Tacos are more than just a meal; they’re an experience, and they’re synonymous with Mexican cuisine. Over the course of our 2 week adventure through Mexico, we indulged in tacos every single day—and guess what? We never got tired of them. What makes them so irresistible? The tortillas, made from fresh, earthy corn, bring a depth of flavour that flour tortillas just can’t match. Paired with a variety of proteins and salsas, each taco delivers a mouthwatering explosion of flavour that’s uniquely Mexican. After tasting our way through the country, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 tacos spots in Mexico that you absolutely can’t miss!
$$$$ Yaxunah
Rosalia’s cochinita pibil tacos are absolutely unforgettable. If you don’t know yet, cochinita pibil is a traditional Mexican dish from the Yucatan region, made with slow-cooked pork marinated in achiote (a spice paste made from annatto seeds), citrus juices, and various seasonings. The pork is wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an underground pit, giving it a tender, flavourful, and smoky taste. Typically served in tacos or with rice, it’s a savoury and delicious representation of Yucatecan cuisine.
Chef Rosalia welcomes you into her home, offering a unique glimpse into Mayan culinary traditions and the age-old techniques behind this iconic dish. The tortillas are freshly made on-site, thicker and more flavourful than those you’d typically find at most taco stands. The chef served the cochinita pibil two ways: with a rich negro paste and without, and the best part? They’ll keep refilling your plate until you’re completely satisfied. While at $100 USD per person it’s not the most affordable option, the experience—immersing yourself in Rosalia’s warmth, her traditions, and the incredible flavours—makes it an absolute must on your list.
Some of you might recognise her, since she featured in the famous Netflix series Chef’s Table BBQ! Getting to meet her in person, and witness all the traditional cooking was absolutely one of our best highlights of the trip! Pro tip is to pair this lunch experience with a morning visit to Chichen Itza, since Rosalia’s home is only a 45-minute drive away. You can read more about our perfect itinerary in the Yucatan Peninsula for more inspiration.
$$ Mexico City
Tacos for breakfast because why not, that’s how you eat like a local in Mexico! These tacos were nothing short of amazing, and it was a bittersweet moment knowing it was our last morning in Mexico—if only we had more time to savour them! Definitely go for the pork belly and pork rib options; the meat was juicy, tender, and packed with flavour. If we didn’t have a reservation at Contramar for noon, we would’ve kept ordering plate after plate without a second thought.
Ordering process was very efficient, with Sherry’s close to non existent Spanish she managed. The meat is chopped to order in front of you, then you take the plate to the next stand for payment.
$ Valladolid
We stumbled upon this hidden gem while searching for a lunch spot right after arriving in Valladolid—and boy, were we lucky to find it! Specialising in cochinita, this taco stand had a line of eager customers, and that’s always a sign of something special.
The meat was incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with flavour. We couldn’t resist ordering a few more and devouring our tacos among the happy crowd. They also have an option to make a cochinita sandwich with fresh baguette but we were team taco only. Pro tip: Get there early before they sell out!
$$$ Mexico City
We came for the grilled fish in two sauces and were equally wowed by the octopus (pulpo) tacos. The menu says it comes in two servings, but the waiter allowed us to order one. Had we not had Don Juan’s tacos earlier in the day, we would have happily ordered a few more. Make sure you make a reservation as this restaurant is very popular – and for good reason. In fact, it made our top 5 restaurants in Mexico that you can’t miss!
$ Playa Del Carmen
El Fogón in Playa del Carmen is a must-visit, and it’s no surprise that it has earned so many rave reviews. During our search for top eateries in Playa, this spot consistently popped up, so we knew we had to check it out. We sat near the famous spinning kebab grill, where they top the meat with a pineapple to add a sweet juiciness to every taco bite. We couldn’t resist ordering a giant margarita (which we didn’t quite finish) along with multiple rounds of tacos. The al pastor is a standout, and we made sure to order it several times. Be sure to come hungry—there’s a huge menu filled with mouth-watering options you won’t want to miss!
$ Tulum
What a refreshing find in the pricey town of Tulum! This affordable and tasty spot stands out as a real gem. Despite the hustle and bustle, the prices here are a steal—not just for Tulum, but overall. You can spot the spinning kebabs out front, which only adds to the excitement. We ordered a mix of tacos and quesadillas, with empanadas also available on the menu. This spot is one of our friend’s favourite tacos in Mexico, and it’s easy to see why. We kept going back for more rounds of tacos, enjoying the self-serve onions and salsa to top off each delicious bite.
