Whether you are looking for something similar to your abuela’s cooking, trying a new date spot, or just want to eat with friends, here are some great Latine-owned restaurants you can try this Valentine’s weekend.
Gloria’s Cuisine
We begin at a warm, cozy spot in Highland Park. Gloria’s Cuisine offers a great variety of traditional Mexican dishes as well as some American classics. Gloria’s is a great place to eat for breakfast and lunch. If you have the chance, don’t miss out on Gloria’s Enchiladas. The HP Enchiladas Suizas are worth going back for.
Address:
231 North Avenue 50
Los Angeles, CA, 90042
Instagram:
@gloriascuisine.la
Hours:
Mon - Sun 8:30am to 3:00pm
Guisados
Born in Boyle Heights, Guisados embraces the traditional Mexican craft of slow-cooked braised meat. As Guisados means “slow-cooked” in Spanish, it offers a great selection of tacos such as Steak Picado and Bistek en Salsa Roja.
Guisados has been featured in many food magazines, such as Hypebeast Eats and Bon Appetite to name a few. This Valentine’s week, Guisados was offering a heart-shaped conchas bouquet; however, it is now sold out.
Address:
2100 East Cesar E Chavez Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90033
Instagram:
@guisados
Hours:
Daily 9:00am - 9:00pm
Grand Casino Bakery & Café
If you’re into Argentinian Cuisine or are curious in trying it out, Grand Casino Bakery offers classic traditional Argentine dishes, such as empanadas. It’s also known for its bakery, which offers classics like Pan de Leche (Milk Bread) and Miguelitos. It is located in the heart of Downtown Culver City on Main Street, across the street from the Culver Steps.
Address:
3826 Main St
Culver City, CA 90232
Instagram:
@grandcasinobakery
Hours:
Open daily
Sunday - Thursday: 6:00am to 8:00pm
Friday - Saturday: 6:00am to 9:00pm
Villa’s Tacos
From its humble beginnings as a taco stand in Highland Park to having a cameo appearance in Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime show, Villa’s Tacos can always win you over with your love for tacos. The tacos feature blue corn (nixtamalized) tortillas and offer a wide variety of choices as well as a sample platter for you to choose from.
However, beware, since its big screen debut, you might have to stand in line for a while.
Address:
5455 N Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Instagram:
@villastacoslosangeles
Hours:
Monday – Sunday
12:00pm – 10:00pm
Madre!
Madre! Or “mom” in Spanish, offers a great selection of Oaxacan dishes, ranging from mole negro to tacos. Also, for those who are of age, a selection of Mezcal drinks. They have multiple locations, but the closest to USC is the Palms/Culver City location.
Address:
10426 National Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90034
Instagram:
@madre_losangeles
Hours:
Sun 10am-10pm
Mon-Thu 11am-10pm
Fri 11am-11pm
Sat 10am-11pm
El Chapulín, Expresión Oaxaqueña
Another Oaxacan restaurant that has been serving the community for decades. Delivering authentic Oaxacan flavors such as tamale de mole and tlayudas. Located in the vicinity of Arlington Heights and Country Club Park, 15 minutes northwest of USC, Expresion Oaxaqueña is a place you must try to get a taste of Oaxaca.
Address:
3301 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90019
Instagram:
@el_chapulin_restaurante
Hours:
Daily 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
El Huarachito
Located in Lincoln Heights, El Huarachito is a community staple, serving Mexican breakfast and traditional dishes. Huarachito translates to “little sandals” from Spanish.
Address:
3010 North Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90031
Instagram:
@elhuarachito
Hours:
Daily, 7 am - 3 pm
Los Anaya’s
Los Anaya’s offers great Mexican dishes that would feel right at home. With traditional dishes like chicken enchiladas or chilaquiles, this place is an excellent choice for an outing. If you’re trying to stay close to USC, be sure to visit their West Adams location. You can also find them in Pasadena.
Address:
Pasadena
630 E. Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91101
West Adams
4651 W Adams Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90016
Instagram:
@taqerialosanaya
Hours:
Mon - Thurs 11 am - 10 pm
Fri - Sat 10 am - 11 pm
Sunday 10 am - 9 pm
Taquería Frontera
Cypress Park, a neighborhood north of Dodger Stadium, is home to Taquería Frontera. A delicious local gem offering a wide variety of Mexican delicacies, from Queso-Tacos to Mulitas, with the distinct taste of Tijuana. There are two locations to choose from. Worth giving it a try if you crave something flavorful. As mentioned by LA Taco, it is the number one-rated taco spot in Cypress Park.
Address:
700 Cypress Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90065
Instagram:
@taqueriafrontera
Hours:
Tuesday - Sunday
10:00am - 10:00pm
Ditroit Taqueria
We finish off at a low key spot tucked in the Arts District, Ditroit Taqueria, an extension to its parent restaurant Damian. From suadero tacos to fish flautas, this a great place to try out if you’re looking to expand your food palette or want to explore the Art District. The prices may be a bit steep, but it’s worth a try.
Address:
2117 Violet St
Los Angeles, CA 90021
Instagram:
@ditroitdtla
Hours:
Wed - Fri, Sun 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sat 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
We hope this list inspires you to try new places and explore more of our community.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Con amor, Dímelo.