quesadilla
What makes it special: Michelin-level mulitas with fresh-cooked tortillas and legendary salsa selection
#15
Guisados
8.5
Homestyle Mexican braises and stews served on handmade tortillas, with recipes passed down through generations. Their sampler plate lets you try six different guisados, each one a slow-cooked masterpiece that feels like a warm embrace.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita Pibil Taco, Tinga de Pollo, Chiles Toreados
What makes it special: Traditional Mexican home-cooking in taco form
8.5
An iconic late-night taco truck known for its al pastor, carved fresh from the trompo. It's a beloved stop for taco enthusiasts in the Hollywood area, especially after a late show.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Taco, California Burrito, Carne Asada Taco
What makes it special: Al pastor tacos sliced fresh from the trompo.
#17
Madre
8.5
Madre West Hollywood is an Oaxacan restaurant and mezcaleria where tacos share space with moles, ceviches, and a deep agave list. It’s more of a sit-down dinner spot than a quick taqueria, but its Camaron and barbacoa tacos make it a destination for elevated, regionally focused Mexican cooking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Camaron shrimp taco, Barbacoa de borrego taco, Mole negro enchilada
What makes it special: Oaxacan-driven kitchen with serious mezcals and refined tacos.
8.5
Specializing in 16-hour cooked beef birria and wood-fired pollo asado, this street food specialist rose from the ashes of a fire to become a local phenomenon. Their made-from-scratch churros and rich consommé create an authentic Tijuana-style experience steps from the pier.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria Quesataco, OG Plate Combo, Dulce de Leche Churros
What makes it special: Authentic birria with 16-hour slow-cooked beef and handmade churros
#19
Tacos El Unico
8.5
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Late Night Legends
Tacos El Unico has been serving Bell since 1981 with a sprawling menu of tacos, fries, and Mexican-American comfort staples. Regulars lean on it for al pastor, carne asada fries, and late-night combo runs that still feel relatively affordable for the portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Unos Tacos Al Pastor, Carne Asada Fries, Mexican Burger Junior
What makes it special: Long-running 1981 taqueria mixing classic tacos with burger-stand comfort.
#20
Yuca's
8.5
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
James Beard Award-winning taco stand opened by the Herrera family in 1976, celebrated for Yucatan-style cochinita pibil with citrus-marinated pork. This tiny orange hut in a parking lot has become a Los Angeles institution, with Socorro Herrera still taking orders on paper plates after nearly five decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita Pibil taco, Carnitas burrito, Carne Asada burrito
What makes it special: James Beard Award winner serving authentic Yucatan recipes since 1976
#21
A Tí
8.4
Modern Mexican bar from former Bestia chef de cuisine Andrew Ponce, serving inventive tacos that blend traditional Mexican flavors with LA's multicultural influences. Creative dishes like Japanese sweet potato tacos and duck confit with date mole showcase culinary innovation on blue corn tortillas, accompanied by craft cocktails including yuzu margaritas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sweet Potato Taco, Al Pastor with Cinnamon Pineapple, Duck Mole
What makes it special: Bestia alum's inventive fusion of Mexican tradition with global ingredients
8.4
This longtime beachfront cafe attached to the Annenberg Beach House serves a trio of seafood tacos—fish, shrimp, and salmon—steps from the sand. The tacos pair crisp slaw and pico with ocean views that make a casual plate feel like a mini vacation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, Salmon Tacos
What makes it special: A Santa Monica landmark where you can eat seafood tacos at tables set directly in the sand.
#23
Chulita
8.4
Alta-California Mexican with a serious mezcal program and a weekday happy hour that includes cocktail deals and snackable plates. Tacos come on fresh tortillas with bright salsas, and the stylish patio pulls an early crowd along Rose.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled shrimp tacos, Chicken tinga tacos, Queso fundido
What makes it special: Modern mezcal bar with taco-friendly happy hour and a design-forward patio.
#24
El Carmen
8.4
El Carmen is a long-running tequila and mezcal bar on 3rd Street where tacos, chips, and guacamole support a serious margarita program. Locals treat it as a lively, dimly lit hangout for shrimp tacos, al pastor, and strong drinks rather than a traditional sit-down taqueria.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp tacos, Carne asada tacos, Al pastor tacos
What makes it special: Tequila-focused bar with better-than-expected tacos and lively decor.
#25
Guisados
8.4
The late-night champion of authentic tacos de guisados, serving homestyle braises on handmade tortillas until 3am on weekends. Their steak picado and mole poblano tacos showcase traditional Mexican home cooking elevated by meticulous technique.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Picado Taco, Mole Poblano Taco, Chicharrón Taco
What makes it special: LA's first and best tacos de guisados with weekend 3am closing
8.4
Kalaveras in Marina del Rey is a high-energy cantina that treats tacos as centerpiece plates, from classic asada and pollo to birria served alongside cocktails and margarita slushies. The space leans into colorful, Day-of-the-Dead–inspired design with loud music, brunch buffets, and a scene that makes this one of the liveliest spots in the Marina for taco nights and big-group outings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Asada Tacos, Pollo Tacos, Birria Tacos
What makes it special: Loud, party-forward cantina with a deep taco menu and brunch.
#27
Mama Por Dios
8.4
A high-energy modern Mexican room that blends dinner-and-a-show vibes with a cocktail-forward happy hour. The kitchen leans luxe—seafood, steaks, and bold sauces—while the bar anchors the experience with mezcal and margarita builds that keep the crowd rolling in before the nightlife spike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster enchiladas, Birria quesatacos, Signature mezcal margarita
What makes it special: DTLA’s nightlife-leaning Mexican happy hour with showy cocktails.
#28
Tacos El Goloso
8.4
Tacos El Goloso is a high-energy birrieria on Pacific Coast Highway where crispy tacos dorados de birria, vampiros, and consomé anchor a focused, meat-forward menu. With hundreds of reviews and steady lines most nights, it’s the South Torrance go-to when you want rich, Jalisco-style flavors in a casual strip-mall setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos dorados de birria with consomé, Birria plate with rice and beans, Vampiro with birria and melted cheese
What makes it special: Birria-focused taqueria with crispy tacos and late-night energy.
#29
The Hideaway
8.4
This rooftop Mexican steakhouse inside Rodeo Collection blends premium cuts with traditional Mexican flavors, offering margarita-making classes and an extensive tequila collection. The hidden gem features intimate cabanas, a stunning outdoor patio, and live entertainment that transforms dinner into an experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu Carne Asada, Lobster Enchiladas, Tableside Guacamole
What makes it special: Beverly Hills' only rooftop Mexican steakhouse with craft margarita classes
#30
Tu Madre
8.4
Vibes:
Girls Night Out Approved
Birthday & Celebration Central
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Tu Madre’s West Hollywood outpost is a lively cantina-style space built around creative tacos, strong margaritas, and a big patio just off Santa Monica. High-volume crowds fuel a party atmosphere, but the menu still delivers thoughtful combinations from crispy shrimp to ahi tuna and plant-based options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy shrimp taco, Ahi tuna taco, Korean BBQ steak taco
What makes it special: High-energy taco bar with creative fillings and serious cocktails.
#31
Tu Madre
8.4
Born from a happy accident with a fried chicken taco, Tu Madre reinvents the taco game with creative combinations like ahi tuna on handmade tortillas. Their vibrant cantina atmosphere and $1.50 happy hour tacos make this a local favorite for groups and date nights alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Taco, Ahi Tuna Tostada, Street Corn Nachos
What makes it special: Inventive fusion tacos with daily happy hour featuring $1.50 tacos
8.3
El Asadero Prime Taqueria brings a slightly more polished taqueria feel to Eastern Avenue with a menu that stretches from street tacos to hulking burritos and party-sized options like a six-foot burrito. Diners call out fresh salsas, well-seasoned meats, and a cleaner, more modern space than many counter-only spots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Asada Street Tacos, 6-Foot Burrito, Carne Asada Fries
What makes it special: Modern taqueria balancing street-style tacos with oversized burritos and party trays.
8.3
A Cypress Park institution with a deep, old-LA taqueria feel and a menu that stays faithful to hearty, spice-forward classics. The tacos hit best on the richer cuts, and the place earns loyalty through years of steady, unfussy execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos, Lengua tacos, Chicharron taco
What makes it special: Legacy taqueria cooking with standout carnitas and lengua.
#34
El Flamin Taco
8.3
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Bright red food truck with neon signage serving al pastor from a flaming trompo alongside extensive meat and vegetarian options. Open late for the Echo Park crowd, with fresh toppings including pico de gallo, pickled onions, and multiple house-made salsas that complement their tender, well-seasoned proteins.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Taco, Chicharron Taco, California Burrito
What makes it special: Spinning al pastor trompo and extensive vegetarian menu for diverse crowds
#35
Fresh Corn Grill
8.3
Fresh Corn Grill is a fast-casual Westwood staple since 2006, known for build-your-own plates, grilled vegetables, and a lighter take on tacos. Students, hospital staff, and office workers rely on it for char-grilled chicken, salmon, and steak tacos that feel noticeably fresher than the average combo plate.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled chicken tacos, Salmon tacos, Skirt steak tacos
What makes it special: Health-leaning California spot where grilled fish and chicken tacos headline a bigger menu of customizable plates.
8.3
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Trendy Table Hotspots
Part of Vicente Del Rio’s Frida group, the Westwood outpost pairs polished regional Mexican cooking with a sidewalk patio overlooking Lindbrook. It’s where families, students, and office groups settle in outside for guacamole, mole, and mezcal margaritas before or after neighborhood events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole Poblano Enchiladas, Guacamole en Molcajete, Shrimp Tacos Gobernador
What makes it special: Lively regional Mexican cooking with a central patio for mezcal-fueled meals.
#37
Guisados
8.3
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Family Friendly Favorites
A dependable DTLA outpost of the stewed-taco specialist, where slow-cooked fillings taste layered and intentional rather than greasy. Tortillas are sturdy, salsa is bright, and the menu has enough range to keep repeat lunches interesting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita pibil taco, Mole poblano taco, Chiles toreados
What makes it special: Stewed-filling tacos with real depth and balance.
#38
Loqui
8.3
Modern taqueria serving Mexican regional specialties with handmade flour tortillas that changed LA's taco game when it opened in 2016. The cochinita pibil and achiote chicken showcase bold Yucatecan flavors, while vegetarian options like soy-braised mushrooms prove meat isn't mandatory for satisfaction.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita Pibil Taco, Mushroom Taco, Achiote Chicken Bowl
What makes it special: Handmade flour tortillas and Baja-Yucatan inspired recipes elevate casual tacos
An Oaxacan-focused spot with a deep mezcal bench and a menu built around moles, tlayudas, and slow-cooked meats. The kitchen leans traditional but plates with polish, and the bar program makes it a natural linger-and-share destination. Multiple locations exist, but this Palms outpost is the one in 90034.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tlayuda con asiento, Mole negro over chicken or enchiladas, Carnitas or barbacoa tacos
What makes it special: Oaxacan specialties plus one of the Westside’s better mezcal programs.
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.
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Sweet Treats Escapes
Papi Tacos & Churros focuses on street-style tacos built around rich birria, smoked pollo asado, and fresh-fried churros in a casual counter-service setting off Vine. Locals and visitors use it as an easy Hollywood stop for halal-friendly birria plates, quesatacos, and a quick dessert without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
OG beef birria quesatacos, Smoked pollo asado tacos, Fresh-fried churros
What makes it special: Birria-driven tacos meet made-to-order churros in a casual Vine-side spot.
#42
Roast To Go
8.3
A Grand Central Market veteran dating back to the early 1950s, Roast To Go focuses on roasted meats folded into tacos, plates, and big burritos. Regulars swear by the carnitas, al pastor, and cheek meats, making it a reliable counter when you want an old-school burrito more than the latest trend.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Burrito, Al Pastor Burrito, Chicken Burrito
What makes it special: Legacy Grand Central stall serving roasted-meat burritos since the mid-century era.
#43
Tacos 1986
8.3
This Tijuana-style taco specialist brings authentic street food to downtown Santa Monica with perfectly charred meats, handmade tortillas, and vibrant salsas. Part of the acclaimed LA chain, this location maintains the high standards that earned them cult status across the city.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor, Mulitas, Vampiro Tacos
What makes it special: Authentic Tijuana-style street tacos from cult-favorite chain
8.3
Oaxacan-leaning street stand delivering trompo-sliced al pastor and rich suadero with handmade tortillas and a deep salsa bar. The menu stays focused on classic meats, and the late-day-to-midnight hours make it a reliable Melrose taco stop for locals and studio crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tlayuda, Mole Coloradito, Chapulines
What makes it special: Authentic Oaxacan street food with traditional ingredients like chapulines and regional moles on Melrose
#45
Tacos Rojos
8.3
Tucked just off Flower Street, Tacos Rojos specializes in rich, crimson birria tacos served from a casual late-night stand that draws post-game crowds and downtown workers. The focus is on deeply flavored beef, tortillas kissed with chile-stained fat, and hot consomé that keeps lines forming until closing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos, Quesabirria tacos, Birria consomé
What makes it special: Red-stained birria tacos and consomé a short walk from L.A. Live.
8.3
Creative Mexican cuisine meets one of Los Feliz's best patios at this lively spot known for its daily 'Feliz Hour' featuring $1.50 tacos, margarita specials, and beer-and-shot combos. The indoor-outdoor space draws crowds for contemporary twists on classics, from fried chicken tacos to potato taquitos, all served with an energetic atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Tacos, Potato Taquitos, Margarita Flights
What makes it special: One of LA's best happy hours with $1.50 tacos and a stunning patio
8.2
Seafood-forward taqueria specializing in crisp, Ensenada-style fish and shrimp tacos with bright salsas. The menu stays focused, portions are generous, and the cooking is consistently clean and fresh. A reliable weeknight stop when you want coastal flavors without the coastal prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beer-Battered Fish Taco, Shrimp Taco Combo, Shrimp Ceviche Tostada
What makes it special: Ensenada-style seafood tacos done right on the Westside.
#48
Blue Plate Taco
8.2
This beachside Baja-meets-Santa Monica spot features ocean views, handmade tortillas made fresh all day, and a coastal approach to Mexican cuisine. Happy hour brings discounted margaritas and sustainable, organic ingredients prepared with California flair.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja Fish Tacos, Short Rib Tacos, Lobster Taco
What makes it special: Ocean views with organic, sustainably-sourced ingredients
8.2
A Wilshire-front cantina with a real downtown happy-hour pulse, where tacos are the main event and margaritas keep the room humming. The menu leans classic-to-modern Mexican, and the taco lineup holds up whether you’re here for after-work bites or a late-night reset. Expect lively energy, steady crowds, and a bar-driven flow that suits sharing plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Quesabirria tacos, House margarita
What makes it special: A bar-first DTLA cantina where tacos and margaritas anchor a true happy hour.
#50
El Primo Tacos
8.2
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
High-turnover street stand known for a well-seasoned trompo carved to order. Late-night lines move fast and the al pastor hits a great price-to-quality sweet spot near Lincoln & Rose.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Mulita with Pastor, Carne Asada Taco
What makes it special: Carved-to-order trompo with speedy late-night service.