[4] Guelaguetza is one of the few places in Los Angeles (or even the United States) in which patrons can intentionally ingest insects, namely chapulines (fried grasshoppers), an Oaxacan delicacy.

[5][6][7] Fernando Lopez emigrate from his native Oaxaca to Los Angeles in 1993 and opened his original restaurant on Eighth Street the following year.

[8][9] In 2012, Fernando turned the business over to his four children after he decided to retire and return to Oaxaca.

[10][11][12] The reviewer from Condé Nast Traveler wrote, "This is a great meal to enjoy with family and friends, especially for a celebratory occasion where you don't want to spend your entire rent check.

"[14] Time Out Magazine called "Guelaguetza a citywide institution, and the kind of place worth visiting over and over again.