Reserve now:
Yxta Cocina MexicanaReservations
Restaurant Reviews List >
Los Angeles / Orange County Restaurant Reviews >
Downtown / South and East LA Restaurant Reviews >
Downtown Restaurant Reviews >
Mexican Restaurant Reviews
Yxta Cocina Mexicana Reviews List
Yxta Cocina Mexicana
The restaurant offers authentic Mexican food—handmade tortillas, fresh guacamole, sopes, slow-cooked carnitas, enchiladas de mole, and empanadas, as well as delicious updates to the classics—tostadas with sashimi-grade tuna, sweet shrimp taquitos, and salmon a la parilla.
See more Yxta Cocina Mexicana details
76 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 76 reviews
5 stars
(36)
4 stars
(34)
3 stars
(5)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(36)
- good for groups(36)
- neighborhood gem(31)
- hot spot(17)
- vibrant bar scene(16)
- great for lunch(15)
Yxta Cocina Mexicana Reviews List
Review 1 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Yxta does it right
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I took a friend for her birthday. We've been to Mexico and have great respect for the Mexican chef's values of freshness and taste. Yxta honors both. My friend was thrilled with the helpful waiter, who explained to her that she could get a blood-orange Margarita even though it's not on the menu, and who showed real enthusiasm for his restaurant. We both loved our meals -- she had chicken and I had salmon -- and only regretted that we were too full for desert.
By the way, I had a cocktail named "La Fresa" -- tequila, strawberry and mint. Ridiculously delicious."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Really fun choice--great food!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I was a little apprehensive about the neighborhood--ended up being completely fine! Food and drinks were really good--and priced well. I would definitely return. Our party ranged from grandma to college students to grammar school kids and everyone was happy with their food. We came to celebrate sister's graduation from USC and it was the perfect choice! Fun and hip without breaking the bank!"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food, service...everything was perfect! Something for everyone!! Even the parking is easy!!"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, hot spot, great for lunch, kid-friendly
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I sure will be back again
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very positive, enjoyable experience. Quick, very friendly service, recommendation far above the "rush down 4 or 5 items list" one often gets. Followed some of the recommendations and was fully worth it. Sure to be back again some time soon."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 5 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Was in the area for a play and needed some food first. Unfamiliar with local joints, so chose the place after looking at several menus. An amazing choice it was! The friendliness of the service was fantastic. It was a Saturday evening, and they offered a happy hour menu...unheard of at other restaurants on weekends. The drinks were spectacular...we had the daily juice (melon and cantaloupe) with an added shot of jalepeno tequila. Yum! The corn chowder was the best I've ever had. My buddy is a vegetarian and really enjoyed the menu options. All of the food was delicious. We're still telling people about this place!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 6 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent tacos!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I've tried a bunch of things here but the tacos are particularly excellent, especially compared to something like Loteria or Malo. I am happy to drive all the way from West Hollywood just to have the Carnitas or Al Pastor tacos -- they are that good! And the margaritas go down easy as well..."
Dined on 2/15/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Skirt Steak was ok - meat not tender enough but overall presentation was nice. Mole sauce on enchiladas was a little too sweet and not enough of the dark aromas for those who prefer mole with more depth. But the service was nice and would go again for drinks and a great place to meet friends."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, romantic, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 8 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was really good; however, we had to remind the server to bring us our drinks several time and then appeared to be annoyed."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: good for groups
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I love Yxta - I've been there
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I love Yxta - I've been there several times and have always left feeling happy and satisfied. They have quite a few vegetarian options which I appreciate. The margaritas are fabulous - a great selection of unique flavors. Service is a tad slow but friendly. Be aware - this is a noisy restaurant so wouldn't work for a business lunch."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2012
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great restaurant. The food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great restaurant. The food and service are exceptional. We will continue to go back again and again."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Second time I was there and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Second time I was there and it was even better. Great food and great service. Couldn't ask for more. We'll come back whenever in the area. Note: Parking is a challenge."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 12 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food. Great service.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food. Great service. Fun place to hang out."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 13 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Had a great meal with my mid
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a great meal with my mid thirties daughter and son.........we wanted upscale Mexican food and Yxta hit the spot........The Margaritas were great also......Seamless open table res and arrival seated immediately great attentive service. We didn't feel rushed. I found it similar to Mercado in SMO."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best margaritas in town.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always an amazing eating experience."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
going back...
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good bar and happy hour. Excellent margaritas. Food was dee-li-cious; I bit of a modern spin to traditional dishes. Fresh homemade tortillas and perfect guacamole. Each of our party of 4 was very happy with their meal and the exceptional service."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 16 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I have been to Yxta many times
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have been to Yxta many times and the food and service has always been excellent. Unfortunately, this was not the case this time. The food was excellent, but the service was abysmal. I don't know if they need to hire more staff or that I got a trainee, or that my waiter was just incompetent, but he failed in all categories. We couldn't get refills on our iced tea, it took forever to get our lunch (and the waiter never came by to check on us), I had to chase him down to get the bill, and I had to chase the hostess down to get someone to take my credit card. I am usually good at tipping, but I was so mad I left just 10%. I hope this was an anomaly, but if it happens the next time I will not be back."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2004
Share:
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 17 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Los Angeles Treasure
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Amazing Food. Great overall design and ambiance. Can't WAIT to go back. I'm not a big mole fan, but the steak I had (which was incredible) came with a mole enchilada..... WOW! Soooooo Gooooood!"
Dined on 03/19/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 18 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
One of the restaurants that
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"One of the restaurants that I've been wanting to try and the day has finally come! A gf and I came during HH. Even if it wasn't happy hour, I would gladly pay full price the the entrees we tried this evening. Great spot for after work eats or even a luncheon. Spacious restaurant with friendly staff!!
We shared the following:
Tostadas de ceviche - came on two med sized tostadas. Great taste & texture in every bite!
Tacos al Pastor - slowly incorporating pork back into my taste buds and this taco was great, especially with the sweet taste of the pineapple on top!
Tacos de Machaca - this was a winner for me! Loved the spices on the shredded beef. All tacos that we tried we generously packed on the tortilla.
Tostadas de ceviche - came on two med sized tostadas. Great taste & texture in every bite!
Tacos al Pastor - slowly incorporating pork back into my taste buds and this taco was great, especially with the sweet taste of the pineapple on top!
Tacos de Machaca - this was a winner for me! Loved the spices on the shredded beef. All tacos that we tried we generously packed on the tortilla.
I shall be back!"
Dined on 03/07/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 19 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Superb Mexican Cuisine
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As an international lecturer, familiar with many cultures and places, I have had the pleasure of eating at many fine restaurants. Yxta is one of my favorites. I was visiting Los Angeles and wanted to find a restaurant to meet with a colleague. The chile relleno was the best I have ever had (and, because my wife is Mexican, we are very particular!). My wife's carne asada was grilled to perfection, which is an art when the meat is so thinly and properly sliced. And my colleague's salmon made me envious. The atmosphere is open and inviting and both rustic and elegant. I love it. Highly recommended."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 20 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointed.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It took one hour for the food to arrive. And we had to flag the waitress. Won't go back for lunch for quite awhile."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2009
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 21 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our food was fabulous, and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our food was fabulous, and the main dishes were plentiful. The margaritas were very good, but had a lot of ice and not a lot of drink, at least at happy hour. I would recommend this place for pre-concert dinners. Very yummy!"
Dined on 02/26/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 22 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Exceptional upscale Mexican
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Exceptional upscale Mexican food. Service was wonderful -- my wife is not a big eater, and when she ordered two different taco plates from the happy hour menu, the server immediately told her that there were two tacos on each plate, worrying that she might be ordering too much. How often do you get service like that?
Always order the Raja Poblanas appetizer; you will never be sorry. Also, we love the Serrano Margaritas."
Always order the Raja Poblanas appetizer; you will never be sorry. Also, we love the Serrano Margaritas."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 23 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Loved it
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I met up with an old friend, we both loved it."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 24 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We were treated to the chef's
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were treated to the chef's special Valentine's Day menu; every dish was a hit!! I've been a fan of Yxta since the restaurant opened, and I've introduced a host of friends to the restaurant. Everyone agrees that it's just about their favorite Mexican restaurant. Never have had anything there that wasn't innovative, creative, beautifully presented . . . and, best of all, absolutely delicious!! The service is impeccable, too. It's obvious that the wait staff is professionally trained. A group of six of us (retired Cal State L.A. friends) have made Yxta our favorite for our annual Christmas lunch and gift exchange. And, even though most of us visit there during the year, we always look forward to the perfect setting for our annual event."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 25 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious Mexican food, restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Delicious Mexican food, restaurant is somewhat stark. Good find close to downtown."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2002
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 26 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I was very surprised to find
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was very surprised to find such a contemporary Mexican restaurant on the outskirts of downtown. A friend recommended it and I have since had two meals with large groups of friends and colleagues and everyone enjoyed their meal. Oaxacan influences are evident with some very lovely moles and other sauces adorning many of the dishes. The chips and guacamole are very good (always an important measure in my book), and the cocktails unique. We were there on a Monday night, it was somewhat quiet, and the service was a little slow. I will not hold that against them, and plan on going back."
Dined on 02/04/2013
2004
Special Features: good for groups
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 27 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food here was very authentic,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food here was very authentic, fresh, and delicious. We thoroughly enjoyed it."
Dined on 01/12/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 28 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The staff and management run
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
"The staff and management run this place well. The food is outstanding. The servers are very helpful, they know the menu well. You have to try the red orange margarita. I think I'm gonna come back just to hang at the bar with friends!"
Dined on 02/04/2013
2007
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 29 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We went in a group of 10 and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We went in a group of 10 and had a very easy time making and confirming the reservation. WE had to move the reservation back 15 min and there was no problems. The food was great and a good serving. There are a lot of choices and combinations so have fun. It is a small place so the noise was pretty loud. Which made it hard to hear the waiter at times, but overall I would come back here."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 30 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very fine moderately upscale
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very fine moderately upscale Mexican cuisine. Food very good and fresh, quanty substantial,service fine, and cost worth it. A bit dark but our severnty year old eyes managed. Very nice option as a place to dine when attending a downtown play, concert or opera."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 31 for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Greet Buiness lunch meeting
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Greet Buiness lunch meeting place!"
Dined on 01/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Based on the average of (45) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
1 out of 1 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic