New York City is no stranger to culinary diversity, but the recent wave of restaurants inspired by Mexico City’s vibrant food scene is infusing the Big Apple with a fresh, dynamic energy. From the lively taquerias to the sophisticated dining rooms, these restaurants are not just places to eat but destinations where Mexico City’s rich culinary traditions meet New York’s cosmopolitan flair. Below take a look at the top restaurants that are redefining Mexican cuisine in New York, where each bite offers a passport to the heart of Mexico.
Esse Taco
Chef: Chef Enrique Olvera
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Plates to Try:
Oyster Mushroom: Mesquite smoked mushrooms, black beans, jardín.
Ribeye Steak: Ribeye steak taco.
Chef Enrique Olvera brings a distinct culinary vision to Esse Taco, fusing the street food culture of CDMX with the eclectic vibe of New York. This Williamsburg taqueria draws inspiration from his hometown’s street food culture while prioritizing simple ingredients. With experience in some of Mexico City’s top kitchens like the famed Pujol, Olvera continues to cement himself as one of the top world-renowned Mexican Chefs.
Cosme
Chef: Chef Enrique Olvera
Location: Flatiron District, Manhattan
Plates to Try:
Duck Carnitas: Duck carnitas, onions, radishes, cilantro
Carrot tlayuda: Carrot tlayuda, habanero, castelrosso
Chef Enrique Olvera’s largest venture to date, Cosme, brings his deep understanding of Mexican ingredients and techniques to a global audience, creating dishes that are both deeply rooted in tradition and refreshingly modern. Olvera’s attention to detail and commitment to quality have made Cosme a beacon of contemporary Mexican dining in New York City.
ElNico
Chef: Chef Fernanda Serrano
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Plates to Try:
Pulpo Pibil: Xnipec, garlic foam, potato chips.
Huitlacoche Sope: Epazote, ricotta, crème fraîche.
Chef Fernanda Serrano, originally from Mexico City, brings a wealth of experience and a personal touch to ElNico. Serrano’s culinary journey is a blend of traditional Mexican recipes passed down through generations and contemporary techniques honed in top kitchens worldwide like the famed Pujol. Her dishes at El Nico are a celebration of her roots, with each plate telling a story of Mexico’s rich culinary history and her own creative evolution as a chef.
Atla
Chef: Chef Daniela Soto-Innes
Location: NoHo, Manhattan
Plates to Try:
Lobster Burrito: Flour tortilla, spicy coleslaw, corn tempura, black beans, salsa cruda.
Potato and cheese flautas: Lettuce, creme fraiche, queso fresco, salsa cruda.
Former partner and Chef, Daniela Soto-Innes, known for her vibrant personality and dynamic cooking style, brought a refreshing approach to Mexican cuisine at Atla. A protege of Enrique Olvera, Soto-Innes quickly made a name for herself, earning accolades for her innovative use of ingredients and flavors. Her dishes are known for their lightness and elegance, showcasing her ability to make Mexican food both approachable and sophisticated.
Fonda
Chef: Chef Roberto Santibañez
Location: Park Slope, Brooklyn & Tribeca
Plates to Try:
Camarones Mosquito: Jumbo shrimp, lime-jalapeno sauce, spinach green rice.
Enchiladas Suizas: Pulled chicken, tortillas, creamy tomatillo sauce, Chihuahua and Oaxaca cheeses.
Chef Roberto Santibañez has dedicated his career to showcasing the depth and diversity of Mexican cuisine. With a background that spans some of Mexico’s finest kitchens, Santibañez brings an authoritative voice to Fonda, where he expertly blends traditional techniques with a modern sensibility. His dishes are a testament to the richness of Mexican flavors, presented in a way that feels both familiar and exciting.