Explore La Crescenta-Montrose's best Mexican restaurants, handpicked by Restaurantji.
“Steak tostadas made by Baja Fresh is popular but very expensive price I had. Everyone loves it too. The Mexican food is great taste delicious than I expected. The employees were kindly & nice. So many salsa to choose add on the tostada salad. We visited for dinner. So satisfying as always.“
“This past weekend, I had the chance to visit Mirate without a reservation. Given it was Coachella weekend, I imagine it's usually tough to get a table here without a wait. Right from the moment we walked in and were directed to the bar area, I felt like something special was about to unfold. The environment was both open and lush, creating a sense of bliss similar to the feeling of being on vacation. The drinks menu was impressive, and I thoroughly enjoyed the La Soñadora, a clarified milk punch, out of the two I tried. We ordered five dishes, and four really stood out. I would definitely order the pork belly tacos, kampachi aguachile, jalapeño cornbread, and the baby gems again. We were too full to try the churros, although we wanted to. Our server was wonderful and played a big part in making our afternoon at Mirate a 5-star experience.“
“A beautiful date night spot where you can sit beneath string lights nestled in an alleyway, listening to live music (plus, they have outdoor heaters!). Plates are tapas style and the bar is full, with an advantage for mezcal enthusiasts. Bonus- The wait staff is knowledgeable and friendly. They recommended some drinks for us to try and gave us some suggestions on the entrees. The drinks were great and we recommend the sea bass! Nice atmosphere with good service and lots of mezcal.“
“Loreto lived up to my expectations in every aspect. Last minute they were able to accommodate an extra guest for our table, which was much appreciated! Our server (I forget her name, so sorry!) was so attentive and helpful; we had a gluten allergy and she was able to let us know on the spot which dishes had gluten and which didn't. We were coursed so well, with all of the ceviches and tostadas arriving first, followed by hot dishes. For a group of five, we ordered: -3 Oysters Preparado -yellowtail sashimi -Aguachiles Rojo -Leche de Tigre -Bay Scallop ceviche -Tostada a la Joaquin -Tostada Kondo -Tostada Bang Bang! -Camote Horneado -Mar-Esquites -Empanadas de Camaron -Albondigas de Camaron. My favorites of the night were the Aguachiles Rojo, Tostada Kondo and the Albondigas; however the shining star of the night was the Tostada a la Joaquin. The aquachiles was perfectly spicy and fresh with a lot of umami- I could eat 3 servings of this!! Tostada Kondo was also fresh and the scallops were so soft and buttery. The albondigas were an excellent hot dish to share and the green curry they were served in was flavorful and bright. The oysters and yellowtail to start were also excellent. The Tostada a la Joaquin was absolutely perfect; the otoro melted in your mouth and the yuzu vinaigrette was perfectly rich to compliment the tuna. Everyone was so impressed by this dish. The Leche de Tigre and Camote Horneado fell a bit flat for me, but were still enjoyable alongside the other dishes. We had a round of drinks; I ordered the Todos Santos Milkpunch and loved it. Everyone enjoyed their drinks as well! I took not one photo (which is rare for me) because the food and company was so good. We had so much fun here and will return so soon!!“
“Best fish tacos on the east side. Could eat them once a week. Made to order from a taco truck so sometimes you have to wait a bit. Wish they were there later but great for an early dinner or lunch. My favorite is the recommended shrimp and cheese one and soft shell crab“
“Solid selection of tacos, counter service, where you order, huge drink selection, including a $200 margarita meant for 16 people (sorry that’s not pictured we must have finished it so quickly). Generous portions, and all the tacos which he would hope for spending at least $5/taco.“
“Great place to experience some new flavor combos. Service was top notch, but for us the flavors were a little dull. Maybe a case of having too high of expectations going in, but the street corn pasta dish was very underwhelming. We wouldn’t have known what it was going for. Again, food was still delicious, maybe worth another shot to try the rest of the menu.“
“I tried out Playita Mariscos for lunch. I've been driving by for a long time. It is owned by the Guisados people so I expected the food to be good. I ordered the Campechana Mixta. The cold tomato broth was fantastic. I really like the raw shrimp, crab and fish. The Octopus was a little tough for my taste. They have a parking lot, which on Sunset, is a plus.“
“you MUST visit this spot! Had an amazing experience at Tlayuda LA !! The food was delicious, I have never a caldo de pollo that tastes like the one back home in México! Also had mole and green enchiladas and everything had authentic flavors !Service was great and friendly! Definitely going back !“
“I recently dined at Kateen restaurant and had a wonderful experience. The food was absolutely delicious, with each dish presenting a burst of flavor and expertly prepared. The atmosphere of the restaurant added to the enjoyment, offering a welcoming and comfortable setting. I would highly recommend Kateen to anyone looking for a delightful culinary experience.“
“Nice Mexican restaurant in the Los Feliz neighborhood in LA. The restaurant had great ambiance and attentive service. We had an assortment of vegan and vegetarian sides, including flautas (made vegan), beans, rice, and fingerling potatoes. The dessert options included vegan sorbets and vegetarian churros.Vegetarian options: Good vegetarian options with a clearly labeled menu. Many of the Vegetarian items can be made vegan.“
“This was our first time at this restaurant and it was very good. There was a wide variety of items on the menu, and it was difficult to choose because everything sounded so good. We decided on the enchiladas Suizas & quesadilla Lito with chicken, which were delicious. Our server was very friendly & attentiveand made sure we had everything we needed. We will definitely be back to try more items on the menu.“
“Environment, food, & service was all incredibly amazing. All the food was delicious, especially the cafe de olla!! Would recommend this place for anyone wanting some delicious breakfast/food. They have a wide range of choices and options. Isaac (the owner) was very friendly and inviting. If I could give this place 10 stars I would! My family and I will definitely be coming back when we are back in California.“
“Found this little eatery which served Mexican food. Looked like a family run business. Their tacos were so good and tasty. Burritos too hot and fresh!! Nice little place to eat and hang out. Just by the street. I wanted the sour cream and Chipotle sauce off my taco. The lady happily obliged to the request. Definitely recommend them.“
“Delia's has been our favorite lunch spot for years now, and for good reason! Their chile verde special is absolutely to die for - it's our go-to dish every time. The customer service is top-notch, with the owner and kids being incredibly sweet and welcoming. The food quality and flavor are consistently amazing, and the outdoor seating creates a charming atmosphere that feels like you're enjoying a meal in your grandma's backyard, surrounded by beautiful plants. This hidden gem comes highly recommended - a must-visit for anyone looking for a delightful dining experience!“
“Food five stars, service five stars...The food is good, I like spicy but they have a good balance of flavor that made the extra spice I usually like unnecessary, the portions are generous. I don't really like mole but after trying some of their mole, I don't think I can continue saying that. The restaurant is cozy, clean and has good/attentive staff. Our server was Rene and he is courteous and attentive, next time I will try their desserts I just wasn't ready for their portions and got full / was left with no room for dessert. The four stars on the atmosphere section is only because, for me to truly judge a restaurant's atmosphere you need to experience it during its busy time when it's buzzing with people and all the staff is present. I love that it is cozy, it is and feels like an authentic family restaurant. I don't like taking pictures of my food as it gets in the way of fully being present and enjoying the experience so go see it and taste it for yourselves. I recommend it.“
“It's a tiny whole in the wall, stopped for dinner only because of the name. Prices are super high to me, for the amount of food that you get. A soda is $5.50. ?Cute Menus, they also had a QR for the menu. Should've looked at the prices before I ordered. $70 for 2 people. Never again. Sorry Not sorry.“
“let me tell keep this description short and straight up: fresh handmade corn tortillas, homestyle braised meat, everything you're looking for in a taco There was free parking (a plus) and the service was super FAST! we didn't wait for more than 5 minutes for our food. there's seating indoor and outdoor. The patio was really nice to sit and eat at because they had heaters and it's entirely covered and shaded. Here's what we ordered: -the OG sampler ($10.49) - includes 6 mini tacos of steak picado, bistek en salsa roja, tinga de pollo, mole poblano, chicarron, & cochinita pibil -tinga de pollo (normal sized $3.79) -cochinita pibil (normal sized $3.79) - we got this with a medium spice level but this was SPICY!! I am someone with pretty high spice tolerance and the spice on this got me“
“Literally the best Mexican food in LA and pretty good service. I discovered them because they were the only restaurant open on Christmas Day close to me, turns out I live 5 min away from here. It's super low key building but always busy so that should tell you something.“
“Our server Patty was upbeat! Rock vibe-fun spot with Mexican decor. They offer $5 happy hour beers 3-5 pm. Had the mole chicken enchiladas. So tasty! I could tell the chef really makes an effort. That matters to me a lot these days. Because so many don’t! Give it a try!Parking: Was a weekday dinner meal. Not crowded and right off the 5 fwy exit in Sunland.“
“I went there after 11 o clock to satisfy some late evening munchies and was psyched to find out all their baked goods are gluten free, and they use organic ingredients. For a gf cupcake it was especially rich and satisfying! I should have taken a picture but I was busy!“
“We live a few short blocks away…. lucky us. This is a wonderful addition to our neighborhood. Food is delicious. Their fajitas are delicious. And happy hour is a definite treat.Parking: Some spots right in front of restaurant. And revere is street parking depending on times.“
“Super cute restaurant good luck finding parking though. I was lucky and got there as someone was leaving. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is very comfortable. We got the tacos al pastor and they were delicious, so much flavor. The enchiladas were delicious too, I just didn’t really like the rice but I’m picky with Mexican rice. Can’t wait to visit again and try something else on the menu! Oh! And the chips and salsa were fresh! My mom loved the salsa and she’s usually picky too lol“
“La Abeja is our family's favorite breakfast spot. My parents started taking me here when I was nine years old and now my kids get to enjoy it just as much. The food is amazing. The waiters and owner are always very interactive with our family. The steak, Picado and pork adoba are especially amazing!“
“A no-frills "fast food" spot. They have a very diverse menu consisting of American, Mexican, and Chinese food. I have yet to try any other item besides the burgers and fried zucchini, which I'm a fan of. The service is quick and your food is cooked to order. The burgers are a great size and delicious! Also, do yourself a favor and get the fried zucchini. The batter is nice and crispy, and the zucchini is sliced thick.“
“this was an amazing breakfast burrito. hot, salty, delicious, i got the BBB add veggies. my only complaints were that there wasn’t exactly a salsa, just a creamy cilantro sauce and a sort of armenian/mexican fusion chimichurri sort of tapenade, and also that it was quite pricey for a breakfast burrito. but that armenian spiced beef was slammin. would def go back“
Mexican •
“I am a frequent visitor to Moderno Cocina and its partner bar up front, Las Perlas. They are a perfect pair. And Moderno's food is absolutely ??? (not literally, though there are plantains)! I have had just about everything on the menu, and it is all good.Do yourself a favor, and come here immediately. Open every night, and on the weekends for brunch (with a little service gap to prep for dinner). Mind the gap. And enjoy one of my favorite places in Los Angeles.“
“Great spot to go with friends for lunch or to take the kids on the weekend. They have a great front patio and full bar, a back room with TVs and games for kids and a back patio that's more private. I've never hosted an event here, but seems like a great spot for a birthday party with friends on a Saturday or Sunday - Margs and tacos and lots of space for socializing. Also very kid friendly! They have a great kids menu with options for picky eaters, frozen lemonade etc. Recommend the mexi cali taco and the Philly cheese steak! So good!“
“Let's see,- no-frills taco and kabob joint,- food is pretty dang good- they are not playin' with their red sauce. My mouth is on FIRE but it hurts so good... can't get enough.- they did just recently (Nov 2023) raise their prices, but it's still competitive. just LAST month it was a crazy good deal. now it's a pretty good deal.- service is usually really fast.“
“I absolutely loved this restaurant. So modern, food is exquisite, and the vibe is perfect. The servers are friendly and know what they are serving. You must visit this place if you love eating Mexican food and trying flavorful cocktails.The chips and guac, asada and chicken perfect.Fast service, welcoming and good food.“
“Daaaaang! This food was delicious! We stopped by after a long hike, purchased the OG Plate which has mostly everything they serve. And devoured it! The consome was awesome as well! Dip everything in it!? Then we washed it down with a refreshing hibiscus drink! Will be back for the burrito!“
“The food here is unmatched. The best tacos and salsa around by far. The service? Not super amazing, but it made for a more intentional dining experience, and I don't mind that. Truly though, the steak tacos set a new bar for me. Amazing work in the kitchen. Great cocktails too!“
“Trying a new spot is hard, but they made it pretty easy. I got super friendly and helpful service from Wendy when I came in on a Tuesday. She made sure to mention the taco special and saved me a few bucks. Very chill atmosphere and seeks to not get too busy.“
“I did some kitchen installation in Pasadena and we got some lunch and the wet burrito is amazing i truly suggest this restaurant 100% also great service and really good cooks. Restaurant was also really clean and organized. They have an outside sitting area also.“
“The seafood here is so fresh! The service was great also. We were constantly checked on to ask if we needed anything. We were so happy to find this gem after a long night of drinking. We will definitely take the long drive here to eat again.“
“My son and daughter were craving for pupusas. So naturally, hubby and I looked here on yelp for Salvadorean food/pupusas. I wanted a sit down place so we narrowed our selection to this. Let me just say, our hearts and belly are happy to say that it was a great happenstance! Delicious homestyle food like your abuela made it. I don't have a Salvadorean grandma but it tasted authentic to us! lol! Their pupusas were so good that my kids had 2 each! Usually my daughter can only finish one but she actually scarfed 2 revueltas down without any problem. My husband ordered their caldo de res and I had their beef stew plate (I forgot the name). Whatever you order, you cannot go wrong! According to our kids, the food was deliciously amazing!! *chef's kiss* and she said, compliments to the chef. My son said, "do not judge the place by the looks because their food and the people were awesome!" The staff were hospitable and friendly; they welcomed us like family. It appears that this is a local favorite because it seemed like the staff knew everyone that came in. They serve a full menu from breakfast to dinner. Be forewarned, be very patient because they actually cooked everything from scratch, so it takes a bit of time before you get your food. My son and daughter give this place 4 thumbs up! Pupusas special: $1.50 every Monday and Wednesday.“
“I love to come to this taco stand; the service is always prompt and the owners are very kind. The food is absolutely incredible and they usually have an Agua Fresca (horchata most of the time) and it's always delicious as well. They accept cash or zelle!“
“Absolutely the most delicious, freshly made Mexican food . You cannot go wrong with anything in the menu . I love trying something new and I also have my favorites . Great flavors. I have hired them for catering as well for my daughter’s sweet 16 and my wedding . Highly recommend. Staff is amazing !“
“Me and coworkers went out for drinks after work and had dinner at another place across the street. We were not satisfied and decided to pop in for 1 beer. The place is cozy and not too busy. But we want to support local businesses, especially long established ones who now have to fight the big new restaurants like cheesecake factory. The staff read super friendly, attentive and always ready to assist. The owner prepared super nachos, guacamole dip and chips and salsa. Food was amazing! Wish we stopped here first. Going back With our other coworkers real soon. Thank you El Toreo!“
“Spacious restaurant with eclectic, authentic menu of moles, tacos, etc., and an array of mezcals varying from the popular bottles to smaller, family owned distilleries. We tried the fried crickets and a manager brought out cheese as a pairing. So good!“
“We went here for my partner's birthday and all loved it! Food was tasty, drinks were great, and service was top notch. We had 4 different kinds of meat across the group in both tacos and quesadillas, as well as the chips and salsa. Looking forward to heading back soon!“
“The carnitas burritos are delicious! The whole thing is super flavorful - the pork is great, the green salsa is fantastic, the tortilla is so good, and the rice and beans add so much to it. It came with chips and green salsa. It felt like a pretty big amount of food for $12. The lady at the counter was so nice and sweet. Highly recommend next time you want a great burrito.“
“Came by for a study sesh with a pal Drink- -Cold Brew: it's very light. Pal appreciated it since it's 3p and we're drinking coffee and studying and also.. coffee runs through our veins... BUUUT I prefer it to be stronger. Also their lids are a bit drippy, or maybe only we got those lids?? Ambiance- -relaxed and comfortable whether inside/outside. There seem to be enough outlets, but it's a good mix of people studying/reading/working and people hanging out and it works! Worth a try though I know I haven't tried their food food just yet. It's a bit out of the way for me so their coffee doesn't draw me. But I'll be by likely again and will try for some fooood!“
““Gringos is a family favorite on both sides! My mom says she loves coming to my house, not for my cooking but for Los Gringos enchiladas!And when my in-laws come to town, there are no other options, Los Gringos chili relleno and fajitas await them.”“
“Tacos are delicious. Love the options they have. I will suggest getting the sampler order to see which tacos you like the most. All their tacos are really good, but my favorite is chicharron, bistek en salsa roja, calabacitas, and chile relleno. The agua fresca de melon is really good, too. Don't forget to request salsa on the side. It is really good and spicy.“
“If you are a vegetarian or have dietary restrictions this is the place you are looking for. The menu is full of veggie options and let's not forget about their 1L homemade juices and smoothies.Tree house restaurant with a huge tree in the front, that has birds talking and singing all evening.“
“The menu offers a big variety of dishes that really taste like the way done in mexico. The prices are very reasonable. Indoor seating is a bit too claustrophobic for me so I preferred the tables outside which are next to heaters, so it was a comfortable dinner.“
Mexican • $
“A quick visit to this place, a new concept in Mexican gastronomy, the delicious pork carnitas tacos, the regular asada tacos, the burrito I just looked at it and it was delicious and the cake with good potatoes, the best is the rice water or horchata with another flavor similar to the Michoacana-style fruit water. I loved it to enjoy other dishes with the family again.“
“A great local hidden gem. The food was fresh & delicious, and the service was outstanding - attentive & very accommodating! There is no longer a buffet due to COVID restrictions; however, the menu includes a great focused combination of seafood, meat & salads, plus options for kids. There is also outdoor dining still available, along with the takeout option. A must try!“
“Let's start with the burritos; they are an absolute revelation! From the moment I took my first bite, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The burritos at Los Padilla are a perfect blend of succulent meats, zesty salsas, and fresh veggies, all wrapped in a warm tortilla that simply melts in your mouth. Each bite was a burst of flavor, and I found myself savoring every morsel with sheer delight.But what truly elevated my dining experience was our waitress, Rosa. Her warm and welcoming demeanor instantly made us feel at home. Rosa's passion for the food she served was evident in her recommendations and detailed explanations of the menu. She took the time to ensure we were comfortable and catered to our every need, making our visit truly special.As we savored our burritos, it became clear that Taqueria Los Padilla was not just another taco joint; it was a celebration of Mexican flavors and culinary traditions. The authenticity of the dishes and the care put into each preparation spoke volumes about the dedication of the chefs.The ambiance of the taqueria was vibrant, with colorful decorations and lively music that added to the overall experience. It felt like a little piece of Mexico in the heart of Los Angeles.For anyone seeking an unforgettable Mexican culinary experience, Taqueria Los Padilla is a must-visit. The mouthwatering burritos, the exceptional service from waitresses like Rosa, and the genuine passion for traditional flavors make it a place worth revisiting time and again. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this taqueria will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your taste buds and your heart.“