Top NYC Mexican Restaurants
Curated by
cdteliot
6 min read
3,226
New York City boasts a vibrant Mexican culinary scene, with several acclaimed restaurants earning recognition from the Michelin Guide. From upscale dining experiences to casual eateries, the city offers a diverse array of authentic and innovative Mexican cuisine across Manhattan and the boroughs.
1. Cosme: Chef Enrique Olvera’s Contemporary Mexican Gem in NYC
startribune.com
Cosme, located in New York City's Flatiron District, is a contemporary Mexican restaurant founded by renowned chef Enrique Olvera.
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The Michelin-starred establishment serves innovative cuisine that blends Mexican flavors and traditions with local, seasonal ingredients.1
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Led by Chef de Cuisine Gustavo Garnica, Cosme's menu features bold and playful dishes, such as their signature duck carnitas.1
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The restaurant's beverage program, curated by beverage manager Jorsand Diaz, focuses on agave spirits and creative cocktails that complement the cuisine.4
Diaz emphasizes seasonality and a sense of place, incorporating ingredients from local farmers' markets alongside native Latin American products.4
Cosme's stylish interior, complete with a handsome bar, soft lighting, and roomy dining tables, creates an inviting atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their innovative Mexican-inspired fare.1
5 sources
2. Casa Enrique: Michelin-Starred Mexican Excellence in Long Island City
licpost.com
Casa Enrique, located in Long Island City, Queens, is a Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant that has been consistently recognized for its exceptional cuisine since 2015
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. Founded by Chef Cosme Aguilar in 2012, the restaurant draws inspiration from his childhood in Chiapas, Mexico's southernmost state1
. Casa Enrique offers a unique blend of traditional and modern Mexican dishes, serving family recipes that showcase the flavors of Aguilar's hometown1
. Despite its prestigious Michelin star, the restaurant maintains a moderate price point, making it New York City's most affordable Michelin-starred dining experience2
. The menu features standout dishes like the chile relleno stuffed with halloumi cheese and the highly praised tres leches dessert3
. While the atmosphere may be understated, Casa Enrique's focus is on delivering exceptional, authentic Mexican cuisine that has earned it a loyal following and critical acclaim2
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.13 sources
3. Empellón: Chef Alex Stupak’s Michelin-Starred Mexican Masterpiece in NYC
empellon.com
Empellón, founded by Chef Alex Stupak in 2011, is a Michelin-starred restaurant that has become a standout in New York City's Mexican culinary scene. Located in the heart of the West Village, Empellón Taqueria & Bar focuses on innovative tacos and margaritas, offering a menu that blends traditional Mexican flavors with contemporary American cuisine
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. The restaurant's flagship location in Midtown serves upscale dishes with Mexican influences and a distinct New York City point of view3
. Empellón's creative approach is evident in its menu, which features clever spins on salsa, such as a smoky cashew version, and unique taco offerings like lamb sweetbread tacos4
. The restaurant's beverage program showcases signature margaritas, craft cocktails, and a wine list featuring unique global vineyards, all designed to pair perfectly with the cuisine3
. With its lively atmosphere and multi-level space, Empellón provides a much-needed injection of energy into the buttoned-up Midtown dining scene4
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4. Claro: Michelin-Starred Oaxacan Cuisine in Brooklyn’s Gowanus
thrillist.com
Claro, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Gowanus, Brooklyn, offers an authentic taste of Oaxacan cuisine in a charming setting. Chef TJ Steele's seasonal menu showcases signature moles, aguachiles, tostadas, and fresh mariscos, highlighting coastal Oaxacan dishes
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. The restaurant prides itself on using organic meat and produce, locally sourced when possible, and non-GMO Oaxacan criollo corn that is stone-ground in-house4
. Claro's commitment to quality extends to its gluten-free establishment, where all cheeses and sausages are made on-site4
. Diners can enjoy the restaurant's cozy ambiance, complete with a backyard for outdoor dining, while savoring the four-course, $72 tasting menu that includes a variety of tacos and tostadas5
. With its dedication to authentic flavors and techniques, Claro has earned its place as a standout in New York City's vibrant Mexican culinary scene.10 sources
5. Oxomoco: Michelin-Starred Wood-Fired Mexican Cuisine in Greenpoint
greenerynyc.com
Oxomoco, located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, is a Michelin-starred restaurant that has made a name for itself with its innovative wood-fired Mexican cuisine. Opened in June 2018 by co-owners Chris Walton and Chef Justin Bazdarich, Oxomoco quickly gained recognition, earning its first Michelin star less than six months after opening
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. The restaurant's menu focuses on regional Mexican dishes with a modern twist, utilizing a wood-fire oven to create unique flavors2
. Standout items include the slow-cooked lamb barbacoa tacos and the punta verde Caesar salad, which is grilled over an open flame2
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. Oxomoco's vibrant and stylish interior, featuring hanging plants and a bright, airy atmosphere, complements its creative culinary offerings3
. The restaurant also boasts an impressive cocktail program, with drinks like the mezcal-based Mariachi and spicy mango margarita enhancing the dining experience3
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6. Los Tacos No. 1: Bringing Authentic Mexican Flavors to NYC
nymag.com
Los Tacos No. 1, founded by three friends from Tijuana, Mexico, and Brawley, California, has become a popular taqueria chain in New York City, known for bringing authentic Mexican flavors to the East Coast.
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With six locations across Manhattan, including Chelsea Market and Times Square, Los Tacos No. 1 offers a street-style setup with standing tables only, emphasizing quick service and a casual dining experience.3
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The menu features a variety of tacos, quesadillas, and tostadas, with options like carne asada (grilled steak), pollo asado (grilled chicken), adobada (marinated pork), and nopal (grilled cactus).2
The restaurant prides itself on using fresh ingredients and family recipes to create an authentic taste of Mexican culture, complemented by traditional drinks like aguas frescas and horchata.1
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13 sources
7. Toloache 50: Upscale Mexican Dining Near Times Square
yelp.com
Toloache 50, located at 251 West 50th Street near Times Square, offers an upscale Mexican dining experience in the heart of New York City. The restaurant, part of chef-owner Julian Medina's contemporary Mexican bistro chain, features a luxurious atmosphere with chandeliers, high ceilings, and tile mosaic walls
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. Toloache 50's menu showcases innovative Mexican cuisine, with standout dishes like the Pollo Toloache, a chipotle-marinated chicken breast topped with cheese and a pinto bean dumpling, served on sweet corn pico de gallo5
. The restaurant also boasts an extensive tequila list and a wood-burning oven, adding unique flavors to their dishes1
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. With its prime location and carefully crafted meals served in generous portions, Toloache 50 has established itself as a go-to spot for both locals and tourists seeking high-quality Mexican fare in Midtown Manhattan5
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8. La Contenta: Authentic Mexican Cuisine in NYC’s Lower East Side and West Village
opentable.com
La Contenta is an authentic Mexican restaurant and bar with locations in the Lower East Side and West Village of New York City. Established in 2014, it offers a traditional menu with French accents and alternative agave spirits.
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The Lower East Side location at 102 Norfolk Street features a cozy 14-seat space with a welcoming atmosphere that has made it a neighborhood favorite.5
La Contenta is known for its excellent cocktails, skilled chef, and dishes like guacamole, nachos, pork belly tostadas, and fish tacos.5
The restaurant serves a late-night bar menu until 1:30 AM Thursday through Saturday, making it a popular spot for both casual dinners and late-night eats.5
With its combination of quality food, craft cocktails, and friendly service, La Contenta has earned a reputation as a go-to destination for authentic Mexican cuisine in New York City.13 sources
9. Atla: Chef Enrique Olvera's Modern Take on Mexican Cuisine in NYC
yelp.com
Atla, a casual Mexican eatery in New York City, is the brainchild of renowned chef Enrique Olvera, who also runs the upscale Cosme. Located in NoHo, Atla offers a more relaxed dining experience focused on "everyday Mexican" cuisine
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. The restaurant, which opened in 2017, features a menu of simple yet inventive dishes that emphasize clean flavors and high-quality ingredients1
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. Atla's concept centers on adaptability, allowing patrons to enjoy everything from quick bites like chilaquiles to leisurely meals with friends over mezcal1
. The restaurant's success has led to expansion, with a larger outpost opening in Venice, Los Angeles, in August 2023, featuring a spacious 7,200-square-foot layout with 140 seats spread between the interior and patio1
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10. Bar Verde: Upscale Vegan Mexican Cuisine in Manhattan’s East Village
happycow.net
Bar Verde, located in Manhattan's East Village, is an upscale vegan Mexican restaurant that offers a unique twist on traditional cuisine. Founded by Matthew Kenney, a renowned plant-based chef, the restaurant aims to craft innovative vegan dishes that appeal to both vegans and non-vegans alike
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. The menu features creative interpretations of Mexican classics, including guacamoles, ceviches, tacos, and main course preparations, all made with 100% plant-based ingredients1
. Bar Verde's commitment to sustainability extends to its beverage program, which showcases an extensive list of organic and sustainable tequila and mezcal cocktails1
. The restaurant's cozy atmosphere and attentive service have garnered praise from patrons, making it a popular spot for those seeking high-quality vegan Mexican fare in New York City1
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Related
What are the must-try dishes at Bar Verde
How does Bar Verde's menu cater to gluten-free diets
What are the unique twists on traditional Mexican dishes at Bar Verde
How is the atmosphere and ambiance at Bar Verde
What are the standout drinks at Bar Verde
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