Los Angeles is a city known for its vibrant food scene, and when it comes to tacos, the options are endless. To help you navigate the culinary landscape, we've put together a unique guide featuring six of the best taco spots in LA.
But here's the twist: we're not just listing the restaurants, we're taking you on a taco journey across the city, complete with locations, flavor notes, and a "Taco Meter" that rates each spot on flavor, creativity, and ambiance. Grab your appetite, and let's hit the taco trail!
Mariscos Jalisco - Boyle Heights
📍3040 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
🌮 Taco Meter: Flavor: 5/5 | Creativity: 4/5 | Ambiance: 3/5
Flavor Notes: Dive into the iconic "taco de camaron," featuring a perfectly deep-fried shell, massive shrimp, housemade red salsa, and avocado. The result? A mouthwatering bite that's both crunchy and succulent.
Don't Miss: The Poseidon Tostada, a four-inch-high pile of ceviche, octopus, and shrimp aguachile. It's fresh, tangy, and bursting with flavor
Los Cinco Puntos - Boyle Heights
📍3300 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA
🌮 Taco Meter: Flavor: 5/5 | Creativity: 3/5 | Ambiance: 4/5
Flavor Notes: Enjoy the thick and hearty tortillas, and savor the melt-in-your-mouth carnitas and crispy chicharron. The guacamole is thick, chunky, and the color of Shrek, so you know it's fresh.
Don't Miss: Carnitas are their specialty, but don't forget to explore the salsa bar and indulge in the tart, pickled nopales
El Ruso - Echo Park
📍1370 Logan St, Los Angeles, CA
🌮 Taco Meter: Flavor: 5/5 | Creativity: 5/5 | Ambiance: 3/5
Flavor Notes: It's all about the tortilla at El Ruso. Made with flour sourced from Tijuana, the chewy, translucent tortillas elevate every bite. The "muñeco combo" features smoky chopped carne asada and spicy chicharron en salsa roja.
Don't Miss: If available, try the burrito wrapped in their giant, stretchy "sobaqueras" tortilla - it's one of best you'll have!
Carnitas El Momo - Boyle Heights
📍Fairmount St, Boyle Heights, CA
🌮 Taco Meter: Flavor: 5/5 | Creativity: 3/5 | Ambiance: 3/5
Flavor Notes: If juicy, fat-simmered carnitas are your thing, look no further. Carnitas El Momo excels in Michoacan-style carnitas that are obscenely rich and flavorful. A dab of salsa verde and pickled jalapeños complete the experience.
Don't Miss: Choose your cut: shoulder, belly, skin, burnt ends, or go all-in with the mixed "Aporkalypse Style"
Sonoratown - Downtown LA
📍208 E 8th St, Los Angeles, CA
🌮 Taco Meter: Flavor: 5/5 | Creativity: 4/5 | Ambiance 4/5
Flavor Notes: The caramelo taco at Sonoratown delivers a burst of smoky and savory flavors from the charred steak, combined with the creaminess of the avocado and the crunch of the diced cabbage. The tanginess of the salsa roja adds a delightful kick, while the melt-in-your-mouth flour tortilla holds everything together in perfect harmony.
Must-Try: Caramelo (double-sized taco topped with pinot beans, jack cheese, salsa roja, avocado, and diced cabbage)
Chichen Itza Restaurant: South Los Angeles
📍Address: 3655 S Grand Ave #C6, Los Angeles, CA 90007
🌮 Taco Meter: Flavor: 4.5/5 | Creativity: 3/5 | Ambiance 5/5
Flavor Notes: The cochinita pibil taco at Chichen Itza is an explosion of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The slow-roasted pork is marinated in achiote and sour orange, giving it a succulent and aromatic taste. The dish is cooked inside a banana leaf, which imparts a subtle earthiness to the pork. The taco is traditionally topped with pickled red onions, which provide a sharp contrast and balance to the rich flavors of the pork.
Must-Try: Cochinita Pibil (slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote and sour orange)
Tacos are a way of life in LA, and our interactive Taco Lover's Guide is your ultimate companion on this culinary journey. From the classic to the innovative, from the seafood-filled to the meaty delights, each taco spot on this list brings its own unique flair to the table.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, make sure to check out these taco gems and let your taste buds explore the vibrant flavors that define the City of Angels. Don't forget to use the interactive map to plan your taco-hopping adventure and share your experiences with us using the hashtag #LATacoLovers. Happy taco hunting, and buen provecho!
