It’s not just that Los Angeles Mexican restaurants are as close to authentic as you’ll get without going south of the border. It’s that they’re some of the best restaurants in Los Angeles, period. The city has one of the country's largest Mexican populations, which translates into an incredible array of recipes from all of Mexico’s seven culinary regions. Don’t miss Guelaguetza Restaurant, whose chefs whip up a traditional Oaxacan cactus salad worthy of its own star on the Walk of Fame. Meanwhile, Rick Bayless's upscale Red O is known for its steaks and seafood.