Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Tacos and empanadas in LA

A kitchen that masters both the folded taco and the flaky empanada without treating one as a filler for the menu.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
¡Ave Maria Restaurant! image 1
¡Ave Maria Restaurant! image 2
¡Ave Maria Restaurant! image 3
View all

Small, cozy space offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. Patio invites guests to relax with their dogs, adding a dog-friendly touch. Cuisine blends South American fusion with dishes made from scratch, creating a family-style vibe.

Shrimp tacos stand out with unique seasoning and the carne asada tacos come with a spicy verde salsa. Chicken tacos and burritos also offer rich flavors that make the tacos especially tasty.

Golden, flaky pastry wraps around savory fillings like carne and queso. Empanadas have a good amount of meat, are well seasoned, and never dry.

People are saying

"The Ecuadorian food here tastes authentic, just like my mom makes it."

"I thought the carne asada tacos here were some of the best I ever had."

"The empanadas are golden, flaky, and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a small parking lot and plenty of street parking available.

2

They are dog-friendly and even offer a complimentary steak taco for pets.

3

The menu features a diverse selection of Mexican and Ecuadorian dishes.

02
El Huarique Venice image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Small open-air restaurant with patio tables and a beachfront view creates a cozy, relaxed vibe. Outdoor seating fills with a busy, charming atmosphere near the promenade, often accompanied by good music. Family-run feel adds warmth to the casual, walk-up service experience.

Fried fish tacos come out crispy outside and tender inside, topped with fresh onions, cilantro, and balanced sauces. Sea bass tacos stand out with a flavorful touch, and ceviche sauce adds a bright kick when used as a topping.

Beef empanadas feature a delicious sofrito base with beef mixed with caramelized onions and tomatoes. They stand out as rich and flavorful compared to others in the area.

People are saying

"These fish tacos are so flavorful and crispy, I couldn't stop at one."

"The fish tacos here are crispy, flavorful, and totally delicious."

"The empanadas here are packed with flavor and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $10 for three hours at a nearby lot.

2

The restaurant allows customers to bring their own alcohol.

3

A combo meal costs $23, including a burger, fries, and a drink.

03
La Villa Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, colorful space filled with Mexican decor and art creates a cozy, eclectic vibe. The atmosphere stays chill and welcoming, with a small sidewalk patio adding outdoor seating. Food offerings focus on authentic Mexican street dishes with standout fish tacos and empanadas.

Fish tacos stand out with their crispy texture, flavorful seasoning, and generous size. Other options include empanadas, sopes, burritos, and huevos rancheros, covering a broad menu range.

Steak and beef empanadas stand out with exceptional flavor. They pair well with other items like fajitas and fish tacos for a solid meal.

People are saying

"The food here is really delicious and fresh."

"I thought the fish tacos were the best I'd ever had."

"I found the empanadas here to be excellent."

Good to know

1

There is no parking lot available.

2

La Villa Cafe offers empanadas, tacos, sopes, burritos, and huevos rancheros.

3

The restaurant accepts debit and credit cards.

04
Sushi y Mariscos Que Rollo image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small restaurant offers authentic Mazatlan Sinaloa style seafood with fresh ingredients and scratch-made sauces. Atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with most orders taken to go. Menu features a wide variety of seafood options, including standout ceviche and shrimp empanadas.

Shrimp tacos and empanadas stand out with bold flavors. The tacos gobernador and asada tacos offer a delicious variety worth trying.

Shrimp empanadas stand out as a popular choice with a mix of opinions on taste. Other empanadas like asada also appear alongside tacos as common picks.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is delicious and made with fresh, quality ingredients."

"The asada taco was delicious and flavorful."

"These empanadas are so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers authentic Mazatlan Sinaloa style food.

2

The ingredients are fresh and of high quality.

3

They charge an extra dollar to pay by card.

05
Los Lagos Mariscos Restaurant image 1

Spacious interior with comfortable seating and rancheras music creates a cozy atmosphere. Cleanliness stands out in this small Mexican seafood restaurant. Affordable prices accompany dishes like shrimp tacos and Governor tacos that highlight traditional flavors.

Shrimp tacos come with cheese and generous portions. Governor tacos blend fish and cheese well without being messy. Prices stay low, with shrimp tacos around $2.

Shrimp empanadas have a crispy golden outside and a soft fluffy inside with a good amount of cheese and shrimp. Some shrimp empanadas can be stale.

People are saying

"The seafood here is cooked to perfection and very tasty."

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and generously portioned."

"I tasted the best Governor tacos I have ever had."

Good to know

1

Shrimp tacos cost $2, and gobernador tacos are also available.

2

They only accept cash payments; an ATM is next door.

3

Prices are affordable, making it a great option for budget diners.

06
Tamales Veracruz MRV image 1
Mexican restaurant

Simple, cozy interior creates a friendly, casual atmosphere that suits quick meals or relaxed dining. Regulars enjoy authentic Mexican flavors with standout dishes like tamales and chilaquiles. The spot feels like a neighborhood gem with a clean, comfortable vibe.

Birria tacos stand out with a crunchy texture and good value. Taco Tuesday offers a great selection including tacos, tamales, and breakfast burritos with extra spice sauce available.

Chorizo and potato empanadas come with a juicy, well-marinated chicken filling that avoids dryness. The birria empanada pairs well with a soursop beverage, offering a taste of authentic Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is packed with authentic, homemade flavor."

"I thought the empanadas were amazing, especially the birria."

"I kept coming back for the birria tacos; they were so darn good."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special deals on tacos every Tuesday.

2

Street parking is available off Wilton for easy access.

3

The menu includes many vegetarian options alongside meat dishes.

07
Loreto image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers half indoor, half outdoor seating with a massive garden patio filled with succulents and scattered lighting. Atmosphere feels relaxing and trendy, creating an oasis-like vibe in a quiet neighborhood. Warmth is maintained by heat lamps outside, making it inviting for dates and groups alike.

Soft shell crab and bang bang shrimp tacos stand out with bold flavors. The prawn taco and Branzino with tortillas add variety, while the tostada and pulpo tacos offer tasty options.

Shrimp empanadas stand out with bold flavors and good portion size. They pair well with ceviche and other seafood dishes like scallop tostada topped with Uni.

People are saying

"The seafood here is unbelievably fresh."

"You have to try the shrimp and soft shell crab tacos."

"The shrimp empanadas were the only standout."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky, so valet service is available.

2

Street parking is hard to find nearby.

3

Prices are reasonable, with a $17 dessert being the most expensive item.

08
El Cartel image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small dining space offers both indoor and shaded outdoor seating with a pleasant atmosphere and affordable prices. Menu blends Mexican and Argentine influences, featuring large portions and standout items like loaded fries and street tacos. The vibe is casual and convenient, suited for quick, flavorful meals.

Street tacos stand out with high quality and flavors similar to those in San Diego. Chicken quesadillas and grilled shrimp tacos deliver strong, tasty options, with shrimp tacos preferred over fish.

Empanadas come in chorizo and cheese varieties and a banana Nutella option. The banana Nutella empanadas are tiny and served in portions of two for $6.

People are saying

"I loved the Mexican food, especially the tasty tacos with pineapple."

"I thought the tacos here were the best I've ever had."

"I loved the empanadas; they were so good."

Good to know

1

Metered parking is scarce due to nearby events, but loading zone parking is available after 6 pm.

2

The prices at El Cartel are reasonable and menu items are affordable.

3

El Cartel offers a variety of dishes including tacos, burritos, and empanadas.

09
La Flor De Yucatan Bakery image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy bakery with authentic Yucatecan baked goods and freshly made bread fills the air with warm aromas. Casual setup includes outdoor tables but mostly favors takeout and delivery. Known for unique hojaldra and flavorful tamales, it offers a genuine taste of Yucatán cuisine.

Cochinita pibil tacos stand out with rich flavors. The menu includes a taco trio and a special dish called El trio Yucateco featuring a taco, panucho, and salbute.

Empanadas have a bland dough with no salt, which affects seasoning. The camote and coconut empanada stands out as a sweet dessert option.

People are saying

"I found the Yucateco food here to be authentic and delicious."

"I thought their hojaldra bread was simply the best."

"I found the cochinita tacos to be delicious."

Good to know

1

They offer both baked goods and tasty Yucateco dishes.

2

The bakery offers a variety of traditional Yucatecan breads.

3

Takeout is popular due to the small size of the bakery.

10
Cafe Fresco image 1
Brunch restaurant

Small cafe with cozy decor and personal touches creates a peaceful atmosphere that feels like a slice of Ecuador. Comfortable seating and a full espresso bar support a relaxed, inviting vibe. The place draws a mix of patrons enjoying authentic Ecuadorian and American dishes in a family-owned setting.

Shrimp and fish tacos stand out with fresh flavors and balanced seasoning. Taco Tuesday offers a deal with three tacos and an agua fresca for $14, featuring options like steak with cilantro and onion or warm veggie salad with salmon.

Empanadas come with a variety of fillings and pair well with other dishes like shrimp ceviche and Llapingachos. They offer a tasty mix that complements traditional flavors.

People are saying

"The breakfast sandwiches here are delicious."

"I loved the shrimp tacos; they were super delicious."

"I loved the mixture of different types of empanadas."

Good to know

1

They host a perreo and coffee event on select weekends.

2

On weekends, Cafe Fresco serves unmissable Ecuadorian dishes.

3

The Taco Tuesday deal includes three tacos and an agua fresca for $14.

11
El Camaron Pelado image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with banging Ramon Ayala music and a variety of seafood options. The vibe is enjoyable but somewhat dark, creating a relaxed setting. Popular dishes include shrimp empanadas and Micheladas, drawing a crowd that appreciates flavorful, affordable seafood.

Taco dorado de camaron stands out as a memorable and exceptional choice. Fish tacos come in good versions but vary in quality, with some not as great.

Shrimp empanadas stand out with rich, tasty filling. They pair well with seafood dishes like the Coctel de camaron y pulpo and are often reordered for their flavorful seafood profile.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very good and delicious."

"I thought the shrimp empanadas were the best in LA."

"I found the fish tacos to be really good."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in front on Pasadena street.

2

There are two single bathrooms in the restaurant.

3

Expect to spend around $20 before tip for a meal.

12
Mariscos El Viejito image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small, unassuming seafood restaurant with island and coastal decor and a spacious, clean dining room. Loud music and live band performances create a lively atmosphere especially on weekends. Generous portions of authentic Mexican seafood attract those craving fresh, flavorful dishes.

Fish tacos stand out as really good here. The Marlin taco offers a solid option, while the tacos el gobernador show poor execution and are best avoided.

Shrimp empanadas come with a green sauce that stands out. Marlin empanadas and tacos are also available, with prices around $10.49 plus tax.

People are saying

"The food here was excellent and of very good quality."

"I found the fish tacos to be really good."

"I loved the shrimp empanadas and green sauce."

Good to know

1

Mariscos El Viejito is known for its cleanliness and good hygiene standards.

2

Expect higher prices for authentic Mexican seafood dishes.

3

The portions of seafood served are generous and satisfying.

13
Mariscos El Faro image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant sits in front of a park with loud music and a chill vibe. It offers a full bar including a secret cocktail menu. The place serves spicy ceviche and outstanding shrimp tacos with generally solid fish tacos.

Fish tacos come with a light amount of fish but have a solid flavor. Shrimp tacos stand out as outstanding and the ceviche or plain pulpo taco with everything offers a unique off-menu option.

Shrimp empanadas stand out with their fresh seafood filling and flaky crust. Fish tacos also pair well with these seafood flavors.

People are saying

"I thought the shrimp tacos were outstanding."

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"The fish tacos here were outstanding."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays feature special taco deals every Tuesday.

2

Street parking is available along the block.

3

Orders can take a while, so be patient.

Discover more

Los Angeles, California

Area guide
Loading Map...