Holy Guacamole: The Haute 5 Mexican Restaurants in New York City

Maya

At Maya, located in the Upper East Side, renowned Chef Richard Sandoval blends authentic Mexican ingredients with innovative culinary techniques to produce internationally acclaimed cuisine. More than 100 tequilas are offered at this restaurant, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Handcrafted margaritas pair perfectly with the dishes which can be served in either the main or private dining rooms which are elegantly decorated with handmade Mexican artwork. Financial Times says, “The food at Maya is unlike just about anything else being served in New York City.”

Maya is located at 1191 1 Avenue, New York, NY 10065-7108, 212.585.1818

Pampano

If you’re looking for a delicious, sophisticated restaurant that provides dynamic seafood from the coasts of Mexico, Pampano is your spot. Located in midtown, the restaurant has grown out of a partnership between renowned Chef Richard Sandoval and Maestro Placido Domingo. The white on white décor provides for an elegant relaxed feel showcasing Chef Sandoval’s amazing vibrant coastal Mexican cuisine. The restaurant will even customize a menu for a special event at request, or guests can choose from a pre-designed festive party menu. Handcrafted margaritas and fine tequilas are a perfect addition to the flavors of Mexico that seep from this Manhattan kitchen.

Pampano is located at 209 East 49th Street, New York, NY 10017,  212.751.4545

Mexicana Mama

Open since 1998, Mexicana Mama not only serves incredibly authentic and flavorful dishes, but each item leaves you feeling like you just had an incredibly healthy meal—despite how much salsa you added to your burrito. Mexicana Mama has daily soups and seasonal vegetables and quesadillas and burrito are all available with veggie fillings for those who prefer not to have meat. For those who do like a little meat in their meal, the pork roasted with chilies is a highly recommended dish.

Mexican Mama is located at 525 Hudson Street, New York, NY, 212.924.4119‎

Toloache

Executive Chef-Owner, Julian Medina, was born and raised in Mexico City and began cooking as a young child under the guidance of his father and grandfather. Toloache is a contemporary Mexican bistro that is located in the heart of the Theater District. The chef’s creative dishes incorporate seasonal and natural ingredients with more than a dozen types of chilies. Toloache has two floors and features a guacamole and ceviche bar, a wood-burning oven, an exceptional tequila list, and elegant decorative elements directly imported from Mexico.

Toloache is located at 251 W. 50^th Street, New York, New York, 212.581.1818

Papatzul

Located in the trendy streets of SoHo, Papatzul’s chef, Thierry Amezcua, is a Mexico City native who brings authentic, regional Mexican cuisine to the bustling streets of New York City. Dishes include Totopos con guacamole, fish tacos, enchiladas de Mar, Flautas de pollo, and much more. The colorful and lively bar serves more than 40 tequilas, excellent margaritas, and delightful sangrias. Every Tuesday thru Sunday the restaurant has happy hour and on Saturday and Sunday they serve brunch.

Papatzul is located at 55 Grand Street, New York, New York, 212.274.8225