The San Antonio Winery, a family-owned spot in East Los Angeles, opened in 1917. It faced Prohibition, the Great Depression, and two World Wars. But it stood strong, showing the rich and varied food scene in East LA.1 From real Mexican places and old-style Latin American spots to new food mixes and cool taco trucks, we’ll see the top spots. This guide will take you to the best restaurants and taquerias, making East LA the place for food lovers.
Key Takeaways
- East LA is home to a vibrant and diverse culinary scene with a wide range of authentic Mexican eateries, historic Latin American gems, and innovative fusion restaurants.
- The neighborhood boasts a thriving taco truck culture, with must-try destinations like Mariscos Jalisco and El Momo.
- Family-run establishments like the San Antonio Winery have weathered numerous challenges, showcasing the deep-rooted history and resilience of the Eastside’s food landscape.
- Renowned barbecue joints like Moo’s Craft Barbecue and breakfast/brunch spots like Tenampal and Arroz & Fun are standouts in the East LA culinary scene.
- The Eastside’s food culture is a melting pot of Mexican, Central American, and global influences, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving dining experience.
Introduction to East LA’s Culinary Scene
The Eastside of Los Angeles is special, with neighborhoods like Lincoln Heights and Boyle Heights. Known for its lively Latino culture, this area shines through its varied foods.2 You can find everything from traditional places to new, creative spots. Each food spot here brings together many tastes from Mexico, Central America, and more.
Exploring the Vibrant Neighborhoods
East LA’s cuisine mixes several cultural flavors. It blends old Mexican tastes with exciting new dishes. You’ll enjoy anything from simple taco trucks to restaurants trying fresh, international cooking styles.2
This mix of foods shows how diverse and lively the neighborhood’s food really is.
Diverse Influences on the Eastside Cuisine
The Eastside’s food scene is a mix of different influences, offering a rich and varied experience.2 Whether you like traditional tacos or more unique fusions, there’s something for you here.
This variety showcases the ongoing creativity and change of East LA’s culinary world.3
Authentic Mexican Eateries
East Los Angeles bustles with spots offering true Mexican flavors. You’ll find everything from standout taco stands to longstanding family restaurants. These places are key to the area’s rich food culture.
Al & Bea’s: Bean and Cheese Burrito Haven
Al & Bea’s, a classic stand in East LA, shines with tasty Mexican American dishes. Their bean and cheese burrito wins the hearts of many, both locals and out-of-towners.4 Alongside the burrito, they serve up tacos, tostadas, and more. Each dish is made with love and skill.
Mariscos Jalisco: Fried Shrimp Taco Truck
In Boyle Heights, Mariscos Jalisco’s truck is known for its fried shrimp tacos. These tacos dorados de camarones are a favorite among their loyal fans.4 Open every day, Raul Ortega and his crew craft these shrimp specialties with care. Their spot on Olympic Boulevard is known for quality Mexican seafood.
El Momo: Carnitas Taco Perfection
El Momo is celebrated across the city for its pork carnitas tacos. Their special taco, The Aporkalypse, mixes three meats in one mouthwatering dish.4 These carnitas tacos highlight El Momo’s expertise in creating top-notch Mexican fare in East LA.
Historic Latin American Gems
The San Antonio Winery has been part of East LA since 1917. It’s a family-run place that overcame many challenges.5 These include Prohibition, the Great Depression, and even two World Wars. Despite these hurdles, it became a true community landmark.
Today, the winery offers one of the best wine and alcohol selections in the area. It also has a restaurant and gives wine tours. This shows its deep connection to visitors and the place it calls home.
Milpa Grille in Boyle Heights brings a unique blend of past and present to its cuisine.5 It draws from Mesoamerican traditions and offers a special Milpa bowl. This dish includes black beans, grilled corn, veggies, and meat. It not only tastes great but also celebrates the area’s rich food history.
Fusion and Innovative Cuisine
East Los Angeles is now known for its fusion eats. Chefs here mix different food cultures to make extraordinary dishes. X’tiosu in Boyle Heights stands out by combing Lebanese and Oaxacan flavors.
At X’tiosu, everyone loves the tacos. But, they offer much more like falafel and chicken shawarma. This blend shows how they marry Lebanese and Oaxacan tastes to make new delicious dishes.6
In East LA, The Airliner bar has a new look. It opened in 2023 with fresh eats by chef Vinh Nguyen and Gary Wang. Their new menu includes dishes from China, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, served with great drinks.
best food in east los angeles
East Los Angeles is a food lover’s paradise, celebrating many cultures and their flavors. You’ll find everything from genuine Mexican spots to creative fusion ideas. This area has become famous for its amazing food scene in Los Angeles.7
The San Antonio Winery first opened its doors in 1917 in East Los Angeles. It has an amazing wine selection and has overcome many challenges over the years. Moo’s Craft Barbecue is a go-to for delicious barbecue, offering brisket, sausages, and more.1
Tenampal, found near Mariachi Plaza, is a great place for breakfast and lunch, serving up favorites like chilaquiles and enchiladas. The Airliner, back in business since August 2023, serves tasty Asian dishes and great cocktails. Places like Al & Bea’s draw crowds for their mouthwatering burritos and Mexican American meals.1
More restaurants can be found in LA’s Eastside than there are angel-wing murals in the city. The neighborhoods north of Downtown and west of Pasadena have diverse dining choices. Places like Freedman’s and All Time offer unique menus and dining experiences.7
Salazar, an outdoor spot in Frogtown, is known for its delicious al pastor tacos. Bar Ama impresses with its Mexican bar food and cocktails. If you’re looking for upscale Italian, check out Alimento. Otoño offers lively tapas and a fun bar, while Pine and Crane has yummy Taiwanese and Chinese food at good prices.7
Glendale’s Raffi’s and Cosa Buona in Echo Park are great for large groups. Ostrich Farm is known for its creative American dishes. L&E is perfect for those who enjoy fresh oysters and sharing plates.7
P P Pop is highly rated, with 868 reviews giving it 4.4 stars. Dim Sum World is also well-liked, getting 213 reviews averaging at 4.0 stars. Tang Dynasty, with 125 reviews, is praised for its 4.1 rating and is run by women. XINJIANG BBQ, known for being LGBTQ friendly, has a 4.3 star rating from 506 reviews, and a zero-minute wait time for seating.8
El Taco Buchon is rated 4.3 from 308 reviews. Prince Street Pizza in the Arts District is popular, serving grab-and-go food, with a 4.3 rating from 924 reviews. Sun Nong Dan has a 3.9 rating from over 1.6k reviews and is recommended for late-night eats. Daikokuya in Monterey Park, known for staying open late, has a 3.8 rating from 1.8k reviews.8
The Chicken Koop gets a great 4.3 rating from 1.1k reviews. It offers a full bar and happy hour snacks and is a solid choice for late-night dining. Running Chicks in Monterey Park, praised for its wings, earned a 4.0 rating from 623 reviews.8
East LA’s Taco Truck Culture
East Los Angeles is known for its lively taco truck culture. There, you can find a wide range of Mexican street food.
Los Originales Tacos Árabes de Puebla: Spit-Roasted Pork Tacos
On Olympic Boulevard, Los Originales Tacos Árabes de Puebla has a truck full of great food. Their specialty, tacos árabes, has spit-roasted pork in a soft tortilla. Besides tacos, they serve cemitas poblanas and huitlacoche quesadillas. It’s a top spot for delicious, authentic Mexican food.
Asadero Chikali: Vampiros and Mexicali Flavors
Asadero Chikali, on Atlantic Boulevard, offers Mexicali dishes, with the vampiro as a highlight.
Open Wednesday to Sunday, they bring bold Mexicali flavors to the table. It’s a key experience for those exploring taco trucks in East LA.
| Taco Truck | Rating | Number of Reviews | Signature Dishes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tacos El Grillo | 4.79 | 2289 | Tacos, Tostadas |
| Tacos El Güero | 4.79 | 1029 | Tacos, Quesadillas |
| Tacos a Cabron | 3.69 | 129 | Tacos, Burritos |
| Taqueria El Pecas | 4.19 | 589 | Tacos, Sopes |
| Tacos Don Cuco | 4.19 | 379 | Tacos, Tortas |
| East Los Tacos | 4.09 | 619 | Tacos, Burritos |
| Los Pepe’s Tacos | 4.19 | 549 | Tacos, Tortas |
| Santa Rita Jalisco Taco Truck | 4.29 | 739 | Tacos, Quesadillas |
| Tacos Los Tapatios | 5.09 | 249 | Tacos, Sopes |
| Tacos El Sapo | 4.49 | 969 | Tacos, Tortas |
Breakfast and Brunch Standouts
East Los Angeles has a lively breakfast and brunch spot. It includes a variety of places for every taste.10 You can find everything from cozy cafes to traditional Mexican spots. These places reflect the culture and flavors of the area.
Tenampal: Chilaquiles and Mexican Breakfast Classics
Tenampal sits near Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights, offering a local breakfast and lunch hub.10 They’re open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., dishing out tasty breakfast like chilaquiles. For later meals, enjoy the lunch menu with favorites such as enchiladas and tacos dorados.
Arroz & Fun: Bolo Bao Sandwiches and Congee
Arroz & Fun is your stop for breakfast and lunch in East LA. It features unique dishes to start your day right.11 Their bolo bao sandwich is filled with hearty ingredients, including chicken and mushrooms. Also, they offer a comforting kabocha squash congee and pollo guisado. It’s a top place for tasty and satisfying meals.
Barbecue and Smoked Meats
In Los Angeles, Moo’s Craft Barbecue is at the forefront of the barbecue scene. It began as a pop-up and has now become a popular eatery in Lincoln Heights. This change has been a huge success.12
At Moo’s, guests love the tray of their best meats, like brisket and sausages. They can add tasty sides such as street corn and mac and cheese. The open-air patio makes the dining experience even better.12
Los Angeles boasts 18 top spots for barbecue, featuring a mix of styles from across the U.S. and creative blends.12 Notable places include Maple Block Meat Company, recommended by Texas Monthly, and Smoke Queen in Garden Grove, a former pop-up turned permanent location since 2024.12
Domestic BBQ in La Puente and Covina stands out with its options, showcasing a menu of smoked meats and more.12 Bludso’s BBQ offers Texas-style smoked meats in Santa Monica.12 My Father’s Barbeque, a Carson-based family business, is famous for its ribs, hot links, and smoked chicken.12 Axiom Kitchen in East Long Beach is a top pick for its beef ribs, brisket, and candied pork belly.12
The Wood Urban Kitchen in Inglewood is a multifaceted spot, combining a sports bar, late-night hangout, and barbecue joint.12 The bar for barbecue has been set high in Eastside Los Angeles. There, one can find amazing smoked meats and exceptional barbecues all around.
Japanese Cuisine in Boyle Heights
Otomisan is a 66-year-old Japanese restaurant in Boyle Heights.13 When you walk in, the smell of spices and miso is everywhere.14 You can sit in a comfortable red booth. Enjoy some pan-fried gyozas first, and then try the tasty curry with crunchy pork. This lets you dive into the place’s long history and flavors.
Established in 1956, Otomisan is Boyle Heights’ last Japanese eatery and LA’s oldest.13 Their menu has classic Japanese foods like sashimi, beef Udon, curry rice, and top-notch tempura.13 You can get a California roll and a salmon bowl for $30 there.13 LATaco praised their tempura as a highlight.13 Eating at Otomisan in Los Angeles is like having a meal in historic Japan.13
Back in 1927, Boyle Heights was home to 1,400 Japanese-Americans.14 Otomisan started in 1956, marking it the city’s oldest ongoing Japanese diner.14 Owner Yayoi Watanabe has been in Boyle Heights for 30 years now.14 Their menu offers dishes such as pork katsu curry, oyakodon, and udon noodles. Their tempura is a hit.14 At lunch, the place is packed, with people waiting for a spot or to grab their food to go.14 Judy Hayashi, Yayoi’s daughter, says they have both long-time regulars and new fans from younger generations moving to Boyle Heights.14 The children’s show City of Ghosts has brought fresh focus to Boyle Heights’ Japanese history.14
Exploring East LA’s Tortillerias
East Los Angeles is bursting with flavors focused on the craft of making tortillas. La Azteca and Los Cinco Puntos are two well-known spots there. They put their own spin on the traditional Mexican tortilla.
La Azteca: Handmade Tortillas and Burritos
La Azteca in East LA is famous for its handmade tortillas, both corn and flour. They sell them by the dozen.15 This spot is not just about tortillas. They also serve up amazing burritos and quesadillas. It shows their skill with the simple, key ingredient used in many Mexican dishes.
Los Cinco Puntos: Thick, Hand-Patted Tortillas
Los Cinco Puntos, a long-standing meat supplier in East LA, is popular for its thick, hand-patted tortillas.15 On weekends, a line forms for a chance to buy these tortillas. People also grab the famous carnitas, perfect for meals during the week.
| Tortilla Maker | Tortilla Details | Additional Offerings |
|---|---|---|
| La Azteca | Handmade corn and flour tortillas | Burritos, quesadillas |
| Los Cinco Puntos | Thick, hand-patted tortillas | Carnitas, grocery items |
Conclusion
East Los Angeles is now a top spot for food lovers, mixing a variety of tastes with its rich cultural history.16 You can find everything from genuine Mexican spots to unique blends and taco trucks.16 So, if you want a classic burrito, some tasty carnitas, or a new flavor mix, East LA is the place to go.16
The Eater Guide to Los Angeles is full of top picks for food, from tacos to sushi and everything in between.16 LA may be pricey, but there are many places to enjoy great food without spending too much.16 And don’t miss the hidden gems in East LA that show off the area’s lively food culture.16
Places like Basket Burger Cafe and Almansor Grill make East Los Angeles a diverse food hub.17 Adding five new places to this list shows the area keeps growing and improving its food scene.18
FAQ
What are some of the best Mexican food options in East Los Angeles?
What historic Latin American gems can I find in East LA?
What innovative fusion cuisine can I find in East Los Angeles?
What is the taco truck culture like in East LA?
What are some of the top breakfast and brunch spots in East Los Angeles?
Where can I find the best barbecue and smoked meats in East LA?
Are there any notable Japanese restaurants in East Los Angeles?
Where can I find the best tortillas in East LA?
Source Links
- https://la.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-eastside-los-angeles-lincoln-heights-el-sereno-boyle-heights-city-terrace-east-la
- https://lataco.com/most-delicious-tacos-east-la-sela
- https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=restaurants&find_loc=East Los Angeles, CA
- https://la.eater.com/maps/best-mexican-restaurants-los-angeles
- https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/visit/must-sees-and-hidden-gems-of-boyle-heights-and-east-la
- https://resources.dinersclub.com/los-angeles-itineraries/a-taste-of-la
- https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/silver-lake-los-feliz-echo-park-glendale-restaurants
- https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Late Night Food&find_loc=East Los Angeles, CA
- https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Taco Truck&find_loc=East Los Angeles, CA
- https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/best-brunch-eastside-silver-lake-los-feliz
- https://secretlosangeles.com/best-breakfasts-los-angeles/
- https://la.eater.com/maps/best-barbecue-bbq-restaurants-los-angeles
- https://marianainla.com/2023/05/08/otomisan-the-oldest-japanese-restaurant-in-la-boyle-heights/
- https://culinarybackstreets.com/cities-category/los-angeles/2022/otomisan-a-slice-of-l-a-japanese-history/
- https://market.la/11-best-mexican-restaurants-in-east-los-angeles-an-epicurean-adventure/
- https://la.eater.com/22822756/best-los-angeles-city-guide-restaurants-dining-food-drinks
- https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Diners&find_loc=East Los Angeles, CA
- https://la.eater.com/2022/7/26/23219387/best-los-angeles-restaurants-first-time-visitor-starter-pack
Aine Austria is a content creator, freelancer, entrepreneur, essential oils educator, nacho lover, and mom to an adorable daughter. She helps aspiring mom bloggers and entrepreneurs launch their blog, alongside other money-making opportunities. Aine believes that everyone has a story to tell and that their experiences and talents can be shared with the world.
Aine’s passion for writing and sharing her knowledge with others started at a young age. Growing up, she always loved to read books, write stories, and express herself through words. She strongly believes that moms can still pursue their dreams and passions while raising a family, and she aims to inspire other moms to do the same through her work.
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