4 best taco spots in LA

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Tacos are truly LA’s signature bite. Born from California’s rich Mexican heritage and perfected in LA’s neighborhoods, tacos are much more than a quick street snack — they’re a cultural icon.

Tacos in Los Angeles are endlessly creative and delicious. They can be high-end or low-end, served from a humble food truck, a late-night stand, or a fancy sit-down restaurant.

Los Angeles has a huge taco culture compared to other cities in the United States. From the Eastside to the beach cities, the city is overflowing with taco joints offering every variety imaginable: classic carne asada, birria dipped in consommé, vegan al pastor, fresh seafood tacos, and everything in between. Here are four top taco spots in LA—from iconic street vendors to new favorites that are making waves in most LA food tours.

Make the most of your visit

Los Angeles is a vast city with taco treasures in every corner. If you’re short on time, the best recommendation is to join an LA food tour that focuses only on tacos.

These tours often include behind-the-scenes stories, local tips, and access to taco spots you might not find on your own. Plus, many of them cover most of the places on our list — they’re just that iconic and essential to the city’s taco scene.

· Leo’s Tacos Truck

Open for Lunch, Dinner

Price range: $$

Leo’s Tacos Truck brings the flavor and freshness of Oxaca-style tacos into the heart of LA. Known for their quality ingredients, these tacos are carved fresh off the trompo and topped with pineapple, crisp vegetables, creamy avocado salsa, and a splash of salsa roja.

The hand-pressed tortillas and supreme quesadillas make you feel like you’re in a Mexican street market. Starting with one taco cart, they have expanded to 12 locations, offering delivery and pick-up options.

Know before you go: Leo’s Tacos Truck is excellent for a flavorful bite — can’t go wrong with their al Pastor quesadilla, with or without veggies.

1515 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019

· Mariscos Jalisco

Open for: Lunch

Price range: $

Mariscos Jalisco is a legendary taco business that has operated from a food truck in Boyle Heights since 2011. Their claim to fame is the Jalisco-inspired fried shrimp taco: a crispy shell stuffed with shrimp and topped with creamy avocado slices and spicy salsa. It’s a taco unlike any other—crunchy, creamy, spicy, and addictive. The truck draws locals and tourists alike, and it’s often listed among LA’s must-eat experiences.

What to order: The iconic crispy shrimp taco, lime-kissed ceviches, and poseidón (a tostada topped with ceviche, avocado, octopus, and red agua chile).

3040 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023

· Sonoratown

Open for Lunch, Dinner

Price range: $$

Sonoratown brings northern Mexican flavors to the heart of Downtown LA with its legendary homemade tacos and more. Their award-winning carne asada and del pastor tacos—made with smokey-finish beef and served on flour tortillas—are a local favorite. Their tortillas are handmade daily and might just ruin store-bought ones forever.

Know before you go: Sonoratown is a small place and often has long waiting lines, but you can order your food via apps if you don’t want to go in person. They also offer burritos, chips with guacamole, and chimichangas (mini burritos) for those who want something heartier. Their meal is a total win all around.

208 E 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

· Birrieria San Marcos

Open for Lunch, Dinner

Price range: $$

For taco lovers chasing the birria trend, Birrieria San Marcos delivers one of LA’s most mouthwatering versions. Their juicy beef birria tacos are dipped in rich consommé, grilled to perfection, and loaded with melted cheese. Add a green or red salsa for an extra kick, and you’ve got one of LA’s most satisfying taco experiences.

Initially a food truck, they now have two locations, including one in North Hollywood, a great tourist spot.

What to order: The birria taco combo with cheese, the vampire dipped in consomé, and the taco dorado. Just be aware that they don’t serve alcohol, so go with pineapple juice or a tasty horchata.

5937 Hazeltine Ave, Los Angeles, CA 91343. North Hills.