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Top picks in New Haven

Taco spots

A taco that uses fresh, authentic ingredients instead of relying on heavy toppings to hide the flavor.

Based on 518 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tacos Santa Fe image 1
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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.

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.

Tacos come fresh and flavorful with options like beef tongue, al pastor, and shredded chicken standing out. Varieties such as tacos รกrabes and the Turco taco add unique tastes to the menu.

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.

02
Taqueria Oyameles image 1
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.

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.

Carnitas tacos stand out for their flavor and quality. Other notable options include Al pastor and birria tacos, all served on a single tortilla for a traditional touch.

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

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.

03
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.

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

Tacos come with standout options like birria and tacos al pastor with pineapple. The tacos deliver solid flavor and pair well with sides like esquite and churros.

People are saying

"I really enjoyed their delicious tacos and esquite."

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

"I found the pricing here to be affordable."

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.

04
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.

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.

Birria tacos stand out with rich flavor and great texture. Beef tacos come with a house rojo that adds a spicy kick. Shrimp tacos taste fresh and all tacos consistently impress.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic and always fresh."

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

"The birria tacos here are fantastic."

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.

05
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.

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.

Food trucks at the park serve affordable Mexican birria and carnitas tacos. Tacos come in a food truck style and are popular for grabbing after a walk by the water.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the birria tacos from the food trucks were the best."

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.

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.

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.

Tacos feature juicy pork with crispy burnt edges and a chicken taco that outshines steak. Prices stay reasonable, with seasonal drinks and Taco Tuesday deals adding value.

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."

"The Quesabirria tacos are stuffed with beef and Oaxaca cheese, served with a rich broth."

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
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.

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.

Tacos come with generous portions and a variety of fillings like birria, chorizo, salted beef, chicken, fish, pork and pineapple, and carne asada. Fish tacos show mixed quality, with some being good and others not.

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.

08
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.

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.

Tacos come with authentic flavors and a perfect crunch on the birria variety. Options include Baja fish, chicken, shrimp, and soft shell tacos, all served quickly for a casual bite.

People are saying

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

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

"These tacos have a perfect crunch and are 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.

09
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.

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.

Tacos cost only $2 each and come with green salsa and hot sauce. Options include steak street tacos and birria tacos, which are quick to serve but the birria tacos are not crispy and tend to fall apart.

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.

10
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.

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.

Tacos come loaded with a lot of meat, including options like Al Pastor. They pair well with tamales and fresh juices for a full meal.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here is loaded with meat."

"I had the tacos loaded with meat."

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.

11
Cilantro Fresh Mexican Grill image 1

Small Mexican restaurant with a hip and trendy atmosphere and clean, simple setup feels like a step above fast food. The space is quiet with close tables, and service is minimal, creating a somewhat uncomfortable vibe. Menu offers great vegetarian options and flavorful tacos, though portion sizes and variety are limited.

Tacos feature perfect tortillas and a variety of flavorful fillings like ground beef, chicken, and carne asada. Salsas range from smoky spicy to avocado with scallion notes, complementing dishes like the creamy chicken tortilla soup and habanero-mango burrito packed with rice.

Tacos come with perfect tortillas and a good salsa selection. Varieties include carne asada, chicken with spicy coleslaw, flavorful ground beef, sweet potato, and traditional carnitas. Fish tacos are average.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and really good."

"I thought the tacos were amazing with perfect tortillas and good salsa."

"I found the Mexican food here to be really good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant can be pretty cold in the winter due to frequent door openings.

2

Prices are higher for smaller portion sizes than expected.

3

The menu is only in English and may not be very clear.

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New Haven, Connecticut

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