Click here to read the Spanish version.
Mexican gastronomy has many characteristic dishes, but if there is one iconic one it is the taco. March 31st is Taco Day and to give it the homage it deserves, we have selected some of the best Mexican restaurants in different cities in Spain for you to try tacos of all kinds. Because if there’s one thing about this dish, it’s that you can’t eat just one. Once you start, you need a good dose of tacos. So take note, because you can even take a taco route around the country. Of course, this list doesn’t include all of them. So we’ll have to make a second part of Mexican restaurants. Long live Mexico!
Madrid
Barracuda MX
Roberto Ruiz is the great representative of signature Mexican food in the capital. And of course, his restaurant, located just a stone’s throw from the Retiro, could not be without tacos. He prepares them with grilled sweet potato with jalapeño kefir, crunchy kale and Mexican seeds, grilled octopus with pico de gallo and crunchy yucca, carnitas with avocado and jalapeño sauce and crunchy chicharrón… If you want a taco feast, this is the place for you. Tacos (2 units) start at around €15.
Valenzuela, 7 (Madrid).
Ticuí
Ticuí is the Puntarena Group’s new restaurant in Madrid for the most exquisite palates. With a fine and purist proposal, here you can try the most elaborate Mexican cuisine by chef Federico Rigoletti, who also mixes Spanish flavours with the best of Mexican gastronomy. And all in a well-kept setting and space with a spectacular design by the JSa studio. On their menu you’ll find tongue tacos, crab tacos, shrimp tacos…. The tortillas are made on their own comal in full view of the diners – quite a spectacle!
Cedaceros 6, Madrid.
Tepic
Beef tongue taco, one of the most popular dishes in the Aztec country, will be added to the menu of this restaurant from this festive day onwards. In the words of Javier Quiñones, head waiter, this dish is as traditional as the restaurant’s own cuisine. “In each region, the tongue is prepared in a different way. At Tepic we use the most traditional recipe: we cook it with onion, garlic, avocado leaf and hoja santa and, once soft, we remove the skin and chop it up. It is served on a corn tortilla, with a garnish of chopped white onion, coriander and avocado sauce”.
Ayala, 14 (Madrid).
Barcelona
COME by Paco Méndez
This restaurant is the Mexico interpreted by chef Paco Méndez. It is located in the same place where the legendary Hoja Santa used to be. A hotspot to taste the best Mexican flavours (from tacos to snacks or mole) from a modern and creative point of view. You can try an exquisite taco of Angus Lomo Bajo de Angus from their Come Festival tasting menu (€170).
Avenida del Mistral, 54 (Barcelona).
Oaxaca Cuina Mexicana
This is the project set up by Joan Bagur in the heart of the Born district. It is a unique gateway to the most authentic Mexican cuisine. Here they have total respect for Mexican products and their original flavours, but with an avant-garde and modern technique. Among the tacos you can try are the Iberian pork loin head tacos al pastor (€16 for two) or the huitlacoche de su milpa and quelites tacos (€18 for two).
Pla de Palau, 19 (Barcelona).
Tlaxcal Cantina & Taquería Gastronòmica
This is one of the Mexican restaurants in Barcelona most recommended by Mexicans themselves. It has been located in the Born neighbourhood for more than 10 years and offers dishes that will transport you to the most authentic flavours of Mexico: simple, authentic and unpretentious. Among the tacos they serve, their new barbacoa tacos and chickpea juice stand out.
Comerç, 27 (Barcelona).
Valencia
Gave MX
Gave MX arrived in Valencia preceded by the success of its Ibiza location, run by Yaiza Salmeron and Rogelio Corral. Here they offer typical Mexican cuisine, in a fun and renewed way, but preserving the authenticity of the traditional dishes. All at affordable prices, without sacrificing excellent quality. You can try a wide variety of tacos: from classics like Cochinita Pibil or Al Pastor, to Discada, Ensenada or Arab tacos. From €10,90 (four units).
Calle Sueca, 46 (Valencia).
Marbella
Mantarraya MX
It is one of the new bets of chef Roberto Ruiz on the Costa del Sol, which maintains the hedonistic soul of Barracuda MX (Madrid). In a short time it has already become a benchmark for the flavours of the Mexican Pacific. Fish and seafood feature prominently on the menu, but it also includes many classics and new proposals. In the tacos section, the most notable are the grilled sweet potato tacos (€12.20), the tacos al pastor negro de cerdo ibérico (€16.80) or the grilled octopus tacos (€17.20), among other delicacies.
Av. Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, 269 (Marbella).
Bilbao
Surfin Tacos
This is one of the most authentic taquerias in Bilbao. Located in the heart of the old town, the kitchen is run by chef Edgardo Nieto and you can choose from a wide variety of tacos. The menu of classics includes Cochinita pibil (€5.50 for two) and Carnitas Boom Boom (€5.50 for two). They also have a section of special tacos, such as Shrimp in tamarind and chipotle sauce (€7.50 for two) or soft crab and jalapeño tartar (€9.50 for two). And even vegetarian options, such as the mushroom tinga (€5.50 for two) or the veggie pastor (€5.50). One of the Mexican restaurants to visit in the Basque city.
Barrenkale Barrena, 12 (Bilbao).
Málaga
Tepito Cantina
If you are looking for authentic Mexican tacos in Malaga, in this small cantina you will find one of the best proposals in the city. Located right in the centre, get ready to try hearty tacos and other Mexican specialities that will transport you straight to the other side of the pond. Tacos start at €3.50 and up.
Gigantes, 4 (Málaga).
Valladolid
Elote Mexican Grill
This restaurant in Valladolid won the title of best Mexican restaurant at the Just Eat awards. Here you’ll be able to delve into Mexican gastronomy without leaving the city centre. They opened during the pandemic and among their specialities, apart from tacos, you will find classics such as burritos and nachos. Prices start at 7.55 €.
Bajada de la Libertad, 15 (Valladolid).
Ourense
Rincón Azteca
Ourense is one of the Spanish provinces with the largest Mexican community. Many Mexicans emigrated here, to towns such as Avión or Carballiño. Therefore, it is not surprising that the offer of Mexican restaurants is abundant and of high quality. Rincón Azteca is one of the most popular. One of the restaurant’s specialities are the carnitas tacos, which can be served with onion, coriander, lime, spicy sauces or on their own. From €2.80 you’re in for a real treat.
Marcelino Parrondo, 31 (Carballiño, Ourense).