We love our Mexican food here in Southern California and whether you are up for a Cinco de Mayo celebration or it’s just a random Taco Tuesday, these are 5 of the best places for Mexican food in Los Angeles.
Loteria Grill
After its start as an Original Farmers Market shop in 2002, Loteria has been creating authentic Mexican fare from the beach to the Valley. Chef-owner Jimmy Shaw’s tacos tacos showcase bold, authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. Sample the full variety of Lotería’s menu by digging into the Probaditas, featuring 12 different tacos on mini corn tortillas.
Mercado
Enjoy this festive collision of food, atmosphere and tradition at 3 locations across L.A. (Santa Monica, Hollywood and Third St.) The menu has a cult-like following, with chef Jose Acevedo’s fans flocking to Mercado for carnitas and flan, and during brunch: chipotle Bloody Marys. With its colorful artwork, relaxed atmosphere and more than 70 types of tequila, it’s like your own private Mexico.
PettyCash Taqueria
Renowned chef Walter Manzke (République, Church & State) has reinterpreted Mexican street food in creative and inventive dishes like Crispy Brussels Sprouts with a Morita-cauliflower crema or ceviche negro made with mahi mahi, squid ink, mango and peanuts. The tacos are inventive and delicious, filled with Berkshire pork, grilled octopus and nicely marinated al pastor. The restaurant is bright and open, with graffiti style art work, communal tables and very, very loud music.
LaCasita Mexicana
Chefs Jaime Martin del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu, Jalisco natives turned TV personalities after famously defeating Bobby Flay in a chile relleno Throwdown are dishing up some amazing food. Try the Chile en nogada—roasted Poblano packed with ground beef, dried fruits, walnuts and candied cactus, topped with pecan cream sauce and pomegranate seeds. Amazing!
Diablo Taco
Inside a stark, black building on Sunset Blvd in Silver Lake, you’ll find some fun and inventive spins on Mexican favorites. The Urban Tacos offer unique flavor experiences featuring red duck mole, braised pork belly and bison chili. The Knife & Fork menu selections are perfect for sharing. Try the carne asada nachos, a large portion with plenty of cheese, jalapenos and bacon refried beans. Other must try items are the grilled sweet corn, the Diablo Dog, and for dessert? Churros served with a caramel-bacon dipping sauce.
Do you have a favorite Mexican restaurant?
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April Cook says
I love a good Mexican restaurant! I’ll have to check out some of these suggestions next time I’m in Los Angeles. Carnitas from Mercado sounds amazing right now. Do you have price information for any of these places? Thanks for the suggestions!