Best Mexican Restaurants in New Orleans
When you’re craving tacos, sizzling fajitas, fresh guacamole, or a margarita that just hits the spot, New Orleans has no shortage of incredible Mexican restaurants to choose from. From authentic family-owned taquerias serving homemade tortillas to lively neighborhood favorites perfect for a family dinner, there’s something for every craving and budget. Whether you’re planning a date night, meeting friends for happy hour, or simply searching for your family’s next favorite taco Tuesday spot, we’ve rounded up some of the best Mexican restaurants across the Greater New Orleans area. Grab your appetite because it’s time to discover your new go-to for queso, tacos, enchiladas, and more! And don’t forget to check out our guide to the best margaritas in town, because nothing goes better with chips and salsa than margaritas.
Uptown New Orleans
Superior Grill :: A longtime New Orleans favorite known for its lively atmosphere, sizzling fajitas, fresh tableside guacamole, and strong margaritas. Great for family dinners or celebrating with friends.
Barracuda Taco Stand :: This trendy taco stand offers fresh Baja-style tacos, house-made salsas, and a laid-back patio that’s ideal for enjoying beautiful New Orleans weather.
Juan’s Flying Burrito :: A local staple blending Mexican flavors with New Orleans flair. Popular menu items include burritos, fish tacos, and loaded nachos.
Garden District & Lower Garden District
Juan’s Flying Burrito (Magazine Street) :: A convenient stop while shopping Magazine Street, offering fresh burritos, tacos, and plenty of local personality.
Taquería Corona – New Orleans :: A local institution combining Mexican cuisine with fresh Gulf seafood. Don’t miss the fish tacos and ceviche.
El Paso Mexican Grill :: Known for large portions, affordable prices, and classic Mexican favorites like fajitas, enchiladas, and queso.
Mid-City
El Pavo Real :: A neighborhood gem specializing in authentic Mexican cuisine, including homemade mole, enchiladas, and traditional regional dishes.
Taqueria Guerrero :: One of the city’s best spots for authentic Mexican food, serving flavorful street tacos, tortas, and traditional favorites at affordable prices.
Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria :: Build-your-own burritos, tacos, and bowls made fresh to order with generous portions and fresh ingredients.
Central Business District (CBD) & Warehouse District
Juan’s Flying Burrito :: Perfect for lunch or happy hour with flavorful burritos, tacos, and a fun, relaxed vibe.
Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria :: Fast, fresh, and convenient for downtown diners looking for customizable Mexican favorites.
Tacos Del Cartel :: Tacos del Cartel brings a bold, modern take on Mexican cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere that’s as memorable as the food. Known for its award-winning birria tacos, tableside presentations, handcrafted cocktails, and stylish décor, it’s a popular destination for brunch, happy hour, date nights, or a fun evening out with friends.
Taqueria La Lucha :: Taqueria La Lucha serves a variety of Mexican-inspired favorites, including flavorful tacos, quesadillas, and shareable appetizers.
Maïs Arepas :: A colorful Latin American eatery specializing in authentic Colombian cuisine, Mais Arepas is best known for its fresh-made arepas, empanadas, tacos, and flavorful grilled meats. With generous portions, vibrant flavors, and a welcoming family atmosphere, it’s a great spot to explore something beyond traditional Tex-Mex while still satisfying your taco cravings.
French Quarter
Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria :: A popular stop for visitors wanting quick, fresh tacos and burritos just steps from the action.
El Gato Negro French Quarter :: A lively restaurant offering Mexican favorites with one of the French Quarter’s best balconies for people-watching.
Lakeview
Velvet Cactus :: Known for its colorful décor, spacious patio, and fun atmosphere, Velvet Cactus serves Tex-Mex favorites alongside creative margaritas.
El Gato Negro :: A colorful restaurant known for handcrafted margaritas, fresh guacamole, and elevated Mexican classics.
Westbank
El Patron Mexican Grill :: Known for generous portions, friendly service, and classic Tex-Mex dishes the whole family will enjoy.
El Paso Mexican Grill :: Known for large portions, affordable prices, and classic Mexican favorites like fajitas, enchiladas, and queso.
Metairie
Casa Garcia :: Popular for authentic recipes, generous portions, and friendly service in a welcoming atmosphere.
Los Jefes Grill :: A modern Mexican restaurant offering flavorful tacos, burritos, and signature cocktails in a stylish setting.
Taquería Corona – Metairie :: A local institution combining Mexican cuisine with fresh Gulf seafood. Don’t miss the fish tacos and ceviche.
El Paso Mexican Grill :: Known for large portions, affordable prices, and classic Mexican favorites like fajitas, enchiladas, and queso.
La Tia Mexican Cuisine :: A family-owned restaurant serving authentic Mexican recipes, homemade tortillas, and flavorful daily specials.
Carreta’s Grill :: A longtime local favorite serving authentic Mexican cuisine, known for its sizzling fajitas, flavorful enchiladas, fresh guacamole, and award-worthy margaritas. With generous portions, family-friendly service, and a festive atmosphere, it’s a go-to spot for both casual weeknight dinners and celebrations.
Habanero’s Metairie :: Bringing a modern twist to authentic Mexican cuisine, Habanero’s serves fresh street tacos, sizzling fajitas, handcrafted cocktails, and some of the area’s most popular margaritas.
Zócalo Cocina Mexicana :: Located on Metairie Road, Zócalo offers an elevated take on authentic Mexican cuisine inspired by the flavors of Oaxaca and Mexico City. The menu features fresh tacos, house-made guacamole, flavorful entrées, and handcrafted cocktails in a stylish, contemporary setting that’s perfect for date nights, happy hour, or a special dinner out.
Taco Daddy’s :: A family-owned neighborhood favorite, Taco Daddy’s serves fresh, made-to-order Mexican classics in a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Known for its flavorful street tacos, sizzling fajitas, hearty burritos, and house-made tortillas, it’s a great spot for casual family dinners, Taco Tuesday, or satisfying your Tex-Mex cravings.
Tacos Del Cartel :: Tacos del Cartel brings a bold, modern take on Mexican cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere that’s as memorable as the food. Known for its award-winning birria tacos, tableside presentations, handcrafted cocktails, and stylish décor, it’s a popular destination for brunch, happy hour, date nights, or a fun evening out with friends.
Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria :: Fast, fresh, and convenient for downtown diners looking for customizable Mexican favorites.
Kenner
El Paso Mexican Grill :: Consistently praised for friendly service, flavorful food, and family-friendly dining.
Taqueria Mi Rancho :: Known for authentic street tacos, tortas, homemade salsas, and traditional Mexican specialties.
Don Jose’s Grill :: A neighborhood favorite featuring traditional Tex-Mex dishes, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Chilangos :: A local favorite in Kenner, Chilangos specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine with a standout selection of fresh seafood dishes inspired by the flavors of Veracruz.
Fiesta Latina :: A hidden gem in Kenner, Fiesta Latina serves authentic Mexican and Central American cuisine in a casual, family-friendly setting. Known for its flavorful street tacos, handmade pupusas, fajitas, enchiladas, and fresh seafood dishes, it’s a local favorite for generous portions, affordable prices, and authentic Latin flavors.
Harahan & River Ridge
Taquería Corona – Harahan :: A local institution combining Mexican cuisine with fresh Gulf seafood. Don’t miss the fish tacos and ceviche.
Los Jefes Grill :: A modern Mexican restaurant offering flavorful tacos, burritos, and signature cocktails in a stylish setting.
Garibaldi’s :: A hidden gem in River Ridge, Garibaldi’s specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine made with fresh ingredients and homemade corn tortillas. From flavorful street tacos and quesabirria to traditional favorites like pozole, mole, and enchiladas, this family-owned restaurant offers generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps locals coming back.
Heading to the Northshore? We have you covered there, too!
Mandeville
Habanero’s Mandeville :: A Northshore favorite known for elevated Mexican cuisine, handcrafted margaritas, authentic street tacos, and creative dishes inspired by the Yucatán and Baja regions.
Parish Tacos :: One of the area’s hottest taco spots, serving chef-inspired specialty tacos, fresh ingredients, and inventive weekly specials in a casual setting.
Cilantro’s Mexican Cuisine Mandeville :: Serving authentic Mexican favorites from fajitas and enchiladas to fresh seafood dishes, plus daily happy hour specials and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Pacos Tacos Mandeville :: A local favorite for authentic street tacos, burritos, tortas, and flavorful house-made salsas at affordable prices.
Lago :: A lively neighborhood restaurant offering classic Tex-Mex favorites, signature margaritas, and a welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for family dinners.
George’s Mexican Restaurant :: A longtime Mandeville staple serving traditional Mexican favorites, combination plates, and generous portions that have kept locals coming back for years.
Chivos Mexican Bistro & Cantina :: A newer addition to the Northshore dining scene featuring modern Mexican cuisine, tacos, cocktails, and a contemporary atmosphere.
Mi Mamacitas :: A beloved Northshore favorite, Mi Mamacita’s serves New Mexico-inspired Mexican cuisine in a colorful, family-friendly atmosphere. From sizzling fajitas and enchiladas to fresh guacamole, tacos, and handcrafted margaritas, it’s a go-to spot for everything from casual lunches to festive celebrations.
Madisonville
EmpaTaco :: Known for authentic tacos, Colombian-style empanadas, tamales, birria, and homemade tortillas, this hidden gem is perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.
Habanero’s Madisonville :: Enjoy creative Mexican cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and award-winning margaritas in a stylish, relaxed setting. It’s consistently recognized as one of the Northshore’s favorite Mexican restaurants.
Covington
Cilantro’s Mexican Cuisine :: Located in downtown Covington, this popular restaurant serves authentic Mexican classics, fresh seafood dishes, and handcrafted margaritas in a vibrant atmosphere.
Habanero’s Covington :: A favorite for everything from Taco Tuesday to date night, featuring street tacos, fajitas, creative cocktails, and one of the area’s best margarita menus.
Kantunil Artisan Restaurant :: A hidden gem specializing in authentic Yucatán-inspired cuisine, homemade recipes, and beautifully presented dishes that offer something beyond traditional Tex-Mex.
Pacos Tacos Covington :: A casual downtown favorite serving authentic street tacos, burritos, tortas, and fresh-made salsas with plenty of bold flavor.
Don Taco Village Street Mexican Food :: A must-visit for authentic Mexican street food, especially the popular birria tacos, quesabirria, and flavorful homemade salsas.
Los Amigos :: A family-friendly restaurant serving generous portions of classic Mexican favorites, including enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, and combination plates.
Nacho Kat :: A fun Latin-inspired eatery offering loaded nachos, tacos, burritos, and creative twists on Mexican favorites in a casual setting.
