Wow! The Carnitas and Chicharon are THE BEST! Carne Asada too! Load them up with onions and cilantro and the salsa verde, muy beuno! read more

Authentic flavors, just not my personal favorite Tried the tacos and burrito at Villa Moreliana during a visit to the market. The food tasted authentic and the portions were generous, especially the burrito. The meats were flavorful and well-seasoned, and you can tell it's a popular spot with a lot of history and loyal customers. Personally though, the flavor profile just wasn't really my style, so it didn't fully click for me. Service was quick and efficient, especially considering how busy the area gets. The vibe is lively and energetic with that classic market atmosphere, lots of people, food stalls, and a very local feel that makes the experience interesting even if the food wasn't my personal favorite. Still worth trying if you enjoy traditional Mexican market-style food and want to explore different spots in LA. read more

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Been going to Villa Moreliana for years and it's still my favorite taco spot in LA. Their mixed carnitas are the main reason I keep coming back--super flavorful and perfectly cooked. This time I brought the kids with me and they all loved it too. I also ordered the fried pork skin and beef heart, and both were delicious. One thing to know is the line is usually pretty long, but they do a nice job keeping people happy while waiting. As you stand in line, they hand out free small carnitas tacos, which honestly makes the wait a lot easier. Definitely one of those classic LA spots that's worth the trip every time. read more

Villa Moreliana - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The best Carnitas (Suadero/Mixto) tacos that I've tasted. With there green sauce . This is my bar when I try carnitas tacos anywhere else. I crave these but hate that I live so far from here. read more

This place is insane! It's located at the Grand Central Market in DTLA right next to the egg slut. It's always pretty busy and I decided I needed to see what the hype was about. As we were waiting in line to order one of the cooks would randomly hand out samples so keep an eye out. I ordered a carnitas taco because they appeared large and I was looking to try a few things at GCM. WOW! The carnitas is probably some of the best I have ever had. It was juicy, flavorful, and parts of it had a light crisp which enhanced the texture. After adding the toppings and grabbing a side of the pickled onions... I was at a loss for words. If you're near the GCM, definitely stop by. You won't be disappointed. read more

Villa Moreliana - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Villa Moreliana is located inside of the Grand Central Market in LA. My boyfriend and I were looking at their protein case when surprisingly their staff handed us a FREE SAMPLE TACO!! Wowwwww!! A whole taco!! A delicious flavorful carnitas taco with just the right amount of fattiness. Yum!! I'm convinced. I already had my eye on the chicharron before I tried the carnitas taco so I was curious about it. My boyfriend was down to try something new too, so we both ordered the Chicharron Taco ($5.43/each). Just for the record the menu did not have prices so we did not know how much these where until we were shocked by a $11.92 receipt after tax and looked more closely at the receipt to see the itemized with shock. Oh goodness so pricey. They also have a self-serve condiments station for you to top off your tacos. Seating at Grand Central Market is first come first served. We made a few laps before finding a spot to sit down. The chicharron taco was tasty but on the dry side. The salsa was much needed to relieve the dryness, but we also picked up a drink at another vendor at GCM. I liked the flavor mostly. For the purposes of a taco, some of the bits could have been cut down a little more. I enjoyed both the carnitas and chicharron tacos but I definitely loved the carnitas taco a little more. Pricing is definitely on the higher side for a taco, when there's so many tasty taco spots in LA. Also, I prefer transparent pricing, not listing it is just sketch. read more

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Tried out Villa Moreliana recently and had to share our experience. We ordered a mix of tacos. The carnitas tacos were seriously delicious -- super flavorful, tender, and exactly what you want when you're craving good carnitas. Definitely the highlight and the reason we'd come back. The asada and pastor tacos, though, were a bit disappointing. The meat was on the drier side and a little hard, which made them not our favorite. Maybe it was an off batch, but compared to the carnitas, they just didn't hit the same. Overall, we'd return for the carnitas alone. Pro tip: if you're waiting in line to order, they sometimes hand out a free taco -- so don't wander off. read more

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The taco size here is huge. One taco here is easily three street tacos outside. Got the carnitas mix which was good especially with the salsa. The red one is super spicy but the green one was just the right level of spice for me. If you are not into other cuts of meat, go with just the carnitas instead of the mix. they also offer a free sample before you order read more

Villa Moreliana - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

When you see the huge copper kettles going next to the bar, you'll know you've arrived. There are all the meat cuts listed, and all are great, especially extra cuts like cesos, lengua and oron. They're super efficient at how they handle things: line up at the taqueria window and bar your order for food. Step aside and await the completion then, step to the right where the pay pad terminal sits and order your drinks and extra sides. Then take your order to the left of the Taqueria window to add your salsas (red is hotter, green is milder) and lemon and onion-cilantro, and pickled onions! read more

Villa Moreliana - 4 Carnitas tacos - the original, and simply the best. Horchata and Tamarindo. - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Some of the best carnitas I've ever had. They got the sweetness, crunch and tenderness you want. Back there they got a copper pot so you know it's legit. I'd say the only thing disappointing is the lack of topping on the torta. Just cilantro and onion plus some beans. Needed a little mayo and some more love. Best to come here for the tacos which are so satisfying. read more

Villa Moreliana - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This is one of my favorites places to eat at grand central market. They have amazing customer service every time you walk up if you're new, they give you a sample so you can always try something so you're not walking in completely blind. It's a really cool looking place and you can smell the food from a mile away. So this time I got the pastor tacos and I only got two but they absolutely pack them to the max like you get more than enough food and it was delicious that El Paso was nice juicy saucy I put a little lime and cilantro on it and oh my God, highly recommend trying the pastor. Absolutely delicious. I also got the Carnitas and Carnitas is my mom's favorite. Every time she goes she gets the Carnitas nice tender whole lotta flavor and just like Pastor what's up? the absolute max and you pay by weight so they pack a whole lotta meat in there and it is worth every single cent. Absolutely delicious would also recommend this All in all highly recommend 100 out of 5 stars. Would 100% go over and over and over again. read more

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These were the best tacos I've ever had. The Mix Carnitas Taco was incredible. One taco could've been split into two because they load them up so much. read more

Villa Moreliana - Mix Taco 1 Pc - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Service is fantastic and always have given us samples to try. Brought my coworker here during a design conference and she enjoyed the plethora of choices. Our only gripe was that the carne asada was salty but otherwise the pork butt shoulder and birria are a hit! read more

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Food 5/5 Service 5/5 Ambiance 3/5 It's a little crazy in the grand central market but these tacos were 5/5. The meat carver kindly gave me and hubby a sampler to try and I was hooked! We loved the carnitas with warm homemade tortillas topped with habanero mixed onions slaw. It reminded me of the tacos I had with my guatemalan nanny growing up. So good!! Will def be back ;) read more

Villa Moreliana - Mixed carnitas tacos - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Every time we visit we are never disappointed. The carnitas here are delicious!! The cook provides you a taste taco while waiting to order. We ordered 3 tacos of Cane mixta (meat and fatty) and 3 of Maziza (pure meat). Love how the restaurant has a counter where you can eat really creates a mexico type of feeling. The toppings bar is on the side and the salsa is always just right, not too spicy but definitely has a good kick to it. The tacos are LOADED!! Definitely do not miss out and give this place a try. read more

Villa Moreliana - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

While visiting Grand Central Market in LA, Villa Moreliana was one of the places recommended to us for tacos in that market. Located near the outer edge of the market, the food stall has a sign showing the different parts of the pig that are used in the tacos and you can see the meats on display there. The line for it wasn't long, so we were able to order and get our tacos almost immediately from there. I decided to try out the Al Pastor, Chicarron, and Mix Carnitas. While the Chicarron and Mix Carnitas tacos were alright, I think the Al Pastor really stood out here and was significantly more delicious than the others. If I came again, I think I would most likely get multiple of the Al Pastor tacos and potentially the tripe since my friend said that was already great (it was sold out that day unfortunately). If you're looking for the well-renowned taco experience in LA, get the Al Pastor tacos from here. read more

Villa Moreliana - Al Pastor, Chicarron, Mix Carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

First time I've ever had a "taco sample" The guy who made my tacos was quick, efficient, and understanding for what kind of meat we wanted. We got the lengua, carnitas, and birria tacos, coming out to about $16 for the three. Kind of pricy for some tacos, which brings it down to a 4. The lengua tacos were okay, not too special, but the best thing is that they're quite generous with the amount of meat they put in it. Pretty good tacos out of the entire GCM. Worth stopping by. read more

Villa Moreliana - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Super tasty! They are located right at the entrance of the market and you can't miss them bc they have loads of pork sitting in their glass cabinets. They only do pork here but do all parts and cuts of the pork. They also hand out small samples, which is what got us to try them out. Food is flavorful, VERY quick, and they have a little salsa station that pairs very well with the meat. They do your standard carnitas but less common cuts (we didn't try) like kidney, ears, etc. read more

Was visiting LA and was glad I got to try this place located at one of the ends of Grand Central Market You haven't had real carnitas until you've been here - really. The taste of the fats and the quantity of cuts is just fantastic. The workers are all really kind as well! read more

Villa Moreliana - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

As a taco fiend the food here is absolutely phenomenal. I have only had the carnitas here but the first time I tried them 6 years ago made me keep coming back for more. Besides the food this place gives consistently some of the best service I have received in Los Angeles. While in line I am offered an entire carnitas taco for free as a sample. Im not talking little Costco samples im talking an entire fully loaded taco. Definitely whenever im in grand central market im only coming for these tacos and a Donut from the stand across from them. HIGHLY recommend. read more

Villa Moreliana - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

So many taco options at Grand Central Market and this place just adds to the competition. I'm my opinion, this is the best priced taco at Grand Central Market. Priced at under $6/taco. Each taco is pretty filling. What impressed me the most by the location, is that they give everyone a free sample taco before u place ur order. read more

Pork is king! The volume speaks for the clarity and simplistic nature of great Carnitas. This is all you'll find here and it's wonderful. With the use of a whole hog, you can find a great variety and availability of unsurpassed taste. Catering to both sophisticated and traditional palettes. Their Carnitas are not heavily seasoned, but the preparation is excellent as you see them pick the meats you order and mix them accordingly with a precision cleaver. There is a small station with good salsas and other condiments for your liking. In line, they give you a generous sample before you order. Be prepared to order quickly. Especially when there are many others waiting in line. This is a quick-pace counter and timing makes no haste to degrade the deliciousness. No longer a cheap eat, but still well worth it as the portions are generous. read more

Villa Moreliana was one of my early introductions to carnitas tacos in Los Angeles, and I decided to check it out during a recent Grand Central Market visit. There can be lengthy lines though I find that they move relatively quickly. You can order various pork meat cuts, and there's a helpful pig diagram near the menu if you need help deciding. They also often offer a sample taco for you to try. During my recent visit I tried the surtido (mixed carnitas) and chicharrón tacos. While the tacos come with a hefty amount of meat, I thought the flavor of the surtido taco was somewhat bland. The chicharrón was quite crispy, so while I was not blown away by the taste I appreciated the texture. This place is good for carnitas if you're in the area, but there are other carnitas specialists that I prefer over this spot. read more

Colleague recommended their tacos. It was. No disappointment. They were excellent! Central Market is an interesting place to eat ones food, but Villa Moreliana is worth it. read more

We got a total of 6 tacos, 4 mini ones and 2 big birria tacos and 1 beer for more than $42. What a waste... my favorite taco spot is in Bakersfield in a taco truck on Union Ave called Jalisciense Taqueria and I guarantee they are way better. Better in price, better in taste and staff is also nicer. The tacos were not bad, but they weren't the best either, what really shocked us was the price. We have never had tacos for this much, but I guess it comes with the territory of being at Grand Central Market. The birria tacos did not come with consome at all and they were quite dry. I definitely believe you should check this place out for your own review. Maybe they had an off day because they had tons of reviews that say people loved their food. I don't know if I would try it again because the price was a little too steep for my blood. If you're unsure they give samples, so definitely try those out. read more

Villa Moreliana - Everything pictured came out to about little over $42 - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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If youre at Grand Central dont sleep on this spot. I've been on a quest for some of the best pork taco spots after having tacos el momo years and years ago, but when there's another spot I see that specializes in pork I always gotta try it. This spot honestly is some of the best carnitas tacos I've had in LA. Super juicy and PACKED to the brim. These tacos have so much meat on them you'll be full after 1 or 2. On top of that the chicharrone tacos are just damn delicious. if you're on the hunt for that crunch then this is the one to get. I tossed on some verde sauce and the rest is history. Its right over there by the donut man and egg slut side of the market, so definitely check this spot out and maybe stick to 2 tacos to start because these things are huge! read more

Food is amazing and the gentleman making the tacos was great. It was the lady at the cashier (pic below) that was rude! This is my second time coming here. read more

Villa Moreliana - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

They provided sample let the customers tried. Meat are tender and juicy. They serve the food very fast, and you don't want that long.

As we walked into Grand Central Market, one of the first stalls is Villa Moreliana. Passing by I noticed the giant chucks of golden brown carmitas. After checking out the other stalls, I circled back to try the carnitas. Waiting to order I noticed the big copper pots used to make carnitas. Now I know the food will be legit. I ordered a taco, the salsas, onions, cilantro, lemons are all on the side, you just finish the taco as you like. Then you walk over to the register to pay. The meat was perfect, salty, garlicy, with some crunchy pieces and some soft fatty pieces. Unfortunately I found the salsa to be lacking and real heat or flavor. The meat was so good I forgot to take a pic. read more

This is the spot! You always know when a place has long lines. It must be good. However, this notion is somewhat inaccurate when you encounter a tourist trap like Grand Central Market. In the case of Villa Michoacana, I believe the tacos are very good and worth the wait in line. They offer you a free taco while you wait in line. They are known for/specialize in Carnitas. The slow cooked pork is made in an authentic Michoacán style. Do yourself a favor and order a Carnitas Taco There's a condiment bar where you can onions, cilantro and salsa to your Carnitas Tacos. My wife generally doesn't like taco or Mexican food for that matter and she really enjoyed these tacos. This is a must visit stall at the Grand Central Market. read more

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This vendor is located on the non-Angel's Flight side of the Grand Central Market. You get in line and the guy cutting the carnitas in front of you hands you a free taco. And then he hands the person behind you a free taco. And so on. The free tacos are not stuffed to the brim with meat but they are not stingy, either. And they are delicious. Hey, we're off to a really good start. There are many choices of pork cuts here but the cut of meat you must absolutely get is the carnitas mixto or "mix" cut. It's insanely juicy and delicious. The pastor was fine but a tad dry, and the birria was very nice. Fast service, free tacos, and delicious (paid-for) tacos. read more

Villa Moreliana - I get it, these tacos look boring. They're not. They're really good. - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Love this place! They give a sample taco and it gets you hooked for more. Super authentic. Closest thing to being in Michoacán. Service is outstanding. Limited seating at the counter will not disappoint read more

Villa Moreliana - Carnitas mixtas taco - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I like coming to the Grand Central Market to eat. Honestly, I was going to order from Eggslut, but my work partner wanted this place instead. I decided to try it out, and it did not disappoint. This is my first time trying this place, and it's great food. The tacos are huge, and the price is incredible. A must place to eat. Side note. They give you a free sample before you order. read more

Villa Moreliana - Mix carnitas and a Jamaica. - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This vendor here is a well-known establishment to have the most authentic Michoacán slow-roasted pork tacos because it was said to have been the birthplace of none other, than carnitas! I knew this place was going to be a hit when I saw patrons sitting by munching on some tacos. My buddy took me here and told me that this taco place is a legend in LA because their carnitas were the best in the city. I was famished at this point so it was the perfect moment to seize the opportunity! We waited in line for about 5 minutes and then placed an order; we started talking to the cashier and he was very kind enough to let us sample the pork. He offered a generous portion of the carnitas and boy did it make my mouth salivate. The meat was well seasoned and not too dry but had the perfect umami flavor behind it. I bought 6 tacos to share with 4 of us. After ordering, we went to the mini salsa bar to grab the essentials. This place had limited seating, so we were fortunate enough to find a group that got up so we managed to take the table before someone else came. It took about 20 minutes to receive our order, so I had to go up and check on it but it looked like they called my number a while ago and I just didn't hear it. I wish there was some kind of buzzer or speaker system that would have been easy to hear, especially with all the crazy, loud commotion going around in the area. When I picked up these plates of tacos, I didn't realize the monstrosity of the behemoth. Two large corn tortillas and a heap of hot, shredded pork fall out of each shell. Each taco weighed like a quarter pound of deliciousness. The red and green salsa provided a sweet and tangy taste to each bite and the chopped onions and cilantro gave a nice freshness cleanser for the palate. I inhaled down the first taco and would have been happy with one taco, but the second one was a bit of an overkill. That's what happens when your eyes are fatter than your appetite lol. Overall, it was a good experience to try these tacos for the very first time. The carnitas are good so I could see why people come here to eat, but I'd recommend just ordering one because the portion is huge for $3.50. read more

Villa Moreliana - Carnitas Taco - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

One of the biggest hits at Grand Central Market. Michoacán style street tacos with many choices, the classic being their signature Mixed Carnitas. The entire pig is used here, and nothing is wasted, you can watch them chopping up this mix of Slow Cooked Pulled Pork right up front on two stations. They are also generous with samples, offering a bite of the mix taco to customers waiting in line, which is a nice welcoming touch. Each taco also comes packed, with easily enough meats in each for two tacos. Fills you up quickly, so when ordering x2 tacos, it's really more like x4! read more

Villa Moreliana - Carnitas and Al Pastor Tacos at Villa Moreliana. - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

They are at the front of Grand Central Market. They have the best tacos, I walked up to order and the guy gives me a carnitas taco. I'm like where is the plate, he says it's a sample. Loved it. I ordered three, pork butt, pork skin, and mixed carnitas (anything goes in this one). Sat at the tables on the sidewalk. Great experience for Downtown LA read more

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Just because this is a taco place does not mean it will be cheap! As this is in grand central market in a prime location, their tacos as of 7/2023 are $5 each! When you walk up, the guys give you a little sample of the meat. If it's not convincing enough (it will be) then hey you got a free mini lunch! My bf got the chicharron and surtido. After ordering, you get all your condiments yourself like any other taco place. Each taco is MASSIVE. And as taboo as it is, my bf had to use the double tortillas and make two separate tacos with them because of how much meat was in it. Seasoning and everything was perfect I don't even need to talk about that. Nice workers great (expensive) food! read more

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This is my go-to spot at Grand Central Market! They give you a small taco de carnitas to sample and it's so good. Great service! A little pricey (2 tacos for $11) but worth it if you're there anyway. Check it out if you're in the mood for carnitas! read more

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I heard amazing things about this place so I had to try it during my trip to LA. I was pretty full as I stopped by a bunch of stalls before coming here so I only tried 1 taco. I ordered the maciza taco. It was loaded with meat and good, but not the best I've had. Service is fast and the staff is friendly. read more

Villa Moreliana - Maciza Taco (Butt) - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Stopped by here before a LA Phil concert. Ordered an al pastor burrito, which comes with rice, beans, and cilantro and onions. The meat wasn't flavorful and tender like I've had at other Mexican spots in LA. Could've used more cilantro. It would have benefitted from some freshness and acid like salsa, which I later heard they had some? But it was not near the food prep or checkout counter where I paid, so I'm not sure how customers are supposed to know it's available. Also, I didn't love that they added on $1 for using a credit card when there is absolutely no signage indicating otherwise. Given all the other food offerings at Grand Cental Market, next time, I'll very likely try a different place. read more