Bienvenido, culinary savants. You may enjoy your fettuccine and your cassoulets. But when your palate is craving a vibrant kick of flavors, there’s only one place you will go looking: our round-up of the best Mexican restaurants in Dubai. Ready to fiesta like there’s no mañana?
El Chapos Tacos
What is the most popular Mexican restaurant dish?
No prizes for guessing: tacos continue to serve as the major proponent of Mexican cuisine around the globe.However, make no mistake, the humble taco is not just a corn tortilla dashed with some quick toppings. Peek inside the most famous Mexican restaurants in Dubai and you will find that the taco has been evolving, featuring everything from smoky pulled lamb to cactus strips.
Feeling hungry? Dive headfirst into our round-up of all the good Mexican restaurants in Dubai to visit this weekend.
Best Mexican restaurants in Dubai in Jumeirah
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Synonymous with the words, “what’s the biggest Mexican restaurant chain?” Chipotle Mexican Grill is making its way to Dubai’s sunny shores this year. Having already opened doors in Kuwait, the iconic fast food chain is now slated for an October debut at Jumeirah Beach Residence. What should you expect? A finger-licking lineup of tacos, burritos, tacos and salads that earned fans around the globe.
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En Fuego
Atlantis, The Palm is not known to do things by half measure—its Latina haunt, En Fuego, is proof. Counted among the top Mexican restaurants in Dubai, the party brunch experience infuses South American culture directly into the heart of Dubai. Shimmy into Saturday with the party brunch followed by a foot-tapping afterparty or grab some margaritas with your señoritas at the weekly Ladies Night on Thursdays.
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You’ll be ordering seconds of: Not just the tacos. Especially not when the menu offers up a tempting array of seafood, from shrimps kissed by the flame of the charcoal grill to the sharing-style grilled whole sea bass.
Book reservations here or visit En Fuego – Atlantis, The Palm – Crescent Rd – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9714 426 2626
En Fuego
Loca Restaurant & Bar
True to its spirit, Loca serves up some of the best Mexican food in Dubai. But their work doesn’t end there. The warm, welcoming ambiance will convince you to linger on long after you have polished off your slow-roasted beef short ribs. Clink glasses as you watch sports, sway lazily to the live music, bump into old acquaintances or make new ones.
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You’ll be ordering seconds of: The vegetarian menu if you’re looking to cut back on meats. With special dietary requests accepted, Loca also serves as the best Mexican restaurant in Dubai for vegan fare.
Book reservations here or visit Loca Restaurant & Bar – Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa – Jumeirah Beach Rd – Jumeirah – Jumeirah 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Hours, +9714 346 1111
Loca Restaurant & Bar
La Mezcaleria
Party like the Mexicans do at this lively Mexican haunt with the foot-tapping beats of an in-house DJ. While it might seem tempting to sink into the tropical-themed seats and gaze at the vibrant artwork, the payoff for nabbing a spot outdoors comes with the Ain Dubai photo-bombing your selfies. And if you are looking for the best way to beat the scorching Dubai heat this summer? Mark your calendar for the eatery’s signature La Bruncheria, starting from 1PM and spilling into an afterparty from 5-8PM. Viva la fiesta!
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You’ll be ordering seconds of: The beef carpaccio: seared, sliced and topped off with tuna mousse.
Book reservations here or visit La Mezcaleria – Pavilion at The Beach – opposite JBR – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9715 652 02020
La Mezcaleria
Best Mexican restaurants in Dubai Marina
Maya by Chef Richard Sandoval
Tucked within Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa is a modern haven for those with a global palate. Indian, British, Middle Eastern: if you can name it, you can find it at this beach resort. However, it is Chef Richard Sandoval’s Maya that has everyone’s attention. From spirited weekend brunches to lazy Sunday lunches, there’s always something to look forward to.
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You’ll be ordering seconds of: The classic Mexican fajitas. Seasoned and seared to perfection and then rounded off with guacamole, sour cream and lip-smacking pico de gallo.
Book reservations here or visit Maya by Chef Richard Sandoval – Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa – Al Mamsha St – Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9714 316 5550
Maya by Chef Richard Sandoval
Chalco’s Cantina
For the quintessential cantina experience, all roads can only lead to this authentic Mexican restaurant in Dubai. The family-owned business knows a thing—or twenty—about classic Mexican cuisine, as visible in the flavorful lineup of enchiladas, quesadillas and specialty margaritas.
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You’ll be ordering seconds of: The quesadillas, stuffed with molten cheese and topped off with shrimp or arrachera if you’re feeling experimental.
Book reservations here or visit Chalco’s Cantina – Marina Gate 2 – shop 205 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9715 211 28923
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Best Mexican restaurants in Dubai for taco lovers
Maiz
Mexican food for the soul served in a contemporary setting inspired by traditional Mexican hillside houses. If that isn’t enough to convince you, consider this: having started out from a food truck in 2017, Maiz has quickly grown to become everyone’s favorite taco destination in the city.
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You’ll be ordering seconds of: The Mexican rostada. The lovechild of tostada and rosti, this hybrid is served with a sunny-side-up egg, sriracha, avocado slices and sour crema unlike anything you’ve ever tried before.
Book reservations here or visit Maiz – Dubai Hills Acacia B shop 5 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9714 577 6745
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El Chapos Tacos
There’s so much to see, smell and listen to when you step inside El Chapos Tacos, that you are forgiven for not knowing what to focus on first. There’s the tropical interiors packing in a vibrant punch of colors. A lively roster of events means that the spot is always buzzing with foot-tapping beats and live music. And then there’s the menu itself: Expect bold flavors and authentic food that will make El Chapos a firm favorite on your list of Mexican restaurants in Dubai.
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You’ll be ordering seconds of: The tacos, yes, but also the quesadillas featuring beef chorizo, flank steak and turkey ham for meat lovers.
Book reservations here or visit El Chapos Tacos – Studio One Hotel – Dubai Studio City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9714 514 5411
El Chapos Tacos
Maria Bonita Mexican Grill
The best way to experience tacos is shovel it within seconds after you’ve queued up outside a hole-in-the-wall joint at 2AM. The second best way? New Mexican restaurants are a dime a dozen but Maria Bonita Mexican Grill continues to serve as an iconic name in the world of traditional Mexican food. Having first opened doors in 2003, it has since become an institution frequented by tourists and in-the-know culinary savants alike.
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You’ll be ordering seconds of: The jumbo quesadilla: a 12-inch creation stacked with beef, chicken or shrimp and served with pico de gallo and sour cream on the side.
Book reservations here or visit Maria Bonita Mexican Grill – Al Khaja Bldg – Shop 4 Umm Al Sheif Rd – Umm Suqeim – Umm Suqeim 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9714 395 5576
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La Tablita
The finest culinary exports of Mexico find a home at La Tablita. Set within Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, this restaurant offers a gourmet upgrade to traditional Mexican fare. If you are looking for a memorable experience with the fam, stop by the Chingon brunch on Saturdays that offers up experiences for adults and kids alike, including a traditional piñata.
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You’ll be ordering seconds of: The star of the show: the tacos. Battered shrimp, smoky pulled lamb, cactus strips and pineapple chunks to ensure a meal you won’t stop taco-ing about anytime soon.
Book reservations here or visit La Tablita – Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights – 5668 20th St – Bur Dubai – Dubai Healthcare City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9714 553 1212
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Most Instagrammable Mexican restaurants in Dubai
Puerto99
Mexican cuisine enters the fine dining realm with Puerto99. Having recently opened its doors in The Waldorf Astoria, you’ll want to keep your phone camera ready for the pièce de résistance: an LED screen that spans the canvas of the ceiling. Dine under the starry glow of the night sky or the canopy of sun-kissed trees, depending on the time of day.
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You’ll be ordering seconds of: The unforgettable grilled menu featuring tomahawk, rib-eye and Wagyu flamed tableside and served with 24-karat gold foil.
Book reservations here or visit Puerto99 – Waldorf Astoria DIFC – Floor – 5 Al Mustaqbal St – Za’abeel – DIFC – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9715 896 21822
Puerto99
Señor Pico
Sun, sand and siesta is the memo at Señor Pico: a lively Mexican eatery on the Palm West Beach in Jumeirah. If you have plans to stop by, you will want to clear your schedule for the rest of the day so that you can explore its interpretation of modern Mexican cuisine at leisure. The best part? You bring your furry friends along to explore the sandy shores with you at this pet-friendly restaurant.
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You’ll be ordering seconds of: The California-inspired easy bites. Think pineapple wings, black shrimp ceviche and a zesty pimento dip served with crispy tostadas.
Book reservations here or visit Señor Pico – West Palm Beach – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9714 666 1434
Señor Pico
