7 Best Mexican Restaurants In Florida

Florida’s culinary scene has embraced authentic Mexican flavors with open arms, creating a vibrant tapestry of restaurants that bring the zest of Mexico to the Sunshine State.

From Miami’s trendy hotspots to hidden gems in Tampa, these eateries serve up everything from street-style tacos to upscale regional specialties.

I’ve spent years hunting down the most mouthwatering Mexican food across Florida, and I’m thrilled to share my top picks that’ll make your taste buds dance the salsa!

1. Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar (West Palm Beach)

Tableside guacamole changed my life at Rocco’s Tacos. No joke—watching the server mash those avocados with lime and cilantro while I sipped my spicy cucumber margarita was a religious experience. This West Palm Beach institution brings the fiesta energy with over 400 tequilas lining illuminated shelves behind the bar.

The owner, Rocco Mangel, occasionally jumps on the bar to pour free tequila shots down patrons’ throats—I may have embarrassed myself more than once during these surprise appearances. Their molcajetes, served in volcanic stone bowls so hot they continue cooking at your table, are worth every penny.

Fair warning about their habanero sauce: my brother-in-law tried to prove his spice tolerance and couldn’t feel his lips for an hour afterward. The outdoor patio on Clematis Street offers prime people-watching with your enchiladas!

2. El Vez (Fort Lauderdale)

Beachfront Mexican food that doesn’t sacrifice authenticity for views? Yes, please! My first encounter with El Vez’s watermelon guacamole had me questioning everything I thought I knew about Mexican cuisine. Located inside the W Fort Lauderdale, this isn’t your typical hotel restaurant—it’s a coastal Mexican revelation.

The space itself feels like a Mexican beach club collided with a trendy art gallery. I still dream about their Mahi Mahi tacos with charred pineapple salsa that I devoured while watching the Atlantic waves crash just yards away.

Their churros come with three dipping sauces, and I’m not ashamed to admit I licked the cajeta caramel dish clean. The bartenders craft margaritas that strike that perfect balance between tart and sweet—dangerous when you’re trying to maintain beach body dignity in swimsuit season!

3. Coyo Taco (Miami)

Holy guacamole! The first time I walked into Coyo Taco, the aroma of fresh corn tortillas being pressed by hand nearly brought tears to my eyes. This Miami hotspot isn’t just another pretty face in Wynwood’s artistic landscape—it’s the real deal.

What sets Coyo apart is their dedication to authentic Mexican street food with a chef-driven twist. Their cochinita pibil taco, marinated for 24 hours in citrus and achiote, literally melts in your mouth faster than ice cream on South Beach.

Don’t miss their secret back-room speakeasy where the tequila flows freely after dark. And pro tip: their breakfast tacos have saved me from many a morning-after Miami regret. Trust me, you haven’t lived until you’ve had their esquites (street corn) at 2 AM!

4. Tacos & Tequila Cantina (Naples)

Whoever said Naples was just for stuffy fine dining clearly never stumbled into T&T after a day at the beach. My first encounter with their Birria tacos—crispy, cheese-crusted tortillas for dipping into rich consommé—was nothing short of life-altering. The juice ran down my arms, and I couldn’t have cared less.

The walls are plastered with colorful Day of the Dead artwork that somehow perfectly complements their modern take on Mexican classics. Their signature margarita flight lets you sample four different flavors, which is how I discovered my unexpected love for cucumber jalapeño tequila.

Unlike many Naples establishments, T&T keeps it casual and affordable without sacrificing quality. I’ve brought everyone from my pickiest aunt to my foodie college friends here, and everyone finds something to rave about. Their queso fundido with chorizo has started more than one family argument over who gets the last scoop!

5. Agave Bandido (Pembroke Pines)

Stumbling upon Agave Bandido was like finding a secret portal to Mexico in the middle of suburban Pembroke Pines. The massive wall of agave spirits nearly made me weep with joy—over 200 tequilas and mezcals for the sampling! Their smoky mezcal old fashioned converted even my bourbon-loyal father.

The restaurant’s modern industrial design with pops of vibrant Mexican textiles creates an atmosphere that’s simultaneously upscale and welcoming. Chef-driven but unpretentious, their duck carnitas tacos paired with charred pineapple salsa made me temporarily forget my name.

Don’t sleep on their Sunday brunch—Mexican coffee spiked with cinnamon tequila alongside chilaquiles topped with a perfectly runny egg cured my weekend woes instantly. And here’s an insider tip: happy hour includes half-off appetizers, which means you can double-order their lobster guacamole without the guilt!

6. El Jefe Tequilas (Sarasota)

Mariachi music fills the air at El Jefe, where the margaritas come in flavors like prickly pear and blood orange—both of which I may have sampled in one sitting. Oops! This Sarasota staple brings together traditional Mexican cuisine with Gulf Coast influences in a way that feels both innovative and respectful.

The restaurant’s colorful papel picado (paper banners) flutter from the ceiling while the scent of sizzling fajitas creates an instant party atmosphere. Their seafood enchiladas, stuffed with local grouper and topped with a creamy poblano sauce, showcase the brilliant marriage of Mexican technique with Florida’s bounty.

The owner, Carlos, often makes rounds to ensure everyone’s happy—which explains how I ended up doing a tequila shot with him on my birthday last year. Their tres leches cake arrives swimming in a pool of three different milks and topped with toasted coconut that gives it a tropical twist you won’t find in interior Mexico.

7. La Tienda Latina (Gainesville)

College towns often hide culinary treasures, and La Tienda Latina proves this rule brilliantly. Half Mexican grocery store, half taqueria, this Gainesville institution taught me what authentic Mexican food really tastes like during my student days. The tiny kitchen in the back produces tacos that would make abuelitas proud.

Shopping carts navigate around a handful of plastic tables where hungry students and locals devour barbacoa tacos served on doubled-up corn tortillas with nothing more than cilantro, onion, and lime—as it should be. Their weekend-only menudo (tripe soup) is legendary for curing both homesickness and hangovers.

The prices haven’t changed much since I graduated—still under $2 per taco—making this place a budget-friendly miracle. Don’t leave without browsing their selection of Mexican candies and sodas. The tamarind Jarritos paired with their extra-spicy salsa verde creates a sweet-heat combination that’s absolutely addictive!