Best Mexican Restaurants in Little Italy

From a Cosme cofounder, Santo Taco brings CDMX-inspired tacos like the much-praised steak trompo to a compact Nolita counter next to La Esquina. Portions are slightly larger than street tacos, with careful toppings and a modern look that has quickly made it a downtown taco benchmark.

5ive Spice’s Nolita outpost blends slow-simmered pho, banh mi, and shaking beef with its signature bánh xèo tacos in a compact, buzzy setting. High multi-platform ratings and steady crowds point to reliable execution, especially for the broths and short rib dishes, even if prices run higher than a traditional hole-in-the-wall.

A late-night taco counter built for post-midnight cravings: fast pacing, bold salsas, and a menu that stays focused on tortillas-first satisfaction. Best when you want quick, hot tacos without the full sit-down ceremony.

For nearly two decades this Nolita/SoHo border institution has combined a streetside taqueria, corner café, and subterranean brasserie into one of downtown’s best-known Mexican addresses. Guests come for queso fundido, fish tacos, and late-night energy more than quiet refinement.

A compact taqueria move for when you want fast, filling Mexican street-food staples in the neighborhood without committing to a full-service night. It’s strongest as a grab-and-go taco and burrito stop, especially when you lean into the house specials rather than over-customizing.

A SoHo Mexican dining room with a more date-friendly, sit-down feel and a menu that leans into classic preparations rather than street-food minimalism. It’s a good pick when you want a longer meal with cocktails and shared plates, but the value proposition depends on ordering smart.