Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, with one of the city’s most prominent points of inspiration coming from our neighbors to the south — the beautiful country of Mexico. Los Angeles’ proximity to the Latin American country allows some of the best and brightest chefs to share their native cuisine and locally grown ingredients all across the second largest city in America. While incredible Mexican-inspired restaurants and food trucks are plentiful in the City of Angels, there are a special selection of spots that are treasured both by local Angelinos and temporary visitors.
Some people’s idea of Mexican food is typically limited to the Taco Bell menu: tacos, burritos, a cheese quesadilla perhaps. These restaurants beg to differ, though, with an array of decadent dishes that inspire you to think beyond traditional Mexican-American faire. Whether you are looking for high-end cuisine or just a delicious grab-and-go burrito, these 14 Mexican restaurants are a must-try whenever you’re in Los Angeles.
El Cholo
El Cholo has pretty much perfected the business of Mexican dining in the century that it has been operating. Originally opening its doors in 1923, El Cholo has since expanded across Los Angeles — increasing both its number of locations and number of items on the menu.
Everything on the El Cholo menu has a corresponding number which represents the year that it was added to the restaurant’s ever-growing list of favorites. The 1984 fajitas are a spectacle, served with a sizzling heap of steak, chicken, shrimp, or mixed vegetables. You won’t find anywhere in town Filet Mignon Tacos more tender than El Cholo’s 2009 edition. Or check out a more recent addition to the menu, added in 2023 to celebrate El Cholo’s 100th birthday, the Mole Chicken Enchiladas — served with slow braised chicken and roasted chile and chocolate mole …