The 6 Best Mexican Restaurants In Barcelona

Tacos, nachos, burritos, enchiladas… the list of Mexican delights goes on. Anyone who’s had the pleasure of a pile of crispy nachos piled high with fresh guacamole, washed down with a michelada or two will tell you you need to know where you can find good Mexican food for those occasions where nothing else will do. But with so much more to Mexican cuisine than just tortilla chips and tacos, it’s fortunate that Barcelona is home to a number of top-notch establishments paying tribute to Mexico’s rich culinary heritage. Here’s our pick of the best Mexican restaurants in town, whatever mood you’re in.

1. Tlaxcal

Restaurant, Mexican

A self-described ‘gastronomic taquería’ – that’s a taco house to you and me – Tlaxcal also claims to be the Mexican restaurant most preferred by Mexicans in Barcelona. While that’s something we can’t quite confirm, we can ensure that Tlaxcal serves one of the best guacamoles in town, bursting with flavor and freshness, served as a perfect accompaniment to any dish. There’s an impressive selection of tacos to choose from, with everything from fish to meat and vegetarian. The cochinita pibil – a Mexican slow roast pulled pork dish – is a favorite, as is the rajas poblanes, sliced poblana pepper with sour cream and cheese. And if you’re a sports fan you’ll be pleased to hear that on big match days the TV tends to pop out, but get there early if you want to get a table.

2. Hoja Santa

Restaurant, Mexican

How do you a judge a good Mexican restaurant? The freshness of the guacamole? The depth of flavor of the chili? What about a Michelin-star? Part of the group of restaurants opened by Catalan chefs Albert Adrià – responsible for the innovative dishes at the world famous elBullí – and Paco Méndez, Hoja Santa received a Michelin star in 2015 for their innovative take on Mexican cuisine. With their signature touches of molecular gastronomy – think a smoked mezcal foam on your margarita or a deconstructed plate of nachos. This is not the place for greasy burritos and cheap beers – or the cheap and cheerful prices that come with it – but rather a unique culinary experience you’ll remember for a long time.

3. Oaxaca

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Restaurant, Mexican

This sophisticated restaurant pays tribute to the ancient customs and culinary wisdom of Mexico, back from the days of the pre-colonial civilizations. The menu at Oaxaca is not your regular list of tacos and quesadillas, but rather a journey through the country’s terroir and gastronomic heritage, head chef Joan Bagur having learnt the recipes from Mexican mayores – wise elders. Think roast corn Coyoacán style with chili ash, or roast chicken with the house mole– the traditional Mexican sauce. If you’re a fan of mezcal, the cocktail bar next door serves a great selection of signature mezcal and tequila cocktails.