Sonoratown recognized by Michelin Guide for first time

Sonoratown, the mighty and decorated DTLA-born taqueria that opened its first Long Beach location Downtown back in 2024, has officially been recognized in the Michelin Guide for the first time.

“I cannot believe this,” said a stunned and happy co-owner, Jennifer Faltham.

Joining Heritage—which maintained its star last year—The Attic, and Chiang Rai, Sonoratown was described as “food worth standing up for.” This follows their continual placement on the Los Angeles Times’ 101 Best Restaurants list, where it joined Ammatoli last year; it ranked #26.

What did the Michelin guide say, exactly, about Sonoratown?

Here is the full description of what the Guide said about Sonoratown:

“Look for the line that is likely stretching down the block, and you’ll known you’ve arrived at Sonoratown. This spot has become a local favorite. And while the long queue may mean finding a seat indoors or out requires a stroke of luck, it’s worth standing up for the food here. Scan the menu’s offerings ranging from tacos and burritos to quesadillas and more, all tucked with chicken, beef, chorizo. You won’t go wrong with any order, but the [chivichanga] is a runaway hit. Order at the counter and wait for your name to be called. Then tuck into their dishes made with house-made flour tortillas.”

Sonoratown’s importance is increasingly growing across its development.

In the era of Social Media Food—what many rightfully call “hype food”—it is hard to distinguish what is hype-worthy and what is just fun for your Instagram wall or hot-take TikTok account. Sonoratown, with its consistent waft of mesquite-grilled meats and lard tortillas, has long lived up to the hype. 

“The magnificence of Teodoro Díaz Rodriguez Jr. and Jennifer Feltham’s Sonoratown taqueria rests first on the flour tortillas cranked out by their master tortilla maker, Julia Guerrero… [It] is the flour tortilla against which to judge all others in Los Angeles.”

These are the words of Los Angeles Times food critic Bill Addison when writing about the space in 2023. And the importance of Sonoratown in the larger discussion of SoCal’s taco game is paramount: They helped usher in regional Mexican tacos in a way that emphasized specificity in a cuisine that was largely dismissed Stateside as rice-and-bean combo plates.

Their menu? Minimal, tight, focused. In fact, it has had only one significant addition—cabeza—which they added when it opened its Mid-City location. Their quality? Unparalleled. 

It is, through and through, an Angeleno legend that has now made a home in Long Beach in a very short period. So when you see the line, be sure to check those rolled eyes before tasting. 

Sonoratown is located at 244 E. 3rd St.