The age-old debate of LA versus NYC extends even to cuisine, but when it comes to Mexican food, Los Angeles unequivocally reigns supreme. As a New Yorker venturing into the vibrant food scene of LA, the sheer depth and breadth of Mexican culinary offerings are astounding. While New York holds its gems, Los Angeles presents a Mexican food landscape that is simply unparalleled.
Each visit to LA transforms into a personal Mexican food pilgrimage, an eager quest to experience as many authentic flavors as possible. This journey, while occasionally leading to overindulgence, has cultivated a treasured list of go-to spots, extending far beyond just tacos. Consider this guide your starting point, a collection of must-visit locations that have shaped my perspective on what truly constitutes great Mexican food in Los Angeles. For fellow food enthusiasts and Angelenos, your insights and recommendations are always welcome!
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Coni Seafood: Nayarit Flavors Shine
Coni Seafood stands as a culinary landmark in Los Angeles, a gateway to the distinct flavors of Nayarit cuisine. This regional Mexican style, less common in places like NYC, emphasizes the鲜活ness of seafood, particularly shrimp and fish. The shrimp aguachiles ($12), a vibrant dish of raw shrimp immersed in a zesty lime and spicy green salsa bath, perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and refreshing notes. However, the undisputed star is the pescado zarandeado ($25/lb), grilled snook that redefines seafood perfection.
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While the appearance of a splayed-open snook might be unconventional, the taste is transformative. This snook, surprisingly rare to find elsewhere, is an unforgettable culinary experience. Though the exact marinade remains a delightful mystery, hints of orange juice and soy sauce are apparent, with a touch of mayonnaise aiding in achieving that perfect crisp on the grill. Served with warm corn tortillas and a side of deeply caramelized onions – reminiscent of “Mexican French onion soup” as one diner aptly noted – the pescado zarandeado offers flaky, salty-sweet morsels that are both tender and crispy. It’s a dish that transcends hyperbole; it’s simply exceptional. Conveniently located in Inglewood, near LAX, Coni Seafood is an ideal first or last stop for visitors seeking an authentic taste of great Mexican food in Los Angeles.
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Guisados: Stewed Tacos Elevated to Perfection
Guisados, located in Boyle Heights, lives up to its reputation as a purveyor of “stewed taco perfection.” Here, forget standard taco fillings like pastor or asada; Guisados specializes in traditional, homestyle stews and braises, living up to its name, which means “stews”. The foundation of their tacos, the tortillas, are crafted from nixtamalized corn sourced from a neighboring family-owned market, ensuring unparalleled freshness and a nutty flavor. These tortillas are pressed and griddled on-site, delivering a truly authentic experience. For newcomers, the sampler platter of six mini tacos is highly recommended. It’s an ideal way to navigate the extensive and tempting array of stewed fillings. While the richly flavored cochinita pibil (pork shoulder) is a celebrated favorite, the chicken tinga, with its smoky and tender shredded chicken in a chipotle tomato sauce, is equally captivating. Guisados provides a deep dive into the heart of home-style Great Mexican Food Los Angeles has to offer.
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Blue Corn Quesadilla Cart: An Echo Park Secret
This unassuming cart, without a formal name, is a true hidden gem near Echo Park (Echo Park Blvd and Sunset Blvd). Here, the “Blue Corn Quesadilla Lady” crafts exceptional quesadillas on a simple griddle. Using blue corn masa, she hand-pats each tortilla directly on the hot surface. Fillings extend beyond the typical Oaxacan cheese, offering options like squash blossoms, beans, chicharrones, chicken, chorizo, and the unique huitlacoche. Huitlacoche, also known as corn smut, is a corn fungus with an earthy, mushroom-like flavor, adding an adventurous twist. Each quesadilla ($3-3.50) is cooked flat until the thick tortilla becomes beautifully crisp-chewy, then folded and flipped to perfection. Customize your quesadilla with raw onions, nopales, or fiery red or green salsa. While hours may vary, this cart is a must-try for anyone seeking authentic and great Mexican food Los Angeles street style.
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Ricky’s Fish Tacos: The Reigning King of Fish Tacos
Ricky’s Fish Tacos has evolved from a humble tarp-covered parking lot setup to a gleaming food truck in Silver Lake, a testament to its exceptional quality. Despite the upgrade, the Ensenada-style fish and shrimp tacos ($3-3.50) remain unchanged and unchallenged in their supremacy. The secret lies in the top-secret batter blend, resulting in a taco that is both golden and remarkably greaseless. Each taco is adorned with crisp raw cabbage, a chunky tomato and pepper salsa, and crema, with optional fresh salsa verde. The plump shrimp tacos are equally divine, and don’t miss their refreshing agua frescas, which change flavors frequently. Ricky’s Fish Tacos is a definitive stop for experiencing great Mexican food Los Angeles style, particularly when craving fish tacos.
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Chiquis Taco Truck: Pastor Perfection Found
In a city brimming with taco trucks, declaring any “the best” is bold, but Chiquis Taco Truck (Santa Monica and Vine, gas station parking lot) earns the accolade for tacos al pastor. The al pastor here is a revelation: shaved from the spit, crisped on the griddle, and served on tortillas with juicy, pork-infused pineapple slivers. These tacos, priced around $1.50, deliver incredible flavor in every three-bite serving. A picnic table laden with buckets of salsas, raw and pickled vegetables, and roasted peppers invites customization. Chiquis is where a true appreciation for pastor can ignite. The difference between the often-dry pastor found elsewhere and the juicy, crispy, and intensely seasoned meat at Chiquis is transformative. A bonus for dive bar enthusiasts, Chiquis is conveniently next to 3 Clubs. For late-night cravings, Chiquis offers some of the best and most accessible great Mexican food Los Angeles has to offer.
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Mexicali Taco & Co.: Border Town Flavors in LA
Mexicali Taco & Co., born from a humble stand and now a brick-and-mortar restaurant, brings the flavors of Mexicali to Los Angeles. Known for their flame-grilled carne asada and thin, chewy flour tortillas sourced directly from Mexicali, they are most celebrated for the Vampiro. This signature creation merges carne asada and cheese in a gloriously messy and flavorful experience. Resembling a quesadilla, the Vampiro features gooey Monterey Jack cheese and garlic-mayo sauces that bind the carne asada between toasted tortillas. A DIY salsa bar allows for customization, though the Vampiro itself is already a flavor explosion.
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Their architecturally impressive nachos, generously topped with roasted peppers, tomatoes, and onions, and drenched in a Velveeta-style cheese sauce, also deserve recognition. Mexicali Taco & Co. offers a taste of border-town authenticity within the diverse landscape of great Mexican food Los Angeles provides.
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Mariscos Jalisco: East LA’s Mariscos Master
Mariscos Jalisco, a celebrated mariscos truck in East LA for over a decade, offers seafood dishes that are sorely missed elsewhere. The taco dorado de camaron (fried shrimp taco) ($1.75) is a standout, a unique creation of shrimp, tomato, and onion fritter-like mix encased in a tortilla, deep-fried to a crispy golden brown with a fluffy interior. Drenched in a tangy red salsa and draped with creamy avocado slices, it’s a dish that demands to be devoured without hesitation. While the shrimp tacos are rightly lauded, the simple ceviches ($2.50-5) are equally impressive. Perfectly tart with lime, showcasing the freshness of the fish, and complemented by raw tomato and onion, they are served on crispy tostadas and topped with more ripe avocado. Mariscos Jalisco is a testament to the enduring appeal and quality of great Mexican food Los Angeles food trucks deliver.
Hours: Daily 9:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
Los Angeles’s Mexican food scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, traditions, and innovations. From Nayarit-style seafood to homestyle stews, inventive quesadillas to iconic tacos, the city offers an unparalleled culinary journey for every palate. Explore these spots and discover your own favorites in the world of great Mexican food Los Angeles has to offer.
