“You Don’t Move to Simi for the Tacos” — and 19 Other Lies We Tell Ourselves

Inside the Secret Mexican Food Renaissance Happening in Simi Valley

Simi Starlight | By CLAIR – Simi Valley, CA

Let’s just say it: Simi Valley was never supposed to be a food city. You move here for the schools. For the space. For the fact that you can still find parking at Trader Joe’s at 5 PM. But lately, something’s changed. And no, it’s not because a new Chipotle opened. Something real is happening.

There’s a Mexican food renaissance unfolding in the corners of this town — and almost nobody’s talking about it. Until now.

What If the Best Tacos in Ventura County Aren’t in Oxnard? Blasphemy? Maybe.

But while everyone else is stuck on the 101 heading into LA for a $36 birria taco “experience” served on a gold-plated tray, people in Simi are quietly chowing down on the best carnitas this side of Jalisco — at places with no Instagram, no neon signs, and no shame about loading your burrito so full it breaks the foil.

We tested over two dozen local spots. Talked to the people behind the counters. Wiped salsa off our steering wheels. Here’s what we found.

The 21-Point Taco Power Ranking

This is not a sponsored top 10 list. This is a battle-tested, salsa-stained, tortilla-fueled guide to what’s really good.

• Most likely to ruin all other tacos for you: El Capitan Fresh Grill
• Best “How is this still under $20?” combo plate: Mariachi Loco
• Best guac + best date lighting: Palapa Mexican Grill
• Best heartbreak nachos: El Patio Cantina
• Spiciest salsa that doubles as a truth serum: El Zarape
• Most explosive carne asada burrito: Don Cuco
• Best post-game burrito for hungry teens: Campos Famous
• Best-kept secret locals will get mad we’re telling you about: Taqueria El Maizal
• Best fish taco surprise: Sharky’s Woodfired Grill
• Best place to test your spice tolerance: El Huarache de Mexico
• Best event-ready taco cart + food truck: Epic Tacos — Seriously, their taco truck setup is legendary at Simi events.
• Best burrito you never realized you needed: Mission Burrito — Huge portions, unbeatable price, and a loyal local following.

The Simi Taco Hypothesis: Why Here, Why Now?

We have three theories:

1. Migration of talent: LA’s food scene got too expensive. Simi became the canvas.
2. The real roots: Simi’s Latino food community has been under the radar for years — not anymore.
3. Taco karma: After years of fast food drive-thrus, the taco gods have blessed us. We accept.

These Are Not Instagram Tacos

You will not find overhead flatlays with microgreens here. These are greasy, glorious, full-of-soul tacos. Your fingers will drip. Your napkin will fail you. And that’s exactly how it should be.

The Complete List of Simi Valley’s Most Important Mexican Spots

Coming Soon: “The Simi Taco Trail”

• Download our printable taco map (perfect for glove boxes + group chats)
• Vote in our 2025 Taco Madness Bracket
• Stay tuned for mini-docs on the people behind the tortillas

Tag Us, Challenge Us, Correct Us

• Share your taco photos: @clair.id
• DM us your hot takes
• Forward this post to anyone still stuck in LA traffic looking for good tacos

This is not a list. This is a movement. And it’s happening in Simi.