10 Mexican Restaurants in New Orleans That Taste Like a Trip to Mexico

New Orleans is famous for its Creole and Cajun cuisine, but the city also hides some amazing Mexican food gems. From street-style tacos to upscale dining experiences, these restaurants bring authentic flavors straight from Mexico to the Big Easy. Whether you’re craving handmade tortillas, perfectly seasoned carne asada, or fresh guacamole prepared tableside, these spots will transport your taste buds south of the border without leaving Louisiana.

1. Tacos del Cartel New Orleans

Hidden in the Bywater neighborhood, Tacos del Cartel serves up street-style tacos that would make any Mexican abuela proud. Their handmade corn tortillas cradle perfectly seasoned meats topped with fresh cilantro and onion – simple yet extraordinary.

The al pastor tacos, slowly roasted on a vertical spit with pineapple, deliver an explosion of flavor that’s worth the sometimes lengthy wait. Their homemade salsas range from mild to fiery, with the smoky salsa negra being a standout favorite among regulars.

2. Espíritu

Stepping into Espíritu feels like entering a high-end Mexico City dining establishment. The restaurant’s moody lighting and contemporary decor set the stage for innovative Mexican cuisine that respects tradition while embracing creativity.

Chef Nanyo Dominguez crafts dishes that showcase regional Mexican specialties rarely found elsewhere in New Orleans. The mole negro, made with over 20 ingredients and simmered for days, delivers complex flavors that dance between sweet, spicy, and savory. Don’t miss their mezcal selection – one of the finest in the city.

3. Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria

A beloved local chain with French Quarter roots, Felipe’s wins hearts with its build-your-own approach to Mexican classics. Fresh ingredients line the counter where staff assemble your perfect burrito, taco, or bowl while you watch.

What sets Felipe’s apart is their commitment to scratch cooking – from hand-pressed tortillas to slow-simmered beans and house-marinated meats. Their rooftop bar at the French Quarter location offers stellar margaritas made with freshly squeezed lime juice and 100% agave tequila, perfect for sipping while enjoying city views.

4. Johnny Sánchez

Celebrity chef John Besh and Food Network star Aarón Sánchez combined forces to create this upscale Mexican restaurant in the Central Business District. The vibrant space, adorned with Mexican art and Day of the Dead imagery, buzzes with energy and conversation.

Johnny Sánchez elevates traditional Mexican dishes with chef-driven techniques and locally sourced ingredients. Their queso fundido, bubbling with chorizo and topped with pickled jalapeños, arrives with house-made tortilla chips perfect for scooping. The taqueria’s creative cocktail program features unique concoctions using mezcal, tequila, and seasonal fruits.

5. Juan’s Flying Burrito – LGD

A funky, skateboard-themed joint in the Lower Garden District, Juan’s Flying Burrito marries Mexican classics with Creole influences. The laid-back atmosphere, complete with local art and a killer soundtrack, makes this a neighborhood favorite for casual dining.

Massive burritos stuffed with unexpected ingredients like Gulf shrimp or jerk chicken showcase the restaurant’s creative approach. Their Mardi Gras burrito – filled with grilled steak, Gulf shrimp, and smothered in queso – perfectly represents New Orleans’ cross-cultural culinary spirit. The fresh-made margaritas and local beer selection round out the experience.

6. The Velvet Cactus

Bright colors, quirky décor, and a sprawling patio make The Velvet Cactus in Lakeview an instant mood-lifter. String lights illuminate the outdoor space where friends gather around tables topped with sizzling fajita platters and frosty margarita towers.

While not strictly traditional, their Tex-Mex offerings satisfy cravings with generous portions and bold flavors. The chile rellenos, stuffed with cheese and topped with ranchero sauce, achieve the perfect balance between spicy and comforting. Families appreciate the kid-friendly menu and relaxed atmosphere that welcomes diners of all ages.

7. Barracuda Taco Stand

Simplicity reigns supreme at Barracuda, where the focus is squarely on perfectly executed tacos served in a modern, minimalist space. The counter-service model keeps things casual, while the quality ingredients elevate the experience far beyond fast food.

Their flour tortillas, made in-house daily, achieve a remarkable texture – sturdy yet tender with subtle charred spots from the griddle. Try the slow-roasted beef barbacoa taco topped with pickled onions and cilantro for a masterclass in balanced flavors. The outdoor picnic tables and frozen margaritas create an ideal setting for laid-back meals with friends.

8. Panchita de Veracruz Mexican Restaurant

Tucked away in a strip mall in Kenner, Panchita de Veracruz offers some of the most authentic Mexican cooking in the greater New Orleans area. The unassuming location hides a culinary treasure beloved by Mexican expatriates and in-the-know locals.

Regional specialties from Veracruz shine here, particularly seafood dishes like pescado a la veracruzana – fish fillets simmered in a vibrant sauce of tomatoes, olives, and capers. Weekend specials often feature harder-to-find dishes like pozole and menudo that transport diners straight to central Mexico. The complimentary chips come with an addictive salsa made fresh daily.

9. Loya’s Mexican Restaurant

Family-owned and operated, Loya’s exudes warmth from the moment you enter. The Loya family’s Sonoran roots influence everything from the décor to the distinctive northern Mexican cooking style rarely represented in New Orleans.

Handmade flour tortillas – larger and thinner than most – are a specialty here, perfect for wrapping around carne asada prepared with the family’s generations-old marinade. The green chile stew, packed with tender pork and roasted peppers, offers comforting heat on cooler days. Regulars know to save room for the sopapillas drizzled with honey for dessert.

10. La Carreta

Vibrant and lively, La Carreta brings the energy of a Mexican marketplace to Metairie. The restaurant’s colorful interior, adorned with traditional crafts and festive decorations, creates an atmosphere as inviting as the menu is extensive.

Molcajetes – volcanic stone bowls filled with sizzling meats, nopales, and cheese – are the showstopper here, arriving at tables still bubbling and aromatic. Their house specialty, camarones al ajillo (garlic shrimp), features plump Gulf shrimp swimming in a buttery garlic sauce that demands extra tortillas for sopping. The horchata, made fresh daily, provides the perfect sweet counterpoint to spicier dishes.