50 Best Mexican Restaurants near South Pasadena

“Señor Fish in South Pasadena is a gem! The yellowtail and mahi-mahi are hands down our favorite dishes—perfectly grilled, flavorful, and always fresh. Each plate comes with your choice of sides: Mexican rice and beans or crispy French fries with a refreshing salad of cucumber and tomato slices.
Whether you're craving something hearty or light, they’ve got you covered. They have good menu options. The portions are generous, the service is friendly, and the vibe is relaxed.
We keep coming back for that unbeatable combo of quality seafood and great hospitality. Highly recommend!“

“El pollo loco is always a great place to go when you want Mexican like food.. I typically get the chicken nachos..it used to be 5.00 and now it's 9.65? Not sure why.. probably changed it.. maybe the chicken.. I don't know.. but the people are always nice.“

“Very fresh taco shells with flavorful pork and guacamole

Everything tasted noticeably fresh and delicious.

Convenient parking, plus lots of cute shops nearby to explore.

Only complaint is bathroom doesn’t have seat covers for some reason“

“It’s sooo yummy! Cafe de olla and all the delish pans!“

“One of the most amazing meals I’ve had.“

“We got some problem with our food and they handled it extremely well, showing true professionalism and dedication of their services. Def will recommend to others“

“海鲜很新鲜，非常棒的用餐体验！“

“All the food was outstanding. The raw fish and seafood was unbelievably fresh and aptly paired with elevated fresh flavors. The tostadas reminded me of Contramar in Cdmx, but even better (dare i say).

The atmosphere is beautiful, has a massive garden space, scattered lighting, copious succulents. It feels like an escape right in LA. The service is warm, personable, efficient.

Definitely worth the trip and such a great find.“

“Food was delicious! We tried the molotes de plátano, which are three small, crispy banana fritters filled with cheese, served on top of a rich, flavorful mole sauce. We also enjoyed tacos de suadero, tender brisket cooked to perfection; Taco Sonia, a specialty with beef rib, chorizo, potatoes, and cactus; and flor de calabaza quesadilla, a savory quesadilla filled with tender squash blossoms and cheese. Additionally, there was a daily special: taco de huitlacoche, made with truffle-like corn fungus that has a smoky, earthy flavor. All dishes were served with warm, homemade tortillas made from fresh maize dough, enhancing the authentic taste.“

“Just tried MIRATE Restaurant the food was amazing! Definitely worth checking out if you love great flavors.“

“What's better late night snack than Ave 26 tacos? It's located in a parking lot, and we pulled in around 10pm on a Sunday night. People from all colors and all walks of life seem to converge here in search of scrumptious bites. There's a security guard that patrols the area so you could enjoy your chow without hesitation. It's standing room only, no utensils or sitting area provided. We decided to eat in the car as it's a bit chilly that night. There's also a portable water station to wash hands before or after you dig in.

There's a separate line for tacos or burritos or drinks, pay in cash or Apple/ Samsung Pay. Simple and orderly. Then, head over to the condiments section for different types of salsa, chopped onions or lime. The Al Pastor, Carne Asada, Cabeza and Lengua are usually my go to, but there're also brisket, pork belly, chorizo to choose from.“

“Excelente lugar y excelente comida“

“Stopped at La Casita Mexicana after work on Friday and their carnitas tacos were incredible. The salsa bar had like six different options and the green one had a nice kick to it. Service was friendly and my food came out pretty quick even though they were busy. I'll probably make this my regular spot for tacos.“

“The best food!! 100% recommended totally worth the wait in line! Food is amazing!!“

“Absolutely loved this place. We will definitely be coming back. We got Citrus Salad, Carne en su Jugo & Carnitas Wow, just Wow!!!!!“

“The location in Echo Park Sunset is my favorite. It's an old world Los Angeles
Institution. I find the food is better here and it's not as hectic as the West Hollywood location. I think they have the best taqueria salsa I've ever had. They make their own chips. They make your guacamole fresh. They have a huge menu, and I think everything is quite good. Don't come looking for a great salads, it's just not the place for that. The atmosphere is amazing, bathrooms are spotless in the evening there is valet parking. During the day you can find some street parking. For anyone with difficulty managing stairs the front door comes right off the street.“

“Buenísimos las mejores carnitas“

“We stopped here before heading to a party where we didn't know if there would be food. I wasn't starving but when I tell you I could have eaten at least 6 more of the elote tamales, I could have. Holy moly, so so so good. My husband and best friend each had a mini taco sampler plate and said all of their tacos were incredible, also! I will seriously be craving those tamales for a long time!“

““OMG, my sister recommended this restaurant as I picked her up from LAX, the food was authentic real Mexican food, beyond exquisite. The place gave me vibes of a fondita in Mexico, which I loved. The portions are perfect, the handmade tortillas were fire!! The quesadillas, beans and beef, chicharron guisado where delicious!!! Please try their pumpkin horchata!! The staff are so friendly too. I spent $40 on my sister and I. Well worth it!!!“

“El gran sabor de las tortas de Neza en Los Ángeles ca.“

“I'm here just about every other weekend to get takeout for the family. The Indian flavors really come through in an exciting way. The rotisserie chicken is one of the best I've found in LA, and it's not even the best chicken on the menu. Anything with beans are a must-have.“

“A friend recommended this place, and it didn’t disappoint. The carne asada tacos were full of flavor and came with freshly made salsa. The place is small but clean, and the staff checks in often without hovering. Prices are fair for the quality you get. It feels like a family-run spot that really cares about the food.“

“The food was on another level, super fresh local ingredients, family recipes made with recognition of the past and an eye towards the future. The vibe in the restaurant is top-notch and the neighborhood is so chill and beautiful. Sat outside and met so many friendly people on the street, and the staff was really gracious. The butternut squash chorizo brussels sprout with preserved lemon dish was banging, enchiladas mole poblano and Chilaquiles with christmas sauce and pecan flan were all so good“

“An organization I’m a part of was looking for a place to gather afterwards. I reached out to multiple locations, Ian was the most responsive and excited to host us. He was accommodating to our group of ~30 people. He and the staff were so friendly and took care of orders quickly. Will definitely be back for dinner and drinks!“

“We went there with my family and had an amazing experience. The service was outstanding! We told the woman who was taking care of us that we had traveled all the way from Chile just to eat there, and she brought us so many extra dishes on top of what we ordered so we could try and enjoy real Mexican food. We loved everything. We will definitely come back someday!“

“pasamos de pasadita guiados por los reviews y nos sorprendió los mejores tacos de birria qué hemos comido. recomendamos al 100 por 100“

“Me encantan los tacos y burritos de cabeza.“

“Wow! So glad we found this wonderful and authentic Mexican restaurant right by my hubby's work place while traveling to southern California so we do not have to fight through the 35 minutes driving 5 miles in downtown LA traffic! 😅

Their chip & salsa, first of all, was simply amazing and different! We tried their signature dish Pollo con Rajas Con Crema and the Steak Fajitas and they were beautifully plated and so tasty! You could tell the dishes are of great ingredients with simple seasoning to not take away from the freshness.

They then recommended Guayabate with Ice Cream for dessert plus sharing with us how this is a very authentic dessert from Mexico but as eaten with shaved ice. They modified now with French Vanilla Ice cream as the base and the fusion culinary creation is just the best! 😋

It was combined with the Mexican Coffee - Cafe de Olla which is a little bit sweeten but with a very strong and well balanced taste that's very different than your regular American standard coffee!

We enjoy everything we had here including our server who is very knowledgeable and hospitable. When we visit LA next time, we will definitely try to come again!“

“Me gusta la comida pero no tienen q perder el cuidado en la presentación de los platos y asegurarse q lleven todo eso es muy importante aun tengan mucha junte haser los platos con la misma cuidado de ciempre“

“Great food! Highly recommend!“

“Best mezcal margarita I’ve had. You need to get the churros for dessert - eat them first before you regret not saving space for them!!! This place is very cool and laid back. Easy to order, quick service. Fish flautas were my favorite!“

“Muy buenos taco’s deliciosos“

“Yo i just wanna say shout out this restaurant. I pulled up here crunk asab and my boy Andre hooked me up with literally the best food i’ve ever had like it was amazing. great atmosphere, portions, flavors, service, wow this place is just the best“

“Spicy jalapeño cocktail 🍸💕“

“The best tacos in California!“

“Joselito’s is such an amazing restaurant! I had, probably, the best carnitas dinner and chips and guacamole (made fresh to order) I’ve ever experienced. A must go to whenever in the Tujunga area.“

“the fish is fresh and yum. not flakey fish.“

“Excelente servicio y comida de calidad ☑️“

“If your looking to have a meal that taste just like home made,Yeya's is the place. Yeya's has the best home made food in all Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles. Don't need to look no further!When your hungry stop by at Yeya's for the best Mole,Chilaquiles,Enchiladas,Tacos and Caldos in all Boyle Heights and East L.A.Yeya's has a large options of food and caldos...“

“Perfect for these dog days of Summer.“

“Big food portions. Food a bit bland we got the chicken quesadilla and a burrito. The salsa helps..
We sat outside and instantly regretted it.
The speaker was right above us and was insanely loud. If I was in town I'd try it again!“

“Best food in town and sports merchandise“

“Love the Place, Will join again“

“Best Tacos !! Love it . Keep it up“

“This is great comfort food like Mom would make. The tortillas are awesome and the birria is juicy and tender! Highly recommend.“

“The best food!! 100% recommended totally worth the wait in line! Food is amazing!!“

“We came to visit our daughter at CSU Dominguez Hills, and were looking for a spot to eat. We looked up some local spots and Guajillo popped up. We were not disappointed with the Chilaquiles! They were delicious and made to order. The food was plentiful and filling and reminded me of my mom's home cooking! Highly recommended!!!“

“For a first timer this was Awesome food & great service. Ive been to alot of places that want to claim the best chilaquiles but are nothing more that just been overrated/overpriced even for the hot sauce, like the spots like Taquearte California in Pico rivera or Pops cafe in Downey that charge you an arm or a leg for small portion and don’t live up to the hype. I think this spot and many like it popping up on street corners are setting the standard for true homemade cooked Mexican food as we call comida cacique y del rancho etc. They don’t cut corners and make everything fresh when you are ready to order. Reminded me of my grandmothers cooking and the food back in Mexico. I will definitely be back. My new spot to come instead of making the long trip all the way to Hawthorne to Mr Chilaquiles for over priced food where they are stingy with the portions and toppings. I definitely recommend Las Carnitas Chigonas. I got the 3 chilaquiles platter all with carnitas and one with cecina. All was very flavorful!!! For now no one compares to this spot. Good portions enough for 2 people and great prices!!! As a fellow Mexican from the state of Michoacán I approve the carnitas!!!“

“Absolutely recommend. Everything was delicious and staff is extremely friendly. From the chorizo to the chicharron.“

“Everything has been great that I’ve tried. Highly recommend“