We firmly believe every night should be taco night. Fortunately, Miami is a hotbed for inventive Mexican—and Mexican-inspired—eats. From Homestead to Wynwood, here’s our surefire list of where to find the absolute best tacos in Miami—from classic combos such as beef, lettuce, tomato and (of course) cheese, to more unconventional flavor combos like shrimp with mango slaw—this list will have you ready to dive in whether or not it's a Tuesday.
The 15 Best Restaurants in Miami to Score Killer Tacos
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Published May 2, 2022
1. La Santa Taqueria
This Wynwood spot offers a generous range of tacos and other Mexican food classics. With more than a dozen options (including several vegetarian bites), look out for the al pastor with fresh pineapple and onion, and the bistec and cheese with pico de gallo and salsa verde. As for meat-free options, the cauliflower al pastor is not to be missed, plus the hongos, with wild mushrooms, cheese crust, salsa verde, pico de gallo and beet sprouts. The best part? There are three South Florida locations to get your fix: Little River, Miami Beach and downtown Miami.
Various locations
Photo courtesy of Lolo’s Surf Cantina
2. Lolo’s Surf Cantina
Lolo’s Surf Cantina is a mecca for delicious Mexican food in South Florida. Some of our favorite tacos are the seasoned skirt steak with onions, cilantro, cheese and salsa verde, as well as the shredded chicken in a tomato chipotle stew with guacamole and tomato. Oh, and the baja fish burrito with cilantro-marinated seared mahi-mahi, pico de gallo and serrano aioli. And you can’t leave without ordering the churros, so you better come hungry.
161 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach; 786-276-0535
Photo courtesy of Mi Rinconcito Mexicano
3. Mi Rinconcito Mexicano
Old-school Mexican food is what Mi Riconcito Mexicano is all about. Start off with housemade dips and spreads (guacamole, pico de gallo or melted cheese with peppers and mushrooms), followed by fried tacos doused in sour cream and cheese. Worth. Every. Bite.
1961 SW 8th St., Miami; 305-644-4015
4. Los Felix
There’s nothing not to like at this intimate Mexican restaurant in Coconut Grove. Los Felix combines artfully prepared bites with a relaxed, laid-back vibe. As for the menu, you can’t go wrong with the shrimp tacos with pickled red onions, braised pork belly arepa, tuna tostada and quesadilla with squash blossom, cheese and avocado.
3413 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove; 305-640-5013
Courtesy photo of Coyo Taco
5. Coyo Taco
It’s pretty hard to improve upon classic tacos, but the unexpected ingredient combos (like shrimp with mango slaw or seared steak with smoked bacon) at this Miami-born spot seal the deal. Blood orange margaritas, corn on the cob with cotija aioli, and a bowl of guacamole help, too.
Various locations
Courtesy photo of Caja Caliente
6. Caja Caliente
Ready for the juiciest lechon (pulled pork) taco you’ve ever experienced? It comes topped with spicy mayo, queso and cilantro. The vaca frita burrito is another crowd favorite, stuffed with maduros, herb aioli cheese and black bean rice. Pair your main with Cuban nachos topped with black bean pico and sip on a guava lemonade spritz.
808 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables; 786-431-1947
7. Gitano
This Tulum import brings chic Mexican vacation vibes to South Beach, offering a killer menu of small bites, tropical cocktails and a jungle-inspired rooftop bar. The multilevel space encourages diners to spend an entire evening—and with all there is to enjoy, it’s pretty easy to do. Begin with an order of guac and a couple of tostadas and tacos inside the first-level dining area. (We recommend the chorizo con queso.) Then make your way upstairs for music, dancing and a few fancy cocktails.
3500 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 786-655-5600
Courtesy photo of Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
8. Bodega Taqueria Y Tequila
The menu has a million choices, so we’re here to help you out: Try the grilled mahi tacos with charred pineapple slaw and chipotle-cotija dressing, yuca frita with cilantro and chipotle, and a bowl of nachos doused in chili queso, red chili crema, sliced jalapeno, cilantro and red onion.
Various locations
Courtesy photo of The Taco Stand
9. The Taco Stand
SoCal’s Taco Stand chose Wynwood for its first-ever East Coast location, and our lives will never be the same. We’ll take a plate of toothsome pollo asado tacos any day of the week, especially when they’re layered with extra guacamole and salsa.
313 NW 25th St., Miami; 786-580-4948
Courtesy photo of Tacology
10. Tacology
This sit-down joint has more than just tacos on the menu, but it’s the chargrilled steak tacos—served in petite shot glasses—that we dream about for days after we dine there. Keep an eye out for the guacamole tasting plate, featuring three different guac varieties, and the chilaquiles made with green tomatillo sauce, queso fresco and pulled chicken.
701 S. Miami Ave., Miami; 786-347-5368 or
Courtesy photo of Taquiza
11. Taquiza
This South Beach and North Beach taqueria is known for churning out upscale Mexican street food on gluten-free blue masa tortillas. We’re partial to the squash blossom—fried and pressed with cotija cheese and refried beans.
Various locations
Courtesy photo of Tacos and Tattoos
12. Tacos And Tattoos
From South Beach to Kendall, build your perfect taco at Taco and Tattoos. You’ll first choose a tortilla (corn, crispy, tostada, flour, lettuce wrap), and then protein (chicken, carne asada, pork belly, mushrooms, queso frito). Top it off with a line-up of garnishes, from guac to pico de gallo to grilled onions. Don’t forget an order of the Kick’n Cheese, lightly spiced white cheese with tortilla chips.
Various locations
Photo courtesy of Hoja Taqueria
13. Hoja Taqueria
Hand-made tortillas using corn sourced from family farms in Oaxaca, Mexico, Hoja Taqueria doesn’t play around when it comes to making tacos. Located in downtown Miami and Miami Beach, this spot pretty much serves every kind of taco imaginable—but one of our all-time favorites is the plain-and-simple avocado, stuffed with black beans, Oaxaca cheese and avocado (duh).
Various locations
Photo courtesy of Pilo’s Street Tacos
14. Pilo’s Street Tacos
Fact: Everything tastes better with dip. That’s why we can’t get enough of the birria taco platter here, stocked with a dozen tacos that are layered with beef short rib and cheese in a rich Mexican adobo sauce, topped with white onions and served with a side of beef broth for dipping.
Various locations
Photo courtesy of Taqueria Morelia
15. Taqueria Morelia
With locations in Homestead and Florida City, Taqueria Morelia is worth the drive. You won’t find any frills, but you will find the freshest, tastiest charbroiled skirt steak tacos. Bonus: Most tacos here are less than $3 each.
Various locations
