Best Mexican Restaurants in Santa Monica
27 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Yagul Cafe
House-made nixtamal tortillas from their own tortilleria
Notable Picks
#1
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
#2
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
8.6
Steps from the pier, this upscale cantina elevates Baja-inspired seafood with ocean views and expertly crafted cocktails. Rick Bayless-trained chefs create innovative dishes like lobster enchiladas alongside traditional favorites in a sophisticated beachside setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Enchiladas, Ceviche Trio, Duck Carnitas
What Makes it Special: Upscale Baja cuisine with ocean views and Rick Bayless influence
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
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.
#6
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
#7
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
8.2
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
#9
Tocaya
8.2
Modern Mexican concept emphasizing organic produce and hormone-free proteins in customizable burritos and bowls. Founded in Venice 2016, they hand-press tortillas to order and offer extensive vegan and gluten-free options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrito Mexicano, Fajita Del Rey Bowl Burrito-Style, Vegan Cilantro Lime Chicken Burrito
What Makes it Special: Extensive vegan menu with innovative plant-based proteins
#10
Sol Agave
8.1
From food truck to beachside success, this modern Mexican spot specializes in all-natural braised carnitas and fresh seafood preparations. The contemporary presentation maintains authentic flavors while offering free parking near the pier.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Plate, Sugar Cane Filet Appetizer, Lobster Enchiladas
What Makes it Special: All-natural braised pork carnitas from food truck origins
8.1
Santa Monica staple since 1974 serving hearty breakfast plates and classic Mexican comfort food in a casual setting decorated with memorabilia and vintage photos. The family operation is known for generous portions, excellent menudo on weekends, and their legendary Diablo salsa.
Must-Try Dishes:
Weekend Menudo, Carne Asada Breakfast, Dorado Tacos
What Makes it Special: Won Santa Monica's 2024 Most Loved Mexican Restaurant with 50 years of family recipes
8.1
Family-operated Jalisco-style restaurant bringing authentic Tepatitlan regional cuisine to Santa Monica since 2015. The Martin family's dedication to fresh ingredients and traditional techniques creates vibrant flavors in generous portions that keep locals returning weekly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wet Burrito Ahogado, Molcajete Mixto, Carnitas Michoacanas
What Makes it Special: Authentic Jalisco family recipes from Tepatitlan region
#13
Lanea
8.1
This cocktail bar showcases over 400 tequilas and mezcals alongside authentic street tacos from East LA's 'Barbacoa Queen' Petra Zavaleta. The 36-hour pit-roasted lamb barbacoa wrapped in agave leaves pairs perfectly with handcrafted wellness-driven cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa Lamb Tacos, Al Pastor, Carnitas with Consommé
What Makes it Special: One of the largest tequila/mezcal selections in the US
#14
Socalo
8
From Border Grill's Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, Socalo offers conscientiously-sourced SoCal Mexican with a famous salsa macha. The dog-friendly patios and proximity to Santa Monica Pier make it ideal for casual lunches with craft beers and creative antojitos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa Tacos, Tacos Gobernador with Cheesy Shrimp, Jackfruit Tinga Tacos
What Makes it Special: Award-winning chefs' modern Mexican interpretation
Worthy Picks
#15
Trejo's Tacos
7.9
Danny Trejo's celebrity-backed taqueria brings creative fusion tacos with bold flavors and quality ingredients to downtown Santa Monica. The menu features innovative combinations like Korean BBQ and vegan cauliflower options alongside traditional preparations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Asada, Blackened Salmon Taco, Cauliflower Taco
What Makes it Special: Celebrity chef Danny Trejo's creative fusion tacos
#16
Tacos Tuzo
7.9
This authentic food truck parks downtown serving traditional street tacos until midnight on weekends. With its no-frills approach and generous portions, it delivers legitimate Mexican flavors at budget prices to late-night crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Lengua Tacos
What Makes it Special: Authentic taco truck experience in downtown Santa Monica
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
A walk-up taqueria inside Brentwood Country Mart, Frida Tacos turns out straightforward chicken, pastor, and mole tacos with a customize-it-yourself salsa bar. It’s a go-to Westside stop for quick, filling taco plates between errands or after-school runs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos al Pastor, Pollo con Mole Taco, Bean & Cheese Burrito
What Makes it Special: Counter-service tacos anchored by mole, pastor, and a robust salsa bar in the middle of Brentwood Country Mart.
7.9
Día de Muertos-themed cantina established in 1991 featuring Mexico City-inspired dishes and over 300 tequilas on a colorful outdoor patio. The kitchen emphasizes lighter preparations suitable for various dietary preferences while maintaining authentic regional flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp Tacos, Lula Margarita, Chicken Mole
What Makes it Special: One of LA's largest tequila collections with over 500 varieties and vibrant Chicano art
Known for massive portions and 24-hour citrus-brined rotisserie chicken, Benny's delivers straightforward Mexican-American comfort food. The handmade tortillas and daily-made salsas elevate simple ingredients into satisfying meals that won't empty your wallet.
Must-Try Dishes:
Surf & Turf Grande Burrito, Rotisserie Chicken Tacos, Bavarian Cream Churros
What Makes it Special: 24-hour citrus-brined rotisserie chicken
#20
Lares Restaurant
7.9
A long-running Pico Boulevard Mexican spot built around traditional preparations—mole, chile verde, lengua—served alongside nightly live guitar and weekend mariachi that set the tempo for the whole room. It draws families and large groups who want festive, communal dining with outdoor seating and enough noise to let the table get loud. Expect to raise your voice during peak hours, but that's the point.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enchiladas, Mole, Chile Verde
What Makes it Special: Long-running Pico Boulevard Mexican spot where live mariachi accompanies traditional dishes like mole and chile verde
#21
Cabo Cantina
7.8
This party-centric cantina near the Promenade serves mega margaritas and late-night tacos until 2am daily. Known for its 2-for-1 happy hours and raucous atmosphere, it's where beach vibes meet border-town energy with affordable street tacos and bottomless specials.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Fish Tacos with Habanero Sauce, Grilled Shrimp Tacos
What Makes it Special: 36oz Mega Margaritas and kitchen open until 2am every night
7.8
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Sixth location of this LA institution brings 50+ taco varieties and premium mezcal to downtown Santa Monica. Opened November 2024 with full liquor bar and the famous 'Alcapone' taco grande.
Must-Try Dishes:
Alcapone Taco Grande, Mas Buscados Tacos, No Seas Naca Margarita
What Makes it Special: 50+ taco varieties and premium mezcal selection
#23
El Cholo
7.7
Since 1923, this LA institution serves traditional Mexican-American favorites with their legendary 1800 margaritas. The nostalgic décor and time-tested recipes for enchiladas and chile rellenos deliver consistent comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enchiladas Suizas, Chile Relleno, Nachos Original Recipe
What Makes it Special: 100+ year family legacy and historical recipes
7.7
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Happy Hour Hotspots
Brunch Bliss Spots
Business Lunch Power Players
Modern evolution of the 1999 taqueria bringing elevated Puebla-style recipes with a full bar to the gentrifying Lincoln Boulevard corridor. The family operation maintains traditional preparations while expanding the experience with craft cocktails and weekend brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Breakfast Burrito, Carnitas Plate
What Makes it Special: Family recipes from Puebla passed down through generations with new bar program
#25
Casa Martin
7.6
This family-operated restaurant brings authentic Jalisco flavors from Tepatitlan to the Promenade with recipes passed down from their mother's kitchen. Live mariachi performances and generous portions create a festive atmosphere perfect for celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Al Pastor, Fajitas Mixtas
What Makes it Special: Live mariachi and authentic Jalisco family recipes
#26
Vamos Vamos
7.6
A nacho-and-margarita bar that pivoted toward Japanese-Mexican fusion under new chef Ivan Barros, with duck tacos and carne asada earning repeat praise while the cocktail program—anchored by nine margarita variations and a mezcal-watermelon standout—remains the most reliable draw. The sprawling Main Street patio sets the tone for a casual, flip-flops-welcome session, though food quality swings between visits and portions run lean for the price point. Best approached as a drinks-forward hangout where you graze the taco menu and lean into happy hour.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nachos, Duck Tacos, Grilled Fish Tacos
What Makes it Special: Nacho and margarita bar blending New Mexican hatch chile specialties with beachside Santa Monica energy on Main Street.
#27
Holy Guacamole
7.6
No-frills taqueria on Main Street serving oversized burritos and street tacos until late night with fresh-made tortillas. The casual counter-service spot draws beach crowds with its late hours and straightforward Mexican staples.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Asada Burrito, Fish Tacos, Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: Open until 2:15am on weekends serving big portions to the late-night crowd