Villa's Tacos

After years of popping up around Highland Park, Victor Villa has brought his critically acclaimed blue corn tortillas to three storefronts: The original strip mall outpost along Figueroa, a stall within Downtown’s Grand Central Market and a third location on Figueroa serving Baja-inspired mariscos. While I wouldn’t go out of the way for Villa’s Tacos #3, which offers serviceable fish tacos and a market-priced gourmet taco made with A5 Wagyu, the original “tacos estilo Los Angeles” served at 5455 North Figueroa and inside Grand Central Market are some of the most unique tacos in the city. Each regular taco ($3.50) consists of finely chopped meats, which you can top with seven different salsas as well as excellent guacamole, which is never extra(!). Most people opt for the quesotacos ($4.50 apiece)—think charred, crispy Monterey Jack soldered to each handmade tortilla, drizzles of fresh snow white crema and a shower of cotija cheese. Three solid vegan taco options further broaden the appeal of Villa’s cooking, but the first-timer’s go-to order is usually the sampler trio of quesotacos. Lines here usually form early, but these tacos are worth the wait.