Mexican restaurants in Rome: must-visit addresses
Mexican restaurants in Rome. Known for its intense flavors, aromas, and colors, Mexican cuisine has always been one of the most popular in the world.
Here is a list of the best Mexican restaurants in Rome.
The Jalapeno
Let's start with an authentic corner of Mexico on the Aurelia, El Jalapeno. We're at stall 64 of the Irnerio market, where Lina Jimenez has brought the authentic flavors of Mexico to Rome. The menu is written on a chalkboard at the register. In addition to classic Tex-Mex dishes like tacos and burritos, you can also try gringas, flatbreads filled with melted cheese and shredded chicken in a tomato, chipotle, and onion sauce, or lamb baked with Mexican spices and served with cilantro and onion. Don't miss the pambazo (vegetarian option available): a popular Mexican bread, dipped in salsa and filled with various ingredients. At each table, there are sheets of paper to fill out with your order, which is then served directly at your table. Furthermore, some of El Jalapeno's offerings vary depending on the time of year. For example, on Day of the Dead, you can find the traditional pan de muertos.
El Jalapeño. Via Aurelia, 483 (Irnerio Market). Tel. 06 8913 5970. Website. Facebook. Instagram.
Sanchez House
Just steps from Piazza Bologna, Casa Sanchez offers a tangible sense of being in Mexico, a cozy space for lovers of Mexican cuisine. Open since January 2019, it is run by Elizabeth Sanchez and her husband, Lorenzo Casco, who are in the open kitchen and the dining room, respectively. Start with a delicious margarita to accompany both fish and meat tacos, such as the one with black bean cream, shredded chicken in chipotle chili sauce, tomato, onion, and spices, or burritos (also available in a vegetarian version). One of the restaurant's signature dishes is undoubtedly the traditional Aztec guacamole, made with Hass avocado, diced tomato, onion, and lime, served with corn chips (€8). Also not to be missed are the nachos de la casa, corn chips with pico de gallo sauce, sour cream, and guacamole (€7).
Casa Sanchez. Via Catanzaro 6b, Rome. Tel. 06 4554 2607. Website. Facebook. Instagram.
La Punta Agave Outlet
We arrive in Trastevere, at Italy's first agaveria, opened in 2016 by partners Roberto Artusio and Cristian Bugiada, both passionate about Mexico. After several trips to South America, they brought a Mexican atmosphere, mezcal, and spicy food to Rome. Soft lighting, colorful Mexican-style tiles, and stools with colorful embroidered prints characterize the establishment's welcoming spaces. Here, in addition to nachos (3 euros), ceviche tacos (7 euros), and quesadillas (5.50 euros), the real stars are the cocktails based on mezcal, tequila, and other spirits. The drinks menu is presented in a passport-like menu, with each drink shaped like a stamp, followed by the glass in which it is served. Interesting is the Hierba Buena (12 euros) with Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, mint, lime and absinthe or the Tommy's Margarita (12 euros) with El Tequileño Blanco Tequila, lime, agavesimo.
La Punta Agave Shop. Via di Santa Cecilia 8, Rome. Tel. 3485871914. Website. Facebook. Instagram.
The Cockroach
Mexican chef Diana Beltrán, after moving to Rome, bringing her Mexican culinary traditions with her, opened La Cucaracha in Prati in 2002. Her mission has always been to convey the authentic culinary traditions of her country through her dishes. In fact, for over twenty years, this corner of Mexico has been a point of reference. The menu features nachos, quesadillas, tacos, and fajitas, all with a variety of toppings. Start with the traditional nachos (13 euros) with melted cheese, chili con carne, and sour cream, followed by the tacos de Camarones (17 euros), filled with shrimp sautéed with pico de gallo and spices, served with salad and guacamole. Among the house specialties, the Chipotle Chicken (16 euros) deserves a special mention, in a smoked chili sauce, served with rice and beans. There's also a section dedicated to Tex Mex to please every palate. To pair with the dishes, some classic cocktails, including the Paloma (6 euros) or the Margarita (8 euros).
La Cucaracha. Via Mocenigo 10, Rome. Tel. 06 39746373. Website. Facebook. Instagram.
The Shark
Diana Beltrán, the same Mexican chef who created Cucaracha in 2002, is opening a second restaurant about 20 years later. It's El Tiburon, which now has two locations: one in the Trieste neighborhood and one in the historic center. Both locations highlight the essence of Mexican culture through various details, typical Mexican dishes, margaritas, and a festive atmosphere. Diners start with appetizers, including cochinita quesadillas (€10.50), filled with melted cheese, pulled pork, and bean puree, or Tiburon nachos (€11), before moving on to both seafood and meat tacos (€15-16.50). A section of the menu is dedicated to Tiburon specialties, such as Cochinita Pibil (€17.50), pork with achiote (a Mexican spice), red onion, white rice, bean puree, guacamole, and ricotta salata. To accompany the meal, classic Mexican cocktails, including the Margarita which we find in two versions: Frozen (8.50 euros) and Mezcal (10 euros).
El Tiburon. Via Malta 12, Rome. Tel. 06 69227015 / Largo della Sapienza 1, Rome. Tel. 393 6171992. Website: Instagram.