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Mexican food in New Haven

A craving for traditional Mexican flavors is hard to ignore. A hearty meal is the only way to satisfy it.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Taqueria Oyameles image 1
Taqueria Oyameles image 2
Taqueria Oyameles image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with a few tables and bilingual staff creates a chill atmosphere. Tacos, especially carnitas and al pastor, stand out for their flavor and freshness. Prices vary but generally remain reasonable for the quality offered.

Authentic Mexican food stands out with fresh ingredients and fast service. The dishes come at a great price and offer a delicious, satisfying experience.

Tacos stand out with authentic carnitas and Al pastor flavors, all served on a single tortilla. The tamales with mole and horchata also deliver strong traditional tastes.

People are saying

"I had the best tacos I have had in years."

"I thought the carnitas were the best I've ever tasted."

"I thought the food was awesome and authentic."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available near the restaurant.

2

The place has limited seating with only a few tables.

3

The staff speaks both Spanish and English.

02
El Poblano Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, quiet Mexican takeout spot offers authentic flavor with large, juicy burritos and amazing birria tacos. The atmosphere feels like a hardworking mom and pop business, with occasional lines and a grab-and-go setup. Prices are on the higher side compared to similar places nearby.

Food features authentic Mexican flavor with big portions and fresh ingredients. Dishes serve quickly and combine local freshness with slightly unique touches.

Burritos stand out with steak, shrimp, and pollo options featuring a unique poblano pepper sauce. Birria tacos and quesadillas offer authentic Mexican flavors that are fresh and local. Churros provide a sweet finish to the meal.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic and always fresh."

"I found the food here to be fresh and authentic."

"The Mexican food here is juicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

It's a grab-and-go situation, not a sit-down restaurant.

2

Two burritos and two empanadas cost $42.

3

The chicken burrito is $11, while steak, shrimp, and lengua options are $13.

03
Tacos Santa Fe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck offers fresh, flavorful tacos and handmade shells with phenomenal spicy green sauce. Atmosphere feels off the beaten path with a casual, patient-paced vibe. Location near busy streets adds urban background noise and smells.

Food comes made to order with fresh ingredients and homemade tortillas. Mexican dishes taste delicious and high quality, standing out from typical fast food.

Tacos come with freshly made tortillas and pack a lot of flavor, especially the beef tongue and al pastor options. Quesadillas, including the huitlacoche and chicken varieties, stand out as tasty and well-seasoned.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and made with real ingredients."

"I considered these the best tacos I had ever eaten."

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best I had ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Order ahead to avoid the wait during busy times.

2

You can call ahead, but wait times are manageable.

3

The wait is worth it if you're patient.

04
Chap's Grille image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Mediterranean diner offers a cozy, warm atmosphere with welcoming decor and comfortable seating inside and on the patio. The vibe stays quiet and family-friendly, making it an intimate spot for breakfast. Soft music complements the peaceful, inviting environment.

Food here is authentic Mediterranean with large portions that are fresh and full of flavor. Every meal comes cooked to perfection with consistently excellent service.

Breakfast burritos stand out with spicy, filling veggies and a solid flavor. Some tortillas come stale and onions can be undercooked, but overall the burritos are a popular choice.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the Mediterranean dishes."

"It's a small, quaint, cozy spot with an intimate feel."

"I had the best veggie breakfast burrito I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Chaps Grille offers a special chicken biryani every Wednesday.

2

A hidden service fee is added to the bill.

3

The restaurant allows dogs in outdoor seating areas.

05
Tacos La Patrona image 1
Takeout Restaurant

Outdoor setup with seating on grass or in cars by the sea creates a casual, friendly vibe. Large portions and a variety of Mexican dishes offer affordable and flavorful options. Free parking and a clean environment add to the relaxed experience.

Mexican food here blends street food with restaurant-quality dishes. The menu offers well-seasoned options with good quality ingredients.

Tacos stand out with tacos al pastor and tacos de birria offering strong flavors. Esquite and churros add variety beyond just tacos.

People are saying

"I really enjoyed their delicious tacos and esquite."

"I thought their tacos were delicious and really good."

"The food here is delicious and unique."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available nearby.

2

The food truck offers large portion sizes.

3

Pricing is generally affordable for most menu items.

06
Viva Zapata/ VivaZ Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Authentic Mexican restaurant with rustic decor and a lively atmosphere featuring live music and friendly staff. Small, charming space offers fresh made chips and salsa alongside well-regarded margaritas made with fresh lime juice. The vibe balances upscale touches with a storied, intimate setting.

Food features authentic Mexican dishes made with fresh ingredients and no flavor enhancers. Menu highlights include cactus salad, nachos, and fajitas with consistently tasty and well-prepared meals.

Authentic Mexican dishes like grilled chicken fajitas and carne enchiladas with molรฉ sauce stand out for their rich, balanced flavors. Drinks such as Horchata and Margaritas complement the menu, while items like tacos, nachos, and cactus salad offer a variety of traditional tastes.

People are saying

"The romantic setting makes it a great spot for date nights."

"You have to try the Quesabirria; it's packed with shredded beef and Oaxaca cheese."

"I thought the food here was delicious and well priced."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with great drink specials.

2

Taco Tuesday offers four tacos for each person in the group.

3

Expect a 20% gratuity added to your check as per policy.

07
La Cocinita Mexican Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic flavor with generous portions and a great variety of dishes. Music plays repeatedly at a noticeable volume, creating a lively but sometimes repetitive atmosphere. Tacos stand out with big portions and flavors reminiscent of Mexico City street food.

Food has a homemade taste and stays consistently very delicious. The dishes offer authentic Mexican flavors with great quality and service.

Tacos come with big portions and authentic flavor like Mexico City street tacos. Burritos, including shrimp and al pastor, are excellently made and filling. Tamales and mole stand out as well, with flan available for dessert.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and delicious."

"The tacos here taste like authentic Mexico City street tacos."

"I enjoyed the excellently made Mexican burritos."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $12 for three tacos with generous portions.

2

They can provide separate checks upon request.

3

Sour cream is available for an additional cost of 75ยข.

08
Clemente's Pizza & Grill image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small pizza spot with limited seating and a family-run vibe offers generous portions and good prices. Atmosphere stays clean and welcoming, suited for quick takeout or casual dining. Menu blends pizza with authentic Mexican dishes and sandwiches, attracting a neighborhood crowd.

Food stays consistently fresh and delicious with a focus on Mexican dishes. Quality remains solid across visits.

Tacos come with authentic tortillas and deliver solid flavor. Tostadas stand out as a recommended choice among the Mexican options.

People are saying

"I experienced the best pizza ever."

"I thought the house dressing on the Garden Salad was excellent."

"I thought the food here was delicious."

Good to know

1

Clemente's is primarily a takeout spot with limited seating.

2

Expect to pay around $3.50 for a single slice of pizza.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of options including pizza, wings, and salads.

09
Tomatillo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a warm and cozy atmosphere with authentic music enhancing the experience. The space feels comfortable and welcoming, suitable for families including kids. Known for fresh, delicious food like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, it stands out for quality and value.

Food features fresh ingredients and well seasoned flavors served in great portions. Quality remains immaculate with consistently delicious and amazing dishes.

Burritos and tacos stand out with authentic flavors and a wide variety of options. The quesadillas, especially the honey chipotle BBQ chicken and birria, are flavorful. The queso pairs well with nachos, and churros come as a sweet treat, sometimes on the house.

People are saying

"I thoroughly enjoyed the delicious, fresh Mexican food."

"You have to try their honey chipotle quesadilla; it's amazing."

"I thought the food here was amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Tomatillo offers free lemonade every year for YYGS attendees.

2

They prepare common allergens like shellfish separately.

3

The food is prepared quickly, making it a good option for lunch.

10
Long Wharf Park image 1

Park offers stunning waterfront views and plenty of greenery with noticeable bird life. Atmosphere shifts from peaceful mornings to lively afternoons with a variety of food trucks serving Mexican and Cuban cuisine. Noise from nearby freeway contrasts with the otherwise relaxing environment.

Multiple food trucks offer a great variety of Mexican, Cuban, and Spanish dishes. Highlights include birria tacos and quesabirrias from vendors like Old Mexico and Winn Pinchos.

Taco trucks serve Mexican birria tacos and carnitas tacos that many find delicious. Eating tacos by the water after a walk is a common way to enjoy the Latin and Mexican food offerings here.

People are saying

"I loved the food trucks; there were so many options!"

"I loved the food trucks here; the tacos were amazing."

"You have to try the amazing tacos from the food trucks here."

Good to know

1

There are no bathrooms available at Long Wharf Park.

2

Parking can be tricky on weekends due to roadside parallel parking.

3

Expect a variety of food trucks, including taco trucks, at Long Wharf Park.

11
Cositas Deliciosas image 1

Small space with a narrow walkway leads to ordering area. Atmosphere feels nostalgic and authentic, centered on made-to-order Spanish and Mexican dishes. Known for fresh fruit bowls, generous servings, and a fruit bar that adds a special touch.

Food features authentic Mexican dishes made to order with top-quality ingredients. Options include ice creams and fruity salads alongside other delicious foods.

Tacos come loaded with a lot of meat and the beef burrito stands out as out of this world. Other dishes include authentic tamales, quesadillas, elotes, and refreshing aguas frescas like passion fruit.

People are saying

"The Italian ice cream here is excellent and delicious."

"The Mexican food here is loaded with meat."

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the tacos and burritos."

Good to know

1

Everything is made to order, ensuring freshness.

2

Parking can be difficult around this area.

3

Ordering online is recommended to avoid busy times.

12
Mexcalli image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a low-key atmosphere and big plates at reasonable prices. The menu features phenomenal birria burritos and amazing sauces, especially a favored green one. Tacos come in various fillings like chorizo, chicken, pork with pineapple, and carne asada.

Food stands out for being amazing and stupidly good from the food truck. Some dishes taste cheap, dry, and bland despite high spending.

Tacos come with generous portions and include varieties like birria, chorizo, salted beef, chicken, fish, pork with pineapple, and carne asada. The birria burrito is notably massive and popular, while fish tacos have mixed reviews.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was phenomenal and so good."

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is loaded with generous portions."

"I thought the tacos here were so good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

Happy hour offers discounts on drinks from 5-7pm daily.

3

Parking is available on-site, but fills up quickly during weekends.

13
Manjares image 1
Nuevo Latino restaurant

Cozy restaurant with warm, inviting atmosphere and outdoor patio seating near a scenic park. Walls display original artwork by the owner's husband, adding unique charm. Menu emphasizes local, organic ingredients with a broad selection of Latin American dishes and drinks.

Food features authentic flavors with a nice little twist and includes dishes not listed on the menu to meet needs. The cuisine is consistently flavorful and pairs well with a cozy atmosphere.

Beef tacos come with perfect seasoning and tender meat. Chicken tinga tostadas and burritos offer solid options, though the breakfast burrito has mostly rice with dry, chewy eggs and a funky taste.

People are saying

"The beef tacos were perfectly seasoned and tender."

"I dreamed of their roasted turkey sandwich."

"The food here is excellent and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour specials are available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.

2

There was a private event going on, so dining may be limited.

3

Manjares always has available seating for guests.

14
The Neighborhood Cafe image 1

Cozy restaurant with an open kitchen and family-friendly atmosphere offers affordable prices and outdoor seating. The vibe is casual and relaxing, with small tables and metal stools. It serves exceptional breakfast burritos and a variety of tasty breakfast options.

Food comes out quickly and tastes fresh with a made from love feeling. The selection offers great variety and consistently delicious quality.

Breakfast burritos come in several varieties like hottie, cowboy, and piggy. Prices run about half what is typical elsewhere, with some burritos focusing more on eggs and peppers than meat.

People are saying

"I thought the spicy bird sandwich was the best I ever had."

"I found the food here to be really good and fresh."

"I found the breakfast burrito to be truly exceptional."

Good to know

1

You pay at the counter in advance, and when your food is ready, the buzzer goes off.

2

The cafe has outdoor seating available when the weather is good.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted at the counter.

15
Elm City Social image 1
New American restaurant

Medium-sized bar with a rooftop tiki bar and dog-friendly outdoor space offers a modern, industrial, artsy vibe with a relaxed atmosphere. Loud music and a lively crowd create an energetic setting, especially for larger groups in spacious areas. Unique rubber duck theme adds local charm and distinct character to the decor.

Food features amazingly delicious flavors with perfect portions for breakfast. Service stays friendly and attentive, enhancing the dining experience.

Tacos stand out with Blackened Mahi Mahi and flavorful short rib options. Sliders and tacos both appear but can blend together in taste.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing and top notch."

"The cocktails were amazing, each with its own unique flavor."

"The short rib tacos here are super flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger parties and weekends.

2

Expect a two-hour wait if arriving during peak hours.

3

Validated parking is available with a restaurant receipt.

16
Rudy's Bar image 1
Bar & grill

Bar and grill with classic pub vibe and friendly atmosphere shifts from breezy daytime openness to chaotic but fun nights. Crowd enjoys a great beer selection alongside standout fries and diverse vegetarian options. Music and relaxed energy create a welcoming spot for casual socializing.

Great burgers and tasty bar food stand out here. The menu offers affordable prices with good value and consistent quality, whether dining in or taking food to go.

Quesadillas and nachos stand out with strong flavors. Chicken tacos are solid, while salmon tacos come off as average. The menu includes veggie friendly options like tacos and quesadillas alongside pub snacks.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent and offers good value."

"The bartenders here are so friendly and welcoming."

"The Mexican food here is served by the kindest, most welcoming people."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great prices, especially when the bartender with a mustache is working.

2

Rudy's Bar hosts trivia night every Wednesday at 7pm with no entry fee.

3

The menu includes three vegetarian options, but half the items may not be available.

17
Ixtapa Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers quickly served tacos with fresh lime and green salsa in a welcoming atmosphere. Busy neighborhood adds lively energy to the space. Known for authentic flavors and hearty quesadillas.

Food comes fresh and fast with authentic Mexican flavors. Burrito pastor stands out, and service stays quick and clean whether dining in or taking out.

Hearty Lengua Quesadilla and flavorful tacos al pastor stand out here. Tortas and cemitas rank among the most memorable, with tacos de birria and burrito pastor also popular choices.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food tacos were some of the best I've ever had."

"I thought the tacos and quesadillas here were the best."

"I thought the tacos here were some of the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Each taco costs $2.

2

The tacos are quick to serve.

3

No onions, cilantro, or limes are given on the side.

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