Taco-bout Tasty Tacos in Los Angeles

When people think of the best tacos in the world, Los Angeles frequently comes to mind. The city's proximity to Mexico makes it an ideal place to find authentic tacos. and the food truck scene really put the best tacos in Los Angeles on the map. From Baja fish to crispy beef, we’ve found the best tacos in the City of Angels right now. So, how can diners pick out the best tacos in Los Angeles? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. We’ve cruised taquerias and contemporary Mexican joints to find top tacos beloved by Angelenos and tourists alike. Book a table today for the best tacos in Los Angeles.

The OpenTable Team

12 Restaurants

Updated January 28, 2020

Restaurants:	Fishing With Dynamite, The Tower Bar, Petty Cash Taqueria & Bar…
Price Range:	$$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Seafood, Californian, Mexican…
Neighborhoods:	Manhattan Beach, West Hollywood, Beverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.…

Fishing With Dynamite

$$$$

Seafood

Manhattan Beach

4.8

2204 reviews

Los Angeles seafood is something really special, and Fishing with Dynamite manages to stand out amongst the competition time after time. From towering piles of shellfish to grilled octopus with hummus, there’s a good mix of old-school and contemporary eats here. Those seeking out the best tacos in Los Angeles need to come here at lunchtime. The mahi-mahi or shrimp tacos come on house-made corn tortillas with guac and salsa- the classics done well.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Tower Bar

$$$$

Californian

West Hollywood

4.7

1506 reviews

The Sunset Tower Hotel has been an LA icon since 1929, although it recently had a total makeover bringing both the exterior and interior bang up to date. The Tower Bar is a softly lit, cozy place to enjoy amazing city views and food from a range of carefully crafted menus. The tacos are a luxury version of the Mexican classic: lobster tacos with chipotle aioli, avocado and cilantro. Available as an appetizer on dinner menu or as a main at lunchtime.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

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Petty Cash Taqueria & Bar

$$$$

Mexican

Beverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.

4.7

937 reviews

Fairfax locals know where to go for a great margarita and even better taco. Petty Cash serves up some of the best tacos in Los Angeles, and has one of the most diverse menus. Grilled mushroom and butternut squash, organic chicken, plus grilled octopus with peanuts are just some of the exciting options. Their triumph is the Taco al Pastor, contrasting chili-rubbed pork and a huge chunk of pineapple for the perfect blend of sweet and spicy.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

El Compadre - Hollywood

$$$$

Mexican

Hollywood

4.3

384 reviews

This Hollywood Mexican joint has been wowing city-goers since 1975. The dining area is full of Mexican art and artifacts. The menu is just as authentic, offering family recipes handed down through the generations. Unsurprisingly, the tacos here are excellent. Corn tortillas, chicken, shrimp, fish, and beef are all done to perfection, with a range of sides including rice, authentically cooked bean and, of course, house guacamole. Don’t leave here without trying the world-famous Flaming Margarita!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Manhattan Beach Post

$$$$

American

Manhattan Beach

4.8

3800 reviews

This Manhattan Beach casual restaurant is a favorite place for friends to get together. The space allows guests to push table together and the décor is both chic and deliberately run down- think industrial warehouse made cozy. Lunchtime is the best time for tacos lovers. The pork carnitas with their sharp hit of pickled onion are a real hit with regulars. Always worth coming back as the menu changes with the seasons- and whenever the chef fancies it!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Henry - West Hollywood

$$$$

American

Beverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.

4.7

1493 reviews

The Henry certainly isn’t a typical taco joint. Rows of smart booths and pendulum lights combine with smart and attentive service to create a classic fine-dining experience, but without any pretentions. The tacos that made it onto this list are a vegetarian option, but there’s so much flavor even the most dedicated carnivore will love them. The Portobello “Asada” Tacos combine mushrooms, quinoa, refried lentils and authentic flavors for a surprising and satisfying lunchtime treat.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Cantina Frida

$$$$

Mexican

Beverly Hills

4.5

334 reviews

Cantina Frida has taken the term “Cantina” and turned it into a concept: a way to showcase the best of Mexican beverages, from tequila to Mezcal. As well as the tongue-tingling drinks, there’s a winning menu of small plates. With one of the menu’s sections simply titled “Los Tacos”, diners know they are in for some serious Mexican flavor. Al Pastor, Baja fish, tuna, cauliflower, and black bean are just a few of the many options on offer- and yes, those last two are vegan. Serving until late, booking recommended.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Nobu Los Angeles

$$$$

Cocktail Bar

West Hollywood

4.5

2735 reviews

Nobu restaurants have become something of a global standard for high-class sushi. The bar is set pretty high at this Tri-West addition to the Nobu empire. The classy, open plan dining area has just a few subtle touches of Japanese culture, and a menu of some of the finest sushi in the city. This includes the famous Nobu Style Tacos. These small yet select bites of tuna, crab, or even wagyu beef appear on both the bar snack and dinner menu. Taco fans can have them as a part of a main meal or as a collection of small plates. Always exceptional.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

AOC - Brentwood

$$$$

Californian

Brentwood

4.6

2878 reviews

Tavern is a truly glamourous yet relaxed restaurant just on the edge of Brentwood. The brainchild of award-winning chefs Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne, Tavern is both a full-service restaurant and a cool bar offering artisan wines and some clever cocktails. Lunchtime sees Tavern serving up one of the best tacos in Los Angeles. The tempura fish taco is full of light and crispy fish, with the winning combo of creamy aioli and Pico de Gallo. Booking recommended.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Petite Taqueria

$$$$

Mexican

West Hollywood

4.5

259 reviews

Petite Taqueria is all about trendy dining and Mexican flavors. Greenery and art fill the vibrant dining area, while the outdoor patio is bright and welcoming. At least nine types of taco are on offer at any one time, from classics like chicken tinga to vegetarian options like their mushroom and corn tacos. Our favorite has to be the Baja fish: beer-battered fish with a hit of dill and smoky chipotle aioli. A great place to hang out with friends.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Javier's - Century City

$$$$

Mexican

Century City

4.7

2052 reviews

Javier’s is a Century City eatery promising the finest foods of Mexico plus hand-shaken Margaritas. The setting hangs with huge bowls of greenery plus there’s a striking firepit that makes this restaurant both cozy and contemporary. Guests can try the taquitos to start, then look for the Cabo Azul with Ensenada style shrimp taco. The star of the menu: La Tablita, custom-built tacos with skirt steak, carnitas or chicken on a platter with jalapeno, salsa and other authentic fillings. Remember to book!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ivy at the Shore

$$$$

Californian

Santa Monica

4.7

2897 reviews

There’ a wonderful, retro seaside vacation theme going on at this branch of The Ivy off Santa Monica Beach. Strips of pale wood and massive paintings of ships at sea combine with a colorful and exciting menu. There are Ivy specials on here, some exciting examples of Californian cuisine, plus plenty of local seafood. That includes their popular spicy swordfish tacos, packed with filling and served with Mexican beans and rice. Booking recommended.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

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