Villa's Tacos

The story

Villa's Tacos, Los Angeles: Michelin Bib Gourmand Mexican Taqueria

From a Roadside Stand to a Highland Park Institution

Chef Victor Villa’s journey began with his grandmother’s traditional Mexican recipes, served from her house. What started as a humble roadside stand grew into a beloved brick-and-mortar taqueria in Highland Park, and now a third location at 6103 N Figueroa Street. The Michelin Guide recognized Villa’s Tacos with a Bib Gourmand award for its “good quality, good value cooking,” and called it “the essential taqueria that only L.A. could dream up.”

The Signature Queso Taco

The menu revolves around nixtamalized blue corn tortillas, pressed fresh to order. The signature queso taco is a vibrant stack: a blue corn masa tortilla layered with refried beans, guacamole, cotija cheese, crema, and a crisp skirt of melted Monterey Jack. Variations with grilled asada or chorizo with potato are equally popular, and vegan options are available. As the Michelin Guide notes, “Colorful, messy and filling, these tacos thrive on their own but also sing with the homemade salsas, some of which are ferociously spicy.”

A Taste of Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Beyond the tacos, the newest location offers an exclusive menu with beer-battered seafood, mesquite-grilled tacos, and family-style plates. Seating is limited to a few picnic tables outside, keeping the casual, convivial spirit of the original stand. Whether you order the Villa’s Trio—a sampler of asada, chorizo, and chicken with black beans—or build your own, the quality and flavor speak to Chef Villa’s dedication. With three locations across Los Angeles, Villa’s Tacos has become a staple of the city’s Mexican food scene.