10 Best Tacos In California Ranked By Michelin Guide

CALIFORNIA — With is proximity to Mexico and vibrant immigrant communities, it's no secret that the Golden State is home to some of the best tacos in the nation.

But with strip-mall joints and white-tablecloth spots in abundance up and down the state, not all California taquerias are made equal.

Luckily, the Michelin Guide has traveled the Golden State to find the best taco spots in California. The Michelin distinction celebrates restaurants worthy of a road trip destination, and its seal of approval draws foodies from far and wide.

Here are 10 of the guide's favorite taco restaurants in California, with excerpts from Michelin:

Cultura
Carmel

"Try the house-made Cultura mole with smoked pork, which arrives as a feast of freshly made tortillas and lightly pickled vegetable slaw for assemble-your-own tacos. Save room for desserts like the dense and dark Oaxacan chocolate brownie with a touch of chili and cinnamon cloaked in ganache."

Guisados
Los Angeles

"Cochinita pibil, shredded pork with sweet achiote spice and creamy black beans, is the very picture of comfort, especially when bested by the warm and toasty tortillas, made in-house, naturally."

Guelaguetza
Los Angeles

"This distinct Oaxacan eatery knows exactly what its culinary mission is—so much so that it is made abundantly clear in everything from its website address (ilovemole.com) to the orange façade that announces its presence from blocks away."

Los Carnalitos
Hayward

"The two brothers behind this operation, which started as a wildly popular food truck, present delicacies like huaraches and quesadilla de huitlacoche that rarely appear on other menus in town."

Medina
San Diego

"Dishes here are influenced by the local area and chef's family heritage, resulting in a fast-casual menu with hits like Moroccan-spiced chicken tacos dressed with preserved lemon and tzatziki-inspired crema and couscous bowls layered with merguez, black beans, queso fresco and toasted pepitas."

Nixtaco
Roseville

"The salsa bar alone—featuring five outstanding salsas, including a smoky peanut chipotle and tangy salsa verde—is reason enough to warrant a visit."

Playa
Mill Valley

"The menu makes for tough choices: opt for the outstanding al pastor tacos layered with sweet-spicy caramelized pineapple salsa, or the crispy empanadas stuffed with chorizo, currants and green olives, drizzled with chimichurri."

Savida
Santa Monica

"Dishes are infused with Global flavors (think Peruvian ceviche and yellowtail seasoned with ponzu sauce and yuzu pepper dressing), not to mention your choice of seafood (oysters, sea urchin, octopus, salmon and lobster) and desserts."

Tacos Oscar
Oakland

"Meat, such as the braised pork shoulder topped with an avo-tomatillo salsa and chicharrónes, is a staple; but clever vegan versions, like the charred broccoli with soy-cashew cheese, give proteins a run for their money."

Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Los Angeles

"Over in the kitchen, the menu goes on to please palates with favorites like chunky guacamole. Tostaditas de ceviche have just the right amount of crunch, heaped with citrus-marinated whitefish, diced cucumber, mango, avocado and slivered fresh chili for a zesty one-two punch."

Check out more of California's best restaurants at the Michelin Guide.