The best Mexican restaurants in Manchester

Ocasa used to be stylish hotspot Sunset by Australasia, and it has retained that same sense of elegance and buzz after transforming into the contemporary Mexican fusion restaurant it is today. The designer interiors highlight natural materials and textures, with mood lighting for an intimate feel, while the menu applies Asian influences to Mexican classics – a stand-out choice are the yaki-tacos, tacos filled with yakitori skewers, for example. Tequila-based cocktails help fuel the experience.

Don Tacos claims to have introduced the birria taco to the UK, and the tacos they serve definitely back that claim up. The pioneering Mexican restaurant serves all the authentic classics – burritos, tacos, and enchiladas – with all of it suitable for halal diners, and plenty of vegan-friendly options as well. The bustling restaurants are lively and fun, with murals adding pops of colour.

Madre feels friendly and comfortable, and serves Mexican cuisine along with cocktails. The menus are inspired by the founders' travels around Mexico, with options including everything from tacos to wood-fired grill specials and a raw bar. The food can be washed down with cocktails and Mexican spirits. The consistently busy destination has a modern cantina-like interior that'll make you feel right at home.

Family-run restaurant The Mexican is a big hit locally in Fallowfield. This intimate venue is vibrant and lively, decorated with colourful wall murals. Enjoy street food and drinks to a soundtrack of Mexican tunes – expect Tex-Mex classics like burritos, tacos, and quesadillas, along with potent tequila-based cocktails. If you're feeling lazy, delivery is available as well.

Chiquito is a popular Tex-Mex chain with sites across the UK, including Manchester. The interior is on-theme, with sombreros and other colourful decor, while the comprehensive menu includes tacos, burgers, burritos, gluten-free and vegan dishes, and meals for kids. More than 20 different cocktails and mocktails are available as well. It's fast, affordable, and convenient.

For casual Mexican fast food in Manchester City Centre, head to Zambrero. This restaurant group started out in Australia and now serves its flavoursome dishes in a relaxed counter-service setting around the world. Burritos, tacos, and quesadillas with your favourite fillings are served, including offbeat options like a dessert quesadilla. Takeaways and delivery are offered as well.

At Acapulco Cantina you get authentic Mexican street food, with takeaways and catering services also available. Favourite dishes like burritos, tacos, fajitas, and nachos are offered with a range of ingredients, including veggie options. The informal venue is friendly and welcoming, dishing up food in a lively food court setting.

Some people say that Pico's Tacos do the finest tacos in Manchester, while they themselves claim to serve the best nachos in the world as well. You can decide for yourself at one of their bustling food court locations. The tortillas are made from scratch each day before being jam-packed with flavourful fillings, while churros and frozen margaritas round out the offer at this popular Manchester Mexican restaurant.

Award-winning Mexican dishes, as well as authentic ingredients to use in your cooking, are available at Panchos Burritos. This colourful vendor prepares food to time-honoured family recipes – expect burritos, tacos, tostadas, and enchiladas with a number of meat or veggie fillings to choose from. Food is served in a bustling market setting.

Based in the Free Trade Hall, Peter Street Kitchen is a grand restaurant that serves a unique fusion of Mexican and Japanese cuisines in lavish monochrome surroundings. The main menu includes dishes like Baja fish tacos and ribs with mezcal glaze, and set menus and private dining are also offered here. If you're looking for an innovative take on Mexican food in Manchester, this is the place.