WHY One of the best Mexican restaurants in Southern California, and superb margaritas, too.

WHAT Jimmy Shaw may look like an Irishman, but he cooks like the Mexico City native he is, and after building a rabid following at his little Farmers Market stand, he’s hit the big time with this Hollywood restaurant and his newest place in Studio City. The menu is similar to the one at the stand—tacos, tostadas, sopes and burritos with richly flavorful fillings like cochinita pibil, nopalitos and shrimp with spicy morita salsa—only here you get great cocktails and a proper restaurant setting. If you can’t make up your mind, get the fantastic 12-mini-taco sampler platter and try ‘em all.

WHO Aficionados of real Mexico City cooking.