Amor y Tacos is part of the wave of Mexican American restaurants reshaping Southern California’s dining scene, with Chef Thomas Ortega bringing polished technique and playful creativity to his hometown of Cerritos. Handmade tortillas, bold salsas and familiar Mexican flavors are layered with unmistakably LA flourishes throughout the menu. Tacos remain the main attraction, ranging from crispy “Tacos de Mi Abuela” stuffed with a beef and chorizo blend, cotija, crema and salsa de árbol to grilled salmon tacos glazed with chipotle agave and topped with mint, cilantro and cabbage. Elsewhere, the kitchen’s more exuberant side appears in dishes like a birria “pizza” built on a giant flour tortilla with Oaxaca cheese, tortilla chips, ahi roja and consommé for dipping. Cocktails and a lively atmosphere keep the energy high from lunch through dinner.