Los Angeles’s Mexican dining landscape is rich, diverse, and ever-evolving, spanning century-old institutions, modern coastal taquerias, and celebrated chef-driven spots. From the slick counters of Damian in the Arts District to the intimate omakase-style experience at Holbox in Mercado La Paloma, each restaurant tells a unique story of regional Mexican flavors meeting L.A.’s inventive spirit. While El Cholo and El Paseo Inn carry forward historic recipes and decades-old traditions, newer powerhouses like Sonoratown and La Diosa de los Moles showcase focused menus that celebrate Sonoran grilling and complex moles with equal passion. Guelaguetza brings Oaxacan soul to K-town with mole-driven tasting menus, and the buzzy Holbox earns national acclaim for its Yucatán-style ceviches and octopus tacos. Together, these seven spots form a cross-section of L.A.’s Mexican culinary scene: some are destinations for celebratory feasts, others are neighborhood gems built around one standout dish. Whether you’re after the perfect al pastor taco, a rich chile relleno combo plate, or a plate-licking mole negro, this guide will point you to the seven Mexican restaurants you need to visit in Los Angeles—and why they matter.

Damian

Damian serves Michelin-level Mexican food inside a minimalist, warehouse-style space in the Arts District, where every dish bursts with precision and depth. Chef Ray Garcia blends contemporary plating with traditional techniques—don’t miss his chile relleno mezcal-soaked chile topped with burrata, or the tender braised oxtail enchiladas set off by fresh salsa verde. The dining room’s stark concrete floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and artful charcoal murals complement a wine list heavy on orange wines and artisanal Mexican labels. Critics praise Damian as one of the city’s top sit-down Mexican spots, noting its ability to balance inventive tasting menus with approachable à la carte offerings.

Holbox

Holbox, tucked inside Mercado La Paloma on Wilshire, specializes in Yucatán-style seafood that’s earned it Yelp’s #1 ranking among national “must-visit” restaurants for 2025. The menu revolves around ceviches, aguachiles, and small-batch tortillas—highlighted by its ghost-pepper–spiced aguachile that delivers a memorable, tongue-tingling kick. When LA Times declared Holbox “Restaurant of the Year” in 2023, it cemented its reputation for elevating street-food simplicity into a refined counter-service concept. Bright tile accents, communal counters, and the scent of fresh lime and cilantro make every visit feel like a seaside jaunt in Mérida.

Guelaguetza

Guelaguetza has been dubbed “the epicenter of Oaxacan food in L.A.,” building its reputation since 1994 with mole negro and tlayudas that capture authentic Zapotec flavors. The restaurant’s vibrant pink walls and live brass-band performances set the stage for rich, complex dishes like mole covered chicken or creamy empanadas stuffed with squash blossoms. Family-style dining at Guelaguetza feels celebratory: platters arrive heaped with fragrant rice, handmade tortillas, and rich sauces studded with chocolate, nuts, and dried chiles. Its annual “Night of the Radishes” event—showcasing culinary carvings and Oaxacan folk dances—cements its role as a cultural as well as culinary hub.

Sonoratown

Sonoratown specializes in Sonoran-style flour-tortilla tacos that are a world away from the standard corn-tortilla fare. Conceived by chef Julio “Chef Bos” Martinez, the menu hones in on slow-grilled beefsteak tacos, handmade flour tortillas, and house-cured chorizos that arrive perfectly charred and dripping in fresh lime juice. The open-kitchen setup, with white tile and neon signs, keeps the vibe casual and energetic—it’s the kind of spot where L.A.’s taco-obsessed crowds happily line up for the next seating. Diners rave that Sonoratown’s simplicity—meat, tortilla, salsa—is the essence of what makes L.A.’s taco scene legendary.

El Cholo

El Cholo is a Los Angeles institution, serving Sonoran-style Mexican classics since 1923 from its original Western Avenue location. Its signature green-corn tamales—plump, slightly sweet parcels studded with cheddar cheese—remain a staple, while its enchiladas, chile rellenos, and hearty bean soups evoke generations of loyal patrons. The dark wood booths, vintage photographs, and rows of autographed celebrity headshots transport guests back to Hollywood’s Golden Age. Despite modern expansions, El Cholo’s dedication to made-from-scratch salsas and house-ground masa keeps it rooted in its 1920s beginnings.

El Paseo Inn

Located on historic Olvera Street, El Paseo Inn has hosted diners since 1953, offering patio seating under colorful papel picado banners. Famous for shredded-beef enchiladas and tender carne asada, it also serves sopes—thick-rimmed tortillas laden with beans, cheese, and your choice of protein. Its white-washed walls and terracotta accents create a bright, festive atmosphere that feels distinctly Old-World Mexican. The restaurant remains family-run, with each generation preserving the recipes that made it a staple for tourists and locals alike.

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La Diosa de los Moles

Bell Gardens’s La Diosa de los Moles (formerly Rocío’s Mexican Kitchen) is helmed by Rocío Camacho, celebrated for assembling over a dozen moles from scratch each day. The handwritten daily menu above the kitchen window lists complex sauces—mole poblano, mole verde, mole amarillito—paired with rotisserie chicken or carnitas, showcasing precision akin to watchmaking. Its modest storefront belies the depth and nuance within each bite, from silky, nutty mole negro to tangy mole verde brightened with tomatillos. Diners applaud Camacho’s commitment to freshness and tradition, making this humble spot a pilgrimage site for mole aficionados.

Los Angeles’s Mexican food scene is a tapestry woven from enduring legacies and bold new voices, each plate reflecting a different corner of Mexico and L.A.’s dynamic food culture. Whether tracing the origins of Sonoran tacos at Sonoratown, celebrating Oaxacan heritage at Guelaguetza, or indulging in innovative compositions at Damian and Holbox, these seven restaurants offer authentic experiences that resonate long after the last tortilla is gone. Pack your appetite—and your sense of adventure—and dive into the flavors that make L.A. a true mecca for Mexican cuisine.