The Best Mexican Restaurants in New Jersey – 2026 Edition is written by Vinny Parisi.
Searching for the Best Mexican Food in NJ is a delicious journey that goes way beyond chips and guac/salsa. From cheesy Tex-Mex favorites to authentic Mexican street food like al pastor and Oaxacan specialties, Jersey has it all. Our curated statewide list highlights the bustling taquerias of North Jersey to the authentic hidden gems of South Jersey.
We’ve scoured the state to find the can’t miss spots that always get it right. These restaurants are family-run, use authentic recipes passed down for generations, or are true innovators elevating classic dishes. This guide to New Jersey’s 20 Best Mexican Restaurants spotlights everything from trendy waterfront Mexican restaurants to cozy BYOB establishments. They are the spots that fill those cravings for authentic birria tacos, homemade tortillas, and high-energy tequila bars.
Quick Click Guide: Select a Region below to find The Best Mexican Restaurants nearby.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
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North Jersey
Bitol Mexican Handcrafted Cantina
Where: Clifton
Details: Modern Mexican meals meet chic dining at Bitol Cantina, which derives its name from Mayan mythology. In Mayan culture, Bitol is a sky god and one of the creator deities. As for the restaurant, Bitol boasts brunch, lunch, and dinner options as well as craft cocktails, tequila, and mezcal. Their homemade sauces and from-scratch menu create an authentic Mexican dining experience. They even cook their steaks on a lava stone right at the table. Stop by during Saturday and Sunday brunch for a fun Mexican take on dishes like pancake tacos.
Chofi Taco
Where: Union City
Details: Fans of Chofi Taco all know about the restaurant’s viral “Birria Dunk” trend on social media. So it’s no surprise that their birria tacos and tortas are the most popular options on the menu. We personally prefer the fried tortas, loaded with cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, guac, pico, lettuce, onion, and cilantro. The restaurant is named for the daughter of husband and wife team Patrick and Kim Flammia. (Her name is Sofia, but her nickname is Chofi.) Kim is the chef and the one responsible for the birria consome everyone loves.
Lolita’s Mexican Cantina
Where: North Bergen | Westwood
Details: Lolita’s doesn’t mess around when it comes to serving traditional Mexican dishes in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. But what keeps customers coming back is their bold, inventive takes on fan-favorite menu items. For instance, their Surf & Turf Burrito meets taste buds at the intersection of traditional and modern flavors. This option — which is technically a starter — perfectly pairs skirt steak and shrimp with fries, rice, beans, cheese, and guac. If that doesn’t sound enticing enough, the Chicken Tinga tacos are a must-try.
Maria Bonita
Where: Hackettstown
Details: Most people wouldn’t suspect an authentic Mexican restaurant with a city-quality cocktail program to be in Warren county. But those people are in for a real treat, because Maria Bonita is a true hidden gem. Despite the high-end flavors, the restaurant boasts an inviting atmosphere perfect for families. Open for lunch and dinner, Maria Bonita serves traditional tamales, flautas, tacos, tostadas, and more. Their top notch tacos come in options like Cecina (salted beef), carne enchilada, chorizo, carnitas, chicken, and of course, birria.
Orale Mexican Kitchen
Where: Hoboken | Jersey City | Morristown
Details: Orale aims to be the go-to spot for Happy Hour, Taco Tuesday, Boozy Brunch, and Mexican-themed events. Brunch, lunch, dinner, and easy to-go options make them a favorite stop for hungry patrons. They have an assortment of cocktail options that differ slightly at each location, but always include their signature drinks. For instance, the Oaxacan Negroni features Mezcal, Italian Red Bitter, Passion Fruit and Cinzano Rosso Vermouth. Their guac menu includes 11 different specialty flavors like Truffle Hot Honey and Blue Demon.
Riviera Maya
Where: Branchville | Rockaway
Details: This brightly-colored, festive eatery feels just like crossing the border into a real Mexican restaurant. Riviera Maya boasts an impressive, authentic menu of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, salads, seafood, and kids’ options. Their signature seafood dishes include the Pescado Limonado, a Red Snapper filet sauteed in garlic-lime sauce with Mexican oregano. As for drinks, they serve margaritas and signature cocktails like the Strawberry Daiquiri, Tequila Sunrise, and Pina Colada. Their kids menu will please even picky eaters.
Tacos La Gringa
Where: Bloomfield
Details: Chef Juan grew up in Mexico, and initially brought his cooking talents to America using a portable kitchen. But his son Ed thought Juan’s tacos were so good they deserved their own restaurant, and Tacos La Gringa was born. Besides their signature tacos, the restaurant’s menu also includes favorites like Mexican street corn and birria quesadillas. For clarity, Tacos La Gringa has two locations in Bloomfield: one on Bloomfield Ave and another on Broad St. For something a little different, we recommend the Chicken Milanesa Torta.
Central Jersey
Edison TexMex Deli
Where: Edison
Details: For those who have never been, this probably seems like a crazy entry. But it’s no mistake. Despite the fact that they serve customers from a deli counter, Edison TexMex Deli is the real deal. The menu includes everything from fajitas and molcajetes to hot sandwiches, but the showstopper is their authentic birria. Even better, there are a half dozen ways to enjoy it. They offer birria tortas, ramen birria, the quesabirria, birria burritos, or the tried and true birria tacos. Just don’t head home without ordering the tres leches or churros.
Maize Cocina & Cocktails
Where: Westfield
Details: Maize Cocina is a Mexican restaurant with globally-inspired flavors. The idea of worldly influences coming together is fitting because the restaurant is uniquely located inside an 1890s train station. This leads to an interesting juxtaposition between turn-of-the-century architecture and modern design sensibilities. As for the menu, Maize serves dinner Tuesday through Sunday in addition to Saturday and Sunday brunch. Signature entrees include the Buttermilk Mole Roasted Chicken and Hot Honey Kabocha Pozole.
Mexican Mariachi Grill
Where: Ewing, Hamilton
Details: Mexican Mariachi Grill has nearly cornered the Mercer County market when it comes to Mexican takeout and delivery. Customers love that they exist right in the mid-range price point, proving high-quality Mexican food doesn’t require high-end prices. Fan favorite options include the Mariachi Trio tacos (chorizo and carne asada) and their signature Golden Pollo Birria Tacos. Dubbed the “most popular tacos in America” — which we can’t confirm but don’t deny — these are a must-try. They come with slow-roasted chicken, melted cheese, and consome.
Toca Vez
Where: Basking Ridge
Details: For special occasions and high-end date nights that are sure to impress, Toca Vez is the place. The restaurant fills a unique niche as a fine-dining Mexican Steakhouse with a sexy, nightlife vibe. As a steakhouse, the menu features fusion dishes like lobster quesadilla, sweet corn tamales, and queso fondue style. For the main course, we recommend either the Chicken Enchilada or Colossal Shrimp & Poblano Pepper Risotto. Meanwhile, the well-curated tequila program will delight even the most experienced of connoisseurs.
Viva Mexico
Where: Flemington
Details: This BYO spot is lauded for it’s family friendly atmosphere, and the family that runs it. Owner Librardo Arias has been welcoming families to his restaurant for nearly 25 years. He serves his famous tacos with a unique mix of onions, cilantro, radish, and salsa verde. The full lunch and dinner menu is packed with classic, authentic Mexican dishes. This includes flautas, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, sopes, tamales, and much more. For a more modern option, we recommend the Texas Burrito with chicken, rice, beans, guac, sour cream, and cheese.
Jersey Shore
Barrio Costero
Where: Asbury Park
Details: The logo for Barrio Costero — a rabbit on the moon – comes from an Aztec legend. To the team, the logo represents a commitment to creating one-of-a-kind experiences. Then there’s the name Barrio Costero, which means “coastal neighborhood” and reflects their approach to seasonal cooking and genuine hospitality. What all of this adds up to is a unique experience that connects the local community to innovative Mexican cuisine. The limited but well-curated menu uses the highest-quality ingredients to craft unforgettable dishes.
El Pueblo Taqueria
Where: North Cape May
Details: The family behind El Pueblo Taqueria wants guests to come hungry, leave happy, and then come back again soon! Their menu boasts tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas, and bowls made equal parts fresh and flavorful. The Chilaquile, in particular, is a standout we highly recommended. It features crispy tortilla chips, onions, queso fresco, crema, and a fried egg mixed with salsa verde. They have 10 choices of meat, as well as mahi mahi (fish) and tofu chorizo for vegetarians. Their signature lunchbox specials are perfect for work lunches.
La Casa De La Tia
Where: Jackson | Lakewood
Details: With two locations in Ocean County, residents don’t have to travel far to find an “Auntie’s House” nearby. La Casa De La Tia serves home-cooked meals in a warm and welcoming family environment. Their signature combos are perfect for the whole family, and come in five different options. Seafood fans will love the Fritura De Mariscos (Fried Seafood Platter), which comes with three different fried fish, a dozen breaded shrimp, and a seafood burrito. For a family of meat eaters, the Parrillada De La Tia is the way to go.
Marquez Mexican Grill
Where: Hammonton
Details: Marquez Amador made the confident choice to open his Mexican grill in October of 2020. But not even the COVID pandemic could stop the Hammonton community from making Marquez Mexican Grill a success. Their authentic Mexican dishes and familiar favorites like tortas, flautas, burritos, quesadillas, and tacos ensure there is something for everyone. Their signature Plato El Marquez special features 8 seasoned shrimp cooked with tequila and served with sirloin steak and rice. We also recommend the “Enchiladas Guadalajara”.
South Jersey
La Cantina
Where: Blackwood
Details: La Cantina is more than just a restaurant, it’s a Friday night experience. For Gloucester County residents, it’s the go-to spot to spice up the weekend, or just relax with friends. The modern Mexican menu blends traditional favorites like burritos and tacos with pastas such as chicken or shrimp Alfredo. We recommend saving room for dessert, because the churros served with vanilla and dulce de leche ice cream are not to miss. Besides the food, La Cantina has a bar stocked with beers, cocktails, and margaritas that the whole town talks about.
Mi Ranchito
Where: Moorestown
Details: While Mi Ranchito offers dine-in service, locals know their takeout game is second-to-none. Especially when it comes to fan favorite menu items like the birria tacos. This signature dish offers 3 flour tortillas with birria beef and melted cheese. They top it off with onions and cilantro, plus a side of birria sauce and limes. Other authentic Mexican dishes include chimichangas, huaraches, burritos, and street tacos with homemade corn tortillas. One not-so-authentic option is the Hawaiian sandwich with chicken, pineappe, ham, and mayo.
Paloma Restaurante
Where: Collingswood
Details: Paloma is the culmination of an unforgettable vacation to Mexico. South Jersey Restaurateur Tim Dedja came back from his visit compelled to share his culinary experience with NJ. Now, the restaurant serves up innovative New American dishes alongside their authentic Mexican cuisine. Patrons also really love their burritos, which come in options like steak, chicken, shrimp, carnitas, birria, and more. Guests can enjoy sides like sweet plantains and Mango Habanero Wings alongside virgin margaritas. Don’t sleep on their daily brunch menu.
Taqueria Atexquita
Where: Penns Grove
Details: When most people think of New Jersey’s Best Mexican Food, they rarely think of Salem County. But that’s what makes Taqueria Atexquita such an impressive (not to mention affordable) and true hidden gem. Locals swear by not just the flavors, but the authenticity of each dish, believing it rivals even North Jersey institutions. The menu is massive, covering absolutely everything a Mexican restaurant can offer (fajitas, burritos, tortas, gorditas, tacos, quesadillas, seafood, etc.) But we recommend the Alambre Hawaiano platter with chicken.
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For a “viral” experience, visit Chofi Taco in Union City, famous for their “Birria Dunk” and homemade consome. In Central Jersey, Edison TexMex Deli is a must-visit, offering authentic quesabirria and even ramen birria from a humble deli counter.
Orale Mexican Kitchen (Hoboken, Jersey City, and Morristown) is the go-to spot for “Boozy Brunch” and creative drinks like the Oaxacan Negroni. Meanwhile, for a sophisticated steakhouse atmosphere, Toca Vez in Basking Ridge offers a “sexy nightlife vibe” with high-end tequila and lobster quesadillas.
Viva Mexico in Flemington is a beloved BYO where owner Librardo Arias has welcomed families for 25 years. In Ocean County, La Casa De La Tia (Jackson/Lakewood) offers massive family platters like the Parrillada De La Tia. For a festive atmosphere that kids love, Riviera Maya in Branchville features bright decor and a dedicated kids’ menu.
For a unique setting, Maize Cocina & Cocktails in Westfield serves globally-inspired dishes inside a restored 1890s train station. In Hackettstown, Maria Bonita is a “hidden gem” that pairs authentic flavors like cecina (salted beef) with a NYC-quality cocktail program.
Taqueria Atexquita in Penns Grove is a hidden treasure known for authenticity, affordability, and massive platters like the Alambre Hawaiano. In Hammonton, Marquez Mexican Grill has become a community staple for fresh seafood dishes like shrimp cooked with tequila.
Top Photo: Maize Cocina & Cocktails / Website
