Zagat Approved: The BEST Mexican, South American, Spanish and Taco Spots & Resturants in NYC
Zagat recently published its 2015 list of top New York City restaurants, and included in the +350 page guide that rates and evaluates the food, decor and service within thousands of restaurants in NYC are the top Latin-inspired dishes in the whole of New York City.
Find out which restaurants made the list, and what grateful customers have to say about the food at these establishments.
Anyone whose come to NYC and complained that the city doesn't know how to "do Mexican food justice," will need to retract their statement after a visit to Mesa Coyoacan.
SPANISH/TAPAS
La Vara (268 Clinton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201): Spanish tapas with Moorish & Jewish influences draw crowds to the stylish storefront restaurant. - Google
Toro (85 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011): "Toro is a new Spanish style tapas style restaurant in the meatpacking district that offers great ambiance and mostly memorable food. The space is lush, open and inviting from the moment you walk in. As for the tapas themselves, most were excellent with my favorites being the peking duck drumsticks, the salted spicy shishito peppers, perfectly seasoned garlic shrimp and the creamy cheese covered corn." - Raffi Asdourian
Beso (11 Schuyler St, Staten Island, NY 10301): "An elite restaurant worthy of inclusion on the "best of lists" of NYC not just Staten Island. As an elite restaurant, it is priced as such, but worth the cost." - Rich Soressi
Sevilla (62 Charles St, Manhattan, NY 10014): "Their sangria is to die for- sooo good. Their food is great too, didn't feel that Spanish though. I dock one star because the place is way too crowded, we were bumping elbows with the diners next to us and there wasn't any privacy whatsoever." - Celinne Da Costa
Casa Mono (52 Irving Pl, New York, NY 10003): "Amazing dinner with friends. This charming Michelin star restaurant truly lived up to its reputation. We were seated at a lovely table overlooking the outside. The server was delightful and gave us great recommendations. We tried a bunch of their plates and their delicious cocktails. Would definitely recommend and hope to go back soon." - Alexandra Spirer
Tertulia (359 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014): "The closest thing to Asturias (the area of Northern Spain known as Green Spain) in New York. An authentic Sideria, featuring the popular fermented cider or Sidra indigenous to the region. The menu is tapas-style, inventive and well-prepared. Sublime jamon and other northern Spanish dishes complete the experience. Space is small with many communal tables, but it works and it is worth visiting." - Russell Volpe
MEXICAN
Mesa Coyoacan (372 Graham Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211): "Good Mexican spot by the Graham L train. More gourmet than authentic, but it hits the spot if you're craving some Mexican grub in the area. I can only speak on the brunch/lunch menu, but the food was really tasty. I ordered the Molletes, essentially grilled bread with beans, cheese, and chorizo and was very satisfied." - Amanda Stoneall
Fonda (40 Avenue B, Manhattan, NY 10009): "Love love love this place! The food is so good and tastes very authentic! The guac is killer and the drinks are great. This is a great place for large groups and have attended many going away and birthdays in the back room. For larger parties, there is a fixed price that comes along with lots of food and unlimited drinks for two hours - totally worth it!" - Jennifer LaVelle
Chavellas (736 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238): "Honestly, the location, the crowd, the atmosphere, the service, and the FOOD IS TOOO GOOD! Great guacamole! Great menu! There is a wait at times, but it turns over quickly! And it's so close to where I live!!!!!" - Lauryn Muraida
Toloache: (83 Maiden Ln): "My buddy had us headed to Chipotle - which is okay, but I'm glad we changed course. The salsa was fresh, the burrito was stuffed - the shrimp was perfect. I'd much rather come here than the Chipotle factory. My buddy's a vegetarian and had a mushroom burrito - said he couldn't believe how fresh it was. Good ingredients. Well done - and I'll be back!" - Dan Hamilton
La Esquina (114 Kenmare St): "Where is the 6 star rating? I la la la love this place. It's a taco stand, a small sit down restaurant, and a speakeasy all in one. I've not been to these speak easy but I have been to the other two and have enjoyed multiple things on their menu. The corn on the cob, the tacos, the fresh fruit juices are all very authentic Mexican food which is really hard to find in Manhattan." - Ana Ruvalcaba
Rosa Mexicano (9 E 18th St): "Great happy hour special on drinks an small plates. I had the guacamole and it was fantastic. This place has a beautiful atmosphere with very nice soft music. A very classy Mexican restaurant. It also smells like Disney world." - Charlie Roberts
Hecho en Dumbo (354 Bowery, New York, NY 10012): "One day I was walking through Bowery and I stumbled upon this place. As soon as I got in I knew I had made the right decision. If you're into some cocktails stay at the bar where you can enjoy some interesting modern creations made with traditional Mexican ingredients (must try the Jamaica Margarita). If your stomach demands it, then head to the back to enjoy some really tasty and delicious dishes." - Eduardo Mena
Pampano (209 E 49th St, New York, NY 10017): "GREAT CEVICHE! That smoked swordfish dip is also something to go for. Great chips too, a true mark of deliciousness. We got the tasting of four ceviches to start for 6 people. Shrimp, Tuna, Halibut, and Mahi Mahi. All 6 of us (minus the vegetarian) could have eaten the entire platter it was so delicious. It actually inspired us to have our own little ceviche party after. The entrees were pretty good as well, but the ceviche and the dip is what I would go back for. Pretty pricey, but a good splurge." - Lucy Dee
SOUTH AMERICAN
Caracas Arepa Bar (93 1/2 E 7th St, New York, NY): "Best arepas in NY! I have a couple of Venezuelan friends who have eaten at this place and they know what they're taking about when they say the food is good. This is as close as it gets to authentic Venezuelan food." - Esteban Villegas
Churrascaria Plataforma (316 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019): "This Brazilian steakhouse is without a doubt the best in the city. The quality of the food is outstanding. Variety of meats run the gamut of tasty offerings." - Frank Watson
Fogo de Chao (40 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019): "I've eaten at several different Brazilian Steakhouse's around the country. Fogo de Chao is by far the best. The meats are seasoned perfectly. The salad bar is second to none. Every New Yorker needs to experience this place. You won't regret it." - Randall Cummings
Empanada Mama (763 9th Ave, New York, 10019): "The best empanadas ever! This place does get packed on the weekends around midnight, given that they have limited seating. In the winter I usually just get my food to go, but during the summer I don't mind waiting for a table to open. Even if the wait is an hour, it's totally worth it! They have a huge variety of empanadas which allows me to order different ones each time. The prices are extremely reasonable as well. My favorite place to stop to grab food after dance classes late at night!"
Arepas Café (33-07 36th Ave, Queens, NY 11106): "One of my favorite foodie experiences. You have to experience this food. I live in Nassau County New York and I regularly visit this restaurant. I come at least once a week to experience the great food. The ingredients, staff, Decour, and environment makes this restaurant a "one of a kind" foodie experience. You must try any of their appetizers. Some appetizers that I found to be exceptional are: the tostones and the guacamole. This is one of those "must try" restaurants." - William Martinez
Pio Pio (604 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036): "Pretty restaurant, downstairs is great for a big group. The food is good to great depending on the dish. The ceviche and chicken are really good options. Excellent plantains. A good choice for Peruvian food. It gets really crowded -- weeknights are usually better." - Heather Teicher
Buenos Aires (513 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009): "Amazing steak. Best tasting ever. Great staff. Quaint location. Eating there for the third time in four years of visiting NYC. Great little find." - Mark Smith
Raymi (43 West 24th Street, New York, NY 10010): "Raymi is a great Peruvian restaurant in Chelsea. All seafood lovers in the city should definitely check this place out. The staff is very friendly and went above and beyond to make our visit comfortable and special. The restaurant itself is pretty big and separated from the bar area. There is a lot of seating and it looks like they could accommodate larger parties as well. I normally order a couple things from the Ceviches section, you can try 4 for $30 which is a great deal. Overall a great experience and a go to for consistently good Peruvian food." - Rabia Aslam
TACO JOINTS
Tacombi at Fonda Nolita (267 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012): "Amazing tacos (beef and chicken), and great atmosphere. It feels like you've somehow left the US and stepped into a wonderful shop in Mexico. The service was great as well! Definitely will come here again when I am in NYC." - Kevin Liu
Toloache Taqueria (83 Maiden Ln, New York, NY 10038): "Best Mexican food in NYC. Pretty affordable. Friendly personnel. Super fast too." - Dimi Loktseu
La Esquina (114 Kenmare St): "I finally tried this place after walking by it numerous times and promising myself to step in one day. It as a great decision. I had two tacos, corn, and a cup of chicken tortilla soup. It was all delicious! I got myself a seat on the counter inside and enjoyed my lunch. The chicken tortilla soup was my favorite; I'll probably get it every time I go." - Lawrence Chan
Otto's Tacos (141 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003): "This is a really great taco place if you're on a power lunch and cant spent too much time away from the office. There are high tables inside and tables outside as well. The tacos were made to order and very quickly. The chicken by far has been the best I've had. The fries were very crispy with a good amount of salt and the horchata was great!" - PandaDomo NYC
Calexico (645 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222): "Delicious food. They have tofu tacos too, yum! Good vibe and no wait but definitely pretty close to capacity when we went on a Friday night. Would go back!" - Steve Wardell
Tres Carnes (101 Maiden Ln, New York, NY): "Great smoked meat over rice and beans made this my favorite lunch spot. The cooks are friendly. Be sure to try the weekly specials. I also recommend getting a bowl so the different flavors remain separate." - Ian Langmore
Oaxaca (48 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011): "If you are just looking for one of the best tacos/enchiladas in NYC and a quick service, this is the place. It's perfect if you just want to grab a bite or take home -- if you want to stay just have in mind it's not a place with any kind of scene. I would personally recommend carnita tacos -- they are really good." - Carlos Medeiros
To find out which the name of other restaurants were deemed the best in the city, check out the Zagat website.