Burritos, tacos, nachos, the list seems to be endless when it comes to delicious Mexican dishes.
The cuisine is much loved throughout the globe and here in the capital is no exception. So we’ve embraced enchiladas and ploughed through pollos (all for research purposes of course) to bring to you the best Mexican restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
Amerigos
We kick off our rundown with one of the most popular (and one of the best) Mexican restaurants in Abu Dhabi, Amerigos. The Yas Island venue really gives out of the Latin America vibe with bright colours, cool décor and tunes that make you feel like you’ve walked into an eatery in Guadalajara rather than a restaurant in the capital of the UAE. The grub is pretty notch too with stack of tacos, enchiladas, ceviche, fajitas and more being served up to hungry Mexiphiles. Too packed inside? Chill by the pool, shaded palm trees and watch golfers struggle on the nearby Yas Links Golf Course.
What to eat: Arroz a la tumbada. Dhs160. A mega seafood platter consisting of seafood rice, king prawns, calamari, baby octopus and mussels.
Sat-Wed 5pm-1am, Thu 5pm-2am, Fri 12.30pm-3.30pm, 5pm-2am. Park Inn by Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Yas Island (02 656 2222).
Burro Blanco
A no-nonsense restaurant that hangs its hat on the quality of its food rather than its surroundings. Burro Blanco is a top spot for anyone who is looking to tickle their palate with Mexican street food. As good as you would get at any taqueria in Mexico City, Burro Blanco dishes out simple but oh so tasty burritos, tacos, nachos and street bites.
What to eat: El Jefe. Dhs48. Burro Blanco’s boss burrito is packed full of cilantro lime rice, pinto beans, black beans, grilled adobo chicken, grilled adobo steak, guacamole, sour cream aged white cheddar and a diner’s salsa of choice. There will be no need for seconds after this meal at one of the best Mexican restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
Sat 11am-midnight, Mon-Thu noon-1am, Fri and Sun noon-midnight. Zayed the first Road www.burroblanco.ae (02 309 3911).
Cantina Laredo
While the chain may have started in the least Mexican of surroundings in Chicago, Cantina Laredo’s ability to make an authentic meal from south of the border is fenomenal which is why it is one of the first names down on the best Mexican restaurants in Abu Dhabi list. Based in Khalidiyah Mall, it is a perfect recharging port to take time out of your busy shopping schedule.
What to eat: Camarones escondidos. Dhs69. This belt busting dish is a grilled chicken stuffed with shrimp, sautéed spinach, mushroom and drenched in creamy, smoky chipotle pepper sauce (and we’re drooling).
Sat-Wed 10am-midnight, Thu-Fri 10am-1am. Al Khalidiya (04 705 9679).
Dusk
A Mexican hideout that visitors have to reach by boat is as cool as it sounds. With arguably the most varied menu out of all of the best Mexican restaurants in Abu Dhabi, Dusk on Zaya Nurai Island does not leave anyone who decides to make the trip over disappointed. Tackle the nachos de mejores, gobble up the pescadillas acapulquenas (corn tortillas with fish topped with salsa picante and cotija cheese) or take on the heat of the jalapeno relleno de quezo (deep fried cheese stuffed with jalapeno chillies and beef bacon). There will only be happy smiles when it is time to sail away back to the mainland. Top tip: share the starters because they are huge.
What to eat: Tacos de langosta. Dhs140. Tacos are lathered with black bean sauce and stuffed with lobster, coriander, avocado and arbol de chille.
Open daily 5pm-1am. Nurai Island (02 506 6274).
El Chico Mexican Restaurant
With sombreros adorning the walls and pictures of folklore dancers hanging everywhere, El Chico Mexican Restaurant maybe a pequeno bit gimmicky but we don’t care because, boy (see what we did there), the food is absolutely moreish. Chow down on fried avocado with jalapeno dip, scoff fajita nachos or devour the brisket beef taco at one of the best Mexican restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
What to eat: Tacos fries. Dhs42. Fries topped with cheese, taco beef, pico de gallo, jalapenos, cheddar, and jack cheese, with dollops or sour cream and ranch. Deelish.
Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-11pm. World Trade Centre, Al Markaziya (02 705 9760).
Loca
If you love Mexican cuisine then it would be crazy to not cross the threshold of this Mexican restaurant in Abu Dhabi. Diners can enjoy banging bites like rancheros enchiladas (beef tenderloin, poblano peppers and ranchero sauce) and alambre tacos, while they bop along to some funky tunes at one of the best Mexican restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
What to eat: Jalapenos Locas. Dhs59. Jalapenos are rolled with crushed tortillas and filled with Monterey cheese making for excellent finger picking food. But watch out for the kick.
Daily noon-midnight. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, locauae.com (02 5823639).
Senor Taco
Have a guess what Senor Taco is good at whipping up? Tacos of course but he knows a thing or two about fajitas, quesadillas and nachos if you’re feeling picky when you visit this Mexican restaurant in Abu Dhabi.
What to eat: Senior dynamite chicken. Dhs40. Forget about tacos and go for this chicken dish with the explosive dynamite sauce.
Daily noon-1am. Al Mina (058 633 3150).
Taco de Casa
This Tex-Mex joint has been satisfying the cravings of Abu Dhabians for Mexican fare for a few years now with a menu that is choc-a-block with all the usual suspects. And if you decide to be lazy and stay at home, this Mexican restaurant in Abu Dhabi slices 20 percent off the price and delivers for free. Muchas gracias.
What to eat: Santa Fe Salad. Dhs27. A ligh, tasty bite made up of avocado, lettuce, tomato, black beans, corn, cheddar cheese and corn chips with ranch dressing.
Sun-Wed 10am-11pm, Thu-Sat 10am-midnight, Al Wahda Mall (02 555 1033). Open daily 10am-midnight. Yas Mall (02 565 0754).
Taqado Mexican Restaurant
Bringing a hipster vibe to the countdown of best Mexican restaurants in Abu Dhabi is Taqado. With a number of outlets dotted throughout the capital, residents love this joint’s custom made, boxed up, savoury treats which can be eaten onsite or on the go.
What to eat: Burrito. Dhs40. Keep it simple and lock hunger up until supper with a jam packed burrito.
Various locations including Yas Mall (02 627 9069) and Galleria Mall, www.taqado.com (02 677 0700).
