Miami Beach is Florida’s coastal crown jewel. On any given day, you might see sunbathers and volleyball games on the white sand, or people sipping cocktails at oceanfront bars. And not only is Miami Beach a fantastic place to spend a day, but it’s also a fantastic place to eat authentic Mexican cuisine. Use this guide to discover the 20 best spots—just don’t forget the limes.
El Rancho Grande Cocina Mexicana
$$ | (305) 363-1020 | WEBSITE
You’d think El Rancho Grande was hosting a concert with the crowds it draws every evening—but once you step inside, you’ll realize everyone’s there for their generous, flavorful Mexican fare. The menu features fresh favorites like beef tacos, shrimp tacos, fajita vegetariana, and more—our top pick is the Plato Mixto, served with warm tortillas and a side of their excellent guacamole. The Big Burrito, stuffed with your choice of filling and accompanied by rice and beans, is another solid choice.
Stop by during happy hour from 3-7 pm for margaritas, or order ahead to skip the line.
Lolo’s Surf Cantina
$$ | (786) 276-0535 | WEBSITE
If you only make one good decision today, let it be trying the steak tacos at Lolo’s Surf Cantina. A second good decision: pairing them with the elote and a glass of horchata. The South Beach cantina is a fantastic spot for breakfast or a refreshing drink, and has other great options like street tacos and the corn cake for dessert. The Baja water drink—a mix of tequila, mezcal, and pineapple juice—is perfect after a day at the beach, which is just a minute’s walk away.
While the tostada portions can be small, the fast, friendly service and amazing charm make it a wonderful place to stop by for a good time.
Serena
$$$ | (305) 306-0776 | WEBSITE
Serena offers fantastic Mexican cuisine on a beautiful rooftop patio overlooking Miami Beach. The keys to their greatness: a stylish but relaxed vibe that makes you feel like you’ve escaped the city while still being in its heart, creative cocktails that hit just right, and friendly service that never misses a beat. After your first visit, you’ll probably find yourself daydreaming about returning for another sunset up there.
If you’re not in the mood for their delicious but smaller-portioned tacos and enchiladas, Serena does excellent beer selections and a great atmosphere perfect for unwinding with friends.
Lime Fresh Mexican Grill
$ | (786) 420-5463 | WEBSITE
Lime Fresh Mexican Grill is an all-day spot serving lunch and dinner—which is one reason we already have plans to spend every evening at this place in Miami Beach. The other is the fact that this restaurant offers a lively atmosphere, making it a fantastic choice for a night out with friends and family.
They’re doing feel-good Mexican dishes, from burritos and tacos to flautas and churros, and serving in a lovely outside seating area that feels like a casual patio crossed with a vibrant, sun-filled grill. Expect this place to be the backdrop for casual conversations, especially since it has affordable prices and friendly service.
Abuela’s Tacos
$$$ | (786) 709-6012 | WEBSITE
If you’ve ever considered ordering a platter of nachos that could feed a small village, you’ll be a fan of the steak nachos from Abuela’s Tacos, a charming old Mexican restaurant in Miami Beach. The massive, satisfying nachos are piled with tender steak, cheese, and what tastes like a pool-sized amount of fresh toppings. They’re served alongside their fantastic shrimp ceviche—which is brighter and more herbaceous (like, bursting-with-flavor bright) than most ceviches you’ll find in Miami.
Shrimp is marinated in lime juice and spices and chilled until firm and tangy. It’s then presented in a bowl with that acidity, cilantro, and (optional) tortilla chips, and enjoyed streetside until the last bite.
Naked Taco
$$ | (305) 534-8455 | WEBSITE
The Miami Beach spot feels like a vibrant taqueria with high-top seating and colorful lights. It’s an ideal setting to appreciate birria tacos, shrimp tacos, fish tacos, and other Mexican favorites wrapped in tortillas. Their versions are pretty straightforward (there isn’t any truffle oil or fancy plating in sight) but also playful, so you’ll find one with fried goat cheese and another with birria empanadas.
The casualness here is part of its appeal, and why this place is well-suited for lively yet welcoming group dinners. One option is to order tacos a la carte, but we prefer making life easy and going with one of the combo deals (three tacos and a drink, $18-$24).
Casa Matilda Steakhouse
$$$$ | (786) 686-6682 | WEBSITE
The always elegant Casa Matilda Steakhouse is home to amazing food, from appetizers like guacamole and caviar to standout desserts like the tres leches. They also serve varied options including duck carnitas, filet, crab enchiladas, branzino, and salmon—you can enjoy them in the beautiful, relaxing atmosphere. Casa Matilda is the perfect spot to experience great service with friendly, attentive servers while listening to enjoyable music.
The taco stand
$ | (786) 542-9384 | WEBSITE
Grabbing a bite in Miami Beach is a local ritual, and a stop at The Taco Stand, a must-do experience. The popular spot right in the heart of the city serves things like carne asada burritos and al pastor tacos from their bustling kitchen. The service doesn’t always match the fantastic food, but when a visit to The Taco Stand is more about eating something delicious and enjoying big portions, it’s a detail we can easily overlook.
The ultimate move is to come here for the toppings bar with fresh options, or try their popular churros and pescado burrito.
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
$$ | (305) 704-2145 | WEBSITE
No matter what time or what mood you’re in, stepping into this vibrant Miami Beach spot is an absolute must—especially if you’re craving shrimp tacos or a flavorful carne asada late into the evening (they keep the energy going all night). And don’t forget the tequila selection—it’s on another level.
Oh Mexico Lincoln Road
$$ | (305) 535-7400 | WEBSITE
What makes Oh Mexico Lincoln Road special? Let us count the ways. First, their tacos come on thick, flavorful, housemade corn tortillas, the perfect base for all the delicious toppings—like the crispy, beefy, and cheesy quesobirria that many guests find amazing. Then there’s the ceviche, which is fresh and bright, and the guacamole that receives consistent praise.
When you sit in the quiet and charming dining room or order takeout (they also have sidewalk seating), you can enjoy the cute old Mexico style décor while listening to the mariachi band perform on Fridays. The pineapple margarita is really good and strong, the perfect accompaniment to their authentic Mexican cuisine. The service is attentive and professional, with staff going above and beyond to ensure you have a great time.
Matilda’s Taco Bar
$$ | (786) 741-8666 | WEBSITE
Heading to Matilda’s Taco Bar in Miami Beach is like slipping into a vibrant beachside cantina and shaking off the day’s heat with a cold margarita and some seriously good tacos. Matilda’s offers a straightforward menu of fresh Mexican classics that won’t break the bank, with most tacos running around $4-5 each and margaritas starting at $12.
And on any given visit, you can find things like perfectly grilled carne asada tacos, crispy fish tacos with cabbage slaw, and their well-regarded vegetarian quesadillas. If you’re looking for the real standout, the al pastor tacos with pineapple are amazing and always worth the trip, especially when you can snag a spot at their street seating for that perfect, breezy evening vibe.
Dulce Vida Mexican Restaurant
$ | (305) 397-8765 | WEBSITE
Exploring the vibrant streets of South Beach works up an appetite. So satisfy those cravings at Dulce Vida. This hidden gem serves the best tacos in Miami Beach. They’re authentic Mexican, so expect flavorful fillings that are just the right balance of tender yet substantial, and to wipe a satisfying smear of salsa verde off your fingers.
The only effort you’ll spend is devouring the brisket and Birria tacos like you just discovered buried treasure—they’ll keep you coming back here as often as you check the ocean tides.
Krispy Tacos
$ | WEBSITE
If you’ve spent any time in Miami Beach, you know Krispy Tacos. The Mexican spot offers a fusion experience with thoughtful dishes, like their beef and broccoli any, shrimp tempura, California rolls, and deep-fried dumplings. The menu features the same reliable seafood and large portions as you’d expect, making it perfect for a special occasion or casual meal. This one has a beautiful decor and well-maintained restrooms.
So come here to enjoy fresh seafood and excellent service before heading out for the evening, though some might find the crème brûlée disappointing. Most consider it a fantasy evening worth returning for.
Esquina Mexicana | Mexican restaurant in Miami Beach
$$ | (786) 619-6649 | WEBSITE
There are lots of Mexican restaurants in Miami Beach, but our go-to for a relaxed dinner (or to catch up with friends) is Esquina Mexicana. Like the best spots across town, this restaurant serves outstanding Mexican cuisine, margaritas, and guacamole, plus takeout orders to go. And since you’re here to enjoy the chill vibe, or talk about your week over a meal, look to the menu, which includes chicken fajitas, steak tacos, and an incredible, hearty mixed burrito.
This place also has very friendly and attentive staff.
Holy Guacamole Miami
$ | (305) 535-7475 | WEBSITE
We head to this Mexican spot in South Beach for quick, satisfying tacos and generous portions at wallet-friendly prices. Taco options include well-seasoned pork, chicken, and fish, all served hot and fast. They also serve standout flautas, if you’re looking for something crispy and delicious. We like the tasty veggie burrito, a rare find in the area, and the excellent birria tacos with free side supplements.
Taco Taco
$$ | (305) 674-1160 | WEBSITE
This lively Mexican spot is one of our go-to places for great tacos—fresh tortillas are piled high with flavorful fillings and zesty toppings. The pulled chicken tacos or any of the grilled shrimp with mango salsa options are the way to go. But they also have burritos with mahi mahi baja style and crispy wings, plus rice and beans and appetizers like those habanero mango wings, if you’re not in a fill-up-on-tacos mood.
Tequiztlan Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar
$$ | (305) 397-8442 | WEBSITE
It wouldn’t be a Miami Beach guide without a nod to a local favorite: Tequiztlan Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar. The vibrant spot on the strip is open for brunch and dinner, and, throughout the years, has powered us through countless lazy Sunday afternoons and festive evenings. From mouthwatering chicken fajitas to original ceviche and classic chips with salsa, if you need something savory and authentic, you’ll find it here.
Fresh Mexican Taco Bar
$ | (305) 535-7475 | WEBSITE
Fresh Mexican Taco Bar sits on a bustling Miami Beach corner and is the spot for Mexican tacos that are fresh, flavorful, and just really damn good. The best move is grabbing your order to go, and kicking off this casual lunch with the Jamaica and shrimp tacos (a combo we’d get tattooed on our left rib). They’re served with perfectly crunchy red cabbage, and show off the restaurant’s greatest hits—standout fish and steak tacos, huge hard shell tacos, and amazing chicken quesadillas.
Matilda’s Kitchen – Cuban restaurant in Miami Beach
$$ | (786) 424-5499 | WEBSITE
If you’ve craved a taste of Havana at any point in the last month, there’s a very good chance you’ll want to become a regular at Matilda’s Kitchen. The Cuban restaurant in Miami Beach offers an authentic and vibrant atmosphere, plus excellent service, traditional dishes, and a warm welcome from hosts like Ana and Evaristo. Matilda’s Kitchen is a beloved local spot, and they’re serving hearty, flavorful Cuban cuisine that leaves customers eager to return.
The restaurant’s interiors are bright, and dare we say inviting, with warm-colored walls, cozy wooden chairs, and lively Cuban music. It’s exactly where we want to be sitting while we enjoy delicious plates of Cuban food, friendly conversation, and a genuine taste of Cuban culture.
Mama’s Tacos Latin Restaurant Miami Beach
$$ | (786) 413-6037 | WEBSITE
This Mexican spot has mastered the art of three things: tacos, margaritas, and hospitality. We’ll start with the tacos—juicy steak and pastor fillings with fresh cilantro and onions on warm corn tortillas. The margaritas are tangy and well-balanced, especially the guava version. And the not-too-formal service evokes more warmth than the ocean breeze from nearby Miami Beach. There are many Mexican restaurants in the area, but Mama’s Tacos on its lively street is only a short walk from the shore.