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Tenampal

4.7 (333 reviews)
Closed 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Updated 3 weeks ago

Order Tenampal Takeout or Delivery

Tenampal Photos

Business Info

TENAMPAL ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Intimate
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Tenampal

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Reviews With Photos

Matthew P.

Such good food. The Flan always hits so well. Delicious gem of a spot Parking is tough and it's small but the food and service are amazing!

BRUSSELS & BUTTERNUT SQUASH
Erika L.

Speechless. This food literally left me speechless. Ordered: - Jamaica. Freshly made, lightly sweetened - Brussels & Butternut Squash. Semi sweet appetizer. Chorizo helps balance out the natural sweetness of the butternut squash. - Huarache Azul. This was the star! Blue corn tortilla layered with frijoles and a hefty portion of TENDER suadero. Seasoned with salsa macha negra, crema, y repollo. Added the fried egg. Can't even explain how delicious and authentic this food was. Don't want to overhype it but you have to try it, trust. - Flan con pecanas. Sweet and drool worthy. The pecans add a perfect crunch. - Iced Cafe de olla. Ordered it without cream, it's slightly sweet but great nonetheless. Aside from the amazing food, the service was top tier. Junior was so sweet and attentive. The whole family was so welcoming. Cannot wait to go back and try the rest of the menu.

Sergio G.

The food is pretty decent. I feel like it really didn't hit the spot yet still not bad. The service is good. Mexican music playing from the kitchen, small cozy inside and I think a few seats outside.

Café de olla
Yessina G.

Wow!!! Where to start? If you want to feel transported back to the motherland of Mexico, COME HERE! If you feel homesick, come here. If you miss your mom's cooking, come here. I finally had the luck of being able to visit Tenampal after seeing their opening in 2022. And it was the best Sunday brunch ever--the food, the coffee, and the ambiance!! This is the place everyone in your family would approve of--literally no joke. Everything from the chilaquiles, the house-made guacamole, salsas, tortillas, burritos, etc.! Everything was a chef's kiss. The ambiance and the customer service really made the restaurant feel like I was at an older relative's house--no joke at all. The backstory, knowing that all the recipes have been passed down through generations and that everything is house-made, makes it very special. The best hidden gem we're lucky to have!

Entrance Door
Leslie M.

First time having breakfasts here with my family and Absolutely loved the food and service. Everything tasted amazing and fresh.

M H.

Artisans, but more than that. World class. No other food has made me feel the way that the magic from this kitchen does. Without exaggeration, Bourdain spent his whole career chasing what's here: the kind of food made by a family with genius instincts, who grinds, ferments, smokes, cures, and pickles to mouthwatering effect. It's nirvana. Every single time. I think I've had almost everything on the menu by now. Loved it all, without exception. My repeats have included the huevos rancheros and the huarache azul. Oh, the huarache! Blue corn masa, frijoles, suadero that melts in your mouth because of their patience with it (you can tell), all dressed with salsa macha negra and crema. A fried egg on top. It's fire. The flan con pecanas is Plato's ideal of flan. Silky and sumptuous. The texture from the pecans makes the whole thing feel like a love song. And by now, I've been here enough times to see the true warmth of the family behind the magic. Not only does it radiate outward from the food at each of the (few) tables, but people also reflect it back to them. You can feel it. That is not a small thing. That is actually the whole thing. I drive two hours for this experience, and I'd drive more. Go. Drive however far you need to. Leave speechless.

Smashburger UNIQUELY DELICIOUS!!
Emerald Y.

This is definitely a hole in the wall, family-owned restaurant!!! I was in the area and had to kill time so I decided to pull out my yelp and that's when I found Tenampal AND WOWWWW I am glad that I did!! Service: 5/5 The chef and server were AMAZING. The server gave us a mini description of each item and recommended a few popular items. He always checked in and see if we needed any addition items. Food: 5/5 I got the smash burger and I was shook by the first bite because I've never in my life ever tasted a burger like this. It was sooo unique and tasty (the caramelized onions and ash mayo took me by surprise). My bf got the chicken wet burrito and my sister got the suadero wet burrito (GET THE SPICY SAUCE WITH IT~ unfortunately it's not thaaaat spicy, but still soooooo good)! Typically, I'm not a fan of burritos...but my oh my I kept reaching over and picking at my sister's burrito. FYI the burritos are HUGE LOL, but yay that means I can take it to go and have 2 meals for the day heheh! I love how affordable this place is for the amount of food that you get too. The vibe inside the restaurant is very homey and warm. I WILL DEFINITELY BE BACK!!!!!

Chilaquiles, house made sasses with high quality ingredients.  Half green half red is the only way to have the Chilaquiles here for me!
Nancy A.

Their Chilaquiles are amazing! High quality ingredients are tasted through out the dish. Half green and half red is the only way I will have my Chilaquiles here. Nicely garnished and great crunch. Super affordable!!! Great service from this family owned restaurant Humble and friendly people. Super casual ambiance.

Tacos Dorados chicken
Carl G.

"Tenemapal is a little hole-in-the-wall gem that instantly makes you feel at home. All the food was delicious--the chips and guacamole were full of amazing flavor, the chicken tacos dorado were fantastic, and the suadero was phenomenal. The service was incredible--attentive and warm. This cozy spot is a must-visit, and we can't wait to come back!"

Absolutely loved everything about this place. Hidden gem for sure, my boyfriend had the chilaquiles de mole & I had the tacos dorados. I never knew something so simple can taste absolutely amazing. They were very attentive and welcoming, the restaurant felt very homey and chill. The flan was one of the best flans I have ever tried in my life, the horchata was great. Will definitely be back soon, I am pregnant & food tastes weird to me at the moment but I haven't enjoyed something so much in a while. Definitely recommend!!

Professional E.

Awesome place in BH. Food is excellent! Service is superb! Ambiance is beautiful! Love to support small businesses in Boyle Heights!

Flan
Zinnia V.

This family owned restaurant serves Mexican cuisine with love into it! I l enjoyed the chilaquiles, well the red sauce side a lot. The chile verde was a little on the sour side, something im not used to tasting when having verde, if it was less sour I think this place would be five stars forsuree!! We also got enchiladas (red and green) as well and felt the same way about the verde sauce. The huarache was good, I enjoyed the thick tortilla and the toppings but wish it had more salt to taste. The flan was delicious in my opinion, very creamy. What I enjoyed was the service and they kept coming up to make sure everything was okay.

Raymond B.

I came across this restaurant on Yelp and I'm so glad I did. Once I saw the Bourdain painting on the wall, I had I feeling I was in good hands. Everything was delicious. Ordered the Huaraches, Chilaquiles, and enchiladas. The depth of flavor is like a little journey with each bite. Highly recommend all the dishes I tried. I don't make it to the area much, but I'll make it a point to travel for these eats.

Mole Chilaquiles

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Excellent food, service, and prices. I've been here many times and Tenampal never disappoints. Everything I've tried is tasty and fresh

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Business owner information

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Tenampal C.

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Delicious authentic Mexican food. Great customer service and all staff were friendly and welcoming. Will definitely be coming back.

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Ask the Community - Tenampal

Can you fit a group of 12-15?

Yes we can, although we dont raje reservations due to our spot being small. What day were you planning on coming in?

Do the beans have manteca?

No. With the exception of the ayocote sauce all the sauces are vegan as well as the refried bean's

Hi, do you take reservations? I'm planning to take my family of 5 on Father's Day.

Hi there. We don't take reservations. It's all walk ins. What day were you thinking to reserve?

Are you open today? Happy New Year!!!

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Sonoratown

Sonoratown

4.4
(2.3k reviews)
2.0 mi
$$

Sonoratown's hype is real and hype is justified. I don't know why I never came here when I lived in…read moreDTLA, what a miss on my part. Oh well, no time like the present. I wanted to order all the things but I exercised some restraint and just ordered the CARAMELO ($8.75 - Flour tortilla, pinto beans, Monterey Jack cheese, avocado salsa, salsa roja, avocado, cabbage.). I picked chorizo as my protein option. I also, of course, had to also add the smoky grilled poblano chile for $1.25. It was SO good and FLAVORFUL - it didn't even need the salsas. Although, I will note that both the salsas were lovely. The flour tortilla was clearly freshly made. Also, it was a massive portion. I don't know what I was expecting. If this is the size of their caramelo, I don't want to know how giant the burrito is. I also had to get the cucumber agua fresca to pair with my caramelo. It was perfectly sweetened and wonderfully refreshing. I'll have to make my way back here now to try the burrito 2.0 and chivichanga.

Cute spot, very clean staff all very busy but still have time tontine care of your order which is…read morevery admirable. The tacos de cabeza!!!!! Wow they are amazing. The way the perfect thin tortilla just lets you taste all the meat and sauce perfectly (I want some as I'm writing this). I can really see why this place is so popular.

Photos
Seating area
Seating area
COSTILLA BURRITO 2.0: grilled steak, chunky guacamole, monterey jack cheese, pinto beans & chiltepin salsa
COSTILLA BURRITO 2.0: grilled steak, chunky guacamole, monterey jack cheese, pinto beans & chiltepin salsa
Burrito cabeza

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Burrito cabeza
DAMA

DAMA

4.4
(1.4k reviews)
2.2 mi
$$$

Was brought here by a friend as they knew I was a foodie and wanted to show me their favorite tapas…read morespot Downtown in the Fashion Distric for an early birthday celebration. Cute building with lovely patio seating: from the trailing hanging pothos plants, Spanish tiles, to relaxing latin-house music the vibes were welcoming. I'm not much of a drinker though, when asked if I wanted to make my pina colada a "float" I thought incorrectly about ice cream. It was graciously explained that you take an additional shot of rum and float it on top of the drink or mix in to make it extra boozy. The pina colada is top notch they hollow out a real pineapple to make the drink and it's the size of your face! The watermelon cocktail was delicious and there is also a mezcal option. Tasted like if a watermelon aqua Fresca was combined with a margarita, there is a hint of salt that brings out the fruit sweetness. We special ordered a bunch of different proteins and vegetables at half portions to make a feast: Aguachile- Light refreshing starter, kanpachi perfectly marinated and great for the summer heat. Crispy potato- Phenomenally done fingerling potatoes. Whipped beans- Carnitas on top made this dish. Fried chicken tacos- Found the chicken slightly on the dry side, if there was a creamy/thicker sauce would be even better... nothing wrong with flavor, good mild heat. I did enjoy the fresh shredded cabbage and carrots, reminded me of bahn mi. Empanadas- Loved the acidity of the sauce that cut through the fattiness of the ground meat. Light shell. Crispy Squash flower- Delicate crunch, like an angelic version of a jalapeno popper. Lamb chops- Definition of "treat-yourself" luxurious meat lollipops. Celery salad- Simple dish but the lemon flavor and tartness really helped break up the richness of other dishes. Churros- Light crunch and small, petite dessert. The thin caramel sauce is addicting. Fine dining, for those special occasions or if you just want to splurge for a morale boost highly recommend this restaurant. Valet parking or park across the street or around the corner in a lot for $5-10.

We've probably been to Dama two dozen times. It's one of our regular spots and we love it…read more First of all the service is always great. The staff are lovely humans who really seem to care about their customers. We have some faves on the menu. The bean dip is fabulous and I'm addicted to the baby gem salad. They have recently amped up the filling in the delicious crispy squash blossoms and I love the acidity and heat. The fish is also a hit in my books. One dish that doesn't work for me is the lamb chops, which is a shame since it's my favorite protein. I've ordered them multiple times with clear instructions on temperature and have found them overcooked and tough. The beef tostada was just ok. Whilst I loved the pickled veg on the side, the beef was underseasoned. It wasn't bad - just not up to the standard of other dishes. The vibe in the place is welcoming and the restaurant is nicely appointed. We will continue to be regulars and it's really worth trying if you haven't been yet.

Photos
Lovely interior and decor -- summer getaway
Lovely interior and decor -- summer getaway
Calamari
Calamari
Whole Organic Rotisserie Chicken Dinner (serves 3-4)

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Whole Organic Rotisserie Chicken Dinner (serves 3-4)
Guelaguetza Restaurante

Guelaguetza Restaurante

3.9
(3.2k reviews)
4.8 mi
$$
Curbside pickup during COVID-19
Family-owned & operated

Came here to watch the World Cup game and it was a VIBBBBBBE…read more Great accommodating staff, they really were on top of cleaning up the tables and filling up our drinks The food was AMAZING! I recently visited Oaxaca & this is exactly like their mole. So. Good. Can't recommend this place MORE. Take your friends, family, coworkers they have large party friendly seating Definitely will be coming here again!

If you're looking for authentic Oaxacan cuisine in Los Angeles, Guelaguetza Oaxacan Restaurant is a…read moremust-visit. Located between Koreatown and Pico-Union, this restaurant delivers an outstanding dining experience from the moment you're seated. My wife and I both ordered the Mole Coloradito with chicken, and it was absolutely delicious. One detail we really appreciated was being able to choose between white meat or dark meat--a thoughtful touch that lets you customize your meal to your preference. The mole was rich, complex, and full of flavor, exactly what you would hope for from a restaurant known for its Oaxacan specialties. As a welcome appetizer, they bring fresh chips and salsa to the table, but what really impressed us was when they replaced the salsa with their incredible mole sauce. It was so good we found ourselves dipping everything into it. Both meals were served with rice that was perfectly cooked with a great consistency and flavor. For those feeling adventurous, give the Chapulines (grasshoppers) a try. They may sound intimidating, but they were surprisingly enjoyable and added to the authentic experience. The staff was exceptionally friendly, attentive, and patient with those of us who are not fluent in Spanish. Their hospitality made us feel comfortable and welcomed throughout our visit. Great food, authentic flavors, and wonderful service make Guelaguetza a restaurant we'll definitely be returning to. Highly recommended!

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Beautifully painted mural outside of Guelaguetza Restaurante
Beautifully painted mural outside of Guelaguetza Restaurante
Chapulines
Chapulines
Delicious chocolate cake.

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Delicious chocolate cake.
Mirate

Mirate

4.2
(1.2k reviews)
5.7 mi
Private events
Outdoor seating

Girl dinner on the open-air patio, and everything worked: food, drinks, and service that was…read moreattentive without hovering. Mírate is known for its agave program (ranked among the best bars in North America, with a dedicated mezcaleria), and it shows even in simple orders. Our skinny spicy marg, skinny Cadillac, and two ranch waters were all clean and well balanced. The crab & cheese buñuelitos, the taco de ribeye, and the potatoes & piquillos, which quietly outperformed for a $10 side. One note for fellow spice-sensitive folks: the salsa molcajete is their mildest salsa, but it still had a kick for me. My friend's branzino arrived beautifully charred and plated. If you're gluten-free or celiac, this kitchen gets it. They swapped in corn tortillas without hesitation and took care of my celiac friend with zero stress. Not a given, even in LA. The multi-level space is stunning, so come a few minutes early to take it in. Parking is easy too: valet at the restaurant or 2 lots about a block away. Already planning what to order next time.

I was really hoping to leave a positive review, but unfortunately that wasn't the case…read more I've been to Mirate before on June 20, and my experience then was nothing like my visit on July 10, 2026. One of the reasons I recommended Mirate is because it's known for being a highly rated modern Mexican restaurant with exceptional service and knowledgeable staff, especially when it comes to tequila and mezcal. Unfortunately, that was not my experience at all. Before ordering food, I asked our server about the differences between the mezcals and which flight they would recommend. The only explanation I received was, "It's just different families, so I'd go with the higher quality one." There was no real information or guidance, and it was obvious they didn't know much about the mezcal selection. I ended up choosing one based solely on what sounded best. We were then informed that the menu had recently changed and is now mostly tapas. That's perfectly fine, but I noticed several items from my previous visit were still available, so I figured I'd order a few favorites along with some new dishes. Most of the food was actually great. The ribeye tacos, tostada, and buñuelitos were all delicious. However, the carne asada was extremely disappointing. We only sent back one plate because I felt bad sending both, and that's when a manager (the gentleman with the man bun) came over. He explained that they have a new chef from Oaxaca, but what confused me was that they were serving Argentinian-style steaks as their carne asada. Instead of a traditional Mexican-style cut, it was thin, flat, and honestly looked like a breakfast steak. For a restaurant that prides itself on being a modern Mexican restaurant, serving Argentinian steak as carne asada just didn't make sense to me. To his credit, he removed both carne asada plates from our bill, which I genuinely appreciated. After that, he asked if there was anything else we'd like. I personally said no, but someone else at the table asked for one more ribeye taco. The manager replied, "You know what? I'll bring you one, and I'll bring them another too." Naturally, I assumed he was offering the extra taco as a goodwill gesture since I hadn't ordered anything else. Imagine my surprise when I looked at the bill and realized both tacos had been added to our tab. I wasn't going to argue over the price of a taco, but it was frustrating because I never asked for it. In fact, I ended up giving that taco away to my friends. If it wasn't complimentary, it shouldn't have been presented as if it were. Another thing worth mentioning is that while the carne asada portion has clearly gotten much smaller, the price remains exactly the same, which doesn't seem justified. Overall, my biggest disappointment is that there was no indication when making the reservation that this was essentially an experimental period with a new chef introducing major menu changes. Had I known beforehand, I never would have recommended Mirate for our dinner, and to be completely honest, I probably wouldn't have made a reservation at all. I only get two days off each month, so this was supposed to be something I could really enjoy. Instead, it honestly felt like a waste of my time and money. I'm sorry to say that while there were a few good moments, they faded very quickly. Unfortunately, the negative parts are what have stayed with me, and that's what I'll remember most about the experience. It's disappointing because I know how great Mirate can be since I experienced it just a few weeks ago. I truly hope they can regain the quality of food, service, and overall experience that made me recommend it in the first place . ( for the picture of the flat carne asada the full steak has 2 more strips added but we had tried it before taking a picture however that's MOST of the "carne asada" portion in the picture )

Photos
Brunch
Brunch
Mirate
Brunch

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Brunch

Tenampal - mexican - Updated July 2026

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