La Luz Del Dia Reviews

We enjoyed very good, inexpensive dinners at La Luz last night. They prepare a limited selection each day of cafeteria- style food (we had carnitas, rice, and beans that were yummeeeeeeee and very filling for only $6.95 each.). We ordered our meals at the counter, but they were brought to our table in the dining room - service was friendly and attentive. An earlier review mentioned dry carnitas, but that wasn't our experience.

This is conveniently located on the corner of Olvera Street and the Plaza, next to the donkey photo op. The restaurant is not full service, order at the counter and then there is a dining room. The food is common "Mexican" food but was good and my wife enjoyed her taco and tamale combo and I enjoyed my chicken tostata. The prices are reasonable. I've eaten here before.

My son and I had a late lunch there last week. It was fast, reasonably priced, and tasty. My son was hungry (he's a growing teen) and had a second meal after the first, although I was full after one meal!

I make special trips here for the carnitas and chille reño.. I crave it and sometimes drive an hour and over to get it. Been here for years, they are in the middle of tourist but so authentic and yummy. A must in your in the area, across the street from union station if your in transit and want good food.

We had lunch here on a hot summer day. The line moved and the food came up fast once we ordered. The food is very authentic and the tacos and carnitas were excellent. The tortillas were handmade and the salsa had some great flavor. Beware that they only take cash but the prices are very reasonable.

Stopped in for lunch on a busy Saturday afternoon. The staff were friendly. Our meals were delicious! Visit this place for an authentic Mexican meal!

La Luz is super pretty, inside and out. The restaurant has indoor and out door seating. Most of the tables are in a pretty blue tile and the theme is traditional Mexican food and decor. It is a great place for lunch or dinner. The menu at La Luz is not huge, but it has everything you want to eat if you love traditional Mexican food. The portions are large and you can share an appetizer or soup and an entree and be very happy. The service is ever so friendly and best of all there is not usually a wait. If there is, it is pretty short. It can get hot in the summer sitting outside so pick your spot carefully. Best of all, they make their own tortillas. This is a must stop if you are in Downtown LA. The locals love it and so will you. Finally, it is located on Olvera Street, which is the oldest part of LA and it sits on a walk street with cute shops and other great places to eat. Enjoy.

Generation after generation come here for actual authentic Mexican food. Like nearby Philippe, it is cafeteria style old school. Gets crowded at times. Unlike Philippe there are staff there to carry your heavy trays to the beautiful tables. Great for cops, families, solo dining. Extremely casual. Real deal and best place at Olvera St.

Everything we ate was fresh and wonderful. You can eat indoors or outside. Lots of Mexican vendors with a taste of Mexico in the area. Prices were good at about $9 per person. Parking is $5-10 which is a lot for very little time.

The last time I ate here was around 25 years ago. Going to La Luz del Dia was my main reason for visiting Los Angeles. They still use their own handmade tortillas. I had the fresh pork tacos -- by fresh, I mean they are cutting the meat at the counter just before putting it in their handmade tortillas. The salsa is fresh as well. Beans and rice -- usually overlooked in most restaurants -- were great as well. I also had the chicken burrito with green sauce. The chicken was perfect. I wish there was a place like this in Seattle. If you're visiting from out of town, I recommend taking a taxi or rental car to get to La Luz del Dia because the public transportation in Los Angeles is very time consuming. Encountering no traffic, it took 90 minutes to get from my hotel at LAX to get to La Luz del Dia by bus. Generally, it should only take about 20-30 minutes by taxi or rental car.

We ordered a little bit of everything. Great tacos, great salsa, flan. There were 6 of us so we tried just about everything. No chile relenos were available on the day we were there. We enjoyed sitting outside and watching the activity. I like that you can order a combo or a la carte. Not a huge menu but definitely authentic. Keep in mind they only take cash which seems typical most of the eateries there.

This was our second time eating at this restaurant and the food is consistently good. The chili rellenos and carnitas are some of the best I've eaten. The food is prepared right in front of you so it's fresh and served hot. Sometimes there is a long line but it moves fast and is well worth the wait. Prices are reasonable. We will definitely return.

La Luz del Dia was fantastic. The atmosphere was wonderful, it was very clean, and the ladies working there were so very nice. We went for lunch around 11 or 11:30 on a Tuesday and didn't have to wait at all. The food was absolutely incredible. I had two soft tacos with rice and beans and a Diet Pepsi for about $8, which is really great. There is a small area where you order with silverware and napkins and the freshest salsa I've had in America. The dining area is simple but beautifully decorated and there are Mexican tiles all over the place. There is a small patio as an outside option for seating, too. While we were there, a family came in with a member in a wheelchair and the ladies working were very accommodating. I have no complaints at all, and wish I could go back right now!

I am so glad I had a chance to eat here. The food was so good and such great service. This made a perfect visit at Olvera Street. I plan on bringing my kids to eat with us next time. Wish I could come here weekly.

The best hand made tortillas I have ever tasted! My favorites are the Tacos de Chicharron and Champurrado drink! Nice environment and friendly staff.

Quite probably the best tostada I've ever tasted! The carnitas tostada was superior, and I also enjoyed the carnitas torta and sweet tamales. A delicious experience worth the excursion to Overa street.

Mexican foods have always been a great weakness for me and when my friends told me about this place I couldn't resist but visiting. Last week I had some free times so came here for lunch to enjoy the Mexican foods. I ordered temales and rice, I heard it's one of their special cuisines. All the dishes were served quickly and they looked fresh. The taste was marvelous and still I can feel it. Price is affordable. The thing liked very much was their service it was quick and fast, I am coming next Friday.

We had lunch at La Luz on a recent trip to Olivera St. This place has been in business longer than I have been alive and for good reason. The atmosphere is authentic. Lot's of locals go there and the food and service is good. We ordered chile relleno and carnitas torta with spicy coleslaw that was on special. Both were good sized portions and tasty. We got extra tortillas as well. The gals running around with food and busing tables were very busy making sure everyone was happy. To get an idea of how it is to work in the kitchen on the authentic brick oven, go upstairs to the restroom. You can feel the heat. The place was constantly buzzing. Families and regulars for sure. I also recommend the Jamaica, which is a sweet refreshing drink after a spicy meal. We will be back.

The Truth From A Long Time Customer -- My parents were married across the street from this place in 1965. I have been coming here since 1966 and the current management has destroyed this place. The quality of the carnitas used to be the best with a unique flavor that any competitor couldn't match. Now they are dry with gristle and the quantity has been decreased by thirty percent. I guess they need to pay for those 99 cent plastic plates they now use instead of the old school disposible plates. The associates used to be in good spirits and now they look scared of losing their job. I questioned them about the quantity and quality but they were afraid to talk about it. Most of them have seen me there from childhood and I never thought I would be writing this review. I live in the San Fernando Valley and have always gone out of my way to eat there. I have always recommended La Luz Del Dia but now I recommend Carillos in San Fernando. Carrillo's Tortilleria Inc. * 1242 Pico St. * San Fernando, CA 91340 Phone 818-365-1636 * Fax 818-365-3176 I hope management wakes up and realize there name to fame is there carnitas and by changing the quality and quantity it will be a grave mistake.

Great little place. No alcohol but prices were amazing for the quality of food. Had the carnitas and was great for $7.06. Wahoo.

This place is called birth place of LA, there are few icons also on the same. This is a good place to visit around afternoon, roam around for shopping. This place has a good list of food options and Mexican one is great.. if you are a foodie then must visit place in the afternoon or evening

As an LA native who loves Olvera Street, this is my favorite place to eat there. Yes, there are also other yummy spots, but this one is my fav because it's more than just a little spot; it's more like a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and bathrooms. I always order tacos here. So delicious! Their salsa is so good that I recently saved the extra with our order and took it home. You order and pay at the counter. Low prices.

This restaurant is located by Olvera Street and The Plaza, which is a historic area and a popular tourist attraction with a strong Mexican ambiance. La Luz del Dia is a casual restaurant where you order and collect your food, and a lady takes it to a table for you. The dishes may not look different to those you are used to (tacos, tortillas, burritos etc) but they are cooked right in front of you, with fresh ingredients, and taste great. Be sure to wash down your food with a Mexican beer. I think this is a must-visit place if you are in the city.

This small restaurant has long been a staple of locals because of the delicious food. This is about as authentic as it comes. The menu is limited to only a few items, but as a recommendation I would stick with the Carnitas (slow cooked pork). It comes with Spanish rice, guacamole and beans, which are also prepared in the old way (slow cooked with spices, made by hand ); and the topper is ~ hand made tortillas. You can even enjoy this meal with a cold beer, as they have a select offering of Mexican beers. They've been here as long as I can remember (several decades) on the corner of Olvera Street. If I'm in the area, I never miss the opportunity to stop by. My regular order is the Carnitas plate and extra tortillas, with extra salsa. All made by hand (you can watch the ladies as they cook on the iron griddle, yum. Nothing fancy, in fact, you take the plate from the counter and find your own seat, but at times they have someone assisting with the trays and I like to offer them a tip for the service. In days of fast food, fast service, and standardized menus, this place has a simple small and consistent menu that they prepare very well. There are other restaurants in the area, but I think this is the by far the best. It's kind of quaint in fact, and it gets a lot of business just from the location, I imagine. It's rather prominently located. You could say their menu is limited, but conversely, what they prepare they do better than anyone in the area. The line is never very long if there is one, and they have outdoor seating as well as indoor tables. Again, it's nothing fancy, but if you are coming for the food, you couldn't do better than this. I highly recommend them.

I'm stuck on a federal jury across the 101 and got tired of the government cafeteria. Wow! This was worth going back through security!! As other reviewers said, the fresh tortillas are fantastic. I had combo #6, carnitas, rice, beans, and two fresh corn tortillas for under $7. Yum! Enjoyed eating out on the patio, facing the plaza. I'll be back!

The Service: CASH ONLY! You order the food and pick up the food at the counter. Sometimes the staff will help you to bring the food to your table. Only one staff is taking the order so the line gets longer during lunch time. Love their patio seating area. The Food: Super affordable! The food is authentic and handmade tortillas. You can see the action behind the counter. Love their combo choices. Very good deal. Definitely try their tamales~ all homemade.

Was a really great place to stop after a day of exploring. We sat on the patio and it was lovely! You order at the counter and they have the food ready right there, quick and convenient and the food is really tasty. Would recommend!

This is an order at the counter restaurant and they'll bring the food to your table. The food was seasoned perfectly and the hand made tortillas made it even better.

We loved Olvera Street from the moment we set foot on it, and we chose this place for lunch after scoping out all the restaurants along the length of this wonderful little piece of LA history. It was an excellent decision. Yes. You really can watch the women cooking fresh corn tortillas. The menu is simple Mexican goodness. If you are a fan of Mexican food (as we certainly are), you will not be disappointed. It is not gourmet, but it is a nice meal for a very reasonable price. The guac was very good and obviously not mass market. The chips were, of course, also fresh. We sat at a long table with other people (our choice - you can sit by yourselves if you choose) and thoroughly enjoyed the food, the company, AND the live music provided by a mariachi band. Muy bueno!

Great Mexican (and I do mean authentic!) restaurant, where you can see the women making tortillas by hand!!! And yes, they do taste home-made!! This restaurant is located at "Olvera Street" in downtown Los Angeles. It's at the very end (where the plaza is). There is both, indoor and outdoor seating, and the combination plates are very yummie! A group of co-workers and I go there quite often. The owner's usually on the premises, he's very kind. On Fridays, they offer Chile Relleno...MMMMMMM!!!!

Nice atmosphere and great service. Food is below average. Everything tasted bland and no flavor at all. We were disappointed because of great reviews. I rather go to hole in the wall taco shop in my neighborhood. Definitely a tourist trap. Sorry because staff were very nice.

I took the family on a train ride into LA Union Station. This restaurant came highly recommended by a friend. The food was indeed outstanding. To clarify, the food isn't fancy and the restaurant doesn't create their own spin on traditional Mexican food. What this restaurant, La Luz del Dia, offers is fantastic quality authentic Mexican food for an incredible price. I've never had Mexican food this good inside the states. Everything is made onsite in the corner of the restaurant. Simmering pots are being handled by beautiful Mexican ladies. Feel free to be as gringo as you want because the cashier and the waitresses are so nice and will be glad to answer any of your questions. And don't worry if you see a line to order because it moves quickly. The only negative thing I could report is that their portions are small for my appetite. I ended up ordering two combo meals for myself. Plus I had a couple orders of their flan. You must try their Chile Relleno which is only served on the weekend. It is not spicy for those who have sensitive tastes. And the restaurant now accepts credit cards! Thank you La Luz del Dia for the excellent food.

I'd read about this place and on a trip over from Australia just had to check it out. So good! That's the thought that went through my mind as I bit into my pork filled soft taco. The beef stew tostado was incredible as well! My partner and I ate there for under $20 total and were satisfied for most of the day! I honestly don't know how I'm ever going to be able to eat 'Mexican' back home again!

My husband and I had a 24 hour layover in LA. After an early morning flight from the East coast, we were ready for a nice lunch. We stumbled upon this restaurant and it was a nice little surprise. Delicious food (I had carnitas with rice and bean, my husband enjoyed a taco and pork tamale), decent service, and relaxed atmosphere.

A hidden gem at the end of the market. Food is great especially the green chicken. Food is very very cheap only $25 for 2 people including a beer each but it is cash only! A must for any visitor.

My wife and I love it here. We split the carnitas and chili relleno and have plenty left over. The atmosphere is great with plenty of room between tables. Whether your a local Angeleno or visiting, this is one of the jems that make our city awesome.

We enjoyed this restaurant our previous visit and made a point to return this time, where we knew we would have the benefit of seeing some Cinco de Mayo entertainment as we dined. Got a combo plate of taco and tamale and loved our horchata, a refreshing Mexican drink made with rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon

Quick food, nice place to stop if you are visiting Union Station or Olvera Street. Probably the best quick food in the surrounding area. Nice plates of authentic rice and beans with an entree. Fresh handmade tortillas. Great lunch for under $10 per person.....

We looked at some of the other places on Olvera but with their limited seating we ended up at La Luz. Great find! Simple (minimal) menu but very good. We both ordered the 2 Tacos meal and I just had to try their horchata. Yum! Loved watching the ladies making the fresh tortillas. Would definitely recommend this to others. Seems like a locals type of place which is just our style.

We really had our hopes up for some good Mexican food here, but everything was tired and uninspired. It was late for them; perhaps 7:30pm on a Tuesday, but even so the tortillas tasted like they came straight from a package, the tacos were boring, nothing special about the tamales, and the beef stew was not tasty. The Negra Modelo was good. (!) Really disappointing. Salsa tasted like it came from a can and when we asked for more chips we were charged another $2.00. I'd recommend avoiding this place.

This is an order at the counter type place. When I got to the end of the line and paid, my food was ready. An older woman in traditional Mexican dress picked up the tray from the counter person and escorted us to a table. There's tables inside and on a patio overlooking the main square. Typical Mexican menu. My meal was about $10 with a drink. Expect a line during busy hours, but it moves pretty fast.

This was my first time in Los Angeles and friends decided to give me a taste of Mexico by taking me to Olvera St. La Luz del Dia was busy, but not as busy as other places on the street, so we gave it a try and weren't disappointed. I had chicken with green salsa, rice and refried beans with a glass of horchata, a completely new drink to me (evaporated milk and rice blended together with some vanilla). We also shared a sweet tamale (sweet, but not as sweet as some of the Mexican sweets I ate earlier!). Enjoyed the outdoor seating with the view of Olvera St. A good meal at a good price (under $10).

This was my first visit. I had the #7 two tamales with bean and rice. I passed on the beans. The tamales had good flavor but lack meat. The Masa (I think that's right) was too thick. I think that hindered the great tasting pork. But it is definetly worth a return vistit. The service was outstanding.

Great place just around the corner from Olvera Street. Authentic Mexican food and great beer! Great atmosphere - it's been here since 1959!

Average food at best. Really good for the tourist trade. Carnitas was barely warm, dry and totally lacked flavor Beans ok. Rice tasted like leftovers and no veggies in it. Salsa was watery and lacked heat. Guac was okay The only thing good was fresh made-cooked tortillas Order and get your food at the counter. Think they've lost the touch and rely on tourists since its at the top of O street. Cash only. Relatively inexpensive for drink, entree, rice and beans Nope, not returning. Too many other choices here.

In the heart of downtown Los Angeles is a gem which I love to visit when in town, the La Luz Del Dia. It is an old restaurant that continues to offer fresh tortillas made on-site, and the gateway to the street of Mexican festivities, Olvera Street. It's a short walk to the Los Angeles Train station, its across from one of the oldest churches and you can walk the streets and sample and buy lots of food samples and artifacts.

My husband and I are truly confused by the great reviews...We must have come here on a seriously off day, Our food was horrible. The Chile Rellenos pretty raw with no sauce and cheese? Just coating.. Husband's Tamale with minimal filling. Beans runny with no cheese and dry rice...We came here because of the TA reviews.... It always worked for us before. Do not recommend.

This little restaurant is ok. You order at the counter and then find a table to sit and eat. It is more like a cafeteria than a restaurant.

The service here is one of the best I have had, the food feels home cooked, served with speediness, and by authentic Mexican people. Let's start with the food, I love how authentically Mexican it is. Of course this food is an eclectic mix of the regions of Mexico and its done very well. The combos are the best choice, however, the add-ons like the hand made tortillas, the tamales, or the corn tamal are so good. I always get the orchata(rice drink) because every place does it different but its always good. Next is the service, it not only quick, its friendly, and they make you feel at home and like you are family. I felt right at home here, after we ordered our food the ladies brought it to our table. All the servers have a friendly and professional demeanor that I really liked and enjoyed. I recommend this place highly, and now I plan to go back at least once every time I am in LA!

My family's been eating here for over 40 years and its still our favorite place & go to restaurant especially when we have out-of-town guests.

Located on Olivera St near Union Station this restaurant serves traditional dishes to tourists and locals alike. Nothing fancy but a good place for lunch. Also near 1-2 miles Dodger Stadium

Delicious soft tacos at a great price. Very casual ambiance. Watch as they make the tortillas and chop the chicken, pork or beef when you order. Bring cash for payment, as I don't think they take credit cards.

Delicious food and fresh handmade tortillas. Staff is friendly and very happy to help. They only accept cash but they also offer an ATM on site. We ordered the carnitas plate and chili relleno with agua de horchata. It was all delicious. Clean facility and restrooms.

One of the restaurants serving authentic Mexican food, unlike the touristy places mid-street. Handmade tortillas and delicious meals.

The food here is authentic. I had the two taco (carnitas) combo. This combination had rice and beans for under $7. You cant beat that price! I recommend this place to any one who wants authentic Mexican food but doesn't want to paid those expensive LA prices.

Freshly made corn tortillas and authentic dishes, this is where the locals eats. The tourist restaurants are in the middle of Olvera Street, but the food isn't nearly as good. Beer, soda and Mexican drinks, but sorry...no margaritas.

If you want to have a really good taste of Mexico, visit La Luz del Dia. They have a good variety of authentic Mexican cuisine, the likes you will not find at regular Americanized Mexican restaurants. They have nopales (cactus) salad, chicharones (fried pork rind dish) and homemade fresh corn tortillas, prepared behind the counter for all to view. The staff is friendly, helpful and efficient. Prices are reasonable. You order at the counter and the waitress brings the food to your table. There is outdoor and indoor seating.

If you ever are visting Olvera Street in Los Angeles and can only eat at one place La Luz del Dia is the the place. I have been coming here since I can remember as we would bring all of our relatives here when they visited LA from New York. Everything is very good here but I'm here to talk about the carnitas tacos. The corn tortillas are hand made right in front of you. They use a press to make the them a now but in the past the ladies would shape them by hand. When you walked in you would here hands clapping forming the tortillas into shape. I spoke thr the owner and the reason the do not do that anymore is too many injuries were occurring to the workers due to the amount of tortillas being made. I miss the ambiance of that but the tortillas are stilll awesome. My families and my go to order is is number 2 plate. This is two soft tacos (carnitas of course) with what I can say are the best rice and beans ever. The salsa is also in house made and not real spicy at all. So if you only have time to eat at one location during your visit to Olvera Street La Luz del Dia is the place.

While touring LA and Olvera street, stopped in for a quick lunch. Choices are selected from a marquise menu and ordered over the counter. Waitress brings your selection to a table for you, slightly better than cafeteria style. Food is good and inexpensive. Service is quick and the restaurant is clean. Tostadas and tacos were good.