Comprehensive breakdown of the top-notch taco spots in LA
In the vibrant city of Los Angeles, a taco revolution is underway. With over 30% of Mexican restaurants in the United States calling this city home, it's no surprise that the taco landscape is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. From the historic streets of Boyle Heights to the trendy neighbourhoods of West Hollywood, LA offers a cornucopia of regional tacos that rival those found in Mexico.
One of the standout spots is Taqueria Frontera, recognised as one of the best taco spots in LA. This taqueria celebrates Mexican culture and community, offering authentic regional tacos that highlight traditional flavours. In the taco capital of America, Tijuana's Taco al Pastor is a standout, with its flavour memory still fresh, not too far removed from its counterparts in Mexico.
West Hollywood is another hotspot for taco enthusiasts, boasting a variety of high-quality tacos. From sweet potato tacos to classic carne asada, the district represents different Mexican regions’ culinary styles. For those seeking highly regional-specific tacos (like Oaxacan, Baja-style, or others), guides on L.A. Taco and Instagram’s community posts about top taco places are invaluable resources.
Beyond traditional tacos, LA offers a fusion of global flavours and Mexican tradition. A Tí in Echo Park offers a duck confit taco with smoky date mole, a testament to the city's culinary innovation. Meanwhile, Taco Nazo, established in 1978, serves battered fish and potato tacos in the style of Ensenada, Baja California, using wild cod and a Japanese tempura-like approach.
In Boyle Heights, Olympic Boulevard's "Taco Row" is one of the greatest strips in the world to eat tacos, even by Mexico's standards. Every truck and restaurant window at Taco Row has its own regional speciality, making it a must-visit destination for taco lovers.
Birria El Jalisciense in Boyle Heights offers birria de chivo tatemada, a goat taco with a hint of tomato broth and regional flavour, open only one morning a week. Komal in Historic South Central serves authentic Mexican street food, including taco Sonia, crispy molotes, and unique tlacoyos, made from heirloom Mexican corn.
Tacos La Carreta in Long Beach and Whittier serves papa loco, a baked potato stuffed with juicy asada and Jack cheese, with thoughtful touches like beef-fat-brushed tortillas and finely shredded cabbage. Asadero Chikali in Inglewood offers northern Mexican breakfast tacos, with hearty guisados like chicharrón (fried pork rinds) in salsa roja, that capture the essence of Mexicali, Baja California.
The editor-in-chief of L.A. Taco has spent the better part of the past two decades chasing the best taco and writing about it for a living. Whether you're a seasoned taco connoisseur or a novice, Los Angeles offers a taco adventure that is sure to satisfy your cravings and expand your palate. So, come and taste the best regional tacos of Mexico in Los Angeles – the city that truly embodies the spirit of taco culture.
- One's exploration of food-and-drink in Los Angeles wouldn't be complete without trying the diverse and authentic regional tacos, like Oaxacan, Baja-style, or Tijuana's Taco al Pastor, which showcase the city's rich lifestyle and cultural heritage.
- For travelers seeking a global fusion of flavors, A Tí in Echo Park and Taco Nazo in West Hollywood offer innovative tacos that blend traditional Mexican dishes with elements from around the world, providing a unique dining experience for food enthusiasts.
