Best Upscale Tacos in Little Italy | Top 1 Upscale Spots

18 restaurants in Best Upscale Tacos in Little Italy | Top 1 Upscale Spots

• Maya Mezcal — Mexican · rated 5/5: Maya Mezcal invites guests into a spirited sanctuary where the smoky aroma of artisanal agave spirits mingles with the vibrant, zesty notes of hand-crushed salsa and lime. The kitchen elevates traditional cantina fare into a sophisticated feast, offering everything from the molten indulgence of queso fundido to the complex, earthy richness of huitlacoche quesadillas and fiery Camarones El Diablo. It is a space where modern flair meets rustic warmth, creating an electric backdrop for lingering over shared plates and bold, craft cocktails.
• Los Tacos No.1 — Mexican · rated 4.8/5: The air hums with the rhythmic chop of cleavers and the savory scent of marinated pork searing on the trompo, instantly transporting diners to a vibrant Mexican street corner. Hand-pressed corn tortillas, still warm from the griddle, serve as the perfect canvas for succulent meats topped with a bright burst of lime and house-made salsas that dance on the palate.
• Café Habana — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: This vibrant urban retreat pulses with energy, drawing guests in with the intoxicating scent of charred corn, zesty lime, and slow-simmered spices. Inside, neon lights and retro accents create a lively backdrop for savoring bold Mexican flavors, from smoky, cheese-dusted elote to tender meats infused with the heat of sun-drenched chilis. It is a sensory celebration of street-food soul, where every plate captures the spirited warmth and festive rhythm of a bustling neighborhood cantina.
• Bar Verde — Mexican · rated 4.5/5: Bar Verde is a lush, light-filled sanctuary where the vibrant soul of Mexican cuisine is reimagined through a lens of modern elegance and garden-fresh ingredients. The air carries the bright scent of freshly squeezed lime and smoky agave, accompanying a parade of hand-pressed tortillas and complex moles that dance across the palate with bold, sun-drenched intensity. This inviting escape captures the festive energy of a contemporary cantina, encouraging guests to linger over artisanal cocktails in a space that feels both sophisticated and deeply rooted in tradition.
• lupe's East L.A. Kitchen — Mexican · rated 4.3/5: Lupe's East L.A. Kitchen captures the soulful spirit of a neighborhood cantina, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of slow-simmered carnitas and charred chilies. Guests gather in a vibrant, unpretentious space to savor hand-pressed tortillas and bold, home-style flavors that pay homage to the rich culinary heritage of East Los Angeles. Every bite offers a festive explosion of zesty lime and smoky spices, creating a dining experience that feels like a warm invitation into a bustling family kitchen.
• San Loco — Mexican · rated 4.3/5: San Loco pulses with a vibrant, unpretentious energy, drawing diners into a space where the air is thick with the smoky aroma of seasoned carnitas and the sharp, bright tang of house-made salsa. The experience centers on bold, soulful flavors and overstuffed plates, where the satisfying crunch of golden taco shells meets the molten richness of melted cheese in a high-octane celebration of Mexican street food.
• Swift Hibernian Lounge — American · rated 4/5: Stepping into this atmospheric sanctuary feels like a retreat into a storied Dublin parlor, where dark wood accents and a convivial spirit set the stage for long conversations over perfectly poured pints. The kitchen reimagines classic pub fare with a playful touch, serving up golden-crusted sausage rolls and zesty corned beef tacos that balance tradition with a modern, social energy. Whether sharing savory plates of chorizo and manchego or tucking into a chilled Dublin shrimp cocktail, guests find a warm, timeless refuge that honors the art of the neighborhood lounge.
• The Red Lion — American · rated 4/5: Stepping into The Red Lion feels like entering a bustling social sanctuary where the aroma of warm beer hall pretzels and zesty street tacos sets the stage for a night of spirited connection. Guests huddle over overflowing platters of loaded nachos and crispy wings, enjoying a playful menu of elevated comfort favorites that transform a casual gathering into a vibrant, flavor-filled celebration.
• Superbueno — Mexican · rated 4/5: Superbueno pulses with a vibrant, high-energy spirit where traditional Mexican flavors are reimagined through a playful and contemporary lens. Guests gather over tables laden with crispy pork belly tacos and golden shrimp flautas, while inventive creations like birria grilled cheese and zesty tuna tiradito bring a bold, soulful heat to every shared bite.
• Toloache — Mexican · rated 4/5: Toloache pulses with a vibrant energy, where the rustic charm of Mexican tradition meets a sophisticated, modern culinary edge. Diners are treated to a sensory feast of zesty ceviche tastings and colorful trios of guacamole that range from sweet fruit-infused bites to fiery spice, alongside inventive fusion plates like delicate toro taquitos and crisp octopus tostadas. It is a spirited destination where bold, sun-drenched flavors are elevated by artistic presentation, creating an atmosphere that is both festive and refined.
• Taqueria Diana — Mexican · rated 4/5: The vibrant energy of a bustling street market comes alive at Taqueria Diana, where the smoky aroma of charred carne asada and the rhythmic sizzle of the plancha fill the air. Hand-pressed tortillas cradle everything from succulent, pineapple-topped al pastor to crispy Baja-style fish, while oversized quesadillas ooze with melted cheese and earthy roasted rajas. It is a spirited destination that captures the soul of traditional Mexican street food, offering a fast-paced yet deeply flavorful escape for every craving.
• Los Tacos No.1 — Mexican · rated 4/5: The air hums with the rhythmic chop of knives and the intoxicating aroma of marinated adobada hitting the grill, drawing crowds into a vibrant space that pulses with the energy of a traditional Mexican market. From the first steam-filled bite of a hearty machaca breakfast burrito to the smoky, charred perfection of a hand-pressed carne asada taco, each dish celebrates bold spices and the soulful simplicity of street-style cooking. It is a high-octane culinary destination where zesty salsas and tender, flame-licked meats transform a quick meal into a sun-drenched, sensory feast.
• Los Tacos Hermanos — Mexican · rated 4/5: The air at Los Tacos Hermanos is thick with the savory perfume of citrus-marinated carne asada and spiced al pastor sizzling over a roaring flame. Diners gather in a vibrant, high-energy space where hand-pressed tortillas are piled high with tender meats and bright salsas, while golden mounds of nachos and zesty shrimp quesadillas offer a festive explosion of street-style flavors. It is a lively destination where every bite—from the creamy richness of fresh guacamole to the smoky depth of a loaded burrito—celebrates the bold, sun-drenched spirit of authentic Mexican comfort food.
• Papatzu Mexican Restaurant — Mexican: Papatzu transports guests to the heart of Mexico with a vibrant atmosphere where the zing of citrus-cured seafood meets the smoky, comforting aromas of traditional street-side fare. Diners gather over plates of ink-dark aguachile and crisp octopus tostadas, while the kitchen turns out bubbling pans of chorizo-laced cheese and golden, spice-dusted corn that capture the soulful essence of Coyoacán. It is a lively culinary escape where every dish, from the delicate shrimp ceviche to the earthy mushroom casserole, celebrates the bold textures and deep heritage of Mexican cooking.
• El Grillito — Mexican: The air at El Grillito is thick with the intoxicating aroma of charred meats and toasted corn, drawing guests into a vibrant space where the rhythmic sizzle of the flat-top grill sets a lively tempo. Hand-pressed tortillas become warm vessels for everything from succulent, slow-cooked carnitas and smoky al pastor to the zesty brightness of lime-kissed grilled shrimp. It is a soulful neighborhood retreat that celebrates the art of the taco, offering a sensory journey through bold spices, fresh garnishes, and the comforting warmth of authentic street-side flavors.
• Son del North — Mexican: Son del North brings the sun-drenched flavors of Northern Mexico to life, where the scent of charred carne asada and sizzling pollo asado wafts from a kitchen dedicated to the art of the perfect burrito. Soft, hand-stretched flour tortillas serve as the canvas for everything from zesty camaron ranchero to smoky cauliflower chorizo, creating a handheld feast that balances rustic tradition with vibrant, modern flair. Each meal is anchored by the satisfying crunch of golden totopos dipped in creamy guacamole or savory frijoles, offering a soulful dining experience that feels like a warm invitation to the desert borderlands.
• San Loco — Mexican: San Loco pulses with a vibrant, high-energy spirit where the satisfying crunch of golden tortilla chips and the bright zest of fresh pico de gallo set the stage for a spirited gathering. Molten cheese cascades over loaded nacho platters and crispy totchos, while savory quesadillas and golden-fried flautas offer a comforting, flavor-packed escape from the ordinary. This lively haven invites guests to dive into bold, shareable bites within a festive atmosphere that turns every casual meal into a celebration.
• Essex Taqueria — Mexican: Step into a vibrant neighborhood haunt where the sizzle of the grill and the aroma of slow-simmered tinga create an atmosphere of casual, sun-drenched energy. Here, colorful bowls become a canvas for bold Mexican flavors, layering tender carne asada, zesty al pastor, and succulent shrimp over fresh ingredients that pop with every bite. It’s a spirited destination where the soul of street-side cooking meets modern convenience, offering a flavorful escape that feels both festive and familiar.