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Guerrilla Tacos

RESTAURANT SUMMARY

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Where haute cuisine techniques meet Mexican street food authenticity, Guerrilla Tacos Los Angeles transforms the humble taco into an art form through chef Wes Avila's revolutionary approach to Alta California cuisine. This Arts District phenomenon represents the pinnacle of elevated casual dining, where Ducasse-trained precision meets East LA soul.

Born from rebellion in 2012, Guerrilla Tacos emerged from Avila's guerrilla-style taco cart operations, dodging authorities while building a cult following. The Pulitzer Prize-winning Jonathan Gold championed this culinary insurgency, recognizing Avila's unique journey from forklift driver to Paris-trained chef. After honing his craft under Alain Ducasse and Walter Manzke, Avila rejected traditional fine dining constraints to honor his Mexican-American heritage. This evolution from rogue street vendor to brick-and-mortar destination earned critical acclaim and cemented Guerrilla Tacos as Los Angeles' most innovative taco destination.

The cuisine transcends conventional Mexican boundaries, showcasing Avila's global influences through meticulously crafted tacos and sharing plates. The legendary Sweet Potato Taco—crowned "Taco of the Year" by LA Taco—combines roasted sweet potatoes with almond salsa, fried corn, scallions, and feta cheese in perfect harmony. The Pocho Taco features wild boar and cheddar, while the Baja Fried Cod Taco demonstrates Avila's technical mastery. Beyond handheld offerings, the open-faced lobster quesadilla and garlicky calamari steak bites showcase the restaurant's sophisticated approach to Mexican comfort food. Each dish reflects Avila's philosophy of using tortillas as canvases for complex flavor compositions, incorporating Japanese, French, and Mediterranean influences into this distinctly Californian cuisine.

The 2,400-square-foot Arts District flagship embodies urban sophistication with street art aesthetics, featuring industrial-chic design elements and graffiti-inspired murals that honor the brand's rebellious origins. The open kitchen allows diners to witness Avila's team executing precise techniques, while the casual patio captures LA's vibrant energy. Service remains approachable yet knowledgeable, with staff guiding guests through rotating seasonal menus and hidden specialties listed only on boards behind the counter. The beverage program complements bold flavors with craft cocktails like the complex Guerrilla Punch, featuring Havana Club rum, apple brandy, and cold brew sencha tea, alongside expertly balanced margaritas.

Reservations at this Los Angeles fine dining destination book quickly, particularly for weekend service when the full menu showcases Avila's creative range. Whether seeking the best restaurants Los Angeles offers or experiencing Michelin-caliber innovation in casual surroundings, Guerrilla Tacos delivers an unforgettable culinary adventure that defines modern Mexican-American gastronomy.

CHEF

Wesley Avila

ACCOLADES

(2025) EP Club Recommended Restaurant

(2024) Opinionated About Dining Cheap Eats in North America Ranked #88

CONTACT

7291 CA-49, Coloma, CA 95651

+1 530-306-1613

FEATURED GUIDES

NEARBY RESTAURANTS

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