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21 Essential Sit-Down Mexican Restaurants in LA

Grab a seat, and definitely a margarita

by Eater Staff Updated
4 comments / new
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Mirame,
| Rich Marchewka
by Eater Staff Updated
4 comments / new

Trying to eat through Los Angeles’s breathtaking Mexican restaurant scene can be overwhelming. Because the city hosts the largest concentration of Mexicans in America, and one of the largest in the North American continent, there’s essentially an endless number of places for tacos and tortas (and tortas ahogadas) and tamales — and that’s to say nothing of the birria, the barbacoa, the plant-based options, and all manner of Sinaloan and Oaxacan specialties, among others.

The city is bursting with incredible Mexican cuisine, from street food to upscale spots, so this map focuses on the sit-down, brick-and-mortar restaurants throughout greater Los Angeles. Consider it a sampler of where to find excellent Mexican food in LA, while any of the previous links will ease the process of finding specific dishes or regions.

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Sonoritas Prime Tacos

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West LA’s neighborhood taqueria has some of the finest grilled carne asada and other tacos in the city, all made on handmade flour or corn tortillas. Sonoritas also took over the former Broken Spanish space in Downtown LA, for those who don’t want to venture west.

2004 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 444-9100
(310) 444-9100
Tacos from Sonoritas Prime in Los Angeles.
Tacos from Sonoritas Prime in Los Angeles.
Matthew Kang/Eater LA

Also featured in:

Bar Hermanito

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Bar Hermanito is one of the most surprising — and satisfying — dining choices one can make on Sawtelle. The menu takes inspiration from the neighborhood’s Sawtelle Japantown culture and history with inflections of Mexican dishes like yellowtail tostada with Japanese pickles. The best reasons to come to Hermanito, though, are its tacos, smooth cocktails, and Westside-cool patio atmosphere. More common choices like al pastor, shrimp, and quesabirria tacos are complemented by a Peking duck platter (not available every day, so check in advance).

2024 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
(424) 465-9029
(424) 465-9029

Also featured in:

Birrieria Apatzingan

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Classic Mexican antojitos and birria destination Apatzingan resides on the north side of Laurel Canyon Boulevard on a busy Pacoima intersection. Try the birria with Apatzingan’s large, floppy tortillas.

10040 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331
(818) 890-6265
(818) 890-6265
A beige bowl of glistening red goat birria topped with cilantro and onion on a table outdoors.
Birria at Birrieria Apatzingan in Pacoima.
Matthew Kang/Eater LA

Also featured in:

Madre Restaurant

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Los Angeles standout Madre has locations in Palms, West Hollywood, and Torrance, each a prime spot to secure Oaxacan cooking from memelas and moles to tlayudas — and all served alongside one of the widest selections of mezcal in the country. Madre just launched brunch at the WeHo and Torrance locations.

10426 National Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 559-4732
(310) 559-4732
Deep fried masa or memelas with toppings from Madre restaurant in Los Angles, California.
Memelas.
Jakob Layman

Leonor’s Mexican Vegetarian Restaurant

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While Mexican plant-based restaurants continue to gain popularity, Leonor’s Restaurant opened back in 1988. With two SFV locations, the family-operated restaurant can prepare vegan or vegetarian combination dishes like tacos, burritos, tostadas, or enchiladas with flavorful beans.

12445 Moorpark St UNIT C, Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 762-0660
(818) 762-0660

Also featured in:

Mírame

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In 2020, chef Joshua Gil opened his modern Baja Mexican restaurant in the heart of Beverly Hills with stellar cocktails and some of the most creative cooking in Los Angeles. Try the Baja fried snapper with blue corn tortillas.

419 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 230-5035
(310) 230-5035
Indoor outdoor seating at Mirame Beverly Hills.
Mírame in Beverly Hills
Rich Marchewka

Also featured in:

Ortega 120

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The South Bay loves Ortega 120, the long-running restaurant serving everything from short rib and truffle cheese nachos to queso fundido, or handmade tortillas. The space itself is fun and funky, with a charmingly casual vibe.

1814 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 792-4120
(310) 792-4120

Martin's Cocina y Cantina

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The Martin family opened the first Fiesta Martin restaurant in 2009, later emerging with Martin’s Cocina y Cantina in 2021. This is a departure from the other locations throughout South LA. It’s a bright, modern addition to this prominent Inglewood street with incredible cocktails, good food, and if necessary, a bar with wide TVs to watch local sports teams.

162 N La Brea Ave, Inglewood, CA 90301
(310) 774-4053
(310) 774-4053

Also featured in:

Petty Cash Taqueria

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Petty Cash is arguably the best place to score some pretty standout tacos, uni-laced guacamole, and agave-based cocktails in the Beverly Grove area. The room is especially cool, with high ceilings and community tables for large groups.

7360 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 933-5300
(323) 933-5300
Tables outside of Petty Cash Taqueria & Bar.
Petty Cash Taqueria.
Caroline Pardilla

Also featured in:

Coni'Seafood

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This Inglewood restaurant is the master of shrimp in all preparations — fried, sautéed, cut into ceviche, or left whole for shockingly bright and spicy aguachile with a vibrant jalapeño puree. But the real star here is the pescado zarandeado, a whole snook coated in an umami-rich paste and shaken over coals, served either indoors or out on the patio.

3544 W Imperial Hwy, Inglewood, CA 90303
(310) 672-2339
(310) 672-2339
A top down view of grilled fish, shrimp, and ceviche.
Coni’Seafood
Farley Elliott

Also featured in:

Gish Bac

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Maria and David Ramos have one of the most impressive Oaxacan restaurants in the city, serving everything from stellar mole to excellent lamb barbacoa on the weekends. The latter makes Gish Bac an unmissable spot on California’s barbacoa trail.

4163 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018
(323) 737-5050
(323) 737-5050
Maria Ramos serves barbacoa at her restaurant Gish Bac in Los Angeles, California.
Co-owner Maria Ramos.
Wonho Frank Lee

Also featured in:

El Cholo

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LA’s oldest Mexican restaurant maintains a historic presence on Western Avenue, but there are five bustling SoCal locations serving margaritas, combination platters, and El Cholo’s signature green corn tamales.

1121 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006
(323) 734-2773
(323) 734-2773
Two people stand behind a host stand at El Cholo restaurant in Los Angeles, California.
El Cholo restaurant in an undated photo.
El Cholo

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Guelaguetza Restaurant

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There’s little debate that Koreatown’s Guelaguetza is the place to go when it comes to Oaxacan cuisine. This is the restaurant to indulge in complex moles, two-foot-wide tlayudas, and piles of toasted chapulines. The room feels especially festive thanks to live music, while the food remains top-tier.

3014 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
(213) 427-0608
(213) 427-0608
Moles at Guelaguetza in LA’s Koreatown.
Moles at Guelaguetza in LA’s Koreatown.
Wonho Frank Lee/Eater LA

Also featured in:

LA Cha Cha Chá

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Mexico City restaurant Terraza Cha Cha Chá opened this rooftop destination in the Arts District in 2021, and the response has been tremendous. The modern Mexican fare here features tacos, tostadas, composed seafood dishes, and a rare view of Downtown from its eastern edges.

812 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 548-8487
(213) 548-8487
Cha Cha Chá patio in the Arts District, Los Angeles, California.
Cha Cha Chá patio.
Wonho Frank Lee

Also featured in:

Guajillo Restaurant

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There’s an extensive breakfast menu at Guajillo, but the chilaquiles are the dish that’s most worth returning for. If it’s particularly cold outside, order the restaurant’s pozole or caldo de pollo from this family-run business.

6480 Santa Fe Ave, Huntington Park, CA 90255
(323) 835-6424
(323) 835-6424

Also featured in:

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Damian

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Celebrated Mexican chef Enrique Olvera’s more casual restaurant is a stunning space within the Arts District, where his chef Chuy Cervantes provides pristine takes on upscale Mexican favorites like fish ceviche tostadas and octopus huarache to duck al pastor. Try not to miss weekend brunch.

2132 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021
For an early taste of LA’s most impressive modern Mexican cooking: Damian.
Damian.
Matthew Kang

Also featured in:

La Casita Mexicana

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A standard-bearer for sit-down Mexican cuisine, La Casita Mexicana is as award-winning as it is delicious. Sure, the team there has gone on to open several other places since, but La Casita arguably remains the real destination for anyone looking to explore what Mexican cooking can be.

4030 Gage Ave, Bell, CA 90201
(323) 773-1898
(323) 773-1898
Chilaquiles rojo from La Casita Mexicana in Bell, California.
Chilaquiles rojo from La Casita Mexicana
La Casita Mexicana

Also featured in:

Teresitas Restaurant

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Though this neighborhood restaurant opened in 1983, it changed to Teresitas in 1994 after the owner realized she needed more room to serve its all-day menu. If breakfast is in order, try the cactus scramble or chilaquiles, then move onto stuffed tortas for lunch. For dinner, opt for combination platters with chile rellenos, tacos, or sopes.

3826 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90063
(323) 266-6045
(323) 266-6045

Aqui es Texcoco

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Tucked into a space out in Commerce is neighborhood favorite Aqui es Texcoco. With additional outlets in Tijuana and San Diego, this restaurant remains one of the stronger options for eating big weekend plates of pit-roasted lamb.

5850 S Eastern Ave, Commerce, CA 90040
(323) 725-1429
(323) 725-1429
Aqui es Texcoco in Commerce, California.
Aqui es Texcoco in Commerce, California.
Wonho Frank Lee/Eater LA

Also featured in:

Rocio's Mexican Kitchen

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Rocio Camacho is known as the Goddess of Mole for a reason: her moles and recipes are truly some of the best in the entire country. Come for the tacos de cazuela, bright, citrusy cochinita pibil crowned with pickled red onion, and Oaxacan-style caldo de pollo, a warming chicken soup.

7891 Garfield Ave, Bell Gardens, CA 90201
(562) 659-7800
(562) 659-7800
Chef Rocio Camacho stands inside her colorful Mexican restaurant, wearing a white shirt.
Chef Rocio Camacho stands inside her colorful Mexican restaurant.
Bill Esparza

Tamayo Restaurant and Art Gallery

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Tamayo’s stunning room is the perfect place to eat the saucy chile verde or incredible traditional flan or mango mascarpone cake. Be sure to scan the East LA restaurant’s incredible art collection by notable Oaxacan artist Rufino Tamayo.

5300 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90022
(323) 260-4700
(323) 260-4700

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Sonoritas Prime Tacos

2004 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

West LA’s neighborhood taqueria has some of the finest grilled carne asada and other tacos in the city, all made on handmade flour or corn tortillas. Sonoritas also took over the former Broken Spanish space in Downtown LA, for those who don’t want to venture west.

2004 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 444-9100
(310) 444-9100
Tacos from Sonoritas Prime in Los Angeles.
Tacos from Sonoritas Prime in Los Angeles.
Matthew Kang/Eater LA

Bar Hermanito

2024 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Bar Hermanito is one of the most surprising — and satisfying — dining choices one can make on Sawtelle. The menu takes inspiration from the neighborhood’s Sawtelle Japantown culture and history with inflections of Mexican dishes like yellowtail tostada with Japanese pickles. The best reasons to come to Hermanito, though, are its tacos, smooth cocktails, and Westside-cool patio atmosphere. More common choices like al pastor, shrimp, and quesabirria tacos are complemented by a Peking duck platter (not available every day, so check in advance).

2024 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
(424) 465-9029
(424) 465-9029

Birrieria Apatzingan

10040 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331

Classic Mexican antojitos and birria destination Apatzingan resides on the north side of Laurel Canyon Boulevard on a busy Pacoima intersection. Try the birria with Apatzingan’s large, floppy tortillas.

10040 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331
(818) 890-6265
(818) 890-6265
A beige bowl of glistening red goat birria topped with cilantro and onion on a table outdoors.
Birria at Birrieria Apatzingan in Pacoima.
Matthew Kang/Eater LA

Madre Restaurant

10426 National Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034

Los Angeles standout Madre has locations in Palms, West Hollywood, and Torrance, each a prime spot to secure Oaxacan cooking from memelas and moles to tlayudas — and all served alongside one of the widest selections of mezcal in the country. Madre just launched brunch at the WeHo and Torrance locations.

10426 National Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 559-4732
(310) 559-4732
Deep fried masa or memelas with toppings from Madre restaurant in Los Angles, California.
Memelas.
Jakob Layman

Leonor’s Mexican Vegetarian Restaurant

12445 Moorpark St UNIT C, Studio City, CA 91604

While Mexican plant-based restaurants continue to gain popularity, Leonor’s Restaurant opened back in 1988. With two SFV locations, the family-operated restaurant can prepare vegan or vegetarian combination dishes like tacos, burritos, tostadas, or enchiladas with flavorful beans.

12445 Moorpark St UNIT C, Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 762-0660
(818) 762-0660

Mírame

419 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

In 2020, chef Joshua Gil opened his modern Baja Mexican restaurant in the heart of Beverly Hills with stellar cocktails and some of the most creative cooking in Los Angeles. Try the Baja fried snapper with blue corn tortillas.

419 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 230-5035
(310) 230-5035
Indoor outdoor seating at Mirame Beverly Hills.
Mírame in Beverly Hills
Rich Marchewka

Ortega 120

1814 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

The South Bay loves Ortega 120, the long-running restaurant serving everything from short rib and truffle cheese nachos to queso fundido, or handmade tortillas. The space itself is fun and funky, with a charmingly casual vibe.

1814 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 792-4120
(310) 792-4120

Martin's Cocina y Cantina

162 N La Brea Ave, Inglewood, CA 90301

The Martin family opened the first Fiesta Martin restaurant in 2009, later emerging with Martin’s Cocina y Cantina in 2021. This is a departure from the other locations throughout South LA. It’s a bright, modern addition to this prominent Inglewood street with incredible cocktails, good food, and if necessary, a bar with wide TVs to watch local sports teams.

162 N La Brea Ave, Inglewood, CA 90301
(310) 774-4053
(310) 774-4053

Petty Cash Taqueria

7360 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Petty Cash is arguably the best place to score some pretty standout tacos, uni-laced guacamole, and agave-based cocktails in the Beverly Grove area. The room is especially cool, with high ceilings and community tables for large groups.

7360 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 933-5300
(323) 933-5300
Tables outside of Petty Cash Taqueria & Bar.
Petty Cash Taqueria.
Caroline Pardilla

Coni'Seafood

3544 W Imperial Hwy, Inglewood, CA 90303

This Inglewood restaurant is the master of shrimp in all preparations — fried, sautéed, cut into ceviche, or left whole for shockingly bright and spicy aguachile with a vibrant jalapeño puree. But the real star here is the pescado zarandeado, a whole snook coated in an umami-rich paste and shaken over coals, served either indoors or out on the patio.

3544 W Imperial Hwy, Inglewood, CA 90303
(310) 672-2339
(310) 672-2339
A top down view of grilled fish, shrimp, and ceviche.
Coni’Seafood
Farley Elliott

Gish Bac

4163 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018

Maria and David Ramos have one of the most impressive Oaxacan restaurants in the city, serving everything from stellar mole to excellent lamb barbacoa on the weekends. The latter makes Gish Bac an unmissable spot on California’s barbacoa trail.

4163 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018
(323) 737-5050
(323) 737-5050
Maria Ramos serves barbacoa at her restaurant Gish Bac in Los Angeles, California.
Co-owner Maria Ramos.
Wonho Frank Lee

El Cholo

1121 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006

LA’s oldest Mexican restaurant maintains a historic presence on Western Avenue, but there are five bustling SoCal locations serving margaritas, combination platters, and El Cholo’s signature green corn tamales.

1121 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006
(323) 734-2773
(323) 734-2773
Two people stand behind a host stand at El Cholo restaurant in Los Angeles, California.
El Cholo restaurant in an undated photo.
El Cholo

Guelaguetza Restaurant

3014 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006

There’s little debate that Koreatown’s Guelaguetza is the place to go when it comes to Oaxacan cuisine. This is the restaurant to indulge in complex moles, two-foot-wide tlayudas, and piles of toasted chapulines. The room feels especially festive thanks to live music, while the food remains top-tier.

3014 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
(213) 427-0608
(213) 427-0608
Moles at Guelaguetza in LA’s Koreatown.
Moles at Guelaguetza in LA’s Koreatown.
Wonho Frank Lee/Eater LA

LA Cha Cha Chá

812 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Mexico City restaurant Terraza Cha Cha Chá opened this rooftop destination in the Arts District in 2021, and the response has been tremendous. The modern Mexican fare here features tacos, tostadas, composed seafood dishes, and a rare view of Downtown from its eastern edges.

812 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 548-8487
(213) 548-8487
Cha Cha Chá patio in the Arts District, Los Angeles, California.
Cha Cha Chá patio.
Wonho Frank Lee

Guajillo Restaurant

6480 Santa Fe Ave, Huntington Park, CA 90255

There’s an extensive breakfast menu at Guajillo, but the chilaquiles are the dish that’s most worth returning for. If it’s particularly cold outside, order the restaurant’s pozole or caldo de pollo from this family-run business.

6480 Santa Fe Ave, Huntington Park, CA 90255
(323) 835-6424
(323) 835-6424

Related Maps

Damian

2132 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Celebrated Mexican chef Enrique Olvera’s more casual restaurant is a stunning space within the Arts District, where his chef Chuy Cervantes provides pristine takes on upscale Mexican favorites like fish ceviche tostadas and octopus huarache to duck al pastor. Try not to miss weekend brunch.

2132 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021
For an early taste of LA’s most impressive modern Mexican cooking: Damian.
Damian.
Matthew Kang

La Casita Mexicana

4030 Gage Ave, Bell, CA 90201

A standard-bearer for sit-down Mexican cuisine, La Casita Mexicana is as award-winning as it is delicious. Sure, the team there has gone on to open several other places since, but La Casita arguably remains the real destination for anyone looking to explore what Mexican cooking can be.

4030 Gage Ave, Bell, CA 90201
(323) 773-1898
(323) 773-1898
Chilaquiles rojo from La Casita Mexicana in Bell, California.
Chilaquiles rojo from La Casita Mexicana
La Casita Mexicana

Teresitas Restaurant

3826 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90063

Though this neighborhood restaurant opened in 1983, it changed to Teresitas in 1994 after the owner realized she needed more room to serve its all-day menu. If breakfast is in order, try the cactus scramble or chilaquiles, then move onto stuffed tortas for lunch. For dinner, opt for combination platters with chile rellenos, tacos, or sopes.

3826 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90063
(323) 266-6045
(323) 266-6045

Aqui es Texcoco

5850 S Eastern Ave, Commerce, CA 90040

Tucked into a space out in Commerce is neighborhood favorite Aqui es Texcoco. With additional outlets in Tijuana and San Diego, this restaurant remains one of the stronger options for eating big weekend plates of pit-roasted lamb.

5850 S Eastern Ave, Commerce, CA 90040
(323) 725-1429
(323) 725-1429
Aqui es Texcoco in Commerce, California.
Aqui es Texcoco in Commerce, California.
Wonho Frank Lee/Eater LA

Rocio's Mexican Kitchen

7891 Garfield Ave, Bell Gardens, CA 90201

Rocio Camacho is known as the Goddess of Mole for a reason: her moles and recipes are truly some of the best in the entire country. Come for the tacos de cazuela, bright, citrusy cochinita pibil crowned with pickled red onion, and Oaxacan-style caldo de pollo, a warming chicken soup.

7891 Garfield Ave, Bell Gardens, CA 90201
(562) 659-7800
(562) 659-7800
Chef Rocio Camacho stands inside her colorful Mexican restaurant, wearing a white shirt.
Chef Rocio Camacho stands inside her colorful Mexican restaurant.
Bill Esparza

Tamayo Restaurant and Art Gallery

5300 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90022

Tamayo’s stunning room is the perfect place to eat the saucy chile verde or incredible traditional flan or mango mascarpone cake. Be sure to scan the East LA restaurant’s incredible art collection by notable Oaxacan artist Rufino Tamayo.

5300 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90022
(323) 260-4700
(323) 260-4700

Related Maps