Holy Guacamole: The Haute 5 Mexican Restaurants in Miami

Everyone adores Mexican cuisine, from tacos, enchiladas, and burritos, to nachos, ceviches, and of course, margaritas. Since Miami is a melting pot of Latin flavor, it was no easy feat finding our favorite Mexican spots among the clutter of tamale-serving menus. From Brickell, South Beach, the Grove, Gables, and Fort Lauderdale, we put together our Haute 5 list for the places who serve the most delicious, spicy, and tangy Mexican treats in Miami.

Rosa Mexicano Restaurant
Combining all of the best flavors of Mexico, Rosa Mexicano brings you their “gold standard in upscale Mexican cuisine,” as per the Zagat survey. With three locations in New York, and six others throughout the U.S., they are no strangers to success. Their location in Mary Brickell Village is on our Haute 5 list because of their exceptional service and delicious treats.

The restaurant’s design creates a festive environment with vibrant colors and a tortilla-making station in the dining room, a 15-foot water wall, and an outdoor bar and lounge which offers an oasis in the middle of Downtown.

Not only is this spot highly acclaimed for it’s oh-so-spicy gourmet meals, but for all of the events and specials they offer their customers to always keep them coming back for more. These events include festivals for children where they serve Latin ice creams, catering, online orders delivery, their previously famous “Guac on Tap” Happy Hour (which we’re hoping makes a come back next year), and their upcoming New Year’s Eve special dinner menu that will offer rolled lobster crispy tacos, Mexican surf and turf, jumbo sea scallops, their delicious “Mousse de Granada”- a frozen pomegranate Mousse and to drink, their “Toritos”- a large pitcher of fresh fruit agua fresca and silver tequila. Yummy!

Rosa Mexicano is located on 900 South Miami Avenue. For reservations, call  786.425.1001

Talavera
Opened by the team behind Jaguar Ceviche, Talavera Restaurant taps into its owners’ Mexican origins and brings a much desired Mexican flavor to the Coral Gables area. The menu is broken down into themes including La Marisqueria, covering an assortment of ceviches; Los Quesos Fundidos, Los Moles, Los Chiles Rellenos, and the list goes on. With a bar featuring photos of many famous Mexicans and it’s large and very varied menu, you can be sure you’re at a top-notch Mexican Restaurant. The restaurant also offers hand-made corn masa with choices of grilled meats, vegetables and seafood. A plus: their homemade iced tea is known to relieve stress. However, if you feel like dancing, take a peek through their cocktail menu.

Talavera is located at 2299 Ponce de Leon Blvd. in Coral Gables. For reservations, call 305.444.2955.

Eduardo de San Angel in Ft. Lauderdale
Specializing in Mexican cuisine for many years, Chef Eduardo Pria’s vision became a reality with Eduardo de San Angel Restaurant.  Open since 1993, he has since taken part in the American Harvest Workshop in the Cakebread Winery in Napa Valley, and is only the fourth Chef from Florida to attend this prestigious event. In 1998, the restaurant received the DiRoNa award (Distinguished Restaurants of North America), has been at the top of the ratings from Zagat, and is rated as one of the best restaurants in Broward County. The Food Network, Gourmet Magazine, Bon Appetite and many other publications all think this place is exceptional, and with a menu containing so many delicious gourmet treats with tangy Mexican flavor, we think it’s one of the best out there for both Mexican and upscale dining.

Eduardo de San Angel is located at 2822 East Commercial Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. For reservations, call 954.772.4731.

El Rancho Grande
One of Lincoln Road’s best kept secrets, El Rancho Grande Restaurant brings you authentic Mexican food, a festive atmosphere, ceramic tile tables, and a décor that is reminiscent of the cities from Chihuahua to Yucatan. Their concept brings in all sorts of crowds, as is expected at Miami’s always stirring Lincoln Road. Here, you can have business, family, casual dining, and outside dining all in one.

Owned and operated by the Ortiz family since 1992, El Rancho is definitely a Miami favorite for their food and their famous margaritas. Tortilla chips and salsas are made fresh daily for the best quality cuisine. And their seafood dishes are to die for! This outstanding restaurant with a full bar, catering, and free delivery never misses a beat.

El Rancho Grande is located at 1628 Pennsylvania Ave. in Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road. For reservations, call 305.673.0480.

Jaguar
Perhaps having the most varied and colorful menu on our list,  Jaguar is best known for the spoon bar, with many different assortments of ceviche recipes to try (all are absolutely spectacular). Their unique philosophy incorportates diverse menu items, showcasing traditional flavors throughout all of Latin America, such as their grill menu with churrasco, chicken, and delicious grilled salmon with Chilean flair. Their Mexican food, however, has been praised by travelers, celebrities, and locals alike.

Their inviting atmosphere doesn’t hurt, either. Soft burgundy and yellow ceilings and walls encircle the place, as floral pigments are highlighted and make guests feel like they’re in a Latin jungle. Contributing to the originiality of Jaguar are also paintings by artist Dionisis Ceballos who was recognized at the 1996 Cannes Film Festival and whose reproductions were shown in the 2002 film, “Frida” starring Salma Hayek.

Jaguar is located at 3067 Grand Avenue in Coconut Grove, next to the Coco-Walk Shopping Center. For reservations, call 305.444.0216.