The Most Classic Restaurants In Los Angeles

"You can't bring up Oaxacan food in LA without talking about Guelaguetza, and for good reason—this Koreatown spot deserves credit for bringing top-tier mole to the masses (their website is literally ilovemole.com). But mole aside, Guelaguetza is where you go to eat tamales in banana leaves, black bean enfrijoladas, and crispy tlayudas with tasajo and spicy chorizo. Dinner here is always an event: there’s a gift shop selling merch, an open kitchen where you can take photos of sizzling meats, and a live band playing Latin jazz. Guelaguetza works for large group dinners, blowout birthdays, or any time you're in the mood for a mezcal flight. Quesillo fundido, tamal de mole, tlayuda Guelaguetza" - brant cox, cathy park, garrett snyder, sylvio martins