Los Angeles is a city where taco dreams tend to come true. You could spend years sampling tortillas, salsas, and secret marinades tucked into every corner of this sprawling city. I still remember biting into my first LA taco at a streetside stand in Boyle Heights—fresh-stacked double corn tortillas, salsa roja with a hint of fire, and the kind of filling that tastes better with every messy bite. The search for the perfect taco in LA is less a quest and more a delicious adventure—each taqueria, bistro, or beachside spot brings its own flavor.
This list covers spots that hardly need an introduction among true taco lovers. Whether you crave classics, inventive twists, vegan crunch, or that unbeatable backyard flavor, you’ll find the right stop here. I’ve tasted and talked my way through countless taco counters, listening to grill sizzles and salsa secrets shared behind counters. Along the way, I discovered places both legendary and low-key, always with the same goal: finding the best tacos in Los Angeles. Ready to eat your way through LA? Let’s start with the heavyweights.
Where to find the best tacos in Los Angeles, CA
Here are some of the top spots to find the best tacos in Los Angeles, CA:
- El Compadre
- Café Gratitude Venice
- Joselito’s Mexican Food
- Carney’s Restaurant
- Sushi A Go Go
- Wurstküche
- Water Grill
- Truxton’s American Bistro
- The Griddle Cafe
- Guisados
1. El Compadre
El Compadre, nestled on Sunset Boulevard, always strikes me as the kind of place where tradition feels alive. Low lighting, vintage decor, and the sound of laughter set the tone. The staff moves with ease, tending to regulars and newcomers alike.
What sets El Compadre apart are its no-fuss yet flavorful tacos. Their grilled chicken and sautéed shrimp tacos showcase quality ingredients and careful seasoning. Each bite balances char and zest, a taste of both the kitchen’s care and LA’s melting-pot spirit.
If you’re with friends, order the taco platter. It’s shareable, arrives fast, and highlights how El Compadre elevates the basics. This spot has a way of making every meal feel a little like a local secret.
2. Café Gratitude Venice
Café Gratitude Venice brings a breath of fresh air to Rose Avenue. Sunlight fills the space, and there’s a subtle buzz from diners enjoying vibrant, plant-based creations. My first visit felt almost therapeutic—each menu item is named with a positive affirmation, which adds unexpected charm.
What makes Café Gratitude unique is its devotion to bold, nourishing flavors without animal products. Their vegan jackfruit tacos are a standout. The fillings are marinated with care, served in soft corn tortillas, and topped with spicy salsa, creamy avocado, and crunchy cabbage.
If you’re after something light yet satisfying, try the seasonal vegetable tacos. They’re a great introduction to how this spot reinvents classic comfort without losing its soul. Café Gratitude is perfect for anyone craving tacos with a fresh and inventive twist.
3. Joselito’s Mexican Food
Joselito’s Mexican Food makes you feel like a guest at a friend’s house. The patio is Baja-inspired, laidback, and perfect for a long lunch. On my last visit, I was greeted with smiles and the aroma of sizzling spices drifting from the kitchen.
What sets Joselito’s apart is its commitment to classic CaliMex recipes that strike a balance between comfort and creativity. Their Seared Ahi Tacos are a true highlight. The ahi is lightly seared, paired with tangy slaw and a punchy house-made sauce that captures Joselito’s fresh approach to tradition.
If you want something a little different, the grilled veggie tacos bring vibrant color and flavor. Joselito’s keeps things both classic and inventive, making it an easy favorite in LA’s taco scene.
4. Carney’s Restaurant
Carney’s Restaurant is hard to miss—a bright yellow railcar overlooking Sunset Boulevard, with the city rolling past your window seat. The place feels classic Los Angeles from the moment you step inside. On my visit, the blend of old-school charm and fast-paced fun was unmistakable.
Carney’s unexpected twist comes in the form of its taco specials, bridging SoCal flavors with their signature no-nonsense attitude. The chicken tacos come packed with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a blend of mild sauces that let each ingredient shine. Every taco here tastes like a neighborhood favorite, straightforward and satisfying.
The combo plates are ideal if you’re extra hungry. Carney’s manages to keep things fun and unfussy, capturing that laidback LA vibe with every bite.
5. Sushi A Go Go
+1 323-930-7874
Sushi A Go Go sits tucked within the iconic Farmers Market, offering a quick but memorable dining escape. The menu blends tradition with a nod to inventive LA tastes. I first stopped in while exploring the market, drawn by the casual counter and the chatter of regulars.
What makes Sushi A Go Go interesting is its creative spin on fusion tacos. Their vegetarian sushi tacos are fresh, light, and neatly assembled in crispy seaweed shells. Each bite has a crunch followed by creamy avocado and seasoned rice, reflecting both quality and simplicity.
If you want something different, try a platter and sample their house salsas with each sushi taco. The atmosphere is fun, the service friendly, and the flavors make for a standout LA taco experience.
6. Wurstküche
Wurstküche, tucked in the heart of the Arts District, stands out with its clever takes on global street food and a modern, industrial vibe. My first visit was all casual conversations, long picnic tables, and the smell of sizzling food—a place built for laid-back gatherings.
What sets Wurstküche apart is its playful approach to tradition. Here, you’ll find their grilled vegetarian sausage tacos, a menu highlight wrapped in soft tortillas with crisp toppings and a shot of tangy sauce. The layers of flavor hit the mark for anyone curious about something offbeat yet satisfying.
If you’re in the mood for variety, order a mix and share with friends. Wurstküche’s take on tacos nods to LA’s creative food scene in every bite.
7. Water Grill
Water Grill, with its polished wood, oyster bar, and bustling downtown energy, always feels a little special. Every visit gives me the sense I’m in the company of seafood lovers who know their catch. The menu shifts with the tides, yet quality is always the mainstay.
What makes Water Grill shine is the skill with which they handle fresh seafood. Their grilled fish tacos let the delicate flavors do the talking—soft corn tortillas cradle perfectly cooked fish, crunchy cabbage, and a bright, citrusy salsa that’s hard to forget.
The taco platter is a must for sampling. It’s a reflection of Water Grill’s knack for simple luxury and seafood at its best, all in the heart of Los Angeles.
8. Truxton’s American Bistro
Truxton’s American Bistro greets you with warmth and an eclectic menu that reflects LA’s many tastes. It’s a favorite spot of mine for any casual gathering, thanks to its relaxed, neighborhood feel. The energy is always upbeat, matched by staff who know their regulars by name.
What sets Truxton’s apart is its dedication to modern comfort food with global flair. Their grilled fish tacos are a highlight, featuring flaky, well-seasoned fish inside soft tortillas, topped with a crunchy slaw and a squeeze of fresh lime. It’s a classic LA bite redefined for today’s palate.
There’s also a plant-based taco option that stands out, perfect for those looking for something lighter but packed with bold flavor. Truxton’s makes every taco inviting, no fuss necessary.
9. The Griddle Cafe
The Griddle Cafe is one of those quirky LA gems known for massive pancakes, but step inside and you’ll see it’s so much more. The place buzzes with creativity, and every visit feels like a cheerful breakfast party that stretches late into the day. Lines can get long, but the food is always worth it.
What stands out at The Griddle Cafe is its playful approach to classic dishes, including tacos. Their breakfast tacos are a favorite, filled with fluffy eggs, fresh avocado, pico de gallo, and a sprinkle of cheddar. They hit the right balance between hearty and fresh, perfect for starting any LA adventure.
If you’re leaning plant-based, try their veggie breakfast tacos. Each one is a bright mix of vegetables and spices, echoing the creative attitude that defines The Griddle Cafe.
10. Guisados
Guisados is pure LA, mixing community vibes with homestyle flavors you can’t fake. My first taste was unforgettable—corn tortillas pressed while you wait, filled with savory stews simmered to perfection. The space is lively, packed with taco fans who know a good thing when they find it.
What sets Guisados apart is its focus on slow-cooked fillings and handmade tortillas. Go for the veggie taco sampler, a rundown of their complex, comforting options like calabacitas and frijoles. Every taco packs bold flavor into a small package that’s anything but ordinary.
If you like it spicy, try one of their house salsas. Guisados redefines the taco tradition with depth, variety, and a real taste of LA.
More Things to Try in Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of tacos can I find in Los Angeles?
You’ll find everything from classic grilled chicken and fish tacos to inventive vegan options and fusion creations that borrow from LA’s global food scene. Each neighborhood offers its own specialties, so there’s always something new to try.
Where can I get the best vegetarian or vegan tacos in LA?
Several spots on this list serve standout plant-based tacos. Café Gratitude Venice and Guisados both offer creative vegan taco fillings that even meat-eaters enjoy, while The Griddle Cafe and Truxton’s American Bistro also have great veggie-friendly options.
Are there late-night taco spots in Los Angeles?
Yes, many taco joints and bistros stay open late, especially in areas like Sunset Boulevard and the Arts District. It’s easy to grab a quality taco after hours in LA.
Can I find gluten-free taco options in Los Angeles?
Definitely. Many places use corn tortillas and offer gluten-free fillings. Just ask your server, since most top taco spots are happy to accommodate dietary needs.
What makes LA tacos different from tacos in other cities?
Los Angeles tacos draw from diverse influences. You’ll find authentic Mexican, CaliMex, and creative fusion tacos, all made with access to fresh California produce. The variety and innovation set the city apart.
