Best Tacos in Santa Monica
Updated June 16, 2026 · Ranked by combined rating and review volume
Where to find the best tacos in Santa Monica
For an upscale Mexican dining experience, Sol Agave delivers creative takes on classics in a stylish setting right by the ocean. Guests consistently rave about the delicious steak tacos on homemade blue corn tortillas and unique cocktails like the Oaxacan Old Fashioned. The friendly staff and vibrant atmosphere make it a standout choice for a memorable meal.
This long-standing Santa Monica institution offers a lively, informal atmosphere with consistently friendly and attentive service, making everyone feel welcome. While some opinions vary on the chips and salsa, the tacos receive high praise, and the full bar ensures a festive experience. Vegetarians should note that the refried beans contain lard.
Desvelados Santa Monica
Desvelados offers truly authentic Mexican flavors in a trendy and beautiful setting, often surprising diners with its hidden gem status on 4th Street. Patrons consistently praise the rich, genuine taste of dishes like the 'best Birria taco ever' and generous portions. It provides an upscale dining experience without the upscale price tag, complemented by fresh guacamole and excellent service.
A beloved veteran in Santa Monica, Lares Restaurant provides a warm, family-style Mexican dining experience complete with live mariachi music and strong margaritas. Diners consistently enjoy the delicious food, particularly the pork carnitas and mole enchiladas, served with attentive hospitality. It's a festive spot perfect for a lively meal with friends or family.
Located within the Shore Hotel, Blue Plate Taco offers fresh, locavore Mexican cuisine with stunning Pacific Ocean views and a vibrant, beachy ambiance. Guests love the flavorful shrimp and chicken tacos, complemented by excellent guacamole and creative margaritas. It's an ideal spot for a fun, casual meal right across from the ocean with top-notch service.
Contenders
Places submitted by the community. The top contender with more points than #5 gets promoted.
How we ranked the best tacos in Santa Monica
Every place on this list is scored by a Bayesian weighted formula combined with a volume bonus. It rewards consistent positive feedback at scale, not just a high average rating — a 4.9-star place with 12 reviews ranks below a 4.6-star place with 800.
score = (v / (v + m)) × R + (m / (v + m)) × C + γ × log₁₀(v)
The prior m adapts to each neighborhood: it's the median review count among local candidates. So 200 reviews counts as “small sample” in dense markets like the West Village, but “solid” in quieter neighborhoods. Places with extreme review volume that clearly dominate their peers are promoted to #1. No paid placements — every spot earns its position via the public data.
Frequently asked about Santa Monica tacos
What is the highest-rated taco in Santa Monica?
Desvelados Santa Monica has the highest Google rating in our list of the best tacos in Santa Monica, with 4.8 stars across 413 reviews.
Which taco in Santa Monica has the most reviews?
Blue Plate Taco has the most reviews of any taco on this list — 2,304 ratings averaging 4.4 stars on Google.
How are the best tacos in Santa Monica ranked?
Each place is scored using a Bayesian weighted formula that combines its average Google rating with its review count. This pulls small-sample places toward the local mean — so a 4.9-star spot with 12 reviews is ranked below a 4.6-star spot with 800 reviews. Volume and consistency matter, not just an inflated average.
When was this ranking last updated?
This ranking of the best tacos in Santa Monica was last refreshed in June 2026 using the latest Google ratings and review counts. Restaurants and bars change constantly — always verify hours and current status before visiting.
Why isn't my favorite taco on the list of best tacos in Santa Monica?
To be considered, a place needs enough Google reviews for the rating to be statistically meaningful (at least 5 reviews, ideally 25+). Newer or hyper-local spots can be excellent but score lower until enough people review them. Boundaries also matter — a spot just outside the Santa Monica area may show up on a neighboring ranking instead.