Mexican Restaurants in California
When Guy Fieri takes his red Camaro cruising through California in search of authentic Mexican flavors, he strikes gold time and again. Over the years, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives has featured 31 Mexican restaurants across the Golden State, from the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles to the coastal gems of San Diego and the vibrant food scene of San Francisco. These aren’t your ordinary taco joints—they’re flavor-packed destinations that have earned an impressive average rating of 4.4 stars from devoted fans.
Los Angeles leads the pack with nine featured spots, including standouts like Tacos Y Birria La Unica and Chichén Itzá, both boasting stellar 4.7-star ratings. From 2007 to 2023, Guy has championed the taqueros, abuelitas, and culinary innovators who keep California’s Mexican food traditions alive while pushing boundaries. With 25 of these 31 restaurants still serving up the goods, there’s never been a better time to embark on your own Triple D Mexican food pilgrimage through California.
Tacos Y Birria La Unica
Still Open
Los Angeles, California
Chichen Itza Restaurant
Still Open
Los Angeles, California
Tuetano Taqueria
Permanently Closed
San Diego, California
Cosecha Cafe
Permanently Closed
Oakland, California
Haggo’s Organic Taco
Still Open
Leucadia, California
La Pupusa Urban Eatery
Still Open
Los Angeles, California
Chúla Artisan Eatery
Still Open
La Quinta, California
Chuy’s Taco Shop
Still Open
San Diego, California
Lito’s Mexican Restaurant
Still Open
Santa Barbara, California
Aunt Mary’s Café
Permanently Closed
Oakland, California
Don Chow Tacos
Still Open
Los Angeles, California
Gloria’s Café
Still Open
Los Angeles, California
El Mirasol Cocina Mexicana
Still Open
Palm Springs, California
El Nuevo Frutilandia
Permanently Closed
San Francisco, California
Mama Roomba
Still Open
Bakersfield, California
Sabroso Mexican Grill
Still Open
Garden Grove, California
Mom’s Tamales
Still Open
Los Angeles, California
Fab Hot Dogs
Still Open
Reseda, California
Pablo’s Tacos & Beer
Still Open
Indio, California
Taqueria Molcajetes
Still Open
Santa Rosa, California
La Tostaderia
Still Open
Los Angeles, California
At Last Cafe
Still Open
Long Beach, California
Nopalito
Still Open
San Francisco, California
Midtown Creperie
Still Open
Stockton, California
Cha Cha Chili
Permanently Closed
Los Angeles, California
