Everyone knows that Southern California is home to the best Mexican food in the country. If you're like me and could devour Mexican food every day of the week, here are 10 of the best Mexican restaurants located throughout SoCal that will keep you busy. There are plenty more Mexican spots in SoCal that deserve a shout, but this list of tasty gems is a good place to get started. Did any of your favorites make the list?
For a taste of authentic Oaxacan cuisine, there's really no question that you must head to Guelaguetza. One of the original restaurants, if not THE original, that introduced SoCal and the rest of the country to the flavorful recipes of this part of Mexico. At Guelaguetza you'll find a menu filled with family recipes passed down from many generations. Mole is their specialty, so make sure to try one of their dishes smothered with that heavenly flavor.
This spot has been buzzing ever since the late Julia Child proclaimed this was her favorite place for authentic Mexican in Santa Barbara. And the buzz is well deserved. When you show up, be prepared for a long line most any time of day. Once you reach the front of the line your toughest decision will be what to order, as everything on the menu is quite tantalizing and delicious. My personal favorite is the Tacos De Chuleta. Mmmm -- can't stop thinking about the handmade tortillas!
If you have menu fatigue and hate deciding what item to order, Flor Del Rio might become your new favorite Mexican restaurant. With only one specialty on the menu -- Goat Birria -- you'll never have to spend your time trying to decide the best item to pick. What exactly is Birria? A hearty Mexican stew made with braised goat, a bounty of spices, and served with freshly made warm tortillas for dipping. Add some onions, cilantro and a squeeze of lime, and you'll be in flavor heaven.
An elegant Mexican restaurant with food so beautiful you'll want to snap a picture before you take your first bite. Pictuerd here: Chiles En Negado, a featured dinner special that's not listed on the menu. Maybe they'll make it for you if you ask nicely.
Outrageously delicious seafood cooked up with authentic Mexican style and flavor. Whether you like your fish grilled, fried, or baked, Coni's has a fish specialty for everyone. Must-try favorites include any of the shrimp dishes or the grilled snook.
See all those people? They're patiently standing in a long line so they can devour the best Mexican eats in San Diego. Since 1933, Las Cuatro Milpas has had a loyal following in the Barrio Logan neighborhood. This casual eatery is best known for its tacos -- rolled, crispy, or fried -- and no matter what kind you order you'll experience taco bliss. Don't believe me? Just look at those thick handmade tortillas for proof.
Border Grill is a modern Mexican favorite in Santa Monica that is full of flair and flavor. From the moment you walk in you'll be delighted by the vibrant color scheme and festive environment. When it comes to the food, you will be equally dazzled by the creative menu and mouthwatering flavors in every bite. If you love ceviche, you must make sure to add that to your order. Pictured here: the beautiful and fresh Baja Ceviche.
You can always count on impeccable service and flavorful Mexican fare at this local favorite in Carlsbad that captures the feeling of an old Mexican village. And if you're the type that enjoys a little Mexican food with your margarita, it's hard to resist ordering something on the rocks or blended while dining at Casa de Bandini.
9. Puesto Mexican Street Food -- La Jolla, San Diego, and Irvine coming soon
It's no wonder this Mexican spot has received award after award for its delicious cuisine. Starting with sustainable seafood, natural meats that are antibiotic free, and locally sourced organic greens, you can be assured that great care has gone into every ingredient inside each and every dish. Quickly growing in popularity, Puesto is expanding from its San Diego and La Jolla locations to a space in Irvine that's coming soon.
For a taste of the oldest Mexican restaurant in Southern California you'll want to head to Casa La Golindrina Cafe' on Olvera Street, which is also the first and oldest street in Los Angeles. Since 1924, this classic restaurant has been a destination for anyone who visits this historic district. For a remarkable dish you can't find anywhere else, order the Cochinita Pibil -- pork wrapped in banana leaves. The flavor is out of this world.!
I'm suddenly craving tacos, burritos, guacamole, and mole like crazy! Don't all of these dishes look delicious?! If you had to select just one restaurant on this list, which one would you pick? I have a better idea - let's try all of them at least once! Craving more Southern California restaurant recommendations? Check out our list of the 10 Oldest Restaurants In Southern California that have stood the test of time.
Wood-fired pizza, once a novelty in these parts, is pretty common these days, and I am here for it. But once in a while, you happen upon a slice that is pretty darn exceptional. It was on a whim that a friend and I first decided to stop at the charming little vine-covered pizzeria that I had passed by many times on my way to camp at Lopez Lake or on a road trip through Central Coast. After that first trip, Palo Mesa Wood Fired in Arroyo Grande became one of the main reasons I visited the town.
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Natasha Kayes/Only In Your State
First of all, how cute is this place? You wouldn’t think that a tiny family-owned spot in a quiet (but lovely!) little town would gain more than local attention, but Palo Mesa Pizza has won regional, national, and international awards! In fact, the owner and chef has represented America at pizza competitions in Italy.
Palo Mesa has three other pizzerias in the area, but the concept at Palo Mesa Wood Fired in the Arroyo Grande Village is unique, and the menu is crave-worthy - “traditional Napoletan pizza with a California twist.”
Natasha Kayes/Only In Your State
It’s hard to even say which is my favorite pizza, especially when I see something new on the Palo Mesa Pizza menu to try. On my most recent visit, I went back to basics with the Margherita Pizza. Some might think of this classic as boring, but this one is anything but. First of all, everything is so fresh, from the soft mozzarella to the tomatoes and veggies used. And then there is the crust - the perfectly bubbly, slightly scorched, crispy, chewy, foldable, addictive crust.
Another pizza I love here is also deceptively simple. The Bianca has a divine combination of garlic, mozzarella, basil, parmesan, and sea salt with olive oil (no red sauce). Absolute chef’s kiss. The Verdura, with Sundry tomatoes, artichokes, and balsamic, is also amazing, as is the Nuovo Anno with its pear, pancetta, and gorgonzola toppings. I actually haven’t tasted anything here that wasn’t worth coming back for.
Natasha Kayes/Only In Your State
Every time I go, I try to take a good photo but I am so eager to dig in that I have never managed to get a pic of an untouched pizza. Oh, well. I guess that tells you how much I love it. And, as you can see, sometimes I restrain myself from devouring the entire thing so I can have it again the next day… sometimes.
Have you ever been to Palo Mesa Wood Fired in Arroyo Grande Village? If not, I’d say you have a great reason to head that way soon! You can find out more about the menu (as well as menus from the other locations) on the Palo Mesa Pizza website. If you are planning a little getaway to the area - like I do whenever I can - and need a place to stay, check out this gorgeous little beachside Airbnb guest house that’s within walking distance of the Village and just a 5-minute drive from the beach.
Do you have a favorite hidden gem restaurant you’d recommend to your fellow readers? Why not nominate it for a chance to be featured on Only In Your State?
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
