50 Best Mexican Restaurants in Tampa

“A humble fast casual restaurant with really nice staff and the best chicken quesadilla I've ever had! This is no Americanized menu. There are tacos, quesadillas, sopes, and tamales, and each one looks better than the last. You can even have a bowl! The tortilla was crispy, the mozzarella cheese was generous, and the chicken was delicious! The chicken was chopped into small pieces, sauteed in something incredible, and had fresh cilantro sprinkled on top. Whenever I'm close by, I'll be eating here and trying their sopes next!“

“The restaurant has a quaint & pleasant atmosphere. Perfect for any occasion.

I am slightly disappointed with my recent visit. The menu item “HEIRLOOM OAXACAN GARBANZO BEANS” was a bit misleading, and I write this review in hopes that they reinterpret the description listed on the menu, which is
“salsa roja, cilantro, onion, queso fresco”.

First, from initially reading the description I was under the impression that I was ordering actual garbanzo beans. Instead what I received would be better characterized as a hummus. I think adding some additional context to the description would allow guests to order more appropriately. Additionally, because it was a Oaxaca inspired hummus dish, when it arrived I was slightly confused on how to eat it. I asked the waiter for clarification, asking if I was just supposed to eat it with just a fork & he said yes. Then joked that the alternative would be to eat it with my hands. Fortunately we had ordered the chips and salsa as an appetizer, and having the chips was an excellent vessel for the Oaxaca hummus dish. I am still not entirely sold on the idea of eating hummus with a fork. If I knew what that the garbanzo beans would be mashed into a hummus, I personally wouldn’t have ordered a dip as an appetizer & a second dip as my side.

The last misleading part of the Oaxaca inspired hummus dish, is that the description lists salsa roja, cilantro, onion, queso fresco in the description. All of these ingredients can be seen as toppings on the dish- except for the queso fresco. I was really looking forward to fresh & crumbly queso fresco but it was not visually present on my dish. I inquired with the waiter and asked him if the queso fresco was mixed into the hummus itself. He said yes, and again I found myself disappointed & mislead by the menu description.

Was the dish delicious? ABSOLUTELY.
Was it anything I thought it would be based on the menu description? Not even close.

Altogether, my experience here was great, the food was tasty & the service was prompt. Based on the menu offerings, I think I could’ve order a much better assortment of dishes- but it was my first time here & I did my best using the menu descriptions.

I think two improvements would be:
1. Updating & clarifying menu descriptions
2. Improving wait staff interactions to include recommendations for first time guests.

Looking back, I wish I asked more question BEFORE ordering. And perhaps even asking the waiter if he could recommend 3-4 items for a first time guest.“

“We stumbled upon this gem for dinner, and wow—what a find! From the moment we walked in, it was clear this team knows exactly what they’re doing in the kitchen. Every dish was bursting with flavor, and everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. I even had the chance to chat with the owner, who was incredibly warm, friendly, and clearly passionate about his business. 🌮🌯🙌 I love supporting family-owned businesses like this, and this one truly stands out. Highly recommend!“

“Had the taco trio; pork beef and brisket. “Shia la Beef” (brisket) was my favorite but all were fantastic! Chips and queso were bland to me but I added pico and ate with my tacos. Ah-mazing nonalcoholic horchata and great friendly staff that took care to avoid my avocado allergy. Wonderful 🤌“

“Super cool place atmosphere nice bartenders attentive“

“Had a great experience there. Great food and service.“

“recomiendo comer en los comparres de todo“

“Best burritos and tacos in the tampa Bay Area highly recommend them.“

“The best tacos HANDS down . The entire experience is amazing from the moment you walk into ANY of their locations - you have to try it to actually know what I'm talking about. You won't regret it.“

“Staff super nice and food is amazing. We love the quesabirrias. Xtreme taco is 10 out of 10. You must try this restaurant.“

“Taco stand I pass by every day after work. I've been wanting to stop in for a couple of weeks but the timing wasn't right. Today though.... Yummy! Laura tacos - yep, that's the name of the food truck here in Tampa. One of those little places you could easily not know about..... the convenience store it's next to is nothing pretty to look at but their tacos and their other food too is really quite delicious. 6 bucks, two tacos. Is across from the North Tampa Branch library off of Busch and North Boulevard, right near Chamberlain high School (just posted this on Facebook).“

“Lili was a perfect waitress and she always talk about her self and I like that and great job lili I always think she will be my waitress thank lili“

“Delicious tacos 🌮 and margaritas 🍹!“

“Excellent service very friendly. Very good food. I have no complaints about the place and its services. Supporting small places in these times of pandemic is the best thing we can do to shape the economy so they don't have to close their doors. Negative people go ahead and keep buying burgers and fries. Have compassion on the merchants and people who put all their effort and money to be able to have their store open, in this Pandemic. By a client with Cholera. It does not determine neither the food nor the place and its service by the hundreds that we like about this place to eat. Excelente servicio muy amable. Muy buena comida. No tengo ninguna queja sobre el lugar y sus servicios. Apoyar a los lugares pequeños en estos tiempos de pandemia es lo mejor que podemos hacer para dar forma a la economía para que no tengan que cerrar sus puertas. Las personas negativas siguen adelante y siguen comprando hamburguesas y papas fritas. Ten compasión de los comerciantes y personas que pusieron todo su esfuerzo y dinero para poder tener su tienda abierta, en esta Pandemia. Por un cliente con cólera. No determina ni la comida ni el lugar y su servicio por los cientos que nos gustan de este lugar para comer.“

“Muy buenos tacos esta vez no me decepcionaron con mis amigos ya que emos pedidos en otras taquerias y nos dan siempre lo incorrecto muchas gracias por alegrarnos la noche“

“I’ve heard amazing things about Rene’s Mexican Kitchen, especially regarding the steak and shrimp burritos. After studying the menu for nearly ten minutes, I decided to try the taquito box since I love taquitos. When I arrived, I was greeted by Mr. Rene, who is a legendary figure in the Tampa taco scene, especially for those who remember when the original Taco Bus was in its prime. To my surprise, when I opened my meal, which was freshly cooked on the spot, I found a whole course! My plate was packed with meat, salad, and the taquito rolls underneath. "Wow!" I thought to myself. I certainly didn't expect all of that. I definitely need to return for the burritos, but I was also excited to learn that Mr. Rene offers cooking classes, special dinners, and events. Rene’s Mexican Kitchen is a food truck open all week, and there’s also a storefront that opens on weekdays for lunch.“

“Some of the best tacos I’ve ever had. The green salsa is the best I’ve had yet. Give this place a chance. It’ll win you over.“

“Incredible, made to order food! Highly recommend!“

“Reminds me of hole in the walls in San Diego. Fries could’ve been crispier but I’m happy with the Cali B and plan to come back“

“I have been going to Miguelitos for years! Everything is exceptional.. the staff demeanor, drinks, food, atmosphere, everything. I didn’t realize they were a family owned business until recently and that makes me love it even more. 10/10“

“Food was fast and fresh service was great“

“The food was amazing , the tortillas with salsa and guacamole super good. And the taco birrias delicious.“

“Don’t judge this book by its cover! The food is great; I, specifically, recommend the breakfast burritos. Delicious and they open at 7a!! We will definitely be going back to try more of their menu. The building and interior are dated but, I promise, it’s a hidden gem!“

“The food was great I got the bacon burger and sunrise burger. Most definitely recommend and there drinks 💕“

“10 out of 10 Amazing!!! Taco supremes were huge! But my favorite are the QUESABIRRAS sooooo good! 🤤 Pineapple juice fresh & the sauce’s homemade! A MUST STOP IN TAMPA!“

“Quesabirria , tacos and agua horchata“

“great food“

“Great place to go! Shae/Shay showed great and very friendly service! No complaints!“

“Stopped in while on vacation in May. Food was delicious and service was great. Worst part...it's in Tampa and we're not :/ Looking forward to coming back next time we visit Tampa!“

“Camila’s food truck serves the best quesadilla I’ve ever had! The tortilla was perfectly crisp, the cheese melted to perfection, and the fillings were fresh and flavorful. The portion size was generous, and the service was quick and friendly. Definitely a must-try!

Don't forget to have a bite of hot Churros with whip cream, Chocolate sause and Caramel sauce 🤤🫠“

“Authentic street tacos!

If you’re looking for real, authentic tacos, this little taco truck on the side of Hillsborough is the spot! The flavor is super good. You can tell they put a lot of love into their food, and it tastes just like something you’d find in Mexico. The tortillas are fresh (street tacos so the smaller ones) and the prices are great. It’s a nice little spot with a sitting area in the back that is well maintained and some music. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area!“

“We had a wonderful experience great food the BEST MARGARITAS in the Bay Area. Our server Lou was excellent ask for him.. 10 out of 10“

“El Nopal, has the best tacos in town they are always fresh, and delicious so if you like tacos you owe it to yourself to try their tacos and I promise you'll be back!“

“I was towing a vehicle out of the parking lot and I seen the taco stand. I went against my better judgment and went. And ordered steak n cheese burrito n damn it was amazing 5 stars thanks for the great food if I’m ever back in that Tampa area, I will definitely stop by and get some more I highly recommend to anybody reading the post to try it you will be amazed the juiciness in the steak w his special seasoning 🔥 trust me the picture proves it all“

“We were pleasantly surprised to see the open sign and stopped today for lunch. The remodel is simple and clean . I ordered a few different tacos and each more delicious than the last. They need to increase their drinks selection is my only suggestion and add more tablets and chairs. The food was excellent. We will definitely be coming back and hope to get the word out they are open and a great option for lunch .. take out or dine in. You won’t be disappointed.“

“A humble fast casual restaurant with really nice staff and the best chicken quesadilla I've ever had! This is no Americanized menu. There are tacos, quesadillas, sopes, and tamales, and each one looks better than the last. You can even have a bowl! The tortilla was crispy, the mozzarella cheese was generous, and the chicken was delicious! The chicken was chopped into small pieces, sauteed in something incredible, and had fresh cilantro sprinkled on top. Whenever I'm close by, I'll be eating here and trying their sopes next!“

“We went with a group of eight and were seated immediately. Not sure if that was a slow day but we were very grateful. The food was outstanding. Everything tasted delicious and fresh, just overall very yummy. It’s a modern take on Mexican food so it’s not classic traditional. They have a very simple menu, which is nice in my opinion. The way that the dishes are constructed in a more modern version is very interesting. I had the Ahi tuna wanton tacos as an appetizer, which was delicious. In our group, some had burritos others had enchiladas and the kids: chicken and cheese quesadillas came out in a cute dinosaur dish. The one thing that I think could be improved on are the alcoholic drinks which tasted overly sweet, we tried the margaritas and two other type of drinks and they were all just a bit off the mark. Also, the fact that they charge you for chips and salsa where other places you receive it complementary also was a little bit of a surprise. Overall, I would return and would recommend to other others.“

“Came for pre anniversary lunch because why not! We sat outside because the weather was fantastic. Asked our waitress what she recommended… if you want something different and tasteful have the tostones Mexicano. So I ordered them with steak and carnitas. Had blackberry mojito with shot on side!!! My food was AMAZING! I am Latin and I can tell you the food was fresh and made with love. The presentation impeccable! You have to come here and try their delicious food! BTW during Covid sold 2 gallon margarita and they were also delicious!!! Can’t go wrong here!!“

“One of my favorite taco spots in Orlando is the SoDo location - always solid, and the food hits every time.“

“Food was excellent and well priced. Our server was fantastic and attentive to our needs. Server and manager/owner genuinely thanked us on our way out. Route to the bathroom was a little sketchy (under construction?) but will definitely be back and highly recommended.“

“taqueria es una calidad encantado de comer deliciosos tacos postres calidad de comida todo es requisimo les recomiendo taquería la mexicana la mejor!!!!!...“

“I had a great experience at this restaurant! The tacos were full of flavor and perfectly seasoned, and the sopes were fresh, delicious, and very satisfying. The portions were generous, and everything tasted authentic. The staff was friendly and the service was quick. Definitely a spot I’d recommend for anyone craving good food!“

“I love this place! I always get the tacos and the churros.“

“Very delicious food my first time definitely not my last time there I was very impressed“

“Tamales are 🔥 Honestly wasn't expecting to love this, good tamales are hard to find here. did not disappoint.“

“Nice dining experience. Very casual.“

“muy rica la comida y la atención ni se diga excelente servicio“

“I wen to the restaurant on Oct 5. A sign on the door read "closed til firther notice"Why r u closed til further notice? Best Mexican food I have eaten here?“

“By far, the BEST quesabirria tacos I've had so far, and will most likely not be beat. The crispy fried tortilla, the perfectly cooked beef, and the dipping consomme... Incredible! Will 100% be back and will recommend to anyone. Excellent job! Delicious 😁“

“Food was excellent and well priced. Our server was fantastic and attentive to our needs. Server and manager/owner genuinely thanked us on our way out. Route to the bathroom was a little sketchy (under construction?) but will definitely be back and highly recommended.“