La Nena Cantina — Restaurant in Los Angeles

What a pleasant surprise!

I stumbled upon this place on OpenTable, not having heard of it before, and decided to give it a try based on their robust selection of ceviche and other modern Mexican cuisine offerings, not to mention their indoor or outdoor seating options. I couldn’t be happier with the choice. The quality of both the food and service far exceeded my expectations. Everything — from the Margaritas to the Esquites, Guacamole, Tacos, and Ceviche de Pescado — was outstanding.

The only downside was the ambiance. The combination of a live Mariachi band playing continuously alongside a “Toca Madera”-style remix Tulum playlist simply didn’t work. It felt disjointed, with the constant music making it hard for guests to have a conversation. The Mariachi element lost its charm by being overused, and the playlist felt overdone, tired, and out of place for the setting.

I’d also suggest rethinking the yellow neon sign at the bar. Between the bright street light pouring through the large windows on Sunset and the glaring sign, that side of the bar didn’t feel inviting or romantic — no wonder people were avoiding it.

Fantastic food and service, but the atmosphere could use a more cohesive and considered approach to match the quality of what’s...

La Nena Cantina offers a vibrant, chic atmosphere with colorful decor that’s both stylish and welcoming. The friendly, attentive staff is more than happy to guide you through the menu, making your experience feel personal and effortless.

The food is exceptional, with some of the best tacos and fajitas you’ll find in town. Each dish bursts with bold, fresh flavors that keep you coming back for more. If you’re looking for a refreshing drink to pair, their fresh-squeezed margaritas are a standout, and they’ve got a variety of cocktails to match any taste.

For the quality of food and drinks, the prices are surprisingly fair, making it an excellent value for the experience. Whether you're grabbing dinner or enjoying drinks with friends, La Nena Cantina is definitely...

Sometimes it’s hard to splurge on fancier Mexican food in Hollywood with so many amazing street options around — but La Nena Cantina is 100% worth it.

Everything we had was delicious. The aguachile was super fresh and flavorful, the elotes were creamy and addictive, and both the pork belly and quesabirria tacos were next-level (that consommé 😮‍💨).

The fajitas mixtas were packed with grilled steak and shrimp — all perfectly cooked. And don’t sleep on the dessert trio. The churros, flan, and tres leches were all incredible.

I wish I had photos, but we ate...