You know you’re a true Angelino when the complaints about being stuck in traffic on the 405 and debates about which taco truck makes the most killer al pastor begin popping up in your daily conversations. Indeed, Mexican cuisine is practically ingrained in native L.A. residents’ birthright – the City of Angels was part of Mexico for nearly three decades until 1848, and as such, the food has become a go-to staple for just about every palate across So Cal.

While we can’t possibly include every deserving Mexican restaurant in our city, the following roundup of essential spots in Woodland Hills has a little something for everyone.

Casa De Papi, located at 22330 Sherman Way C5 in Canoga Park, serves delicious Mexican specialties such as breakfast burritos, spinach and cheese empanadas and carnitas tacos at affordable prices with a customer-centric approach. With food that always tastes fresh and is well-seasoned, Casa De Papi has become renowned amongst Woodland Hills locals for its generous portions, incredible homemade salsa, flavorful and moist meats and overtly friendly staff, all adding up to a Mexican cuisine foray that must be experienced to be fully appreciated. The restaurant is open every day from 11 am to 6 pm except for Sundays and Mondays. 

Birria and Pozole to Go, located at 6551 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, is a favorite taco shop of dozens of Woodland Hills Mexican food enthusiasts and for good reason: Truly amazing dishes and rich, flavorful ingredients are the bedrock foundation for a menu that transcends the ordinary taco joint. Among some of the favorites here are Birria Tacos, Birria Ramen, Birrieria Quesos Tacos, Vampiro Taco, Quesa Taco and Chorizo. Birria and Pozole is open every day from 9 am to 8 pm.

Poquito Mas, located at 21049 Ventura Boulevard, operates by way of a simple premise: “We Don’t Serve Fast Food. We Serve Fresh Food Fast.” Indeed, this local hot spot, boasting locations throughout the Valley and elsewhere, ensures its staff is in the kitchen early every day to begin preparing over 45 menu items from scratch, a collection that is bolstered by fresh ingredients like corn tortillas, flour tortillas, guacamole, veggies, steak, chicken, pork (carnitas) and South Pacific Ahi. The Woodland Hills Poquito Mas location is open Thursday – to Saturday, 10:30 am – to 9:05 pm.. and All other days, 10:30 am – to 8:05 am. 

Zamorales BBQ and Tacos, a food truck sitting at 5800 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, sets up Wednesday through Sunday at the northwest corner of Warner Park and has become almost an icon amongst Los Angelinos, what with the truck’s incredible array of fresh Mexican cuisine. This menu runs the gamut from fried shrimp and fish to quesadillas, Asada Fries, Pastor Tacos, Nachos de Asada, and Steak Mulitas. With super-friendly service and all forms of payment accepted, Zamorales is the consummate food truck experience when your hankering is for something south of the border. The truck serves food Monday – Friday, 12 pm – 8:30 pm (closed Saturday and Sunday).

Salsa and Beer, located at 6740 White Oak Avenue in Lake Balboa, serves authentic Mexican food alongside an impressive Mexican beer menu that will surely have you raving long after you leave. Relax outside on the patio or enjoy the colorful interior, where chips, bean dip, and salsa are always free, and what has been called the best salsa bar in the Valley beckons from every corner of the establishment. A comprehensive menu includes Mexican combinations, desserts, appetizers, soups, Mexican wraps and salads, sizzling famous fajitas, specialty shrimp dishes, sizzling spicy molcajete, sizzling cream house specialties, homemade enchiladas and more. Open every day 11 am – 10 pm.

Las Fuentes Restaurant, located at 18415 Vanowen Street in Reseda, serves high-quality authentic family recipes handed down from generations, the food here created using original fresh ingredients such as roasted chile pasilla for the delicious Chiles Rellenos and 100-percent corn masa for the restaurant’s famous Tamales. The warm and friendly family atmosphere boasts a unique array of colors and Mexican folk art décor, completing and complementing the dining experience that has often been called “like no other” by Los Angeles-based fans of Las Fuentes. Open daily, 9 am – 9 pm. 

From birria de res to tlayudas, Los Angeles is one of the world’s great bastions of Mexican food culture, and the aforementioned restaurants in Woodland Hills represent some of the best examples of Mexican culinary brilliance in all of Southern California.