Florida’s 7 Best Mexican Restaurants You Need To Visit

Florida might be famous for its seafood and Cuban cuisine, but the Sunshine State also boasts some incredible Mexican food spots that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy. As someone who has eaten their way through countless tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas across Florida, I’ve compiled my absolute favorite Mexican restaurants that deserve your attention. From hidden family-owned gems to upscale modern Mexican cuisine, these spots deliver authentic flavors that’ll transport you straight to Mexifco.

1. Taqueria Jalisco in Jacksonville

Taqueria Jalisco is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving authentic Mexican food to Jacksonville locals since 1996. Known for its no-frills setting and generous portions, it’s a go-to for street-style tacos made with freshly pressed corn tortillas.

Their carne asada and al pastor tacos are customer favorites, but adventurous eaters often go for the lengua (beef tongue), which is tender and full of flavor. In addition to tacos, the menu features hearty enchiladas, tamales, and combination platters that are both filling and affordable.

Their house-made horchata and zesty green salsa add the perfect finishing touch to every meal. This is the kind of neighborhood spot where quality, tradition, and value consistently come together.

2. Frontera Cocina at Disney Springs

Celebrity chef Rick Bayless brings his culinary magic to Orlando with this upscale yet approachable Mexican restaurant. Though located in the tourist hub of Disney Springs, Frontera Cocina stands miles apart from typical theme park food.

Their tableside guacamole preparation is both entertaining and delicious – they add toasted pepitas and bacon that’ll make you question why you’ve been eating basic guac all these years. The Carne Asada is expertly grilled with a gorgeous char that locks in all those juicy flavors.

Unlike many restaurants catering to tourists, they don’t tone down spices. When they say something’s spicy, believe them! Reservations recommended, especially during peak Disney seasons. Worth every penny of their slightly higher price point.

3. Rocco’s Tacos in Fort Lauderdale

Rocco’s Tacos on Las Olas Boulevard offers a high-energy dining experience paired with bold Mexican flavors and one of the best tequila selections in South Florida. With more than 300 tequilas behind the bar, this spot caters to both casual margarita lovers and serious agave connoisseurs.

The food is equally impressive – signature dishes include the sizzling molcajete, filled with meats, bubbling cheese, and cactus, as well as traditional tacos, enchiladas, and street corn. Their tableside guacamole is a crowd favorite, prepared fresh and customized to your preferred spice level. Though the atmosphere is fun and often lively, the kitchen consistently turns out high-quality, scratch-made Mexican fare that goes far beyond bar food.

Owner Rocco Mangel is known for his occasional appearances, adding personality to the place, though the food stands firmly on its own. With generous happy hour deals and a festive weekend vibe, it’s a go-to for groups, celebrations, or simply enjoying bold flavors in a vibrant setting.

4. Talavera Cocina Mexicana in Coral Gables

Talavera Cocina Mexicana brings elevated, regional Mexican cuisine to Coral Gables, combining traditional flavors with refined presentation. The menu spans everything from tacos and ceviches to more complex dishes like cochinita pibil and chile en nogada, showcasing Mexico’s diverse culinary heritage.

The mole poblano is particularly noteworthy, with its deep, layered flavor developed through a careful blending of spices, nuts, and chocolate. Guests can also enjoy unique appetizers like huitlacoche-stuffed quesadillas and house-made huaraches. The drink menu features mezcal- and tequila-based cocktails crafted to complement the menu without overpowering the flavors.

Warm terracotta tones and rustic decor give the space a welcoming yet upscale feel. Perfect for date nights or special gatherings, Talavera proves that Mexican cuisine can be both comforting and sophisticated.

5. La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant in Pensacola

Family-owned since the 1980s, La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant has built a loyal following in Pensacola with its hearty portions and scratch-made comfort food. Everything from salsas to soups is made fresh daily, reflecting a commitment to quality that’s earned it a reputation as one of the area’s most beloved Mexican spots.

Standout dishes include the chile verde, enchiladas suizas, and carne asada, all seasoned and cooked with care. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, with colorful murals and festive music adding to the experience. Service is warm and attentive, making guests feel like regulars even on their first visit.

While it may not boast trendy decor or upscale prices, La Fiesta delivers consistently satisfying meals that feel like home-cooked feasts. Locals also rave about the sopapillas for dessert – crispy, sweet, and impossible to skip.

6. Red Mesa Cantina in St. Petersburg

Red Mesa Cantina, housed in a beautifully restored 1920s building, offers a creative and vibrant take on Mexican cuisine in downtown St. Petersburg. The spacious outdoor courtyard with a giant banyan tree creates one of the most memorable dining settings in the Tampa Bay area.

The menu features a mix of traditional items like tacos and enchiladas alongside more inventive fare, including Latin-Asian fusion options and fresh seafood dishes. Their tequila and mezcal bar is among the best in the region, offering flights and specialty cocktails that elevate the overall experience. Weekends often feature live music and a bustling crowd, especially in the evening when the courtyard lights up.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a lively night out, Red Mesa strikes the perfect balance between ambiance and authentic flavor. It’s a favorite among locals for good reason – bold food, strong drinks, and a setting that’s hard to beat.

7. Agave Azul in Orlando

Far from Orlando’s tourist corridors, Agave Azul attracts locals seeking authentic Mexican cuisine without the theme park markup. While countless mediocre Mexican restaurants cater to tourists near the attractions, this local favorite maintains unwavering quality and authenticity.

The restaurant’s striking blue agave-inspired decor creates a modern yet traditional atmosphere. Their tableside molcajete preparation is theatrical – watching the server pour sizzling hot broth into a stone bowl filled with seafood, cheese, and vegetables never gets old.

Unlike many Americanized Mexican spots, Agave Azul offers regional specialties like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus and achiote) and chiles en nogada (poblano peppers stuffed with picadillo and topped with walnut cream sauce). Their house-infused tequilas, particularly the pineapple-jalapeño version, make for dangerously delicious margaritas that’ll have you calling an Uber.