Cancun is the main travel destination in the Yucatan peninsula. It’s especially sought-after for its gorgeous beaches, vibrant nightlife, and jungle adventures.
Food, however, is often an unspoken but VERY important reason to vacation in Mexico. In fact, let’s narrow that down: tacos!!
Tacos are a staple of Mexican cuisine, and eateries specializing in this dish abound all over the country. But with so many options, how do you know where to get the absolute best tacos in Cancun, Mexico?
Answer: Reading this post! We’ve gone to the trouble of eating our way through the city (I know… hard life) to bring you a list of the most delicious tacos that can be found in Cancun.
You can’t go wrong with any of these options. (And you’ll probably want to try them all…we don’t judge). Read on and let the deliciousness begin!
BEST TACO TOURS IN CANCUN
A very good option to eat as many tacos as you physically can is to join a taco tour in Cancun. Learn about the local cuisine while visiting different eateries with a foodie guide. At each stop, you’ll relish delicious tacos, sampling different flavors.
▶️ Check out the Cancun Taco Tour, Local Beer and Night Market with Transportation. It includes a visit to the night market, as well as stops at different places. In each you’ll enjoy delicious tacos paired with beer, and churros for dessert. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Taco Tour Cancun – City Tour, Tacos, Tequila, Cerveza & Shopping takes you around Cancun. You’ll taste yummy tacos, tequila, and mezcal. Visit eateries only known to locals, have dessert in the park, and shop around in a craft market. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
I’ve written a whole post about the best food tours in Cancun. Check it out if you want more options!
BEST TACOS IN CANCUN
Most of the taco restaurants recommended here are in Cancun Downtown. If you’re staying in the Hotel Zone and thinking ”I’d like some amazing tacos near me” don’t worry, there are a few options in Zona Hotelera as well.
But if you really want to try authentic tacos, maybe that’s the perfect excuse to get out of your resort and explore the real Cancun.
El Socio Naiz Taqueria
El Socio Naiz prepares some of the fanciest tacos you’ll get to try in Cancun. They offer a wide variety of flavors and fillings, which can be tailored to your preferences. And trust me – they’re mouthwatering!
Vegan, gluten or dairy-free, and vegetarian diets are accommodated, so no one is left behind.
The tortilla isn’t fixed either: you can get the regular corn tortilla or choose the pink or blue corn tortillas. They add a tasty and colorful presence to the dish!
Dine in or choose to take out, and while you’re welcome to book a table in advance it’s not necessary. You’re likely to enjoy the best taco in Cancun at El Socio Naiz Taqueria, and you’ll keep coming back!
Address: Avenida Nader 74.
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday from 2 PM to 11.45 PM. Sunday through Tuesday it closes at 11.00 PM.
Taqueria Coapeñitos
Taqueria Coapeñitos is a top eatery in the taco industry, boasting ravishing reviews and de-li-cious tacos. The ambiance of the restaurant is great, and while most of the classic tacos include meat, they have some vegetarian options as well.
They are open throughout the day, so you can either visit for lunch or dinner, or get your taco fix in the morning. It’s always taco time in the city, and here you can get some of the very best tacos in Cancun Downtown.
The taqueria prides itself in its great and rather quick service, but you can still get tortilla chips and guacamole or salsas as a starter. They’re worth it, even if you don’t really have to wait for the main 😉
Address: Avenida Nader 25.
Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 1 AM.
El Polilla
If you’re looking for good taco places to pop by early in the morning, El Polilla is the perfect spot. It opens for breakfast and lunch, and offers delicious fuel for your adventures.
It’s such a popular taquería that it’s advisable to get there about 15 minutes before you plan to be hungry. You’ll likely have to wait in line to be served, especially if you arrive at lunchtime.
And don’t arrive in the last hour or so! We arrived around 12.30 PM and unfortunately they were out of tacos 🙁
Servings are very generous, so unless you’re planning to get literally stuffed, ask for one taco and then decide if you need more. If you’re in doubt, the carnitas is a classic, and one of the most ordered options on the menu.
Address: Avenida Carlos Nader 8-9.
Opening Hours: Daily from 7 AM to 1 PM.
Gory Tacos
Gory Tacos Cancun doesn’t only serve tacos. While you should definitely get some for your lunch or dinner (it’s the whole reason you’re reading this post, right?) I’d suggest getting them with some of the tasty sides. You will be tempted, that’s for sure!
Burritos, chips with salsa and guacamole, enchiladas, salads, shrimp cocktails, and even fries are part of the menu at Gory Tacos. And everything tastes as good as it sounds (and looks!)
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. The restaurant is also accessible for wheelchair users.
Address: Tulum Street.
Opening Hours: Thursday to Tuesday from 11 AM to 11 PM.
Los Tarascos
Los Tarascos is another place where you can get authentic Mexican tacos. They’re served in generous portions and with a wide variety of fillings.
Prices and service are close to unbeatable, and while all of their tacos are out of this world, Tacos Al Pastor is a firm favorite. This eatery is simple in style but very powerful in its flavors.
The tacos at Tarascos, Cancun are made fresh to order. What’s more, the meat is roasted on a vertical rotisserie and shaved in the moment.
You’ll have the pleasure of biting into a warm and oh-so-delicious taco. Warning: you might come back for more.
Address: Avenida Tulum 226.
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday (except for Mondays) from 11 AM to 9 PM. Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM. Closed on Monday.
Los de Pescado
Los de Pescado, as its Spanish name suggests, specializes in seafood. This is the place to be if you’re craving fish tacos (yum!)
Ceviche, shrimp cocktails, burritos, tostada de atún (tuna toast), and fish tacos are the main items on the menu. They offer 9 seafood dishes prepared with the best ingredients and daily caught fish.
There are three branches of Los de Pescado in the city. The one located on Avenida Tulum, though, is the most centric and popular one to get your freshly-made Cancun tacos.
Address: Avenida Tulum 32.
Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 5.30 PM.
Tacos de Guisado TOLA
TOLA is a fantastic spot to get homemade tacos, as well as freshly made Mexican food. The specialty of the house is stew tacos (that’s what tacos de guisado means!)
There are over a dozen different stews to choose from, including vegetarian options.
It’s a very popular place to get breakfast, as it’s one of the few taquerías that open early in the morning. You’ll find the tacos and stews freshly made, and the place smells incredible.
Impossible to resist, since they’re one of the best street tacos in Cancun! You can enjoy your meal on-site, or ask for takeout.
Address: Avenida Bonampak 68.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 7 AM to 10 PM.
Tacos Rigo
Tacos Rigo Cancun is yet another incredible taquería in town. Colorful and featuring a fun atmosphere, this eatery serves very (very!) tasty tacos, and a great variety of them.
Here you can get the popular Tacos Al Pastor in Cancun, or be brave and ask for some of their more creative fillings. If you don’t eat meat, you can get the veggie choices.
Besides serving tacos, they have quesadillas, seafood, and tortas on the menu. You also shouldn’t miss the tortilla chips and authentic salsas!
Address: Las Playas, 50.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 2 AM. On Saturday and Sunday, it opens at 8 AM and closes at 2 AM and 1 AM respectively.
Taqueria Los Parejas
Taqueria Los Parejas has some of the tastiest tacos in Cancun, Mexico. It has innovated with the options on offer, and nailed the menu!
You can get bistec, tongue, or ribs tacos at Los Parejas, as well as the most classic versions that include Al Pastor and Gringas. Tortilla chips with guacamole, cheese, and meat quesadillas are also part of the menu.
The atmosphere at this Cancun taco place is fantastic, and the service is great. Don’t be surprised if the waiter calls you parejita, a friendly way of saying partner. (That’s what the name of the restaurant means!)
Address: Calle Saltamontes.
Opening Hours: Daily from 4 PM to 1 AM.
Carnitas Don Enrique
The specialty of this restaurant? Carnitas tacos, of course! Carnitas literally means little meats, and that’s exactly what you’ll get.
Thinly sliced pork, deliciously seasoned and paired with salsa and herbs, inside a taco. They’re Cancun best tacos for meat lovers!
You could also get your carnitas in a baguette sandwich, which might be appreciated if you’ve been eating tacos all over the city already. (Although, can you really get too many tacos?)
Carnitas don Enrique is very popular, and has a loyal clientele, so they often run out of food before closing time. Make sure to visit them early in the day!
Address: Avenida Tikal, 201.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday from 8 AM to 3 PM, and Saturday & Sunday from 8 AM to 1 PM.
Taco y Tequila Cancun
Taco y Tequila is a typical Mexican restaurant that serves the best tacos in Cancun Hotel Zone. Taco y Tequila offers vegan and gluten-free options, though it mainly specializes in authentic recipes.
This includes the oh-so-popular Tacos al Pastor with salsas, of course.
The tortillas are hand-made, and while there are alternative dishes on the menu, it’s the tacos and fresh margaritas you should be after! It’s also the perfect place to get some of the best fish tacos in Cancun.
For dessert, you can’t go wrong with warm, sugar-coated churros. Make sure you save room in your stomach to indulge in them!
Address: Blvd. Kukulcan 25.
Opening Hours: Daily from 11 AM to 10 PM.
Los Chachalacos
Taqueria Los Chacalacos is a hit, with branches in both Downtown Cancun and the Hotel Zone (as well as other cities in the Riviera Maya). This taco shop features an extensive menu with exquisite fillings for your freshly made, warm tortillas.
The beloved Carnitas, Al Pastor, and Gringas are available to please classic lovers. However, you’ll also get to order a variety of different flavors, house specialties, and combos.
There are a few vegetarian options to choose from, as well as Mexican starters, and extra servings of salsas and guacamole. Save room for a charcoal plantain with dulce de leche for dessert!
Address: Av. Bonampak 75 Plaza Peninsula.
Opening Hours: Daily from 1 PM to 12 AM.
El Fish Fritanga
El Fish Fritanga doesn’t need much of an explanation, does it? Its star dish is seafood tacos. Located in the Hotel Zone, it’s bustling all day long with customers getting their fix of fish tacos.
Its menu, though, also boasts other (seafood) specialties such as chowder, salads, and tostadas.
The eatery was founded by locals for locals, so you can expect flavorful dishes, genuine local recipes, and refreshing alternatives such as cocktails and ceviches.
Address: Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 12.6. Hotel Zone.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 12 PM to 10 PM. It opens at 11 AM on the weekends.
