
Fancy a taste of Mexico without having to leave the city? Taco-bout perfect timing, eh? Whether you’re looking to bag a burrito or crunch on a taco, we’ve rounded up the top Mexican restaurants in Manchester that are definitely worth a visit.
1. Luck Lust Liquor & Burn
A must-visit for Mexican food when in the Northern Quarter, Luck Lust Liquor and Burn has it all with Mexican staples like tacos and burritos as well as twists on the classic burgers and fries on the menu. Liquor and Burn has become one of the most renowned Mexican restaurants in Manchester thanks to its irresistible two for one deals on margs as well as its hybrid creation – the taco burger. It’s also definitely worth ordering their queso fundido (baked nacho cheese) and Dorito Pies, a bag of Doritos ripped open and covered liberally with nacho cheese, chilli, crema, pico de gallo, fresh jalapeños and coriander, to start. Luck Lust Liquor and Burn, 100-102 High St, M4 1HP.
2. Don Tacos
Don Tacos is a diamond in the rough, serving some of the most authentic soft tacos in Manchester, and made to the amazing Don Tacos signature spice recipe. Spice levels are marked on the menu, but be warned, all are pretty spicy! Be prepared to wash the whole lot down with tequila, jarritos or horchata, or whatever tipple you fancy. You’ll find birria tacos and birria quesadillas as well as authentic grilled fajitas, mole chicken, enchiladas, burritos and of course churros to finish. It’s so popular that they recently opened a third site in Piccadilly Gardens. Don Tacos, 61-63 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester, M14 5TB | 119 Deansgate, Bolton BL1 1HA | Unit E3, One Piccadilly Gardens, M1 1RG.
3. Madre
After causing quite the buzz in Liverpool, Madre opened in Manchester’s Kampus last year and has been a hit ever since. The menu, which is inspired by Mexico City’s vibrant and eclectic street food and restaurant scene, is made up of mouth-watering dishes including tacos, wood grilled seafood, steaks and an iced raw bar, featuring freshly shucked oysters and seasonal ceviche; all to be washed down with a cocktail menu that celebrates agave. Plus, it’s one of the only Mexican restaurants in Manchester to serve up its own take on a Sunday roast. Madre, The Churchill, Kampus, 41 Chorlton St, M1 3HN.
4. Listo Burrito
Located on Oxford Street, Listo Burrito is perfect if you’re looking to enjoy a Mexican bite on the go. Choose from either a burrito (tortilla filled with meat or veg with rice, beans and more), go sans tortilla or a box of tortilla chips with all the toppings – simply make the meal your own. Burrito fillings include slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth beef, succulent braised pork shoulder and chilli con carne as well as juicy, plant-based meatballs. Listo Burrito also has an extensive list of sauces to spice up your burrito how ever choose from oak smoked chipotle to mango, lime and hot habanero. Listo Burrito, 91-93 Oxford Street, M1 6ET.
5. Pico’s Tacos
Much loved for its tacos at both Mackie Mayor and Altrincham Market, Pico’s provides an ever-popular menu of combos such as pork carnitas with salsa, fried chicken and habanero mayo, with exciting yet less conventional options like roasted squash, sage honey butter, chipotle mascarpone, salsa negra, escabeche and walnuts. The vibe at both Mackie Mayor and Altrincham Market is perfect for casual Mexican grub, too, and be sure to order a huge tray of colourful nachos and their notorious frozen margaritas to wash it all down with. Pico’s Tacos, Mackie Mayor, 1 Eagle St, M4 5BU | Altrincham Market, Greenwood St, Altrincham, WA14 1SA.
6. Birria Brothers
What once used to take over the kitchens at the greasy spoon cafe The Koffee Pot on selected days, has now it’s very own permanent taqueria on Oldham Street next door to the cafe. It’s in the name but their gravy-dunked birria tacos are a must when visiting. Guests can also indulge in taco truck fries, drowned empañadas, duck carnita tostadas, as well as more intriguing dishes like a sharing dish of cabrito (goat birria stew) and ox tongue fritters with bone marrow salsa. Plus, you’ll find plenty of tequila-laced cocktails like frozen Vimto margaritas and an assortment of tequila and mezcal. Birria Brothers Tacos, The Koffee Pot, 84-86 Oldham St, M4 1LE,
7. Sandinista
Sandinista is one of the most covert Mexican restaurants in Manchester hidden in plain sight. Just off St Ann’s Square, the posh pub-like restaurant is a super comfortable and social space in the centre of Manchester, serving delicious scran ranging from Welsh rarebit bravas to chicken bhuna burritos. You’ll also find tacos filled with the likes of fish and chips, halloumi and chorizo alongside reasonably priced combos for two or four people (including a veggie option) so you can get a well-rounded taste of the menu. Sandinista also boasts a huge drinks menu, so be prepared to make your way through beer, wine and cocktails along with your Mexican feast. Sandinista, 2 Old Bank St, Manchester, M2 7PF.
8. La Capilla
Situated in Stockport and Heaton Chapel, La Capilla serves up a range of Mexican-inspired small plates, tacos and burritos to choose from. Highlights include seabass ceviche; charred hispi cabbage with chipotle butter; beef barbacoa tacos, corn on the cob with feta, chilli and lime; pork carnitas burritos; and salt cod croquettes with green aioli. Their cocktails are also not to be missed with the likes of frozen margaritas, spicy palomas and Mexpresso Martini on the menu. La Capilla, 28-29 Market Place, Stockport, SK1 1ES | 113 Heaton Moor Road, Stockport, SK4 5BY.