Some of the absolute BEST mexican food you can get in oakland. The home made tortillas with some butter on the side are unreal. This place is probably my favorite Mexican food in the Bay Area - and that's saying a lot! The mole is incredible and the owner is the nicest lady you will ever meet. Seriously a must-try spot. read more

Small hole-in-the-wall joint serving up some fantastic Mexican food. My girlfriend and I have been craving some authentic, sit-down Mexican food since moving to Emeryville. We used to have a few go-to spots back when I lived in the Mission, and while we've found a couple of places that scratch the itch out here (Los Moles and La Mission notably), nothing quite hit the spot--until now. Thankfully, my girlfriend stumbled upon this gem, and we stopped by for brunch earlier today. The restaurant itself is quaint and unassuming. The interior is simply decorated, with several small booths that seat 2-4 people. When we arrived, the restaurant wasn't crowded--just three groups of two already dining, and several open tables. Once we were seated, we were given complimentary chips and salsa, and our orders were taken. I got the Enchiladas en Mole, and my girlfriend got an Enchilada de Queso. The food arrived promptly and was served fresh. My enchiladas came with some of the best mole sauce I've had--it was rich, beefy, and paired excellently with the rice and beans (which were also perfect). I also have to shout out the house tortillas--these things were bomb. I tried one rolled up with a little butter, and it was perfect. My girlfriend also really enjoyed her entrée. The portions were generous (my girlfriend had leftovers to take home), and the service was friendly and prompt. To top it all off, the food was very reasonably priced. Our meal came out to just under $40 total, which is a great value considering the quality and quantity of food. I can't recommend this place enough. I hope I get a chance to come back soon. Food: 5/5 Value: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Experience: 5/5 Overall Score: 5/5 read more

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A Wonderful Restaurant! Great service! The Chile Relleno is the Bomb and let's not forget the homemade tortillas! Emma is a Gem! Best Mexican food in Oakland! read more

Hello all, My buddy and I dropped into this little gem of Oakland history for the first time last night. The business has been in Oakland since the 30's and the wonderful host maybe owner has been there for 42 years and she's great to chat with, now before I get to the food there was a gentleman sitting to the right of us that had been coming there for 32 years moving on to the food great service, chips hit the table with two different salsa's and refried beans and Molay sauce "yummy" I had a number #2 on the menu and when it should it was a lot of good food, then came the in house homemade corn tortillas with were killer so good and our host should us the corn that they were made from. Great little find will be going back for sure Wednesdays thu Sunday 11am to 8pm closed Mon & Tues. please enjoy we did read more

La Mexicana Restaurant - Located 3930 international blvd. Between 39th and 40th Yummy! - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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Sadly, I have to report that LaMexicana closed their doors after almost 70 yrs in December 2025. The owners were heartbroken as the building landlord would not renew their lease...Emma the owner was very upset but will try to find another location this year 2026....i live in the Central Valley but would drive an hour to go there...been going since 1969.... read more

I was guided here by an Oakland native that knows this place since the 80's! So it's been here in business for like 40 years. I'm on assignment to locate and document local Oakland iconic restaurants that have character and flair, compared to boring old chain restaurants. Located on East 14th street (what the "OG's" call this street) in East Oakland, I'd maybe not wanna come here at night. daytime is OK, just don't park a high end car here. Entering we're seated fine and menus given. Looks like the standard Mexican fair you see at most restaurants. I get a combo plate of chili releno and enchilada, served with rice and beans and we get some tortillas. These tortillas are hand made right here, so no mass produced in a bag tortillias like a lot of Mexican places have. They're thicker and cheweyer than the machine made ones ... I like them, esp. with butter slathered on it rolled and dipped in the lard laden beans ... the real deal here! Yes, you can order in English or Spanish, both work here. I'd come back just for the tortillas! The food was good too, just what you expect, so no weird things going on. read more

La Mexicana Restaurant - a plate of enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

Amazing food!! Homemade tortillas with butter and green sauce! The enchilada sauce is my favorite!

I wake up every Saturday craving this place. Amazing food. The tortillas are like nothing I've ever tasted and the mole stands out. These are clearly well kept old family recipes and feels like I've been invited to a friend's house for home cooked dinner. read more

Emma is the owner and always offers a warm welcome. You're greeted with fresh made chips and salsa to start off your meal. I would consider La Mexicana a hole in the wall. Located off the very busy international street, this place is easy to pass. But those who know, know! The mole here is a 10/10 for me. With your order, they'll bring out a stack of thick homemade corn tortillas with butter. You won't get tortillas of this caliber anywhere else! The beans and rice are to die for and are a meal themselves! The enchiladas here are also top notch. Instead your typical order of two or three, you'll get one giant enchilada wrapped in their homemade tortilla. The red sauce is amazing, but the mole will always be my go-to! Street parking is crazy, but luckily there is a tiny lot in the back. Enjoy! read more

La Mexicana Restaurant - Enchilada de mole - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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I've been coming to La Mexicana Restaurant since SF Chronicle restaurant reviewer, Stan Sesser, wrote his fantastic review of this place in the 1980s. It has been, and continues to be, my favorite Mexican food in the Bay Area. The quality has remained consistent for over 40 years because the owner/ proprietor, Emma, is always watching over things. If your search is to find fantastic Mexican food, you have to try this place out. The atmosphere is a bit like a diner. You are immediately greeted and told to sit wherever you like, while menus, water, housemade chips and two salsas (one quite delicious and spicy) will be plunked on the table to enjoy while you decide what you want to order. One of the problems I encounter here is sampling a wide variety of the menu, since I always go back to one or two of my favorite dishes. Not to be missed in my opinion are the chile relleno, enchiladas or the chicken molis absolutely the best anywhere-- It has the perfect ratio of cheese to poblano, isn't the least bit greasy, and it sits in the most delicious tomato based sauce, full of flavor yet elegant. The chicken mole could very well be the best in the Bay Area; deliciously complex, sultry, and packing some heat. They have parking in the back of the restaurant. Go meet Emma and have some great food. read more

The food at this restaurant is authentic and amazing!! The tortillas are fresh and made by hand. You can see and taste the quality in the I gradients they use. Everything is great!! But the Chicken Mole is the absolute very best we have ever had!! My husband is from Mexico and ever since we found this place he doesn't want to eat anyplace else. We are treated like family here!! Go!! You will not be disappointed! read more

I've been coming here for years in fact this place was one of my first Yelp reviews. Always the same good people. Always very delicious food. Parking is convenient and they're easy to find, just minutes from the freeway. They offer dine in and take out. You can also order delivery. You're missing out if you're not coming here. read more

La Mexicana Restaurant - Chicken mole - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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A very long overdue 2022 update. My husband and I was at the Dios De Los Muertos Festival and were hungry. So this was the first time we've been to La Mexicana since the pandemic shuttered everything down. Everything is still the same great service as before and Emma is a delight to talk to in the restaurant when visiting. They are wheel chair friendly. Not related to La Mexicana - Our favorite panaderia, Pena Bakery had their hours reduced and now is open 8am to 12pm so we missed getting their bread as we would always stop here after visiting this restaurant. (It's next door) Overall this is a great place to eat in Oakland and you'll be happy with the great food and service here. read more

La Mexicana Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

Coming here at 3PM on a Friday, I wasn't expecting this place to be buzzing. And I was right. There were two women sItting in a booth, and one of them turned out to be the owner. She got up only after I settled into another booth wondering if I was allowed to seat myself. She didn't mind at all and handed me a menu. I asked her my million-dollar question: "Are you serving menudo yet?" to which she responded without hesitation: "Oh si." Indeed she did and provided a bowl filled right up to the lip for $12.95 (photo: http://bit.ly/2TSOHNS). I definitely needed a splatter guard, but it was delicious but what really stood out were the handmade corn tortillas that were so thick that they could have doubled as potholders (photo: http://bit.ly/2tCuQb2). To lighten the load, in a manner of speaking, I ordered a $4 Salad which turned out to be quite a pile of taco fillIng mixed with oil and vinegar on a platter (photo: http://bit.ly/2Gh3ZDN). Worked for me. FOOD - 4 stars...workaday menudo with standout tortillas AMBIANCE - 3 stars...nothing fancy SERVICE - 4 stars...oh si TOTAL - 4 stars...more menudo, por favor RELATED - In the mood for menudo? Here's a collection of places I've tried and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2ThJjVd read more

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Gordita corn tortillas made daily create the platform for many of their creations. I have enjoyed this establishment since I was a toddler. Fresh tortillas with a pad of butter, there really was no better way to grow up in Oakland. Whenever I am in the bay, I stop by to pick up a stack of fresh tortillas. The enchiladas use the same medium, making them have much more substance to them. The red mole sauce is always on point. My go to favorite is the Chile relleno, loaded with cheese, baked to a perfect texture, you cannot go wrong. Family owned, the charm is long lasting. Stop by, and try their homemade tortillas today! read more

Been coming here for 35 years. Always consistent always delicious. It is as if you're Mexican grandmother cooked for you. And the tortillas! Plenty of places make them by not as good as these. And the house made salsa is the best. read more

Traveling through Oakland, on our way to our destination, and stopped at this gem! The food is DELICIOUS! One of the best Mexican food restaurants I have ever eaten at. My husband and i had the chicken enchilada, tacos, chili relleno and it comes with fresh homemade tortillas with butter. The refried beans and rice were good too. Reviews say this place has been in business in excess of 40 years, no wo Der they still are! It was clean and the owner was welcoming. If you are looking for current and updated decor, ambience not for you. However my husband and I love the old, taking us back in time. The tables are definitely from the 50s, soooo cool. Wish we took pics...... read more

Food is always amazing and the owner is fantastic. I try and support them at least once per month. The best homemade corn tortillas you will ever have. read more

My family and I have been going to "La Mex" for over 50 years! (Yes, I said 50!) The food is fabulous and yes, they make everything fresh, from scratch. (I love hearing mama slapping the homemade tortillas in the kitchen) We all have our favorites but mine is the classic chorizo enchilada. The quality and flavors have not degraded even after this long. And now for a bit of a downer... the service. The serving staff has always acted bored and rarely smiles. They just grunt and point to a table when you walk in then eventually you get the menu. The ambiance is run-down diner. Formica table tops, metal chairs, dusty wall decor and they still have a picture of JFK on the wall! If you can overlook the apathetic staff and want some great, authentic Mexican food (from Mexican cooks!) Give La Mex a try. BRAVO!!! read more

Started eating here 40 years ago when John Madden recommended it...lots of old Raider players dined there often. The best chile verde and chile colorado I had ever eaten! Haven't been back in a decade and just found out it is still open so I will be going back. Also remember the homemade flour tortillas being the best as well. Can't wait to visit again! read more

Wow! This place is so good. Really affordable too Try the enchiladas & carne asada tacos! They're AWESOME read more

Service is fantastic. The ambiance is old school California Mexican. The food is like homemade. It's an under appreciated gem in the neighborhood. Prices are below average, great value. read more

Recomiendo el lugar, la comida excelente en todo sentido! Además fueron rápidos en atender

My favorite place to eat. Emma always takes excellent care of us. Cheese taco is my favorite. I have been coming here for many many many years. I drive a long way but at least once a month I have to come here because no one else has this flavor of Mexican food. Perfectly neat and clean restaurant. Park in the back and be patient a parking spot will open up soon! read more

Some of the best Mexican food since we were in Xalapa where we had some delicious home-cooked meals. This is not Tex-Mex, the beans and rice, the sauces have lots of flavor, not salt. The telltale sign is that I wasn't thirsty after eating Emma's food. Her homemade tortillas are to die for. I can't wait to try her mole! read more

My family has been coming here for years. They are famous for their homemade tortillas. The enchiladas and the chile rellenos are among the best I've ever had. The owner, Emma, is so nice and warming. I try to stop by and eat whence whenever I am in Oakland. read more

Food, meh. Nothing good, great, or spectacular. Homemade tortillas are the best thing from this place. The rest? You'll find much better places nearby. Do not rush to come here. Service was friendly and pleasant. Utensils were not clean. We had to return THREE (3!) dirty utensils. We should have left after that but decided to give it a try. Our bad. The food was not that good. We won't be back. read more

La Mexicana is back open for business!!!!!! I am so happy. La Mexicana is one of my long time favorite family-style Mexican restaurants. I have been coming here since I was a kid. Our family favorites to get are the mole, camarones rancheros and of course their giant tacos. They hand make their thick corn tortillas fresh all day. Please come and support this local treasure. They are open for dine-in (following strict social distancing rules), take out and door dash. Their hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 11am-8pm. read more

La Mexicana Restaurant - Camarones Ranheros - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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Sorry, but this is not cutting it. I ordered cheese enchiladas and instead of putting cheese in there, there just layered a bunch of corn tortillas. It's literally just corn tortillas with sauce. The sauce isn't even good, but its the the ridiculousness of stacking a bunch of corn tortillas on top of each other and calling it an enchilada. I never leave poor reviews, but this is the second place in Oakland that has pulled something like this. If it's inflation affecting your business, raise your prices, don't serve this shit. read more

Hand made Tortillas Maiz are amazingly da best! Been coming here for years and they never disappoint! Everything on their menu is consistently great! Only one place better and that's my Moms house! read more

Four generations of my family have been coming here and they never disappoint! The chorizo taco is my go to but I also love the chile relleno. Everything is 5 stars from the service, to the chips and salsa, to the food. read more

La Mexicana Restaurant - Chorizo taco - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

Good food & reasonable prices. I recommend green chicken enchilada dinner. My family has been going here for years.

Been going here since the 70's. My parents took me and now I take my kids and family. The tortillas are as good as they get!!! Fresh, warm, doughy! Emma always remembers us and my family over the decades! Authentic food. And we value restaurants like this over a chain anyday! read more

I have been coming to this restaurant for more than 10yrs. It is the best Mexican restaurant in the Bay Area. It is so authentic. I feel like I'm eating at my Tia's house every time I go. The food is so delicious. Excellent authentic Mexican flavors that make you feel at home. From the homemade tortillas to the sopa de albóndigas to frijolitos refritos, the chicken mole enchiladas & the list goes on & on. You will not be disappointed. If you are in Oakland or passing through or looking for the best Mexican restaurant, come here. The owner Emma is such a beautiful person with outstanding customer service. Thank you Emma for a wonderful food experience. read more

I am so devastated. I went to La Mexicana for decades. It had the best food and most amazing tortillas anywhere. I had large family and group gathering there over the years. Everyone loved the food. I recently ordered through delivery and the food was literally inedible. Didn't even resemble the food they served back in the day. Tortillas were not fresh, tough and tasteless. The meat was greasy and the sauce and guacamole were super salty. I am heartbroken. I won't order from them again. I pray for a miracle that they read this, and find their way back. What a tragic loss of a Town icon. read more

I *tried* to love this place - I honestly did - but... It certainly has "history." It is an older restaurant in an older building, and the decor certainly reflects that. The homemade tortillas are wonderful, but deceptively massive - they will fill you up before you finish your food! I've lived in California and in New Mexico, so I feel qualified to say there a spectrum for carnitas - on one end they are crisp and dried out, and on the other they are very flabby and soggy. I prefer crisp and juicy. This place (on this day) pegged out the flabby and soggy end. My wife's chicken enchilada was meat and red sauce on one of those massive tortillas. The sauce was flavorful, but uninteresting. The menu prices are more in line for an upscale restaurant in a part of town with more,,, caché. Caveat emptor. read more

Limited menu, but known for years for their delicious authentic food and handmade corn tortillas (made from ground corn on site). Parking located around the corner behind restaurant. read more

We love this restaurant and have been going there for 25 years! Tortillas and chips made right there along with their yummy meals! Highly recommend, and Emma is the best! read more

My husband took me here over the weekend, after telling me about for the last 40 years, lol. Glad he did, Loved it! The chili relleno was fantastic, a sweet smoky flavor. Wow. The handmade corn tortillas were out of this world. Guacamole was very good, loved the fact they place fresh lettuce underneath it, very fresh. I can't believe it took him that long to take me. Thank you honey, I can't wait to return and maybe try the tacos next time. I am so glad their still in business, the owner/waitress was so friendly and pleasant. Thank you Emma and La Mexicana. read more

La Mexicana Restaurant - The BEST Chili Relleno! - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

In exploring Oakland I was looking for a good Mexican restaurant, unfortunately this was not one of them. I ordered the huevos rancheros and what I got was pouched eggs over a watery sauce and a side of rice and beans. I was very disappointed with the dish, I figured that regions in Mexico make their own version of this dish, however, this was as exciting hanging out with my mother and law! read more