Best Mexican food in CA: See Yelp restaurant list

Yelp ranked more than 30 Mexican restaurants in California as “must try” spots in the United States and Canada.

Andy Alfaro

aalfaro@modbee.com

Looking for top-tier tacos? California has some of the best spots for Mexican food “north of the border,” according to Yelp.

More than 30 restaurants in the Golden State made Yelp’s list of the top 100 Mexican food spots across the United States and Canada.

“From cozy family-run taquerías to vibrant modern cantinas, these insider favorites dish up everything from time-honored regional classics to bold, inventive takes on the cuisine,” the restaurant review platform said.

One “must-try” California restaurant is the best in the nation, according to Yelp.

See which local eateries made the list:

Holbox in Los Angeles was No. 1 on Yelp’s list of the top 100 spots for Mexican food in the United States and Canada. Screengrab from Holbox’s Facebook What is the No. 1 spot for Mexican food in the US?

Holbox in Los Angeles was No. 1 on Yelp’s list of the top 100 spots for Mexican food.

The Michelin-starred restaurant inside Mercado la Paloma has a service counter and offers an eight-course tasting menu on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The restaurant’s menu features tostadas, aguachiles and cocteles. Diners can also choose from six different ceviche options, including bluefin tuna, wild Mexican shrimp and halibut.

With an average Yelp rating of 4.7 stars from 2,721 reviews, diner Dave E. said Holbox was an “incredible restaurant and probably the least expensive Michelin-starred restaurant in the U.S.”

In 2026, Holbox was named one of The New York Times’ greatest Mexican restaurants in the United States, the Sacramento Bee previously reported.

What are California’s ‘must-try’ Mexican restaurants?

South of Nick’s in Laguna Beach took second place on Yelp’s list.

The eatery has an average Yelp rating of 4.6 stars from 1,241 reviews.

“Enjoy elevated Mexican cuisine at South of Nick’s, where classic favorites meet a distinctly SoCal twist,” Yelp said.

The restaurant review platform highlighted “favorites” including birria enchiladas and filet mignon ranchero.

South of Nick’s also has locations in Los Angeles, San Clemente and San Diego.

Another Michelin-recognized restaurant in Los Angeles was featured on Yelp’s list at No. 3.

With multiple locations, Mariscos Jalisco is known as being a “rite of passage,” according to Michelin.

“The menu is the same everywhere, limited to tostadas piled with various lime-kissed ceviche and the signature fried shrimp taco tinged with spicy salsa and avocado,” the Michelin Guide said.

Mariscos Jalisco was reviewed 1,224 times on Yelp, garnering an average rating of 4.6 stars.

Mariscos Jalisco was named one of The New York Times’ greatest Mexican restaurants in the United States in 2026.

Mariscos Jalisco has a restaurant in Pomona and two food trucks in the Los Angeles area.

La Perla Cocina Mexicana 3 in San Diego was No. 10 in Yelp’s list of the top spots for Mexican food.

Known for its “authentic Mexican cuisine,” the restaurant serves up street tacos, burritos, quesadillas and guacamole.

In a review, Yelp user Clara C. highlighted the eater’s “massive” and “very tasty” Oaxaca burrito.

Where are top 10 spots for Mexican food in California?

Yelp highlighted a total of 35 Mexican restaurants in California as among the top “must-try” restaurants.

The top 10 Mexican food spots in the state were:

Holbox, Los AngelesSouth of Nick’s, Laguna BeachMariscos Jalisco, Los AngelesLa Perla Cocina Mexicana 3, San DiegoBandito Taqueria, Santa AnaBrothers Cousins Tacos, Los AngelesAl Carajo, San FranciscoChicana, FullertonLa Cheve Bakery and Brews, NapaDe Cabeza El Unico, Chula VistaWhat are top 10 Mexican restaurants in US and Canada?

According to Yelp, these were the top 10 Mexican food spots in the United States and Canada in 2026:

Holbox, Los AngelesSouth of Nick’s, Laguna BeachMariscos Jalisco, Los AngelesLos Mariscos, New York CityTommy Tamala Market & Cafe, Grapevine, TexasCasi Cielo, AtlantaCuantos Tacos, AustinCon Huevos, LouisvilleT-Loc’s Sonora Hot Dogs, AustinLa Perla Cocina Mexicana 3, San DiegoHow did Yelp come up with its ranking?

Yelp said it ranked the 100 top Mexican food spots in the United States and Canada by examining ratings and volume of reviews by Yelp Elite Squad members.

Yelp’s Elite Squad program consists of reviewers who write well-written reviews, add high-quality photos and have detailed personal profiles and “a history of playing well with others.”

All restaurants included on Yelp’s ranking had a passing health score as of July 31.

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Alexiah Syrai Olsen

The Tribune

Alexiah Syrai Olsen is a service journalism reporter for The Tribune in San Luis Obispo, California. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and design from The New School in New York City.