My 7 Go-To Mexican Restaurants in Dubai (By a Californian!)
As a Southern California native and a Mexican-American, I absolutely love Mexican food. So when I moved here, I was a bit concerned that I wouldn’t be able to find any decent Mexican food in Dubai. But after a couple of years of “painstaking” research, I’ve not only been able to find some decent Mexican restaurants in Dubai but I’ve tracked down where to buy authentic Mexican food products to cook at home (but I’ll leave that for another post).
This is not a list of the fanciest Mexican restaurants in Dubai. Instead, it’s a list of places that I go to or order from on a regular basis, as well as places that have authentic Mexican dishes that really give me a taste of home.
These places are all fairly affordable, which I also appreciate and most of the restaurants on this list either offer Taco Tuesday deals or some sort of specials that make things even more affordable. So, if you’re craving Mexican food in Dubai, hopefully this helps lead you in the right direction!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (which I’m so thankful for!) at no extra cost to you.
My 7 Go-To Mexican Restaurants in Dubai
1. Chalco’s Mexican Grill
Chalco’s Mexican Grill in Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) has become one of my go-to Mexican restaurants in Dubai, and perhaps that’s because this place prides itself on serving authentic Mexican food “with a touch of California.”
The menu allows you to “build your own” burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, taco salads, and burrito bowls (starting at AED32). With protein options like carne asada, pulled chicken, and veggies and a variety of fresh salsas and extras to choose from, everything is super customizable. Or, if you don’t feel like overthinking a custom order, you can always opt for one of their popular mains, like their Fish Tacos, Taquito Plate, or the french fry-stuffed California Burrito!
Another thing that I love about Chalco’s Mexican Grill is that prices are more affordable and portions are much larger compared to other Dubai Mexican restaurants.
Dine-in: Lake Level in Cluster D, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Delivery: UberEats, Careem, Zomato
2. Chalco’s Cantina
For a different Chalco’s experience, head over to the Dubai Marina where you’ll find Chalco’s Cantina, part bar and part super authentic Mexican restaurant.
As a Southern California native who’s also traveled to Mexico a lot, I’m super impressed by the authenticity of their menu here. You’ll find Mexican delights like Huevos Rancheros, Chilaquiles, and Huevos Divorciados for breakfast, as well as mains from the Chile Relleno and Camarones a la Diabla to a wide selection of burritos, tortas, tacos, fajitas, and more.
Of course, they also mix up some killer margaritas (I suggest the Spicy Margarita), as well as a long list of tequilas and mezcals. And if you’re looking for deals, they often run Taco Tuesday specials as well as festive Mexican Brunch deals. Just check their social media.
Dine-in: Marina Gate 2, Shop 205, Dubai Marina
Delivery: InstaShop, Zomato
3. Taqado
Originating in the UAE, Taqado is one of the few fast-food Mexican chains in the UAE and it hits the spot whenever I’m craving a big burrito or a cheesy quesadilla. If you’re looking for Dubai Mexican restaurants, they have 10 branches around town. But you can also order delivery through Deliveroo.
They do massive build-your-own burritos, bowls, tacos (crispy or soft), and quesadillas that cater to everyone from carnivores to the plant-based crowd – this is one of the only Mexican restaurants in Dubai that offers Impossible chorizo as a protein option!
If you’re trying to stay on the healthy side, they also offer some protein-packed salads like the Mucha Lucha with quinoa, roasted sweet potato, and feta cheese, or the Santa Fe with grilled chicken, black beans, and sweet corn.
Dine-in: Locations around Dubai
Delivery: Deliveroo
4. El Mostacho
If you’re working your way through eating at the best Mexican restaurants in Dubai, you’re going to want to try El Mostacho. Located in JLT, this place is small. But if you can snag a seat, you’ll have a hard time choosing which authentic Mexican dish to order.
Carnivores will love digging into their meaty dishes like the Barbacoa and El Pastor burritos or the Carne Asada and Fish tacos. While vegetarians will appreciate the myriad of options, including the Spicy Cauliflower Tacos and the Vegetarian Burrito.
Whatever you order, feel free to douse your food with their homemade salsas and the spicy El Yucateco hot sauce. And if it’s too spicy for you, just wash it down with a Mexican Jarritos soda or a sweet Horchata!
Dine-in: Ground Floor, Silver Tower, Cluster I, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Delivery: Direct through website
5. Tortilla
Tortilla is another one of the best Mexican restaurants in Dubai if you’re looking for a quick meal or food delivery. I order from them more often than I should admit and the food is always consistent, fresh, and delicious.
They make up some massive burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and salads. Plus, all items can even be made vegetarian and vegan and come with tempeh as a protein and a free addition of guacamole if you go this route.
If you’re looking for deals, be sure to take advantage of Tortilla Tuesday, which gives you buy-one, get-one on burritos and burrito bowls! Honestly, this is one of the best deals in town and is probably why I order from them so often! Just order direct through their website to get this deal!
Dine-in: Locations around Dubai
Delivery: Direct through website
6. Maiz Tacos
If you’re on the prowl for good Mexican food in Dubai, you’ll find Maiz Tacos in both Dubai Hills Estate and JLT. This place got its start as a humble food truck, and it still serves up some of the best tacos in town!
For tacos, think La Gringa with beer-battered cod and pickled slaw, Carne Picante with marinated Angus beef and home-made arbol salsa, Pollo Adobado with home-made adobado sauce and guac, and Hong con Macha with charred mushrooms and charred salsa macha.
Tacos aside, the menu here is quite large and features items like Steak & Egg Tacos and Egg Burritos for breakfast and your choice of tempting quesadillas, bowls, and burritos for lunch and dinner. They also have some fun specials like the Fried Pollo Chicken Torta and the Birra Burger (a collab with Good Burger).
Dine-in: JTL: Lower Level B10, Cluster Y, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai & Dubai Hills: Dubai Hills Acacia B, Shop 5, Dubai
Delivery: Careem
7. Chipotle
Yes, I am an American, but as a Mexican-American from Southern California, I can’t say that Chipotle is my favorite thing. But, I do know that Chipotle is beloved by many Americans and non-Americans. So I do understand that the opening of the very first Chipotle in Dubai is a huge deal!
Let’s face it. Decent Mexican food is hard to come by in Dubai so I welcome Chipotle with open arms and will probably even be a convert soon enough. So yes, Chipotle is slated to open in JBR in October 2024 and it’s created all sorts of buzz.
I haven’t seen the menu yet, but I’m guessing you can expect their classic offerings of burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and salads, which you can customize with all of your favorite extras at no extra cost – much like Taqado or Tortilla!
