What Makes a Restaurant “The Best”? Our Selection Criteria
Sacramento’s culinary scene is a vibrant and ever-evolving mosaic, and within that tapestry, no threads shine quite as brightly as those representing Mexican cuisine. From humble taquerias serving up street-style tacos to elegant restaurants showcasing regional specialties, the Farm-to-Fork Capital offers a tantalizing array of options for every palate and budget. If you’re craving authentic flavors, bold spices, and a taste of Mexico right here in California, you’ve come to the right place. This guide is your passport to the best Mexican restaurants in Sacramento, curated to satisfy your cravings and introduce you to hidden gems. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you saying, “¡Delicioso!”
Before we dive into the list, let’s clarify what criteria we used to identify the best Mexican restaurants in Sacramento. It’s important to remember that “best” is subjective, and what one person considers exceptional, another might find merely good. However, we’ve strived to create a balanced list reflecting various preferences, focusing on factors that consistently contribute to a memorable dining experience.
Authenticity is paramount. We looked for restaurants that prioritize fresh, high-quality ingredients and employ traditional cooking methods passed down through generations. The taste, of course, is crucial; we evaluated the flavors, textures, and overall balance of each dish. Ambiance matters, too. A restaurant’s atmosphere can significantly enhance the dining experience, whether it’s a lively, family-friendly setting or a more intimate and romantic space. We also considered customer reviews and ratings from platforms like Yelp and Google, recognizing that the collective wisdom of diners often provides valuable insights. Price and value are important considerations. Finally, consistency is key. A truly great restaurant delivers a consistently high-quality experience, meal after meal.
This list represents a carefully considered selection, but we encourage you to explore beyond these recommendations and discover your own personal favorites. The Sacramento Mexican food scene is vast and varied, and there’s always something new to discover.
Where to Find the Finest Flavors: Our Top Sacramento Mexican Restaurants
La Fiesta Grande
Located in the heart of midtown, La Fiesta Grande offers a vibrant and festive atmosphere perfect for a casual lunch or a lively dinner. This long-standing establishment is known for its generous portions, friendly service, and consistently delicious food. The restaurant itself is decorated with colourful murals and traditional Mexican artwork, adding to the lively and authentic atmosphere.
One of the restaurant’s standout dishes is its Enchiladas Suizas. These creamy, cheesy enchiladas are filled with tender chicken or flavorful carnitas and topped with a tangy tomatillo sauce. Each bite is an explosion of flavor. The tortillas are soft, the cheese is perfectly melted, and the tomatillo sauce provides the perfect amount of acidity to balance the richness. The rice and beans served alongside are cooked to perfection and seasoned expertly. La Fiesta Grande earns its place on this list because of its unwavering commitment to quality, its consistently delicious food, and its warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place where you can always count on a satisfying and enjoyable meal. You can typically expect to pay mid-range prices here. One reviewer on yelp noted “The portions were so large, and the food was so flavorful! I can’t wait to come back.”
Taqueria Los Portales
For an authentic, no-frills taqueria experience, look no further than Taqueria Los Portales. Situated in the bustling area of south Sacramento, this unassuming gem is a favorite among locals for its incredibly flavorful tacos, burritos, and other Mexican staples. The atmosphere here is simple and straightforward. It’s all about the food.
The carne asada tacos are a must-try. The steak is perfectly grilled, tender, and seasoned with just the right amount of salt and spices. Served on warm, freshly made corn tortillas and topped with cilantro and onions, these tacos are a testament to the power of simple, high-quality ingredients. The salsas are equally impressive, ranging from mild to fiery, allowing you to customize your tacos to your preferred spice level. Taqueria Los Portales excels because it focuses on what matters most: delivering incredibly delicious, authentic Mexican food at an affordable price. This is where you go for a quick, satisfying, and genuinely flavorful meal. You’ll find the prices to be quite budget-friendly.
Maydoon Mexican Grill
Maydoon Mexican Grill is not your average Mexican Restaurant, their menu includes classic dishes with Iranian spices and flavours. This restaurant is located on Howe Avenue, and the inside reflects it’s creative menu.
One of the most talked about dishes is the Asada Kebab Plate. This dish combines the delicious taste of asada tacos with Iranian spices. The owners of Maydoon explain that it is “a nod to both our heritage and the Sacramento community that welcomed us.” The carne asada and rice both taste amazing on their own, but together create a complex flavour that you can’t help but enjoy. This restaurant stays on the list because it creates a unique and delicious menu that makes you feel welcomed into the community.
La Favorita Bakery
While technically a bakery and not a restaurant, La Favorita deserves a place on this list for its incredible array of authentic Mexican baked goods and its delicious, affordable lunch options. Located on Franklin Boulevard, this family-owned establishment is a treasure trove of sweet and savory delights.
The selection of pan dulce (Mexican sweet bread) is simply astounding, from conchas (sweet bread topped with a seashell-shaped crust) to orejas (puff pastry “ears”) to elotes (corn-shaped pastries). But La Favorita offers more than just sweets. Their tortas (Mexican sandwiches) are a local favorite. The telera bread is soft and slightly sweet, and the fillings are generous and flavorful. Try the carnitas torta, loaded with tender, slow-cooked pork, beans, avocado, and all the fixings. La Favorita is a must-visit for anyone looking for a taste of authentic Mexican baking and a satisfying lunch at an unbeatable price. With how much they provide, the prices remain budget-friendly.
Casa de Tamales
Casa de Tamales is located in East Sacramento, and has been providing high quality meals to Sacramento for over a decade. The inside gives a traditional mexican atmosphere, with colorful murals and seating.
The most famous dish at this restaurant is of course, their tamales. From chili to beef, they have a variety of different options. The restaurant also offers family meals, for those who want to share the tasty meals with loved ones. With their extensive menu and high quality food, Casa de Tamales stays on the list as one of the best places to eat Mexican food in Sacramento. Prices remain mid range.
Honorable Mentions: More Mexican Delights to Discover
While the restaurants listed above represent our top picks, there are many other excellent Mexican restaurants in Sacramento worth exploring.
Tacoa Tacos
For a modern take on classic tacos, Tacoa offers a creative menu with unique flavor combinations.
El Bramido
A hidden gem known for its authentic Sonoran-style cuisine, particularly its carne asada and flour tortillas.
Beyond the Restaurants: Exploring Sacramento’s Mexican Food Scene
To truly immerse yourself in Sacramento’s Mexican food scene, venture beyond the restaurants and explore the city’s vibrant markets, bakeries, and grocery stores. Visit the Oak Park Farmers Market or the Midtown Farmers Market to find fresh, locally sourced ingredients for your own Mexican cooking adventures. Stop by a local panaderia (Mexican bakery) to sample a variety of delicious pan dulce.
To create your own culinary experience, you can visit local Mexican grocery stores to find authentic ingredients that are hard to come by. One local favourite is “La Superior SuperMercado”, you can find anything from mexican cooking supplies to imported snacks!
Tips for Ordering and Enjoying Mexican Food Like a Pro
Navigating a Mexican menu can sometimes feel daunting, but with a little knowledge, you can order with confidence and enjoy a truly authentic experience. Familiarize yourself with common Mexican dishes and ingredients. Understand the difference between a taco and a burrito, a salsa verde and a salsa roja, carnitas and carne asada.
When ordering, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask your server about the spice level of different dishes or for recommendations based on your preferences. Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to show your appreciation and enhance your experience. Ask for “salsa verde” (green salsa) if you prefer a milder flavor, or “salsa roja” (red salsa) if you’re feeling adventurous.
Consider beverage pairings. Mexican beer, such as Corona or Modelo, is a classic accompaniment to Mexican food. Margaritas, agua fresca, and Mexican Coke are also refreshing choices.
Your Mexican Food Adventure Awaits
Sacramento’s Mexican food scene is a vibrant and diverse tapestry, offering something for everyone. From humble taquerias to elegant restaurants, the city is brimming with culinary gems waiting to be discovered. We encourage you to use this guide as a starting point for your own exploration, to venture beyond the familiar, and to embrace the flavors, aromas, and textures of Mexico right here in Sacramento. So go ahead, grab your appetite, and embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. What are your favorite Mexican restaurants in Sacramento? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
