Asia de Cuba

8440 Sunset Blvd, Mondrian Hotel, West Hollywood, CA 90069 323-848-6000

Description: WEST HOLLYWOOD. Its monochromatic white decor and model-beautiful clientele render Asia de Cuba a trendy, of-the-moment kind of place. Festive atmosphere, a playful waitstaff, and chic ambience lend appeal, and customers relish the mouthwatering Cuban-Asian fare. Fried calamari salad, a house specialty, makes culinary waves, and you can't go wrong with yucca-crusted mahi mahi or lime-and-garlic chicken. Desserts, naturally, make a splash on their own. An outdoor patio, glimmering with candles, affords incredible views ­ a nice change from the austere interior.
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Babita Mexicuisine

1823 S San Gabriel Blvd, San Gabriel, CA 91776 626-288-7265

Description: SAN GABRIEL. This Nuevo Latino hotspot earns tops marks for innovative twists on traditional Mexican dishes. The menu, far from the usual litany of combination plates, offers extravagant entrees like epazote-crusted snapper with mango-lime relish, chiles en nogada (a pepper stuffed with minced meat, fruit, and nuts), and lamb shank mixote (marinated dry in ground chiles and then steamed in beer). For dessert, treats like a wine-poached pear atop ice cream and rice pudding brûlée are on offer.
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Bistro K

1000 Fremont Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030 626-799-5052

Description: SOUTH PASADENA. Superb, if unusual, cuisine is served in this small, cozy restaurant. Unexpected combinations of ingredients and flavors, spanning a broad spectrum of countries and cooking styles, come together in chef Laurent Quenioux's creations. The menu changes seasonally, but you might see an appetizer of sautéed duck foie gras with caramelized apples followed by an entree of braised beef cheeks in beer with pumpkin spätzle. Adventurous diners will embrace both the dishes and their very reasonable prices.
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Border Grill

1445 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401 310-451-1655

Description: SANTA MONICA. You may be familiar with this restaurant's owners from their "Too Hot Tamales" cooking show. If not, then you're in for a treat. Border Grill's menu of lighter, authentic Mexican cuisine suits even the most finicky palates. The biggest surprise for some diners is that not all Mexican fare is super-spicy and loaded with cheese; this food is full of complex flavors and fresh vegetables and fruits. Alongside meaty tacos and burritos, you'll find an assortment of vegetarian and seafood options. Exceptional dishes include achiote-marinated pork and seasoned carnitas on corn tortillas. Mojitos and margaritas made with premium tequilas pack a powerful punch ­ bring a designated driver!
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Carlitos Gardel

7963 Melrose, Los Angeles, CA 90046 323-655-0891

Description: MELROSE. With a reputation built on great beef, this Argentinean-Italian restaurant is a meat-lover's delight. The signature parrilada (a range of barbecued dishes) includes sweetbreads, short ribs, skirt steak, and Italian sausages and is served with a pungent chimichurri sauce. Perfectly cooked meats are tender and juicy, and their presentation on sizzling skillets makes for a dramatic spectacle. The menu is rounded out by a number of salads, appetizers, and pastas.
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Ciudad

445 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90071 213-486-5171

Description: DOWNTOWN. Known and loved by locals, this young, happening place is a definite destination. Folks who want style and fun served with their drinks often visit during the loud, crowded, and very busy happy hour. The best-known drinks are mojitos and piscoritos. At lunch, savvy diners select Argentine empanadas with wild mushrooms or Cuban-style roast lamb adobo with marinated peppers.
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El Tepeyac

812 N Evergreen Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033 323-267-8668

Description: EAST LOS ANGELES. Bring your appetite to this casual eatery, where you can feed yourself for the entire day if you choose carefully. Burritos are truly enormous ­ oversized tortillas packed to bursting with rice, beans, your choice of meat, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and a variety of other ingredients. Other Mexican classics are offered, but burritos are the reason regulars return. Eat inside if you like, but most customers opt to commune with their burritos at long tables outside or back at the office.
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Guelaguetza

11127 Palms Blvd, Palms, CA 90034 310-837-1153

Description: PALMS. Boasting an inventive menu, this small restaurant is big on taste (and spice)! Enjoy goodies like goat stew, mole, or crickets cooked to perfection. Laid-back casual atmosphere is punctuated by the warming smells of cinnamon and chile. Great breakfast stop as well.
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La Serenata de Garibaldi ­ Santa Monica

1416 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401 310-656-7017

Description: SANTA MONICA. For seafood done Mexican style, try this Santa Monica favorite. Regulars attest to the fact that the consistent presentation of the expertly prepared seafood dishes have made them steadfastly loyal. Order the fish quesadilla, the shredded beef in red chile sauce, or the chicken enchiladas. Excellent margaritas round out the experience. The décor is done in warm tones and features carved stone pillars and a lovely fountain. An upscale casual atmosphere pervades.
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La Serenata Gourmet

10924 W Pico Blvd, West Los Angeles, CA 90025 310-441-9667

Description: WESTWOOD. This place is an off-shoot of its famous East LA cousin, and the food is just as good. Fresh fish either grilled or in a burrito, a gordita stuffed with shrimp, and weekend breakfast specials keep the crowds coming back. They do not accept reservations for groups of less than eight, so be prepared to wait. No worries, though: this is one of the top Mexican restaurants in LA, so the time is well spent.
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Lotería! Grill

6333 W 3rd St, Farmer's Market, Los Angeles, CA 90036 323-930-2211

Description: WEST HOLLYWOOD. Hungry shoppers who chance upon this Mexican food stand during their wanderings through the Farmer's Market are delighted with its filling, authentic fare. Well-stuffed burritos, packed with beef, chicken, and pork, are just the beginning ­ albondigas (meatballs) in chipotle, tacos topped with zucchini and succotash, and even fresh cactus are a sampling of the appetizing fare available. Lime-aid, watermelon juice, and even hibiscus flower tea help wash it all down.
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Monte Alban

11927 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 310-444-7736

Description: WEST LOS ANGELES. It's said that the true test of a restaurant's authenticity is its clientele ­ if expats eat there, it must be the real thing. Monte Alban is the real thing. Its strip-mall location may not be the most elegant, but the decor is warm and festive. Of course, the reason most people show up is for the food ­ specifically, for moles (sauces) that grace most dishes and send Oaxacan food lovers into spasms of pure delight. Whether you choose black, red, yellow, or green mole, you're sure to be satisfied. And if you're not sure what or how to order, the friendly staff are happy to point you in the right direction.
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Poquito Más

2215 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 310-474-1998

Description: WEST LOS ANGELES. For a quick, healthy, inexpensive Cali-Mexican meal, this mini-chain is one of the best options around. Favorite menu items include ahi tacos, vegetarian burritos, huge quesadillas, and famous tostadas, all of which include fresh, house-made tortillas. Don't forget to complement your choice with a freshly prepared salsa from the salsa bar. Tortilla soup is in high demand on cooler days, and there's a special children's menu, too.
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Tito's Tacos

11222 Washington Pl, Culver City, CA 90230 310-391-5780

Description: CULVER CITY. This "real" taco stand has been dishing out addictive burritos and tacos since 1959. You queue up, give your order, then stand back. Be sure to ask for it "to go," even if you are eating in ­ with a "to go" you get extra chips. You can choose from bean or beef only, as there are no chickens in sight. Two tacos with cheese will set you back less than $5. The lines are usually long, but they move fast. Cash only.
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Tlapazola Grill

11676 Gateway Blvd, West Los Angeles, CA 90025 310-477-1577

Description: WEST LOS ANGELES. Grilled pork tenderloin with mole amarillo or chicken with mole negro ­ Tlapazola brings unique Oaxacan-style to LA. The restaurant combines dozens of herbs, different types of chocolate, and a number of chiles in their recipes, a lush culinary practice that keeps regulars coming back for delicious lamb, chicken, and pork dishes. The ambience is cool and casual, and when you're not checking out what other diners have ordered, you'll want to commit to trying some dish you've never encountered before.
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