Los Angeles is one of the top cities in the US for great, authentic Mexican food. What follows are considered the ten best Mexican restaurants in the greater LA area.
Al & Bea’s Mexican Food
A Los Angeles tradition for over 50 years, Al & Bea’s Mexican food offers a no-frills experience complete with a tasty menu of Mexican delights.
Specialty: The Taquito Plate is an excellent choice as it offers a full meal for a relatively low price. But most of the meals are quite good with many being favorites of the regulars.
Price Range: This is a low-cost restaurant with meals that range from $4 up to $7. This is designed mostly for lunch or grabbing a quick bite while in town.
Location: 2025 E. 1st, Los Angeles. Website for contact information.
El Compadre
A great fine dining experience, El compadre offers great Mexican food that is affordable. Add to that the excellent setting and you have one of the best Mexican restaurants in the area.
Specialty: The Chef’s Special includes tasty fajitas using strips of New York steak. But the Bistequtos is also quite scrumptious which includes a wonderful chipotle sauce. The grilled Salmon tacos are quite good as well.
Price Range: A wide-ranging menu that includes meals from $10 up to $25 on average. Some of the specials, such as the fajita shrimp are slightly higher at $30.
Location: 7408 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles. For contact info, use their website.
El Cholo
One of the older Mexican restaurants in the area, having been established in the 1920, El Cholo has garnered an excellent reputation for fine Mexican dining.
Specialty: Plenty of exceptional choices, including the Burrito Dorado, the Filet Mignon Tacos, and the Chicken Chimichangas which has been a favorite for over a half-century.
Price Range: Most meals are in the $15 to $25 range, which is well in-line with most restaurants in the area.
Location: 1037 Flower Street, Los Angeles. For contact information, visit the website.
El Coyote
One of the most recognizable Mexican restaurants in all of LA, El Coyote has garnered an excellent reputation for its delicious cuisine. A stylish setting complete with traditional choices, El Coyote is a must-visit location for lovers of Mexican food.
Specialty: Can’t go wrong with the pulled pork burrito. But most of the selections are outstanding.
Price Range: Appetizers are $4 to $8 with main meals being $15 to $30 on average.
Location: 7312 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles. Website for contact information.
Guisados
Simple, straightforward setting that serves exceptional Mexican dishes. Made from scratch, including handmade tortillas, vegetable stews, and braised meat.
Specialty: Lots to choose from, but the Sampler which features a variety of selections is highly desirable. The Chile verde is another winner.
Price Range: The prices for individual tacos and dishes range from $4 to $7. You can order them individually or combine them as a dinner.
Location: 1261 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles. Or visit the website for ordering and contact info.
Guelaguitza
Since 1994, this remarkable Mexican restaurant has been serving the LA community. Showcasing authentic Mexican food, Guelaguetza offers true Oaxacan ingredients that have made it the place for some of the finest, tastiest food you will find in the region.
Specialty: There are many exceptional dishes, but mole sauce is the standout. So popular is the mole sauce that even the website address is “I Love Mole”.
Price Range: The dishes range from $10 to $15 for lunches, $20 to $35 for dinners, and family servings that feed up to 8 people for an average price of $15 per person.
Location: Located at 3014 W Olympic Blvd, you can check out their menu and contact info on their website.
Mercado
An exceptional fine dining establishment that offers great Mexican food, Mercado is an excellent place to have dinner before a night out on the town. Authentic Mexican cuisine and a posh atmosphere, this is a great experience.
Specialty: Plenty to choose from, but the Carne Asada is a particular delight. Add to that Carnitas which is also quite tasty.
Price Range: Entrees are in the $20 to $35 range which is a little higher that normal, but not unexpected given that the mercado offers cocktails.
Location: 7910 W. 3rd, Los Angeles. Here is the website for contact information.
The Mexican Village Restaurant
A traditional Mexican restaurant complete with lively music and DJs, The Mexican Village Restaurant has a well-earned reputation for serving excellent meals within an inviting atmosphere.
Specialty: Several excellent selections, but one that stands out is the Camarone al Mojo de Ajo, a dinner that includes shrimp sauteed in a garlic sauce. But the main specialty is the excellent customer service that has helped make this restaurant special.
Price Range: The prices range from $4 to $7 for appetizers. And $12 to $16 for meals which makes this restaurant about average in LA.
Location: 3668 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles. For more information, consult their website.
Sonoratown
The place in downtown LA for casual lunch and dinner meals. Great dishes based in Northern Mexico traditions, you get a full array of great tasting tacos, grilled meats, and vegetables all for a reasonable price.
Specialty: Lots to choose from, but the tacos are excellent. This is augmented by the special hot sauce with brings out the flavor.
Price Range: The price range for lunch and small dinners ranges from $4 to $7, but the takeaway menu features packaged meals for families which range from $25 up to $60.
Location: 208 E. 8th Street, Los Angeles. For contact info, use their website.
Tlayuda LA Restaurant
Sumptuous Oaxacan dishes that includes some of the finest, authentic Mexican food in the city, Tlayuda LA is the Mexican restaurant of choice for so many in the City of Angels.
Specialty: Perhaps not a single dish, but the great selection of vegetarian meals is a big plus. Also, the mole tacos have garnered an excellent reputation.
Price Range: Lunches and dinners can be found in the $15 to $20 range for most dishes, including specialty dishes.
Location: 5450 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles. You can also contact them through their website.
