Get the Best Tamales in Los Angeles
Updated for 2026
Tamales are as ubiquitous to Los Angeles as palm trees, so this list of the Best Tamales in Los Angeles certainly isn’t all-inclusive — but they are our favorites. And if you’re looking for Tamales Near You, take a look at our handy map down below.
Best Tamales Near Me
In case you just arrived here, you may ask: What is a tamale? Tamales are delicious “masa” (corn dough) that can be filled with various meats, cheeses, or sweet fillings and wrapped in a corn husk, or banana leaf, then steamed and may be served with sauce, beans, and rice, or alongside an entrée. They are super comfort food!
Tamales are also a Christmas tradition that comes to us from Mexico, and we’re grateful that we can partake!
True tamale fans will tell you that the best ones are made from homemade recipes and won’t always be featured in the Zagat Guide. In fact, getting together with family and friends for a Tamalada (a tamale-making party) is a wonderful way to have fun AND make dinner!
But if you’re not planning to make your own, you can get holiday Tamales from one of the great places on this list. Place your orders early, or prepare to wait in line. Either way, they will be worth the wait!
Find the Best Tamales in Los Angeles
Guelaguetza
3014 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90006
“Guelaguetza is a restaurant, boutique market, and an advocate of Oaxacan culture in Los Angeles.” Many local patrons will tell you that you need to go there, and not just for the Tamales, but for the best Oaxacan food in the country!
With its soft texture, and wrapped in a banana leaf, the Mole Negro tamales are a must this time of year. They also have a sweetened corn tamale with raisins that you won’t regret. Order online or via phone or dine on the outdoor patio with health safety precautions in place. Note, the restaurant’s new hours; they are closed on Mondays.
Lotería Grill
4228 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019
Lotería Grill gets into the holiday spirit with special tamales for this most wonderful time of year. Families can enjoy more of the festivities with loved ones and less time in the kitchen; let Lotería do the cooking with their famous tamales — available from November through January — in person or online. Last year, Lotería brought back their guests’ favorite tamales. Lotería’s tamales include:
La Mascota Bakery
2715 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90023
This is a favorite for locals! Not only because of the tamales but because of all the delicious food from tortas to pan dulce. For the holidays, people drive from all over the city to wait in line for these delicious tamales that have been sold in Boyle Heights for over 65 years.
Related: Find the best Christmas and Holiday Events in Los Angeles.
La Indiana Tamales
1142 S. Indiana St., Los Angeles, CA 90023
La Indiana Tamales describes itself as “the best-kept secret in Los Angeles.” They offer all the traditional tamales with chicken, beef, and vegetables, as well as sweet tamales. Christmas is their “peak season,” so be prepared and be patient. Tamales are made from scratch using only the freshest ingredients. For your convenience, tamales may be ordered online.
King Taco
Multiple locations including:
1118 Cypress Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90065
Luckily, there are multiple locations of King Taco Restaurants around Los Angeles, so you’re never too far away from one. King Taco was founded in 1974 and began operating from a converted ice cream truck. King Taco does the basics — chicken, pork, cheese with jalapeños, or sweet (sugar and pineapple pieces). For those with dietary restrictions, you can check the website for a list of calories and nutritional content.
Chichen Itza
3655 S. Grand Ave., #C6, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Chichen Itza Restaurant is a family-owned and operated business inside the Mercado la Paloma in south Los Angeles. They “specialize in Yucatecan Food, maintaining the authentic flavor of this original Southeast Mexican Cuisine.” You can also order online. They are open seven days a week.
The Original Tamale Company
13752 Van Nuys Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331
The Original Tamale Company is a “family-owned business established in 1999 by the Ortega Family.” What began as a small restaurant in San Fernando has grown to a 10,000-square-foot tamale factory in Pacoima. Over the years, their tamales have won numerous awards. Enjoy the classics — beef, pork, chicken, pineapple, and veggie.
Wow Tamales
15404 Nordhoff St., North Hills, CA 91343
7622 Reseda Blvd., Reseda, CA 91335
Many consider the tamales at Wow Tamales to be among the very best! Enjoy pork, chicken, spinach and cheese, and beef tamales all made with a “secret family recipe.” Sweet varieties include traditional strawberry, pineapple, sweet corn, and cinnamon with raisins.
Find the Best Tamales Near Me
Related: Chipotle Catering and a Tamalada
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