Discover the Best Mexican Cuisine in Florida
Florida has the third highest Hispanic population in the country, which gives the Sunshine State culture, character, and, you guessed it, mouth-watering cuisine. Mexican restaurants are on almost every corner in Florida, so it can be difficult to determine which are authentic and worth your dollar. Below, we’ve carved out the best the state has to offer!
Frontera Cocina Mexicana, Lake Buena Vista, FL
Frontera Cocina is the latest Mexican restaurant at Disney Springs, opened by eight-time James Beard Foundation Award winner, Chef Rick Bayless. Normally they might not include a resort restaurant, but when an eight-time James Beard winner plants their flag, culinary fans take notice. (for those who don’t know, James Beard Awards are essentially the Oscars of the culinary world). The main menu has a huge assortment of drinks, including eight wonderful margaritas, and fun twists on traditional Mexican fare, like the Shrimp Mojo de Ajo (pan-roasted Mazatian blue shrimp with mojo de ajo plantain rice, grilled calabacitas, warm corn tortillas), and much, much more.
Lozano’s Mexican Restaurant, Immokalee, FL
Lozano’s Mexican Restaurant in Immokalee serves home-style, made-from-scratch meals every day. The atmosphere is fun and casual, and the food is quite good. The menu has a wide variety, including tacos, burritos, fajitas, quesadillas, chicken tenders, chicken wings, and much more.
JJ's Fresh from Scratch, Orlando, FL
JJ’s Fresh from Scratch is slightly more casual than the previous entry on this list. A college-student favorite, JJ’s competes with the likes of Chipotle, Moe’s, and Qdoba by offering make-your-own, fast-casual Mexican dishes. Customers pick their base, add rice, beans, meat and veggies, before loading up with toppings and chips. If you’re in the mood for a quick meal without the processed-feel of normal fast food joints, give JJ’s a try.
Chicano's Mexican Restaurant, Venice, FL
Chicano’s Mexican Restaurant is a mom-and-pop owned restaurant run by the Lopez family, who bring their first-hand Mexican experience and heritage to each and every dish. Each dish is prepared to order and offers both traditional Mexican food and modern trends. Choose from seafood entrees, house specials, and “American-Mex” food. Can’t choose? Try a combination. The fajitas, too, are worth the trip alone.
Señor Tequila, Winter Springs, FL
The Señor “offers the most authentic Mexican food that will make your taste buds get up and dance,” according to their website. Señor Tequila in Winter Springs offers tacos, burritos, fajitas, chimichangas, enchiladas, and more.
Las Fajitas, Boca Raton, FL
Las Fajitas in Boca Raton is a straightforward Mexican restaurant that relies heavily on serving up delicious versions of staple Mexican fare with full bar. Choose from salads, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, entrees, and dessert, including flan. Try the filet chipotle (grilled steak topped with potatoes in chipotle sauce and melted cheese) if you’re in that neck of the woods.
Coyo Taco, Miami, FL
According to its website, Coyo Taco in Miami is “Miami’s freshest Mexican street food experience.” Guacamole is smashed to order, and tortillas are handmade. Vegetables are locally sourced. All ingredients are 100 percent natural. Stop by one of its two street vendors or its storefront. Order from a plethora of tacos, convert to a burrito or burrito bowl, or order up a quesadilla and sides.
Dona Julia’s American and Mexican Food, Lakeland, FL
Dona Julia’s American and Mexican Food in Lakeland offers breakfast, appetizers, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast food, in particular, is notable. Try the Idiot Scrambler (three eggs scrambled with hash browns, ham, onions, and cheese served with tortillas or toast), or a Mexican omelet (served with your choice of tortillas with beans and rice or home fries), among other options. The dinner menu is a mixture of American and Mexican foods, with options like meatloaf dinner next to chimichangas. Dona Julia has something for you, whether you’re a Mexican lover or dipping your toe in new cuisine.
Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant, Apopka, FL
Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant is another party-perfect location. Ladies, take note of the discounted drinks on lady’s night. For everyone else, the happy hour is Monday-Wednesdays. The menu is extensive, including lunch and kid’s options, appetizers, soups and salads, nachos, house specialties, special dinners, seafood, vegetarian dishes, and desserts. Check them out on Facebook for upcoming events.
