Guelaguetza is a popular, family-owned spot. A restaurant and a deli, Guelaguetza has been dedicated to providing traditional, regional style dishes from the Mexican state of Oaxaca.
"It's a real neighborhood find. They've been around for about 15 years, but people are still discovering it every single day, and once you're here, you're hooked," said Mar Yvette of Citysearch.com.
Popular dishes include the chilaquiles, smothered in traditional Mexican string cheese, the berry-infused horchata and the clauda, also known as the 'Oaxacan pizza'.
Co-owner Bricia Lopez recommends the tamal de mole, which is wrapped in a banana leaf, and covered in mole negro with chicken.
"It's just unbelievable. I mean, that's our No. 1 seller," Lopez said.
2. La Seranata de Garibaldi
La Seranata de Garibaldi is known as an oasis in Boyle Heights, according to Yvette.
Behind large, ornate wooden doors, visitors can expect a relaxing experience and an expanded menu full of daily specials.
Aurora Rodriguez, who co-owns the restaurant with her husband Jose, said the recipes come from all over the country of Mexico.
"It's not fast food. We take time to prepare," she said.
Specialties at La Seranata include Atlantic salmon dressed in molcajete sauce, and the tilapia and shrimp, prepared with spicy Veracruz sauce.
3. Loteria Grill
Loteria Grill is located at the Original Farmer's Market on Fairfax Boulevard. Loyal customers love the spicy veggies and tender meats, as well as side dishes like calabasitas.
Loteria Grill is very well known for their freshly made, warm tortillas and delicious agua frescas.
Here are the Mexican restaurants rounding out the top 7:
4. Casa Sanchez in West L.A.
5. Malo in Silver Lake
6. El Patio Bar & Grill in El Monte
7. Las Fuentes in Reseda
Great Mexican restaurants are, of course, not exclusive to Los Angeles:
Orange County: El Toro Bravo in Costa Mesa
Inland Empire: Las Campanas Mexican Cuisine & Cantina in Riverside
Ventura County: Corrales Mexican in Ventura
There's no way this list is complete. Share your favorite in the comments below!
