Best Upscale Tacos in New York City | Top 3 Upscale Spots

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Tacos in New York City | Top 3 Upscale Spots

• Burritos y Mas — Mexican · rated 5/5: The air at this vibrant neighborhood haunt is thick with the savory aroma of seared meats and the irresistible crunch of warm, salt-dusted chips meeting zesty house-made salsa. Hand-stretched tortillas arrive generously overstuffed with charred, seasoned steak or tender, slow-simmered pork, creating a hearty and soulful experience that celebrates bold, sun-drenched flavors in every satisfying bite.
• El Mero Mero — Mexican · rated 5/5: El Mero Mero captures the soulful essence of a vibrant Mexican kitchen, where the air is perfumed with the smoky aroma of al pastor and the comforting depth of slow-simmered menudo. Guests feast on hearty steak tortas and zesty chicken salad in green sauce before finishing with golden, sugar-dusted churros dipped in rich chocolate. This lively space brings together bold, traditional flavors and warm hospitality, creating an authentic escape that feels both festive and familiar.
• Maya Mezcal — Mexican · rated 5/5: Maya Mezcal invites guests into a spirited sanctuary where the smoky aroma of artisanal agave spirits mingles with the vibrant, zesty notes of hand-crushed salsa and lime. The kitchen elevates traditional cantina fare into a sophisticated feast, offering everything from the molten indulgence of queso fundido to the complex, earthy richness of huitlacoche quesadillas and fiery Camarones El Diablo. It is a space where modern flair meets rustic warmth, creating an electric backdrop for lingering over shared plates and bold, craft cocktails.
• Daily Press Ocean Hill — American · rated 5/5: This vibrant neighborhood sanctuary effortlessly bridges the gap between sunrise and starlight, where the rich aroma of freshly pressed coffee eventually yields to the crisp tang of session sours and spirited tequila toasts. The kitchen serves a soulful, eclectic collection of comfort, from zesty Cubano tacos and hearty burritos to the nostalgic, coal-oven crunch of Table 87 pizza. It is a space defined by its effortless versatility, inviting guests to linger over brine-snapped pickled eggs or a nourishing grain bowl in an environment that hums with local energy.
• Chela — Mexican · rated 5/5: Chela invites guests into a vibrant, soulful space where the earthy aroma of toasted masa and simmering chilies fills the air. The kitchen celebrates the rich heritage of Mexican comfort food, serving up everything from the satisfying crunch of stuffed chilaquiles and golden, mushroom-filled gorditas to the delicate steam rising from hand-wrapped tamales. Whether sharing a bowl of creamy, traditional guacamole or savoring a soul-warming tortilla soup, every bite captures the festive spirit and bold, sun-drenched flavors of a neighborhood cantina.
• El Zason — Mexican · rated 5/5: El Zason pulses with a vibrant energy where the smoky aroma of charred wings and the zesty brightness of fresh lime invite diners into a lively celebration of bold, communal flavors. The table transforms into a colorful mosaic of textures, pairing the molten richness of chorizo fundido and creamy burrata with the refreshing snap of octopus ceviche and citrus-kissed cactus strings. It is a spirited destination where traditional soul meets contemporary flair, creating an atmosphere that feels like a continuous, flavor-drenched fiesta.
• Dear Mama — Mexican · rated 5/5: Sunlight streams into this soulful neighborhood hub, where the rhythmic hiss of the espresso machine and the aroma of griddled brioche create a warm, communal embrace. Guests linger over poetic liquid creations like the floral Sakura Blossom or the shimmering Golden Hour latte, pairing their brews with vibrant plates of zesty avocado toast and the hearty, spice-kissed El Barrio B.E.C. It is a place where the morning ritual is elevated to an art form, blending urban energy with the comforting, familiar feeling of home.
• Mayahuel — Mexican · rated 5/5: Mayahuel pulses with the vibrant energy of a coastal Mexican escape, where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of charred chilies and sea salt. Diners dive into bright, citrus-drenched aguachiles and smoky, flame-kissed shrimp, while hand-pressed gorditas and crisp tlayudas celebrate the deep, earthy soul of traditional masa. It is a spirited gathering place where every bite—from the creamy crunch of fresh esquites to the zing of house-made salsas—transports the palate to a sun-drenched Oaxacan plaza.
• Gringo's — Mexican · rated 5/5: Gringo’s pulses with the high-octane energy of a Tijuana night market, where the clinking of shared cocktail pitchers and the sizzle of the grill create a vibrant backdrop for spirited social gatherings. Guests dive into a relentless parade of endless tacos and bold, signature creations like the El Chapo, all washed down with the potent, citrus-kissed kick of their notorious Tijuana Street Tea.
• Los Tacos NYC — Mexican · rated 4.9/5: Los Tacos NYC captures the electric pulse of a bustling Mexico City street market, where the rhythmic press of fresh masa and the sizzle of marinated meats on the plancha create a symphony of urban flavor. Guests lean over standing counters to savor hand-pressed tortillas overflowing with smoky carne asada and vibrant, house-made salsas that deliver a bright, citrusy kick. It is a high-energy sanctuary of authenticity, where every charred bite and chilled sip of hibiscus water transports the senses far beyond the city streets.
• Casa Maya — Mexican · rated 4.9/5: Casa Maya transports diners to a sun-soaked courtyard where the rhythmic patter of handmade tortillas and the smoky aroma of slow-roasted carnitas fill the air. Vibrant murals and warm terracotta accents set the stage for a feast of bold, ancestral flavors, where zesty citrus marinades and rich, complex moles celebrate the soul of Mexican heritage. As the clink of salt-rimmed glasses punctuates the lively chatter, every meal becomes a spirited celebration of tradition and community.
• El Rey de Pescado — Mexican · rated 4.8/5: El Rey de Pescado captures the vibrant soul of a Mexican coastal escape, where the air hums with lively energy and the bright, tangy aroma of lime and cilantro. Plates overflow with the ocean’s bounty, from crisp, golden-fried treasures to zesty ceviches that sparkle with chili-flecked heat and the creaminess of ripe avocado. It is a celebratory sanctuary of sun-soaked flavors, inviting guests to lose track of time amidst colorful decor and the refreshing clink of hand-shaken margaritas.
• Los Tacos No.1 — Mexican · rated 4.8/5: The air hums with the rhythmic chop of cleavers and the savory scent of marinated pork searing on the trompo, instantly transporting diners to a vibrant Mexican street corner. Hand-pressed corn tortillas, still warm from the griddle, serve as the perfect canvas for succulent meats topped with a bright burst of lime and house-made salsas that dance on the palate.
• Tacos del Barrio — Mexican · rated 4.8/5: The rhythmic pat-pat of hand-pressed tortillas and the smoky aroma of marinated meats searing on the plancha welcome guests into this vibrant neighborhood sanctuary. Each plate captures the soul of Mexican street food, layering tender, slow-cooked fillings with the bright zing of lime and the fiery complexity of artisanal salsas. Bathed in warm light and the hum of spirited conversation, it is a place where every bite feels like a sun-drenched celebration of tradition and community.
• El Buen Sabor Hondureño Deli Restaurant — Mexican · rated 4.8/5: This vibrant neighborhood gem welcomes diners with the intoxicating aroma of toasted chilies and slow-simmered meats, creating an atmosphere that feels like a warm, sun-drenched escape. Behind the bustling deli counter, the kitchen transforms traditional Mexican staples into soulful feasts where zesty salsas and tender, spice-rubbed proteins capture the essence of authentic home cooking.
• Los Tacos No.1 — Mexican · rated 4.7/5: The air hums with the rhythmic thrum of chopping knives and the savory aroma of marinated meats searing on the grill, transporting diners to the vibrant heart of a traditional Mexican street market. Hand-pressed tortillas, still warm from the comal, serve as the perfect canvas for succulent al pastor carved straight from the spit and bright, zesty salsas that dance on the palate. This high-energy sanctuary celebrates the raw beauty of simple ingredients, offering a fleeting but unforgettable escape into the bold, smoky soul of authentic taco culture.
• The Calaveras — Mexican · rated 4.7/5: The Calaveras pulses with the vibrant energy of a Mexican fiesta, where the scent of charred chiles and hand-pressed masa wafts through a space adorned with soulful, folkloric art. Guests lose themselves in a kaleidoscope of flavors, from the smoky depth of slow-simmered moles to the bright, citrusy snap of fresh ceviche paired with artisanal mezcal cocktails. This spirited destination honors tradition through bold, sensory storytelling, turning every meal into a festive celebration of heritage and heat.
• Tacolmos — Mexican · rated 4.7/5: Tacolmos invites diners into a vibrant, sun-drenched space where the rhythmic press of fresh masa and the smoky sizzle of marinated meats create an irresistible symphony of authentic Mexican flavors. Zesty aromas of lime and cilantro dance through the air as guests gather around colorful tables to enjoy hand-held masterpieces that capture the soulful, bustling energy of a traditional street market.
• Miatzil — Mexican · rated 4.7/5: Miatzil transports guests to the heart of Mexico, where the rhythmic press of handmade tortillas and the smoky aroma of charred chilies create an atmosphere of soulful heritage. Each plate serves as a vibrant canvas of bold flavors, balancing the deep complexity of slow-simmered moles with the bright, citrusy zing of garden-fresh salsas. It is a space where ancestral culinary traditions are honored with contemporary finesse, offering a dining experience that feels both deeply rooted in the earth and elegantly refined.
• Sophistian Mexican Pizzeria — Mexican · rated 4.7/5: Sophistian Mexican Pizzeria invites diners into a vibrant, sun-drenched space where the smoky aroma of charred chilies and wood-fired dough creates an immediate sense of warmth. The kitchen masterfully marries the bold, zesty spirit of Mexico with artisanal pizza-making, layering crisp, golden crusts with slow-braised meats, vibrant salsas, and melted Oaxacan cheese. It is a sophisticated culinary crossroads where traditional flavors are reimagined through a modern lens, offering a dining experience that is both adventurous and deeply comforting.
• Café Habana — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: This vibrant urban retreat pulses with energy, drawing guests in with the intoxicating scent of charred corn, zesty lime, and slow-simmered spices. Inside, neon lights and retro accents create a lively backdrop for savoring bold Mexican flavors, from smoky, cheese-dusted elote to tender meats infused with the heat of sun-drenched chilis. It is a sensory celebration of street-food soul, where every plate captures the spirited warmth and festive rhythm of a bustling neighborhood cantina.
• La Contenta — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: La Contenta unfolds as a vibrant, candlelit sanctuary where the rhythmic shake of artisanal cocktails harmonizes with the intoxicating aroma of toasted chilies and slow-simmered moles. This intimate escape captures the soul of Mexico through a kaleidoscope of bold flavors and hand-pressed textures, fostering a spirited atmosphere where every meal feels like a festive celebration of heritage.
• Dos Toros Restaurant — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: Dos Toros pulses with the vibrant energy of a bustling taqueria, where the rhythmic sound of cleavers and the aroma of charred chilies create an atmosphere of spirited, fast-paced craftsmanship. Golden, hand-pressed tortillas wrap around slow-simmered meats and zesty, house-made salsas, delivering a punch of bright, West Coast-inspired flavor in every bite. It is a lively destination where the creamy richness of hand-mashed guacamole meets the smoky heat of adobo, offering a fresh and authentic tribute to the bold culinary traditions of San Francisco’s Mission District.
• Mayahuel — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: Mayahuel invites guests into a dimly lit, agave-scented sanctuary where the vibrant soul of Mexico is captured in every smoky mezcal pour and hand-pressed tortilla. The kitchen weaves a tapestry of deep, complex moles and bright, citrus-kissed crudos, offering a sensory journey that celebrates the rich heritage and spirited warmth of traditional Mexican hospitality.
• El Mero Mero — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: El Mero Mero pulses with the vibrant energy of a modern cantina, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of grilled meats and the bright, citrusy zing of fresh lime. Each dish is a masterclass in balance, layering the smoky depth of dried chilies with the crisp crunch of garden-fresh garnishes to honor the rich culinary heritage of Mexico. The experience is a soulful journey through sun-soaked flavors and festive, high-spirited hospitality that lingers long after the last sip of mezcal.
• Chano's Cantina — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: Chano’s Cantina pulses with a festive energy, where the air is thick with the smoky aroma of charred chilies and the rhythmic clinking of ice in salt-rimmed glasses. Guests gather around rustic tables to savor slow-braised meats tucked into warm, hand-pressed tortillas, each bite a vibrant harmony of zesty citrus and deep, earthy spices that captures the spirited heart of Mexican culinary tradition.
• Sobre Masa — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: The rhythmic press of heirloom corn and the intoxicating aroma of nixtamal fill this vibrant space, where the ancient art of masa-making takes center stage. Velvety, hand-pressed tortillas cradle a symphony of bold, soulful flavors, creating a communal experience that feels both deeply traditional and effortlessly modern, especially when paired with a smoky mezcal or a cup of rich, stone-ground cacao.
• El Zason — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: El Zason bursts with the vibrant energy of a sun-drenched cantina, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of charred chiles and hand-pressed tortillas. Bold flavors dance across the palate, moving from the smoky complexity of traditional moles to the bright, citrusy zing of house-made salsas. It is a festive escape that invites guests to linger over salt-rimmed margaritas in a space glowing with the warmth of genuine heritage and hospitality.
• El Don Taqueria — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: El Don Taqueria captures the vibrant pulse of a traditional Mexican street market, where the rhythmic chop of the cleaver and the smoky scent of seared meats create an atmosphere of lively anticipation. Warm, hand-pressed tortillas serve as the canvas for succulent carnitas and zesty salsas, delivering a burst of sun-drenched flavor in every bite. This is a soulful neighborhood gem where the heritage of the taquero is honored through bold spices and a welcoming, high-energy spirit.
• Bar Mexicana — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: Bathed in the warm glow of amber lights and neon accents, Bar Mexicana pulses with a spirited energy where the rhythmic clatter of cocktail shakers signals the start of a vibrant evening. The air carries the smoky allure of charred chilies and slow-simmered meats, inviting guests to dive into hand-pressed tortillas overflowing with bold, zesty flavors that capture the sun-drenched essence of a modern cantina. It is a lively sanctuary where salt-rimmed glasses and shared plates bring people together for a sensory journey through the heart of Mexico.