Best Upscale Mexican Restaurants in Lenox Hill | Upscale Mexican Food

25 restaurants in Best Upscale Mexican Restaurants in Lenox Hill | Upscale Mexican Food

• El Carnalito — Mexican · rated 5/5: El Carnalito, located at 1396 2nd Ave, New York, offers a delightful culinary experience with its authentic Mexican cuisine. Open Monday to Saturday from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM, it's a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Highly rated by diners, the restaurant is known for its delicious tamales, sope, and arroz con leche. Perfect for families and takeout options available, El Carnalito is a must-visit gem. Contact them at +1 347-785-2924.
• Buena Onda — Mexican · rated 4.8/5: Buena Onda is your go-to destination for authentic Mexican cuisine in the heart of New York. Nestled at 1446 1st Ave., this inviting spot offers a variety of delightful dishes, mouth-watering desserts, and a well-curated selection of wines and cocktails. With a stellar rating of 4.8 based on 53 reviews, the warm and cozy setting, combined with exceptional service, makes Buena Onda a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Accepting all major credit and debit cards, the restaurant provides convenient dining and takeout options. For more information or reservations, visit their website or call +1 212-931-6200.
• Tacos y Quesadillas — Mexican · rated 4.8/5: Tacos y Quesadillas is a beloved food truck stationed in New York’s Upper East Side, near the 86th Street 4/5/6 station. Offering a tantalizing menu of tacos, burritos, tortas, and nachos at pocket-friendly prices, it has garnered a stellar rating of 4.8 from 30 reviews. Known for its generous portions and vibrant flavors, this cash-only gem serves as a local favorite for quick, delicious bites.
• Tacos y Quesadillas — Mexican · rated 4.7/5: Nestled in the heart of Manhattan at 240 E 69th St, "Tacos y Quesadillas" is a delightful Mexican restaurant that has quickly become a local favorite. With a stellar 4.7 rating from 23 reviews, this eatery offers mouthwatering tacos and quesadillas, perfect for a family-friendly outing. Operating daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, it provides dine-in, takeout, and delivery options for added convenience. The vibrant flavors and warm service ensure a satisfying dining experience for all.
• Heidi's House by the side of the road — American · rated 4.6/5: Nestled in the Upper East Side, Heidi's House by the side of the road is a charming neighborhood gem offering an eclectic array of comfort food paired with an impressive selection of beer and wine. Popular dishes include mac and cheese, paella, lobster, and tacos. With a cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and fast service, it's an ideal spot for a delightful dinner or a late-night bite. Reservations recommended.
• Toloache — Mexican · rated 4.4/5: A vibrant Mexican bistro where the smoky perfume of a wood-burning oven and the rhythmic shake of artisanal cocktails create an atmosphere of sophisticated celebration. The open kitchen serves as a theatrical stage where rustic soul meets urban elegance, bringing together hand-pressed tortillas, complex moles, and the bright, bold flavors of contemporary Mexico in every spirited bite.
• Tacos del Este Superior — Mexican · rated 4.4/5: Tacos del Este Superior pulses with the vibrant energy of a bustling taqueria, where the rhythmic sound of cleavers on chopping blocks mingles with the irresistible aroma of slow-roasted al pastor. Hand-pressed tortillas arrive overflowing with succulent, spice-rubbed meats and bright, zesty salsas, offering a masterclass in balance that pairs smoky char with the refreshing crunch of radish and lime.
• Seamore's — Seafood · rated 4.3/5: Seamore's transports diners to a sun-drenched coastal escape, where airy, light-filled interiors and a buzzing energy evoke the effortless charm of a seaside retreat. The kitchen honors the ocean’s bounty with vibrant, sustainably sourced plates that burst with freshness, from crisp, citrus-kissed tacos to the daily catch paired with seasonal, farm-fresh sides. It is a lively destination where the salt-air spirit of the shore meets urban sophistication, offering a refreshing taste of summer all year round.
• Maya — Mexican · rated 4.3/5: Located in the heart of the Upper East Side, Chef Richard Sandoval's Maya offers a delightful fusion of traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. Boasting a 4.3-star rating from over 1,400 reviews, this vibrant restaurant and tequila bar is known for its lively atmosphere and delightful bottomless margarita brunch. With outdoor seating, takeout, and curbside pickup options, Maya makes for an excellent dining experience.
• Tacos Y Quesadillas — Mexican · rated 4.3/5: Tacos Y Quesadillas is your go-to spot for delicious Mexican cuisine conveniently located at 1886 Broadway, New York, NY 10023. Open for lunch and dinner, this street corner food cart serves up a variety of tacos and burritos that are perfect for a quick, flavorful meal. With a family-friendly atmosphere and late-night hours, it's a great choice for a snack after a night out. For more details, visit [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=5524800754505098545).
• Kappo Masa — Japanese · rated 4.3/5: Nestled in Lenox Hill, Kappo Masa by acclaimed chef Masa Takayama offers a serene subterranean escape where sushi and other Japanese delights are expertly crafted for lunch and dinner. Savor the freshness of the sushi and the unique flavors of dishes like duck tacos and uni custard in a cozy, romantic ambiance. With top-notch service and a variety of beverages, this fine-dining spot promises a memorable culinary experience. Reservations are a must.
• Mexiterranean Grill — Mexican · rated 4.2/5: Located in the heart of Lenox Hill, Mexiterranean Grill offers a unique blend of Mexican flavors with Mediterranean twists. With a casual setting and table service, it’s the perfect spot for enjoying comfort food, happy hour specials, and a variety of small plates and healthy options. Popular dishes include tacos, guacamole, and falafel. Fast service and delicious food make this a must-visit, where customers typically spend $10-20. Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM.
• Firecracker Wings — American · rated 4.1/5: Firecracker Wings in Kips Bay, Midtown Manhattan, offers a laid-back dining experience specializing in a variety of chicken wings with diverse sauces. Open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, this counter-serve spot is perfect for lunch, dinner, takeout, and delivery. The menu extends beyond Buffalo wings to sandwiches, tacos, and desserts. Vegetarian and halal options are available. Family-friendly and ideal for sports enthusiasts, the service at Firecracker Wings is praised for its speed and excellence.
• Sabor A Mexico II — Mexican · rated 4/5: Sabor A Mexico II pulses with the vibrant energy of a traditional cantina, where the air is perfumed with the smoky scent of charred chilies and the bright tang of fresh lime. Every plate serves as a colorful mosaic of authentic heritage, from the rhythmic sizzle of seasoned meats to the comforting warmth of hand-pressed tortillas that invite diners to linger over a truly soulful feast.
• Buena Onda Mescalera — Mexican · rated 4/5: Bathed in a warm, amber glow where the rhythmic pulse of Latin music meets the smoky allure of artisanal spirits, this spirited sanctuary captures the soulful essence of a hidden Oaxacan courtyard. Guests gather around rustic wood tables to explore the complex, earth-driven depths of hand-poured mezcals, each sip complemented by vibrant plates that dance with the heat of toasted chilies and the bright zing of fresh citrus. It is a place where the "good vibes" are palpable, inviting a celebratory spirit that lingers long after the last drop of agave nectar has been savored.
• Toloache — Mexican: Vibrant colors and the zesty aroma of freshly squeezed lime define this sophisticated sanctuary of modern Mexican cuisine, where the energy of a bustling kitchen meets an atmosphere of refined elegance. The experience centers on a playful exploration of textures and heat, from the creamy complexity of a fruit-studded guacamole trio to the delicate, fusion-inspired artistry of tuna tiradito and charred octopus tostadas. Every plate arrives as a vivid masterpiece, blending traditional soul with a contemporary edge that keeps the palate surprised and the spirit celebrated.
• Sabor A Mexico II — Mexican: Sabor A Mexico II welcomes diners into a vibrant, sun-drenched space where the air is heavy with the intoxicating aroma of slow-simmered carnitas and charred peppers. Hand-pressed tortillas arrive warm to the table, serving as the perfect vessel for bold, spice-kissed fillings that celebrate the soulful depth of traditional Mexican heritage. Between the rhythmic sound of cocktail shakers and the bright, zesty snap of fresh lime, every meal feels like a festive celebration of authentic flavors and warm hospitality.
• Tacos del Este Superior — Mexican: Tacos del Este Superior pulses with the vibrant energy of a modern taqueria, where the rhythmic press of handmade tortillas and the sizzle of marinated meats create a lively backdrop for flavor-seekers. Each plate is a colorful celebration of heritage, featuring tender, slow-cooked proteins topped with zesty house-made salsas that dance on the palate with every bite. The sun-drenched space invites diners to linger over refreshing aguas frescas and street-style classics, capturing the soulful essence of authentic Mexican craftsmanship in a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
• The SisterYard — Mexican: Stepping into this lush, sun-drenched garden feels like discovering a secret tropical sanctuary where the rustle of palms and the scent of freshly roasted coffee set a tranquil, bohemian tone. The kitchen crafts vibrant, wholesome plates that celebrate seasonal ingredients, offering a soulful dining experience that invites guests to slow down and savor the moment amidst rustic wooden accents and verdant greenery. It is an effortless retreat where artisanal brews and bright, fresh flavors come together under a leafy canopy, creating a community-focused oasis hidden from the city’s frantic pace.
• Mexiterranean Grill — Mexican: Mexiterranean Grill serves as a vibrant crossroads where the smoky heat of Mexican spices meets the bright, herb-infused zest of the Mediterranean. Sun-drenched flavors leap off the plate as charred proteins and zesty, house-made salsas come together in a lively atmosphere that celebrates the bold, cross-cultural energy of two iconic culinary worlds.
• Dos Toros Taqueria — Mexican: This high-energy taqueria pulses with an urban rhythm, drawing guests in with the savory scent of naturally raised meats searing on the plancha and the vibrant colors of farm-fresh ingredients. Each custom-built creation is a study in balance, layering smoky carnitas or tender carne asada with zesty, hand-chopped salsas and a signature melted cheese finish that captures the sun-drenched soul of Mission-style fare.
• La Esquina — Mexican: Tucked away on a bustling corner, this vibrant haunt pulses with the energy of a hidden urban sanctuary where the scent of charred chilies and smoky agave fills the air. Guests transition from the gritty charm of a street-side taqueria to a sultry, candlelit lounge, savoring bold Latin flavors and hand-shaken cocktails that capture the spirited essence of a midnight escape.
• Calexico — Mexican: Calexico captures the sun-drenched spirit of the West Coast, blending industrial-chic aesthetics with a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere that feels like a permanent summer afternoon. The air is thick with the scent of charred meats and zesty citrus as the kitchen turns out golden-fried tacos and overstuffed burritos drizzled with their signature creamy, spicy sauces. Whether sipping a salt-rimmed margarita at the bustling bar or sharing a platter of loaded nachos under warm neon lights, guests find a soulful marriage of California cool and authentic Mexican heat.
• Javelina — Mexican: This vibrant outpost transports diners to the heart of San Antonio, where the air is thick with the scent of smoky chilies and the convivial hum of a crowded Tex-Mex cantina. From the legendary, molten bowls of yellow queso to the rhythmic sizzle of marinated meats, every dish celebrates a soulful, spice-forward tradition best enjoyed with a frosty, salt-rimmed margarita in hand.
• Seamore's — Seafood: This sun-soaked coastal escape brings the breezy energy of the Atlantic to the city, where whitewashed walls and light-filled spaces create the perfect backdrop for a sustainable seafood feast. The kitchen transforms the daily catch into vibrant fish tacos and customizable bowls, offering a bright, ocean-to-table experience that feels like a permanent summer afternoon on the shore.