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Best Mexican Restaurants in Houston

Houston is one of the best cities in Texas for Mexican food, but the local scene goes far beyond Tex-Mex. You can find regional Mexican cooking from Oaxaca, Yucatán, and other parts of Mexico alongside tacos, birria, seafood, fajitas, and classic Tex-Mex.

1. Hugo's

Best for: Special occasions and regional Mexican cuisine

Hugo's in Montrose is one of Houston's best-known destinations for regional Mexican cuisine and explores the diverse cooking traditions of Mexico.

2. The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

Best for: Houston food history and Tex-Mex

Ninfa's on Navigation is an iconic Mexican-American restaurant that helped popularize fajitas and tacos al carbón in the United States.

Try: Fajitas, tacos al carbón, queso, margaritas.

3. Xochi

Best for: Oaxacan cuisine and upscale dining

Located downtown, Xochi focuses on the cuisine of Oaxaca with mole, masa-based dishes, seafood, and mezcal cocktails.

Try: Mole, masa dishes, seafood, chocolate desserts, mezcal cocktails.

4. Laredo Taqueria

Best for: Casual meals, tacos, local flavor

Laredo Taqueria is a more casual option for travelers looking for traditional Houston taqueria-style food.

5. Cuchara

Best for: Dinner, groups, Montrose dining

Cuchara offers Mexican cuisine in a lively Montrose setting with regional specialties, small plates, and cocktails.

6. El Hidalguense

Best for: Traditional Mexican food and adventurous diners

El Hidalguense is a strong choice for travelers interested in regional Mexican cooking beyond standard taco-and-fajita combinations.

7. Taquería Del Sol

Best for: Tacos, quick meals, casual dining

For a casual taco experience, Taquería Del Sol is worth considering.

8. Teotihuacan Mexican Café

Best for: Families and classic Mexican-American favorites

Teotihuacan is a longtime Houston-area choice for Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes.

9. Ambriza

Best for: Date nights and modern Mexican food

Ambriza provides a more contemporary Mexican dining experience with cocktails and a polished atmosphere.

10. La Fisheria

Best for: Seafood and coastal Mexican flavors

La Fisheria is a good option for travelers interested in Mexican seafood and coastal flavors.

Best Mexican Food in Houston

  • Best regional Mexican: Hugo's
  • Best Oaxacan: Xochi
  • Best fajitas / Houston food history: Ninfa's
  • Best tacos: Laredo Taqueria or Taquería Del Sol
  • Best seafood: La Fisheria
  • Best casual Mexican: Teotihuacan or Laredo Taqueria

What Mexican Food Should You Try?

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