Real foodies want to know who makes the best tamales in town. Who has their own tortilleria, allowing the flour and corn staples right before your eyes? Whose hot sauce gives the best flavor? Who has the best selection of tequila? Who makes them fresh Margaritas? All these questions have Mexican food for thought. Presented in alphabetical order, here are the top ten Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles.

1.  Babita Mexicuisine
Address: 1823 S San Gabriel Blvd, San Gabriel, CA 91776
This Nuevo Latino hotspot earns tops marks for innovative running on traditional Mexican dishes. The menu, far from the usual litany of combination plates, offers extravagant entrees like epazote-Crusted Snapper with mango-lime flavor, and Chiles nogada (a pepper stuffed with minced meat, fruits and nuts), and lamb shank mixote.

2.  Border Grill
Address: 1445 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
You may be familiar with the restaurant owners that their “Too Hot Tamales” cooking show. If not, then you are in for a treat. Border Grill’s menu 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.

3.  El Tepeyac
Address: 812 N Evergreen Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Bring your appetite at this informal eatery, where you can feed yourself for the day if you choose carefully. Burritos are really great – oversized tortillas packed to bursting with rice, beans, your choice of meat, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and a variety of other ingredients.

4.  Guelaguetza
Address: 11127 Palms Blvd, Palms, CA 90,034
Boasting an inventive menu, this small restaurant is big on taste (and herbs)! Enjoy goodies like goat stew, mole, or crickets cooked to perfection. Laid-back casual atmosphere is characterized by the warming smells of cinnamon and chile. Great breakfast stop as well.

5.  La Serenata the Garibaldi – Santa Monica
Address: 1416 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
For seafood done Mexican style, try this Santa Monica favorite. Regulars attest to the fact that the consistent presentation of the expertly prepared seafood they have steadfast faith. Order the fish Quesadilla, the shredded beef in red chili sauce, or chicken enchiladas. Excellent margaritas round out the experience.

6.  La Serenata Gourmet
Address: 10924 W Pico Blvd, West Los Angeles, CA 90025
This place is an off-shoot of his 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 crowd back. They do not take reservations for groups of less than eight, so be prepared to wait.

7.  Loteria! Grill
Address: 6333 W 3rd St, Farmer’s Market, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Hungry shoppers the chance at this Mexican food stand during their wanderings through the farmers are very pleased with the stuffing, authentic fare. Well stuffed burritos, stuffed with beef, chicken and pork, are just the beginning – Albondigas (meatballs) in Chipotle, tacos topped with zucchini and succotash.

8.  Monte Alban
Address: 11927 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
It is said that the real test of the authenticity of a restaurant is its clients – if expats eat there, should be the real thing. Monte Alban is the real deal. Its strip-mall location is not the most elegant, but the interior is warm and festive.

9.  Poquito Más
Address: 2215 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
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 fresh, house-made tortillas. Do not forget to fill your selection with a freshly prepared salsa from the salsa bar.

10.  Tlapazola Grill
Address: 11676 Gateway Blvd, West Los Angeles, CA 90025
Grilled pork tenderloin with mole amarillo or chicken with mole negro – Oaxaca Tlapazola brings unique style to LA. The restaurant combines dozens of herbs, different types of chocolate, and a number Chiles their recipes, a lush culinary practice that always come back for delicious lamb, chicken, and pork dishes.