Houston is renowned for its Southwestern cuisine, and Mexican food is undoubtedly one of our favorites. Spicy, colorful, and packed with flavor, Houston’s Mexican restaurants offer a collection of outstanding culinary experiences for local food enthusiasts and visitors alike.
Whether you’re craving top-notch tacos or tender tamales, marvelous margaritas or brilliant burritos, you’re sure to find an excellent spot to sort out those cravings. With an emphasis on fresh ingredients, bold spices, and distinctive textures, the best Mexican restaurants in Houston serve up unforgettable meals that are sure to delight your taste buds! Here are some of our favorites.
1. Caracol
Offering an exquisite menu of authentic Mexican cuisine that bursts with unique flavors, Caracol is an ideal spot for getting a true taste of Mexico. Perfect for a romantic date, the chic decor compliments their innovative dishes such as their deconstructed enchiladas. They even have some great vegetarian options, making it inclusive to everyone’s dietary needs. Make sure you try a dessert before asking for the bill, like their churros or delectable chocolate cake!
📍 2200 Post Oak Blvd #160, Houston, TX
2. Hugo’s
Check out this upscale restaurant for one of Houston’s favorite dining experiences. The beautiful ambiance sets the scene for what’s to come, with impeccable presentation, sleek design, and exceptional attention to detail.There’s a jam-packed menu including a variety of delicious options like taquitos, seafood platters, and more. We recommend heading to Hugo’s for brunch, but it’s also a great spot for some dinner, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion.
📍 1600 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX
3. Lopez Mexican Restaurant
This family-owned establishment has been serving delicious, high-quality Mexican dishes for years. Deserving a spot on every Houstonian’s list of must-try restaurants. We love enjoying their handcrafted margaritas amidst the cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The food is just as impressive, with a wide range of traditional Tex-Mex dishes that you know and love, with an authentic twist. So prepare to be transported to a restaurant in the heart of Mexico, without even leaving Houston.
📍 11606 Wilcrest Dr, Houston, TX
4. Teotihuacan
The beloved Teorihuacan is always busy and bustling, and for excellent reason. We always get the fajitas when at this adored local chain boasting four locations across the city. Whether you are a regular or visiting for the first time, Teotihuacan is the perfect restaurant to enjoy fantastic food and hospitality, sacred to Mexican culture and cuisine.
📍 1511 Airline Dr, Houston, TX, United States
5. Picos
For food served up with passion, check out this Greenway/Upper Kirby gem. Arnaldo Richards’ Picos Restaurant is home to one of the best salsas in the city according to many locals, so ordering the chips is essential. They have a family-friendly ambiance, but there’s a lot of spice on the menu if you like to turn up the heat. We suggest ordering the Southwest Chopped Salad if you’re visiting during lunch.
📍 3601 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX, United States
6. The Original Ninfa’s
Enjoy some of the freshest Mexican cuisine in Housten at The Original Ninfa’s. Boasting both indoor and outdoor ambiance, this hotspot is a great place for margaritas and a Mexican feast. They pride themselves on the quality and freshness of their food, and their homemade tortillas only add to the authentic experience. So whether you’re in the mood for breakfast tacos, mushroom fajitas, or salsa and chips, Ninfa’s has got you covered with their wide variety of dishes from Mexico.
📍 2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX, United States
7. Polanquito
Polanquito is a neatly tucked-away restaurant in Houston Heights that serves exceptional Mexican cuisine. Explore those vibrant flavors from Mexico with renowned hospitality that is both warm and welcoming. The signature guacamole is a must-order, as well as their taco options and huevos rancheros all being standouts on the extensive menu. Make sure to try out something from the cocktail list!
📍 404 Shepherd Dr #7336, Houston, TX, United States
8. Ambriza
Serving up fresh, delicious, and generously portioned food, Ambriza Mexican Kitchen will excite your taste buds, and is definitely worth trying if you haven’t already. The knowledgeable staff will happily give out stellar recommendations, ensuring everything is perfect for you. The lively atmosphere, excellent service and mouth-watering dishes, makes this modern dining experience one of Houston’s most beloved Mexican restaurants.
📍 10115 Louetta Rd #400, Houston, TX
9. Guadalajara Del Centro
With an unforgettable atmosphere, this Downtown delight offers a range of savory dishes to satisfy any Mexican craving, from fajitas to enchiladas, and beyond. Guadalajara Del Centro’s location is convenient for a quick and satisfying lunch or a wonderful dinner. It’s worth mentioning that the restaurant provides some awesome healthy options that are clearly marked on the menu. So don’t miss out, y’all. You won’t regret it.
📍 1201 San Jacinto St, Houston, TX, United States
10. Puebla’s Mexican Kitchen
Puebla’s Mexican Kitchen is an authentic and friendly restaurant that definitely deserves a visit, and its place on this list of unmissable Mexican restaurants around Houston! We love visiting during the breakfast hours to kick-start our day in a truly Houston way, with some unbeatable breakfast tacos. The quirky environment is bright and vibrant, and you should definitely dine outside when the sun is shining!
📍 6320 N Main St, Houston, TX
11. Tequila 45
@yvetteperretphotography New restaurant in Houston, Texas! A must visit. Southeast Houston near Hobby. #houstonrestaurants #restaurant #mexicanfood #locationsinhouston #thingstodoinhouston #viralrestaurant @Tequila 45 Mexican Restaurant ♬ Mi Cucu – La Sonora Dinamita
Newly opened in the vicinity of Hobby, Tequila 45 is quickly becoming one of our all-time faves. The picturesque new restaurant is adorned with chandeliers, colorful installations – including vibrant murals of Frida Kahlo – and splashes of flora, the Mexican restaurant completes the assignment with top-notch cuisine and cocktails. Their seafood enchiladas, lobster bisque, and coconut bread pudding are all winners. Throw in great service, live music on weekends, a tasty cocktail, and some TVs in case the game is on, and you got yourself a new favorite restaurant.
📍7930 Mosley Rd.
Houston’s Mexican restaurants provide an abundance of mouth-watering dishes for an incredible culinary adventure. Offering unmatched dining experiences, charming hidden gems, plus so much more, all characterized by impeccable service, delicious food, and welcoming ambiance. So, don’t hesitate to try the best Mexican cuisine that Houston has to offer with these fantastic restaurants.