Dubai’s culinary landscape is a melting pot of flavours from around the globe, but one cuisine that remains steadfastly popular is Mexican food. Despite being situated thousands of miles away from Mexico, Dubai’s Mexican restaurants have mastered the art of bringing the spirit and essence of this vibrant cuisine to the desert city. Talented chefs have taken traditional Mexican recipes and added their own modern twist offering the city’s foodies so much more than Tex-Mex.
1. Loca
Located in Jumeirah 1, just before La Mer, Loca Restaurant & Bar Dubai is a paradise for Mexican cuisine enthusiasts. The luscious soft prawn tacos burst with zest flavours and you’ll also be blown away by sizzling fajitas and cheesy enchiladas. Pair your meal with Loca’s exquisite speciality Margarita, a tropical escape in a glass. With its lively ambience, Loca promises a memorable night out. The fact it has ‘tap tables’ for convenient drink delivery probably doesn’t hurt either.
đź“ŤDubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah Beach Road, 4A St, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
2. Tulum Restaurant
Boasting an impressive array of delectable dishes and iconic Dubai Fountain views, this Mexican eatery is an outright winner. The menu, conveniently displayed on an iPad, streamlines the decision-making process. From scrumptious sopes to fresh tacos starring crispy shrimp, every bite explodes with flavour. With the possibility of being serenaded by a saxophonist or entertained by a lively Mexican performer, Tulum truly brings the fiesta experience to Dubai.
đź“ŤThe Dubai Mall Unit No. 4F – 04, Fashion Avenue Extention, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
3. Maria Bonita
Maria Bonita, with outposts in Umm Suqeim, Madinat Jumeirah, and Sustainable City is proudly owned and run by Mexicans. Fashioned after an old-world Mexican saloon, this charming spot has lip-smacking dishes you’ll want to tip your sombrero to. Flour tortillas (gringas) stuffed with chicken al pastor and flautas doused in zingy slow-cooked salsa and guac, tangy shrimps aguachile negrito de camaron will have you sniffling yet asking for seconds. Knock back crisp cocktails such as the quirkily named ‘horse with no name’ and Xibalba to quench the burn.
đź“ŤVarious locations; find here
4. Maya Mexican Kitchen + Bar
Nestled inside Le Royal Meridien’s lush gardens of, this upscale eatery lives up to its tagline of being a hacienda with vibrant interiors. The menu is a treasure trove of Mexican delights that cater to every palate. Whether you’re hankering for classic dishes like duck and chicken carnitas or want to get adventurous with the seafood huachinango, Maya has a dish to satisfy your cravings. Meanwhile, we’ve heard excellent things about the suadero tacos.
đź“ŤLe Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Al Mamsha St, Dubai Marina – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
5. Taqado Mexican Kitchen – Dubai Mall
You could probably rely on Taqado Mexican Kitchen for your entire day’s eating since they offer breakfast options such as huevos rancheros and breakfast tacos to filling burritos, fresh salad bowls and crispy nachos. This homegrown Mexican spot has branches from Dubai Mall to Dubai Hills and even on Kite Beach. Whether you prefer a vegetarian option or have specific dietary restrictions, Taqado has you covered with its wide array of beans, veggies, and wheat-free alternatives.
đź“ŤVarious locations; find here
6. La Tablita Dubai
Every day feels like Cinco De Mayo at this Mexican-Spanish fusion food paradise. The menu is an exploding pinata full flavours, from extraordinary volcancito tacos bubbling with cheese to sizzling fajitas with refried beans, saucy surf n turf molcajetes with cactus and veggie skewers. Taco Tuesdays and a Luchador fiesta brunch on the weekends keep the fiesta going all day every day. The sensational margarita mixes and crunchy sugar-dusted churros here are a party for the tastebuds
đź“ŤHyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, Dubai Healthcare City – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
7. El Chapo’s Tacos
This lively joint adorned in colourful Mexican-themed decor is full of upbeat vibes. El Chapo’s menu showcases an extensive list of tacos to a delectable variety of enchiladas, including enfrijoladas all crafted in perfect sharing portions so bring along friends and family. The birria and barbacoa tacos are big hitters on the menu thanks to the succulent meat that melts in your mouth. The ingenious cartel cocktails and frozen margaritas seal the deal.
đź“ŤStudio One Hotel, El Chapo’s Tacos, Dubai Studio City – Dubai, United Arab Emirates