26 Best Restaurants in New York City, New York

When Enrique Olvera, the chef at Pujol, which many agree is Mexico's best restaurant, announced he was coming north of the border, New York foodies went loco. Olvera's haute touch to his native cuisine is magic, and, coupled with the sleek design (soft lighting, minimalist decor), Cosme makes for a fine dining experience of sophisticated food, focused on small plates.

The truck that launched a foodie craze, Birria-Landia specializes in Mexican birria, a rich, tomato-y savory stew made with traditional goat or beef. Here, it's served folded into double-layered tacos, between two crispy ones with melted cheese called mulitas, or in a bowl in "consommé" form (also serving as a dip for those tacos). There will inevitably be a line, but that also means a number of other businesses have popped up along the block to service the line with candy, snacks, and traditional Mexican drinks like horchata. The fall-off-the-bone meat is best paired with a few slices of radish, some cilantro and a spicy sauce, and ferociously gobbled, standing up near the truck the moment it's handed to you out of the window. 

The Mexican-style grilled corn, liberally sprinkled with chili powder, lime, and cotija cheese, is undoubtedly worth getting your hands dirty at this hip luncheonette that's become something of an institution on this well-traveled corner of NoLIta. Follow up with a classic Cuban sandwich (roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and chipotle mayo), fish tacos, or one of the innovative salads.

Named for a border town between Mexico and California, this casual, easygoing Cal-Mex restaurant originated as a food truck in Lower Manhattan before opening a number of storefronts, three of which are in Brooklyn. At the Upper East Side outpost, you'll find Calexico's usual staples of burritos, quesadillas, tacos, and enchiladas: things to try include frozen margaritas, chipotle-marinated pork tacos, and carne fries smothered in carne asada, cheese sauce, pico de gallo, and sour cream. There's also a kids' menu.

Come for the tacos, stay for the margaritas: that's what a lot of local Long Island City folks do at this popular Mexican standout. The chef is from Chiapas, but expect pan-Mexican fare, with tacos crammed with slow-cooked beef tongue or rich chorizo, among other meat options; also worthy are refreshing fish ceviche and the tender meatballs wading in a spicy chipotle-tomato sauce.

Housed in a triangular building smack in the center of Meatpacking District action, this bi-level Mexican restaurant with ample outdoor seating does consistently solid fare. The menu boasts classic south-of-the-border staples like chicken enchiladas, variations on the theme of tacos, and nachos but the kitchen is at its best when churning out less-likely fare, such as yucca-stuffed croquetas, butternut squash and pumpkin soup, and plantain-and-black-bean empanadas. And, of course, you can wash it all down with one (or two) of several types of margaritas. 

Alex Stupak worked as the pastry chef at the now-closed wd-50, New York's introduction to molecular gastronomy, so when he left to open a taqueria, many diners wondered if they'd be served deconstructed tacos. Instead, they got both straightforward options (fish tempura, lamb, steak) and surprising variations (like a taco with sweetbreads and a chorizo gravy)—all well executed and made using top-notch ingredients. There are also several variations on the margarita theme, including one using the Japanese citrus, yuzu. Empellón isn't really south-of-the-border authentic, but when it's this good, who cares? White walls, dark wood tables, and some Mexican-theme art set the mood. There's a second location on Madison Avenue and 53rd Street.

Authentic and flavorful contemporary Mexican food, perfectly mixed cocktails, and amiable staff define this cozy restaurant—the first of three in New York City overseen by award-winning chef and cookbook author Roberto Santibañez. It's tempting to order by sauce alone: enchiladas with mole, lump crab croquettes with avocado serrano sauce, and poblano peppers with roasted-tomato chipotle sauce. The small space is always buzzing, and there's backyard seating.

Modern Mexican flair adorns this stylish neighborhood staple for elevated Mexican street tacos, as well as regional takes on octopus, enmoladas (chicken mole enchiladas), and trout in garlic sauce. With indoor and outdoor dining spaces, this family-friendly restaurant also prides itself on having an impressive list of agave spirits, which they use when conjuring up creative cocktails.

Anchoring a downtown corner under a bright neon sign, La Esquina looks like just a fast-food taqueria, with cheap tacos, but it's actually three superb south-of-the-border spots in one, including a trendy basement restaurant with a party atmosphere. The basement functions like a Mexican speakeasy, accessible (by reservation only) through an unmarked door just inside the ground-floor taqueria.

This acclaimed South Bronx establishment of Mexican cuisine goes far beyond tacos and gorditas to explore the deeply flavorful world of indigenous Oaxacan cooking. You can stick with familiar handheld items, but save your appetite for more complex dishes including molcajete (red or green mole with chorizo, cheese, rice, beans, tortillas, and meat), pampazo (chorizo and potatoes with choice of mole), and poblano chile relleno stuffed with cheese and coated in egg batter, served with tomato sauce, rice, and beans.

The upscale-hacienda appearance of this justifiably popular restaurant showcases some of the best Mexican food in the city, courtesy of pioneering Mexican chef Richard Sandoval. Begin with a fresh mango mojito, then tuck into delicious roasted corn soup with huitlacoche dumplings, stuffed poblano peppers, or a smoky filet mignon taco with jalapeño escabeche (a marinade). Next, indulge in the tender roasted pork carnitas or the spicy chipotle shrimp. The bottomless brunch on weekends can get loud, but with unlimited cocktails and dishes you can see why.

From tacos and wraps, to salads and smoothies, Presto Fresh is a modern Mexican restaurant full of healthy food made with the highest quality ingredients. With a daily lunch special for less than $10 and good proportions, you’ll get plenty of bang for your buck. If you’re really hungry, try the grilled chicken burrito. Or grab flautas on the go. 

Originating in Manhattan in 1984, this warm Mexican restaurant now has outlets in eight states. The two-story Lincoln Center location features a small, yet lively bar where the house specialty, the frozen pomegranate margarita, and freshly made guacamole are musts; dishes to try include the enchiladas Suizas in a creamy tomatillo sauce. If you're staying for more than drinks and appetizers, head for a table upstairs past the giant blue tile waterfall lined with figures of divers.

This small, mostly outdoor eatery feels more like a beach destination oasis than a New York City dining spot. For the perfect post-beach pit stop, order some Mexican-style street tacos (try the fried fish) and a cold cerveza, and bask in the chill surfer vibes as the sun goes down.

With colorful bottles of Jarritos (a Mexican soft drink) lining the window and sepia-toned photographs adorning the walls, this small, no-frills café named after the Mayan calendar serves Mexican breakfast all day, as well as an array of tacos, tortas (sandwiches), pulque (a traditional alcoholic beverage), chilaquiles (a breakfast dish made with fried corn tortillas and eggs), and aqua frescas. You can also order beer, cocktails, or a michelada to enjoy in the covered patio out front.

The bi-level eatery at this bustling Mexican cantina just off Broadway has a festive vibe, with several seating options: bar, balcony, main dining room, and ceviche bar. Foodies flock here for three types of guacamole (traditional, fruited, and spicy), well-executed ceviches, Mexico City–style tacos with Negra Modelo–braised brisket, and quesadillas with black truffle and huitlacoche (a corn fungus known as “the Mexican truffle”). There's an extensive tequila selection—upward of 100 brands. Adventurous palates are drawn to tacos featuring chili-studded dried grasshoppers. Another Toloache location is on the Upper East Side. Reservations are recommended, especially around pretheater dinner time.