Mexican Food in Los Angeles (2025)

A Koreatown landmark for Oaxacan cuisine, run by the López family since 1994. Celebrated for deep, complex moles, live music vibes, and cultural outreach. Honored as a James Beard America’s Classics winner and regularly praised by the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times.

Chef Gilberto Cetina’s seafood counter channels Mexico’s coasts with pristine ceviches and mesquite-grilled tacos. Michelin-starred, named Restaurant of the Year by the Los Angeles Times, and crowned Yelp’s top place to eat in 2025—yet still very L.A. and very personal.

Enrique Olvera’s Arts District restaurant leans modern while staying rooted in Mexican technique—masa, mezcal, and meticulous sourcing. Recommended by the Michelin Guide and host to notable culinary collaborations that keep it in the city’s conversation.

Raúl Ortega’s Boyle Heights truck is synonymous with crispy shrimp tacos and mariscos culture. A pillar of street dining, it earned the Los Angeles Times’ 2024 Gold Award and appears year after year on essential lists.

An ode to northern Mexico from Teo Díaz-Rodríguez Jr. and Jennifer Feltham, known for mesquite-grilled carne asada and supple flour tortillas. Lauded by local critics and featured on the Los Angeles Times 101 lists; still proudly independent as it grows.

Walter Soto’s Sonoran-style taquería is famed for sobaquera tortillas pressed by hand and meats kissed by mesquite. Applauded by Eater LA and L.A. TACO, and shouted-out by Los Angeles Times contributors for standout tacos.

The Acosta family’s cazos de cobre carnitas—rooted in Guanajuato tradition—have lines in Boyle Heights and a revived Monterey Park shop. Celebrated by the Los Angeles Times and Eater LA for soulful, nose-to-tail pork mastery.

Maria Elena Lorenzo and family serve Afro‑Mexican specialties from Guerrero—tamales in banana leaf, pescadillas, pozole—out of their long-running Watts trailer. Featured by the Los Angeles Times and Eater LA; a community anchor with real roots.

Cetina family Yucatecan classics—cochinita pibil, panuchos, papadzules—served at their beloved Mercado La Paloma stall since 2001. Frequently recommended by local critics alongside neighboring Holbox for a deep dive into the peninsula’s flavors.

A Boyle Heights institution where thick, hand-pressed corn tortillas and sizzling carnitas define the meal. Family-run for decades and still buzzing; recommended by Time Out and lauded by generations of local food writers.

Mariano Zenteno’s trailer has served textbook al pastor sliced from a roaring trompo since the early ’90s. The Los Angeles Times calls it a favorite for the style; go after 5 p.m. when the spit fires up.

A late‑night classic at Olympic and La Brea, beloved for al pastor, asada, and lengua with smoky salsa roja. A fixture in local guides and winner of countless loyal fans; hours stretch deep into the night.