Craving crispy tacos, enchiladas and maybe a mojito or margarita? Virginia Beach has more than a few Mexican restaurants that are nothing less than muy delicioso. Whether you’re in the mood for sizzling chicken fajitas or spicy shrimp ceviche, there are plenty of options to satisfy your appetite.
Oceanfront
Famous for its Virginia Beach Boardwalk, the Oceanfront is a great place to find tasty Mexican fare, from soft tacos to crispy chimichangas, all within easy reach of the beach.
Whether looking for a spot to celebrate Taco Tuesday, or just craving some great south of the border cuisine, there is no shortage of options here. From authentic Mexican fare to creative takes on this culinary staple, here are some of our favorite Mexican restaurants in Virginia Beach.
1. Gringo’s Taqueria
This cactus-themed taco joint may be small, however the flavors are anything but. A Baja-style spot perfect for Taco Tuesdays—or any taco craving—Gringo’s Taqueria is best known for its award-winning fish tacos, made with locally caught mahi and a house-made habanero sauce. Not in the mood for fish? They’ve got burritos, bowls and nachos piled high with tortilla chips, rice, beans and your choice of beef, chicken or pork. Just a heads-up: They are closed Sundays and Mondays.
2. Pelon’s Baja Grill
For fresh, California-style Mexican food, check out Pelon’s Baja Grill at locations in Oceanfront and Inland. The menu items go big on deliciousness. Choices include fish tacos, carne-asada fries and tortilla soup, plus burritos and bowls. Thirsty? A refreshing watermelon margarita hits the spot. Stop in for happy hour Tuesday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. for drink specials and $9 taco trios. Sundays bring out special vegan dishes, like potato tacos. Pelon’s is closed Mondays.
3. Side Street Cantina
For Peruvian-influenced Mexican fare, Side Street Cantina is the place to go. This inviting restaurant serves up shrimp quesadillas, burritos rancheros, enchiladas verdes and carnitas with chunks of perfectly roasted pork. Tequila lovers, take note: There are more than two dozen options behind the bar, plus lots of ritas, including zero-proof options. Side Street Cantina is open daily for dinner and Friday through Sunday for lunch.
Town Center District
In VB’s Town Center District, savor bold flavors, sip on hand-crafted margaritas and dig into mouthwatering Mexican dishes in a buzzing, vibrant atmosphere.
4. Cantina Laredo
Cantina Laredo captures the essence of Mexico with classics like enchiladas, carnitas and mole, alongside inventive dishes like grilled chicken topped with a signature chipotle-wine sauce and Monterey Jack. Enjoy an award-winning Casa ’Rita or try a flight of spicy, peach and Patron margaritas. Stop in for happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. for food and drink specials like $5 margaritas for women on Thursdays.
Inland
Head Inland for a flavorful variety of authentic and flavorful Mexican restaurants that are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something delicious.
5. Camino Real
Camino Real serves flavor-packed dishes made with fresh ingredients, from tender pork carnitas to zesty jumbo shrimp with salsa verde. This family-owned spot is known for its selection of tequilas and creative margaritas like blackberry-basil and mango-chili. Happy hour runs Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with special prices for a 16-ounce house margarita plus Mexican and domestic beers. On warm days, a relaxing patio lets you soak up good vibes.
6. El Azteca
When a craving for Mexican food strikes, head to El Azteca. With three Inland locations, a delicious meal is always nearby. The menu is packed with crowd-pleasing options, from sizzling fajitas and enchiladas verdes to nachos supreme. Vegetarians won’t feel left out, thanks to a dozen meat-free dishes. Ready for a sweet finish? They’ve got warm sopapillas, creamy flan and so much more.
7. Grande Burrito Grill
Head to Grande Burrito Grill for crunchy tacos, a lively game on the big screens and plenty of chips and guac to share. Soccer fans can celebrate every goal with shot specials at the bar, adding to the fun and festive atmosphere. The menu leans into Guadalajara-style Mexican cuisine, known for its bold flavors and authentic dishes. Think hearty tortas, zesty ceviche and rich, spicy birria.
8. Jose Tequilas
With five locations across Virginia Beach—including Inland, Chesapeake Bay and Sandbridge—great Mexican food is never far away. You can practically hear the sizzle of the fajitas at Jose Tequilas. Margaritas are a big deal here, offered in three sizes: regular, medium and monster. They even serve sangria and margarita flights for those who can’t pick just one. Stop in Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for happy hour specials.
9. Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant & Cantina is a go-to spot for scrumptious Mexican food in Virginia Beach at six locations, including Inland, Oceanfront and Chesapeake Bay. No need to travel far for a margarita, daiquiri or even a refreshing non-alcoholic smoothie or horchata. The menu is massive—more than a dozen pages filled with fresh salads, seafood, tacos, combination entrees and more. Guacamole fans will love the tableside guac cart, ensuring the freshest possible chip dip.
10. Los Cuates Taqueria
For mouthwatering scratch-made Mexican fare, Los Cuates Taqueria delivers. The menu features fan favorites like quesadillas, nachos, burritos and tostadas, but, it’s the tacos that steal the show. From asada and pastor to carnitas, it may be tough to choose just one. Open daily for lunch and dinner, this spot is a hit with both locals and visitors. Get there early, and don’t be surprised if there’s a wait. It’s that good.
11. Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant
With a name like Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant you expect top-notch drinks, but the food is just as satisfying. The menu at Margarita’s is chock-full of Mexican favorites, from chimichangas and enchiladas to quesadillas and street tacos. Dessert doesn’t disappoint either. Options range from classic sopapillas to banana splits. For true indulgence, try the Sinful Seven Cake, layered with seven types of chocolate.
12. Nico’s Tacos
Nico’s Tacos has everything from fajitas and nachos to tortas and all the guacamole you can handle. And yes, they serve tasty tacos, too. Plus, Nico’s has a killer breakfast menu, featuring breakfast burritos and the fan favorite huevos rancheros. Pair your meal with a fresh juice, including pineapple, mango and cantaloupe. Nico’s is open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
13. Quemar
For an elevated take on Latin American cuisine, head to Quemar, a stylish restaurant and lounge on Laskin Road. Yes, there’s guac and arroz con pollo, but you’ll also find creative dishes like squash and queso enchiladas, tuna tostadas and short-rib burritos. Margs and mojitos, including zero-proof options, are also on the menu, along with flights of tequilas, margaritas and cocktails. Quemar is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
14. Jessy’s Tacos & Taqueria
Jessy’s Tacos & Taqueria keeps it real, serving classic Mexican flavors daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Craving street-style tacos, tamales, enchiladas or fajitas? How about sides like fried cactus and slices of fresh avocado? They’ve got it all—plus creative margaritas, including skinny options. Stop in before noon for breakfast favorites like huevos con chorizo and huevos rancheros.
15. Taqueria La Patrona
Taqueria La Patrona brings an upscale vibe to bona fide Mexican flavors, even when offering tacos, birria and street corn. The menu goes beyond the essentials with pupusas, gorditas and gringas, a delicious quesadilla/taco hybrid. You’ll even find T-bone steaks with rice and refried beans on the menu. Vegans and vegetarians will feel welcome, thanks to plenty of plant-based options. Finish a meal with fried ice cream, flan or tres leches cake.
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- Dine Like a Local
- Mexican Food
- Restaurants
Written by Erin Gifford
Erin Gifford is a Virginia-based travel and outdoors writer. She especially enjoys writing about road trips, outdoor recreation and national parks. Her credits include Parents, The Washington Post, Thrillist, TIME and AFAR.com. She has written three hiking guidebooks for Falcon Guides and has created a hiking website, GoHikeVirginia.com. She also runs half marathons and is working toward completing one in all 50 states (so far, she has checked off 36 states).
