Viva la Mexico! The top Tel Aviv restaurants for Mexican-style fare

Taqueria serves burritos, quesadillas, and tacos in a casual and inviting atmosphere. When walking the Middle Eastern streets of Tel Aviv, it might be hard to imagine coming across a good taco. However, the tantalizing Mexican spices that radiate from Taqueria’s doors will tell your nostrils otherwise. With quick service and consistent Mexican favorites, this local joint is the perfect place to pop in for a quick and filling treat. The tacos are packed to perfection, the quesadillas are oozing with cheesy goodness, and the burritos are busting at the seams.

A relative newcomer on the Tel Avivian Mexican-cuisine scene, Tapachula is a year-old restaurant serving up Tex-Mex classics at the beginning of Rothschild Boulevard. Stop by this spot for a meal or late night snack, ready-to-eat pairs of juicy meat tacos with your hands, or bite into crispy tostadas made with fresh vegetables and smothered in cheese. With colorful tables and chairs, bright hanging lanterns throughout the restaurant, and an impressive list of alcoholic drinks and pitchers, this venue matches its menu of Mexican-cuisine with a fiesta inspired vibe.

With two restaurant locations and another two venues in popular indoor markets, it’s clear that Mexicana is a fan favorite amongst Tel Avivians. With a menu that features U.S. inspired Mexican cuisine, there are enough burritos, fresh sides, and bottomless margaritas during Happy Hour to satisfy anyone craving a Tex-Mex bite. Whether you order a specialized burrito bowl (think: vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options), or share an assortment of sides such as fresh guacamole and roasted papas potatoes amongst friends, Mexicana will leave you feeling full with a hint of spice in your mouth.

A dive bar stylized after New Orleans, Biggy Z offers all-you-can-drink bracelet options every night of the week along with great food. Visitors can purchase a wristband that allows them unlimited drink refills, with cost dependent on alcohol of choice. Tuesday is Mexican night, with an exciting menu to go along with it. Biggy Z is lively and colorful, reminiscent of the Mardi Gras festival and the sexy jazz clubs of Bourbon Street. With great food, cheap drinks, and a killer ambiance, Biggy Z is a must-visit.

The self-dubbed “House of Eats & Spirits” combines the inspiration of flavors of the Caribbean and Mexico to create an experience that will have you feeling like you’ve just been jetted off to an exotic beach vacation far away from the Mediterranean. La Otra comes from the same creators of the popular Imperial craft cocktail bar and does not disappoint with its selection of fun and whimsical cocktails. 

This sweet mezcal bar has been serving the hipster neighborhood of Florentin for years. It started as a small neighbourhood bar which then began to receive so much love that the owners eventually had to take over the next door shop to expand the much loved establishment. Mezcal has stood the test of time. The tacos are sensational and wash down wonderfully with the fully stocked variety of tequilas. From tequila tastings to delicious and authentic enchiladas, Mezcal offers a magical meal for all who come and embrace the Mexican cuisine.  

Tiny in size but big on portions and flavor, this is the place to try home-cooked, authentic Mexican grub. For years, transplants have been dreaming about more spots like this - no-frills, fast food Mexican staples with all the fixins’ - and now they have it. The tchotchke decor is fitting for the hole-in-the-wall space, but the menu brings the authentic heat: piles of nachos topped with queso and juicy carne asada; flautas, deep-fried and filled with cheese, sour cream and homemade salsa; and burritos hand-crafted from expertly-made tortillas.