Which is the Best Mexican Restaurant in downtown LA?
Well I had planned to suggest La Serenata, because I think it the best. But may this will do: La Luz del Dia — on Olvera Street, but cheaper simpler and better than the LA Golondrina. Quote from Jonathan Gold’s list of 99 essential LA restaurants: “La Luz del Dia, serving cactus salad to the hordes. La Luz is a simple place, and most of what it serves are basic permutations of the two or three things it does best. So whatever you think you ordered — soft tacos, tostadas, whatever — you’ll probably get at least one helping of carnitas or picadillo, the chunky Mexican beef stew that, with its carrots and potatoes, looks like a stew somebody’s mother might have made . . . provided that somebody’s mother has an industrial-size garlic press and a Thai tolerance for chile heat.” W. Olvera St., downtown, (213) 628-7495. Open Mon. 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Tues.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 8:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Beer only. Lot parking. Cash only. $10–$15. Mexican.
