New Orleans' love for authentic, flavorful, rich Mexican
food runs deep. Though we do love celebrating Cinco de Mayo and Day of the Dead each year or taking
part in festivals like Top Taco, Mexican food can be found year-round at the
fabulous Mexican restaurants around town. From truly traditional to fun and
contemporary, these local restaurants will not disappoint when you're craving
great Mexican food.
These restaurants have the most craveable Latin food in town.
You'll want to save room for a big glass of margarita before you dive into the
food.
10 Best Places for Mexican Food in New Orleans
1. El Gato Negro
Multiple Locations
elgatonegronola.com
El Gato Negro reigns as the top Mexican restaurant in New Orleans, boasting three strategic locations that cater to locals and tourists alike. From the bustling French Quarter (81 French Market Pl.) to scenic Lakeview (300 Harrison Ave.) and historic Gretna (301 Huey P. Long Ave.), each spot offers a unique dining experience.
The menu, which varies by location, features both familiar favorites and standout traditional dishes. Don't miss the El Burrito Con Mole, a delectable blend of chicken, vegetables, and cheese wrapped in a tortilla and smothered in rich Mole Poblano sauce. The locals also favor the margaritas, which come in six flavors and offer seasonal options, as well.
2. Felipe's Mexican Taqueria
Multiple Locations
felipestaqueria.com
Favored by tourists and locals alike, Felipe's is one of the hottest Mexican restaurants in town. Their menu offers a customizable experience, where customers can build their own tacos, burritos, or nachos. Felipe's boast a daily happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with $2.50 tacos and $5 hand-squeezed margaritas.
For those who prefer chef-curated options, Felipe's offers signature dishes. The Baja-Style Tacos feature fried shrimp, pico, cabbage, and house-made Baja Sauce, and the Mexico City Tacos have al pastor, cilantro, onion, and house-made Guacamolillo Sauce.
3. Zocalo Cocina
2051 Metairie Rd. Metairie., (504) 252-9327
zocalo-nola.com
Zocalo brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico City to the heart of New Orleans. Located in the bustling Mid-City neighborhood at 3903 Canal St., this lively cantina offers a fresh take on traditional Mexican cuisine. From their colorful dining room to their inviting outdoor patio, Zocalo provides the perfect backdrop for a casual lunch or a festive dinner with friends.
The menu at Zocalo showcases a variety of authentic dishes with a modern twist. Don't miss their signature tacos al pastor, featuring spit-roasted pork marinated in achiote and pineapple. For those seeking lighter fare, the ceviche and tuna tostadas are refreshing choices. Pair your meal with one of their hand-crafted margaritas or explore their extensive mezcal selection for a true taste of Mexico. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely feast, Zocalo offers a delicious escape to Mexico City right in the heart of NOLA.
4. Panchita de Veracruz Criolla Cuisine
1434 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 946-1602
panchitadeveracruzcriollacuisinela.com
This family-owned gem offers an authentic taste of Veracruzana cuisine, known for its unique blend of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. From the moment you step inside, the warm, inviting atmosphere and colorful décor transport you to the coastal region of Veracruz.
Don't miss their signature Pescado a la Veracruzana, a delicate fish fillet smothered in a zesty tomato sauce with olives, capers, and peppers. For those craving something different, try the Mole Xiqueño, a lesser-known mole variety originating from Xico, Veracruz. Pair your meal with one of their refreshing aguas frescas or a classic margarita for a true taste of Mexico. Whether you're in the mood for seafood, meat, or vegetarian options, Panchita de Veracruz offers a delicious culinary journey through the rich flavors of Veracruz.
5. Carreta's Grill
Multiple Locations
carretasgrill.com
You'll have to cross into Jefferson Parish
to enjoy Caretta's Grill, and it is totally worth it. There are two Southshore
locations of Carreta's: Metairie (2320 Veterans Memorial Blvd.) and Harahan
(1821 Hickory Ave.). The restaurants can
get very busy for lunch due to their excellent lunch specials at great prices,
but the dinner service is well-priced too.
The specialty menu items come in big
portions, so be prepared to take some home. Try the Tacos Carretas with four taqueria-style tacos (your choice of carnitas, steal, grilled chicken, pastor,
or chorizo) served with black beans and a chile tareado.
6. El Pavo Real
4401 S. Broad Ave., (504) 266-2022
elpavorealnola.com
At the intersection of Broad and Napoleon avenues, you'll find El Pavo Real in an unassuming building. But this little eatery is very popular with 20-somethings because of the great prices. The happy hour from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. is great; two-for-one beer, wine, and well drinks is a deal you can't pass up.
Beyond beverages, the food is perfectly priced. Those in the know love the Crab and Avocado Quesadilla, which comes with a side salad. The tacos come in pairs of two: Chicken Tinga, Pescado Frito, Steak, Al Pastor, Veggie, and Shrimp.
7. Taqueria Guerrero Mexico Inc.
208 N. Carrollton Ave., (504) 484-6959
Tucked between Angela Brocato's and Red Door Bar, you'll find Taqueria Guerrero. This brightly-painted restaurant serves some of the most authentic Mexican food from a huge menu. Everyone in your party will find something that they love on this menu.
A lot of people love to start off with a
soup like the Beef Soup or Seafood Soup. The entrees consist of specialties
like fajitas, shrimp served several ways, and other heaping plates. The Mole
Poblano is served with big portions of rice, beans, tomato salad, and corn
tortillas. The burrito comes with your choice of meat and cilantro, queso,
rice, beans, onion, and cheese.
8. Vals
4632 Freret St., (504) 666-2397
valsnola.com
If you're hanging out on Freret Street,
take a stroll over to Vals. This former service station turned gorgeous
contemporary Mexican restaurant features a large, friendly patio perfect for
outdoor dining on nice days. The food menu is humorously divided into "Not Tacos" and "Tacos" and the drink menu is divided into "Not Margaritas" and "Margaritas." It
makes choosing your items a little bit easier.
For "Not Tacos," check out the Quesabirria
(braised brisket, Chihuahua cheese, and consommé). The "Tacos" have flavors
including Crispy Beef Belly, Chicken in Green Mole, Fried Fish, and Sweet
Potato. Wash it down with a Vals Margarita. which is organic blanco tequila,
orange liqueur, lime, and salt.
9. Johnny Sanchez
930 Poydras St., (504) 304-6615
johnnysancheznola.com
Johnny Sanchez was a rule-breaker when it
opened in 2014. It brings in a crowd of CBD workers, tourists, and native
foodies on a regular basis. The menu is heavy on typical Mexican fare like
quesadillas, burritos, fajitas, and tacos with your choice of meat (or not),
but there are also some surprise signature dishes that you can't find anywhere
else.
The Adios Cheeseburger is a popular item that consists of two smashed patties, American cheese, red onion, pickles, jalapeno, and chili garlic sauce. It is served with adobo fries and queso dipping sauce. There's also a Crispy Chicken Sandwich topped with jalapeno slaw.
10. Mr. Tequila
5018 Freret St., (504) 766-9660
mrtequilanola.com
Johnny Sanchez was a rule-breaker when it opened in 2014. It brings in a crowd of CBD workers, tourists, and native foodies on a regular basis. The menu is heavy on typical Mexican fare like quesadillas, burritos, fajitas, and tacos with your choice of meat (or not), but there are also some surprise signature dishes that you can't find anywhere else.
The Adios Cheeseburger is a popular item that consists of two smashed patties, American cheese, red onion, pickles, jalapeno, and chili garlic sauce. It is served with adobo fries and queso dipping sauce. There's also a Crispy Chicken Sandwich topped with jalapeno slaw.
Where to Get Authentic Mexican Food in New Orleans
From overstuffed burritos to crunchy tacos, these Mexican restaurants in New Orleans are sure to satisfy and they're a great way to get to know the Hispanic culture of New Orleans. As a
bonus: some of these restaurants have margarita towers that you have got to
check out if you're dining with a crew. The tower has a tap so that you can
fill your glass as much as you'd like.
Did we miss the best Mexican food in New Orleans? Let us know where
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