To be able to approach the Mexican culture through its gastronomy is a privilege that we have in our city. The best Mexican restaurants in Barcelona defend and discover us the seasoning and flavors of their land paired with mezcal and tequila.
And this type of cuisine is a celebration of flavors, not shy with the intensity and contrasts of spicy, corn tortillas and antojitos. Enchiladas, tacos and quesadillas, sauces of all colors, and above all a good spiciness and seasoning.
The good taste of Mexican gastronomy is non-negotiable, that is why, in such an international city, it is deserved that we dedicate an article to the best restaurants that commemorate the cuisine of the North American country.
Maro Azul, the Mexican restaurant that flees from ‘Mexicanism’.
After a trip to Barcelona, Mexican Juan Carlos Tielve knew that it would be the ideal place to open his restaurant. His initial idea was to build a hotel in Mallorca, but after his trip to Catalonia, he reconceptualized his plan and moved it here.
Thus was born Maro Azul, a reference in Mexican food in the city, which tries to move away from the concept of Mexican food that we have in Spain, to discover the diner the seafood to which we are less accustomed, adapting the original recipe book to the local product.
In addition to dishes such as ceviche or green aguachile, you can enjoy a variety of handmade and ancestral Mezcals with a price of 8 € shot and 12 € glass.
C/ de Roger de Flor, 218
Graciela’s Kitchen, the best Jalisco food.
At La Cocina de Graciela they specialize in the gastronomy of the Nayarit and Jalisco area, precisely because Graciela, the cook, is from there.
Jalisco’s cuisine has widely contributed to give international renown to Mexican gastronomy. For that reason, we recommend all dishes with shrimp, such as shrimp sopes and shrimp octopus. It is worth mentioning that Graciela offers a wide variety of vegan dishes such as tostadas de nopales (cactus tostadas) or ensalada azteca (Aztec salad).
Passatge del Xiprer, 5
COME, Mexican haute cuisine
Traditional Mexican cuisine revisited and reworked with an exclusive flair, by chef Paco Méndez, awarded a sun by the Repsol Guide this year, placing it among one of the best Mexican restaurants in Barcelona. Its name, COME, is the acronym of COmida MExicana and PaCO MÉndez, a tribute to Mexican culture as a result of the vision of its chef.
Av. de Mistral, 54
If you are looking for an authentic Mexican… Tianguis
This isn’t the first time we’ve talked about El Tianguis and we can’t promise it will be the last. It’s a very colorful place and its kitchen is open, which gives you a lot of confidence and allows you to see for yourself how they prepare their dishes on the spot. It is inspired by Mexican markets where you can eat cheap and tasty food in the middle of the street: one of the most authentic Mexican restaurants in Barcelona.
C. de Villarroel, 42
La Curandera, where tacos heal you
The curanderas were traditional healers. With potions, remedies and concoctions, they cured flu, coughs or the evil eye. In Mexico, these remedies included a good meal.
Through this concept, the team of La Curandera wants to take you to the streets of the country where you can go stopping at street stalls tasting the most authentic flavors.
C. del Judici, 12
Costa Pacifico, the Mexican cevichería (ceviche restaurant)
Fish marinated in lime, cucumber, avocado, red onion and cilantro. The aguachile, one of the most explosive yet simple dishes of Mexican gastronomy, is the star dish at Costa Pacifico.
It is in the middle of the Born (so expect Born prices), but that does not detract from the quality or freshness of its aguachiles.Mexican ceviche of salmon and orange, sea bass, prawns… there are all kinds, so try to come back so you don’t miss any.
Plaça de Sant Agustí Vell, 13
Xuba Tacos, where classic tacos coexist with the most modern ones.
If we want to delve into the Mexican street food, we can not forget a fundamental part: the tacos. Xuba Tacos is one of the taquerias that has recently opened in the city, and with its blue tortillas (for a variety of corn they use) they create from the most classic recipes such as tacos al pastor, to the most innovative varieties such as lobster sautéed with pico de gallo.
C/ de Mallorca, 194
Oaxaca, in the heart of El Born
It is possible that the presence of insects in Mexican food is one of the least surprising. And it may be so for two reasons: one, that the ties between Spain and Mexico are quite close; and two, in communion with the previous one, because Mexican food is very popular in Barcelona. And who, more or less, has heard of chapulines.
Oaxaca is one of these Mexican restaurants where they sell insects. They have Oaxaca chapulines (30 grams) for seven euros or Hormiga Chicatana (10 grams) for nine euros. The availability of both, however, is subject to market.
Pla de Palau, 19
The Taco Factory
Beauty is so often so simple. What does a taco factory do? Tacos. What else does it do? A daily buffet of tacos, where you can try traditional and more daring versions, such as tongue or heura. Add some quesadilla, some perfectly resolved nachos and that’s it. The beauty of the simple and the explanation why there are already three Taco Factories spread around Barcelona.
Poblenou. Sardenya 88/ Sant Antoni. Calabria, 39/ Gracia “Plaça del Diamant” carrer De L’or, 8
Chamako
We can’t get enough of tacos (can anyone get enough of such a thing?) and we end our list of recommendations with Chamako, the self-described “joint” in Poble Sec where you can try authentic Mexican delicacies. The star of the menu? Taco Kamaron Karateka, the third best taco in Catalonia according to the Spanish Taco Championship.
Carrer Margarit, 18
The Three Lies
The trendy Mexican, the one that everyone tells you is the best right now. Classic and street Mexican dishes and a collection of mezcals that won’t let you leave. You have to try it.
📍Carrer de Valladolid, 44 (Sants).
Casa Dulce
Casa Dulce is Barcelona’s only Mexican bakery, with artisanal pastries, ice cream with unprecedented flavors and authentic Mexican drinks, all made from scratch with top-notch ingredients. And, obviously, Pan de Muertos for All Saints.
📍Carrer de Pujades, 100 (Poblenou).