Best Mexican Restaurants in San Francisco
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
La Taqueria
Riceless burritos finished 'dorado' for a crisped tortilla.
Notable Picks
#1
La Taqueria
8.9
Mission icon for riceless, tightly wrapped burritos griddled 'dorado' for a crispy finish. Lines move quickly and staff keeps families flowing through counter service without fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Dorado Burrito, Carnitas Dorado Burrito, Grilled Jalapeños
What Makes it Special: Riceless burritos finished 'dorado' for a crisped tortilla.
8.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Corner-store taqueria turning out oversized, tightly wrapped Mission-style burritos with famously crispy, tender carnitas. Order at the back counter, grab pickled jalapeños and carrots, and expect excellent value with steady daytime lines.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas super burrito, Chile verde burrito, Al pastor super burrito
What Makes it Special: Legendary crispy carnitas inside a humble corner-store taqueria.
8.7
A taqueria specializing in artisanal tacos, offering a variety of meats and inventive toppings, all served on house-made tortillas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Taco, Suadero Taco, Pineapple Pork Taco
What Makes it Special: Artisanal tacos with unique meats and fresh, handmade tortillas.
#4
El Farolito
8.6
Late-night institution serving griddled tacos with deeply seasoned meats and a no-frills counter setup. Lines move quickly and portions are generous, making it a reliable stop after games or shows.
Must-Try Dishes:
Adobada (al pastor) tacos, Carne asada tacos, Super quesabirria taco (weekend special)
What Makes it Special: Open very late with fast-moving lines and dialed-in taco meats.
#5
Merkado
8.6
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Stylish South Beach cantina offering agave-driven cocktails and refined Mexican plates with a spacious patio. Popular for pre-game dinners and business-friendly gatherings near the ballpark.
Must-Try Dishes:
Short rib birria, Shrimp aguachile, Carnitas platter
What Makes it Special: Agave-forward bar program and polished plates steps from the park.
#6
Nopalito
8.6
Organic, regionally inspired Mexican from the Nopa family since 2009, known for house nixtamal and deeply flavored stews. Service is efficient and the patio/bar work for casual dates or solo meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas, Totopos con chile, Pozole rojo
What Makes it Special: House-nixtamal tortillas and long-running consistency since 2009.
8.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Mission-style stalwart turning out hefty burritos with a sprawling salsa bar and fast counter service. Locals use it for customizable super burritos and dependable late-evening meals since the 1980s.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Burrito al Pastor, Wet Burrito (enchilada style), Grilled Veggie Burrito
What Makes it Special: Mission-style burritos with a deep salsa bar and long-running consistency.
8.6
Richmond District landmark known for Yucatán-leaning plates and the famed Tommy’s Margarita. Bar-friendly happy-hour energy pairs well with taco orders and a deep 100%-agave tequila list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita pibil tacos, Carne asada tacos, Chicken tinga tacos
What Makes it Special: Historic tequila shrine with Yucatán tacos and lively bar.
#9
Wild One
8.6
Chef Leo's Cal-Mex fusion concept elevates traditional Mexican cuisine with organic, health-conscious ingredients and creative presentations. The watermelon feta salad with blackened salmon and chile relleno showcase the kitchen's innovative approach to familiar flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blackened Salmon with Watermelon Salad, Chile Relleno with Special Sauce, Crispy Fish Burrito
What Makes it Special: Cal-Mex fusion with organic ingredients and artistic presentation
8.5
A popular taco truck offering authentic, flavorful tacos with a choice of meats, served with fresh salsas and tortillas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Taco, Carnitas Taco, Baja Fish Taco
What Makes it Special: Authentic taco truck with perfectly seasoned meats and fresh toppings.
#11
El Pípila
8.5
Daytime counter spotlighting Guanajuato flavors with handmade tortillas and bright salsas. Tacos are clean and focused, with careful seasoning and fresh masa texture.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos on handmade tortillas, Pollo en salsa verde taco, Quesabirria (limited availability)
What Makes it Special: Handmade tortillas and regionally rooted recipes elevate simple tacos.
#12
Loló
8.5
Jaliscan-Californian plates and a serious agave list in a colorful, design-forward room; weeknight drink specials make pre-dinner cocktails popular. Fried avocado tacos and seafood tostadas anchor the menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried avocado taco, Tuna tostada, Carnitas en cazuela
What Makes it Special: Vivid design and Jaliscan-inspired plates with agave-centric cocktails.
#13
Papito Hayes
8.5
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Hayes Valley staple (since 2014) serving tacos with a Cal-Mex sensibility plus margaritas and a broader menu. Polished service and a lively room make it pre-show friendly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos, Pescado tacos, Chicken tinga tacos
What Makes it Special: Refined tacos and margaritas in the heart of Hayes Valley.
8.5
Late-night Mission stalwart near 24th St BART known for hefty, tightly wrapped burritos and quick counter pacing. Choose-your-meat builds and long hours make it a go-to after shows and bar runs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super carne asada burrito, Al pastor burrito, Grilled jalapeños add-on
What Makes it Special: High-volume classic Mission burritos with true late hours.
#15
5 Tacos & Beers
8.4
Downtown taquería pairing handmade tortillas with rotating regional taco styles and a solid beer list. Weekday happy hour keeps prices friendly without sacrificing scratch execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria tacos, Taco Gobernador (shrimp), Al pastor street tacos
What Makes it Special: Handmade tortillas and a beer program built for taco pairing.
#16
Cenote
8.4
Casual FiDi counter-service spot with a weekday Happy Hour that includes $9 two-taco plates and drink deals. Straightforward street tacos and quesabirria make it a practical after-work stop near the Embarcadero.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria (with consomé), 2 Street Tacos (carnitas or asada), Loaded Nachos
What Makes it Special: Weekday Happy Hour with legit taco deals downtown.
#17
El Buen Comer
8.4
Homestyle Mexico City cooking—stews, braises, and handmade tortillas—served in a cozy, family-run room. Portions are generous and the menu rewards ordering a couple of cazuelas to share.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pollo en mole rojo, Tinga de res cazuela, Sopes with house masa
What Makes it Special: Scratch-made masa and slow-cooked guisados anchor the menu.
8.4
Mission-style taqueria outpost serving speedy tacos with griddled tortillas and punchy salsas. Lines move quickly and late hours make it a dependable finish to a North Beach night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Carnitas Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos
What Makes it Special: Classic Mission flavors delivered late with brisk counter flow.
#19
Matador
8.4
Lower Nob Hill tequila bar slinging daily happy hour with $3.50 street tacos and strong margaritas. Go for barbacoa or carnitas on house tortillas and settle into a lively after-work scene near Union Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa street taco, Carnitas street taco, Potato flautas
What Makes it Special: All-day daily happy hour with legit street-taco pricing downtown.
8.4
Italian–Mexican mashup in the Transit Center corridor known for a rich birria lasagna layered with slow-stewed beef and stretchy mozzarella. Lively room, cocktails, and a pasta-leaning menu make it a post-work or date-night standby in SoMa/East Cut.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria Lasagna, Paccheri with Wild Boar, Churro Tiramisu
What Makes it Special: Fusion birria lasagna that actually balances Italian technique with Mexican depth.
#21
Otra
8.4
Modern casa for fresh-masa plates and mezcal-forward cocktails in a lively Lower Haight room. The menu skews produce- and seafood-friendly with tight execution and a neighborhood feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tetela de hongos, Pescado al pastor tacos, Aguachile
What Makes it Special: Fresh-masa cookery with a mezcal bar and polished, modern plates.
8.4
Neighborhood taqueria known for tightly wrapped Mission-style burritos and its signature roasted tomato salsa. Consistent portions, clear flavors, and efficient counter service make it a dependable NoPa standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pollo Asado Burrito with Papalote Salsa, Veggie Burrito (add grilled veggies), Chile Verde Burrito
What Makes it Special: House roasted-tomato salsa and tidy, consistently balanced burritos.
8.4
Neighborhood taqueria known for organic ingredients and Mexico City–style plates. Consistently strong tacos and enchiladas make it a reliable Potrero Hill staple with breezy sidewalk seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole enchiladas, Al pastor tacos, Fish tacos
What Makes it Special: Organic, Mexico City–leaning menu with dependable execution.
8.4
Neighborhood standby for agave cocktails and mix-and-match tacos with a weekday happy hour that draws after-work crowds. Portions are fair, salsas are bright, and the room hums without getting chaotic.
Must-Try Dishes:
Guajillo-braised beef taco, Chicken tinga taco, Queso dip with chips
What Makes it Special: Reliable weekday happy hour with a deep agave program.
#25
Tropisueno
8.4
Daytime taqueria that flips to a full-service cantina at night, known for well-executed regional staples and a lively bar program steps from Moscone. Locals come for consistent carnitas, house salsas, and efficient service in the Yerba Buena corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos, Enchiladas suizas, Chile relleno
What Makes it Special: Taqueria-by-day, sit-down cantina at night with dependable classics.
8.4
Family-run taqueria spotlighting smoky, slow-cooked meats and punchy salsas in a compact, colorful space. Known for El Jefe tacos and a focused menu that travels well for takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
El Jefe carne asada tacos, Chile verde chicken tacos, Horchata
What Makes it Special: Smoky meats and seriously spicy salsa in the Castro core.
8.3
Modern Mexican at Ghirardelli Square with blue-corn tortillas, strong margaritas, and a bay-adjacent patio. Happy hour draws Wharf walkers for taco platters and shareables with a solid tequila list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Birria Tacos, Halibut Fish Tacos, Fried Shrimp Tacos
What Makes it Special: Blue-corn taco platters and patio margaritas steps from the bay.
#28
Blue Agave Club
8.3
Since 1997, this upscale Mexican restaurant in a 145-year-old house has been Pleasanton's pioneer of high-end Mexican cuisine. Their extensive premium tequila list and secret-recipe margaritas complement sophisticated dishes like mole poblano and enjococado made from a 100-year-old family recipe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enjococado with Family Recipe Sauce, Mole Poblano, Camarones Emperador
What Makes it Special: Historic house setting with premium tequila collection
#29
Californios
8.3
The only two-Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant in the United States, where Chef Val Cantú weaves Mexican and Californian influences into a 16-course tasting menu featuring mezcal-battered black cod tostadas and house-made sourdough tortillas. Recent visitors report delicious food with well-thought-out execution, though the nearly five-hour dinner length and $325 price point can test patience. Service has drawn mixed reviews, suggesting the experience varies by evening.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mezcal-Battered Black Cod Tostada with Huitlacoche Crema, Smoked Quail in House Mole with Heirloom Corn Tortilla, Caviar-Topped Plantain Tostada
What Makes it Special: The only two-Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant in the United States, where Chef Val Cantú elevates Mexican cuisine through a 16-course seasonal tasting menu.
8.3
A cozy spot offering delicious breakfast tacos with a twist, including chorizo and scrambled eggs paired with fresh salsa.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chorizo Breakfast Taco, Scrambled Egg Taco, Salsa Verde Taco
What Makes it Special: Breakfast tacos with a unique Mexican twist and fresh ingredients.
#31
Hook Fish Co.
8.3
Sustainably sourced local catch served fast-casual with beach-town energy. Grilled and blackened fish tacos, bowls, and plates keep lines moving for post-surf meals and family dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blackened rockfish tacos, Grilled fish plate, Poke bowl
What Makes it Special: Local, sustainable fish spotlighted in tacos, bowls, and plates.
8.3
Beloved tortilla shop and deli turning out fresh masa items, house tortillas, and ready-to-eat plates. Families come for quick counter meals and to stock up on tortillas for home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fresh Corn Tortillas & Carnitas Plate, Quesadilla Suiza, Huarache con Asada
What Makes it Special: House-made tortillas and masa-driven antojitos from a classic deli.
#33
LITA
8.3
Modern Latin-Caribbean restaurant brings Miami's diverse art scene to downtown Walnut Creek with vibrant interiors and bold flavors. The oxtail tacos and jerk chicken showcase Caribbean traditions while the cocktail program features tropical creations like the Chica-LITA flight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oxtail Tacos, Jerk Chicken, Ceviche Trio
What Makes it Special: Miami-inspired Caribbean vibes in downtown Walnut Creek
8.3
Elevated Southwestern cuisine with a 43-page wine list that has earned Wine Spectator recognition four years running. Chef Eduardo Posada's kitchen delivers dishes like parmesan-crusted cauliflower and ribeye aguachile that pair intentionally with the extensive cellar. Works well for Tri-Valley date nights and celebrations where the wine program matters as much as the plate.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cauliflower, Mahi Mahi, Watermelon Salad
What Makes it Special: Upscale Southwestern cuisine in the Tri-Valley with an acclaimed wine list and refined presentations
8.3
This fast‑casual taqueria in Mission Bay serves well‑executed street‑style tacos late into the evening, and has become a favorite for post‑game and post‑work bites. The fresh corn tortillas and punchy salsas elevate what could be a simple taco stop into something reliably tasty.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor taco, Carnitas taco, Vegetarian grilled‑veg taco
What Makes it Special: Open late in Mission Bay with freshly made tortillas and bold salsas.
8.3
Filipino-Mexican burritos built around sizzling sisig with balanced spice and texture. Ferry Building location makes it a fast, satisfying waterfront grab for lunch or market strolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Sisig Burrito, California Sisig Burrito, Tofu Sisig Burrito (Vegan)
What Makes it Special: Founder-driven Filipino sisig burritos with vegan options at a landmark marketplace.
8.3
Filipino–Mexican spot at Thrive City known for pork sisig tacos and pre-game happy hour deals. Fast counter service, bar-adjacent seating, and reliable execution make it an easy Mission Bay meetup.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Sisig Tacos, Tocino Tacos, Longanisa Tacos
What Makes it Special: Arena-side tacos with real weekday happy hour.
#38
Tacos El Tucán
8.3
Castro outpost of a Tijuana-style taco shop known for quesabirria, adobada, and handmade tortillas. Late weekend hours and bold seasoning make it a go-to after shows or bar-hopping.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria tacos with consommé, Adobada (al pastor) tacos, Vampiro
What Makes it Special: Hand-pressed tortillas and Tijuana-style quesabirria served late.
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Counter-service taquería downtown known for trompo-cut al pastor and handmade tortillas. Quick ticket times and late hours make it a reliable move after events on First Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor street tacos, Quesabirria with consomé, Carne asada tacos (hand-pressed tortillas)
What Makes it Special: Fresh-pressed tortillas and hot-off-the-trompo al pastor until late.
#40
Taqueria Cancún
8.3
High-energy taqueria pouring out saucy super burritos and late-night plates. Salsas skew tangy and herbaceous, cutting through big, comforting builds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor super burrito (mojado), Lengua taco, Carne asada nachos
What Makes it Special: Saucy “mojado” burritos and zippy salsa verde late-night.
8.3
Classic counter-service taqueria near Civic Center turning out al pastor and asada tacos fast and cheap. Lines move quickly and portions land right for the price.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carne asada tacos, Super burrito (split to share)
What Makes it Special: Speedy, inexpensive tacos steps from City Hall and the courts.
8.3
A Yucatecan-inspired taqueria offering authentic dishes like panuchos and cochinita pibil, complemented by a selection of Mexican beer cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita Pibil Burrito, Panuchos, Tofu con Achiote
What Makes it Special: Authentic Yucatecan flavors in a casual setting.
#43
Underdogs Tres
8.3
Modern taqueria–sports bar hybrid known for weekday happy hour street tacos and fast ticket times near 9th & Irving. Locals drop in for $3 taco deals, TVs for games, and a lively bar scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Street Tacos, Fish Tacos, Queso Fundido
What Makes it Special: $3 street tacos during weekday happy hour in a sports-bar setting.
#44
Al Carajo
8.2
Compact Yucatecan spot turning out cochinita pibil, escabeche, and other peninsula staples with bright citrus and chile profiles. The menu changes often and highlights seasonal produce.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita pibil torta, Panuchos de pavo, Lime-marinated escabeche
What Makes it Special: Focused Yucatán flavors rarely seen elsewhere in the city.
8.2
Union Square brick-and-mortar from chef-owner Miguel Escobedo serving trompo-carved al pastor and Mexico City–style tacos. Frequent Taco Tuesday promos make it a downtown go-to for quick, affordable taco runs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos (trompo), Gringa (al pastor + cheese on flour), Alpastorta sandwich
What Makes it Special: Trompo-sliced al pastor downtown with rotating taco deals.
8.2
Family-run Mexican restaurant (since 1986) with a lively bar area, robust kids’ options, and fast ticket times. Portions are hearty and the menu ranges from street-taco simple to combo-plate classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Plate, Shrimp Fajitas, Street Tacos
What Makes it Special: Tri-Valley staple with big portions and quick service.
#47
Donaji
8.2
Oaxacan-leaning kitchen spotlighting heirloom corn, moles, and a thoughtful mezcal list. The room is warm and relaxed, with a menu that balances tradition and a few market-driven specials.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole negro with chicken, Tlayuda clásica, Memelas with asiento
What Makes it Special: Heirloom-corn masa and regional Oaxacan staples with a mezcal focus.
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Long-running Church & Market taqueria turning out generously filled tacos and burritos with speedy counter service. Beloved for al pastor and salsa roja heat, it’s a reliable value stop before or after Muni.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Super burrito (asada or pastor), Shrimp taco
What Makes it Special: Classic SF taqueria flavor-to-price ratio with fast-moving line.
8.2
Neighborhood Mexican spot in the heart of West Portal serving tacos late into the evening (until 11pm on weekends). Reliable execution, friendly service, and a comfortable dining room make it a solid after-10pm option for tacos in 94127.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas street tacos, Carne asada tacos, Al pastor tacos
What Makes it Special: Weekend late hours with a full taco lineup in 94127.
#50
La Iguana Azul
8.2
Neighborhood taqueria with a playful menu—think late-night burritos alongside house specials like the Cheeto burrito. Open late with friendly service and steady portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeto burrito, Carne asada super burrito, Shrimp burrito
What Makes it Special: Late-night burritos with fun, off-menu-feeling specials.