From Mexican and Spanish to Puerto Rican cuisine, here are some of the best Hispanic restaurants in the US
Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) is on, and what better way to celebrate than dining out at one of the many incredible Hispanic restaurants in the United States? Immigrants from across Latin America have helped create the multifaceted culture that we are so proud of in the U.S., and food is a major aspect — and one of the easiest ways to learn about a country and culture.
Although Mexican food is often the default, Hispanic cuisine refers to fare from Mexico, Spain and Puerto Rico, along with Spanish-speaking Central American, South American and Caribbean countries. This means everything from tacos to pupusas (savory stuffed tortillas) to ropa vieja (flank steak with tomato) to ceviche is on the menu — and we are here for it.
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We’ve rounded up a selection of the best Hispanic restaurants across the United States — from upscale dining rooms to more casual eateries — to help you honor and enjoy this incredible culture. But of course, this is just a small sampling of spots out of thousands, so get out there and support your neighborhood Hispanic restaurant this month — and all year long.
Tanta, Chicago
Peruvian food is diverse and delicious, as evidenced by its award-winning restaurants in capital city Lima — such as Central, for one — and beyond. And while it may be less popular in the U.S. than other cuisines, it is gaining ground thanks to places like Tanta in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Serving authentic Peruvian dishes since 2013, Tanta focuses on locally and sustainably sourced ingredients to create regional dishes from all across Peru, allowing the country’s Japanese, Chinese, Spanish and Italian influences to shine through.
Chef Gastón Acurio offers dishes such as a classic ceviche made with the chef’s choice of fish, leche de tigre (a traditional citrus marinade), choclo (Peruvian corn) sweet potatoes, red onions and cancha (corn nuts); a selection of meaty anticuchos, or grilled skewers; and fried rice with seafood and salsa criolla (Creole sauce). At the bottomless mimosa weekend brunch, try the choloquiles, a spin on chilaquiles with fried tortillas topped with lomo saltado (stir-fried beef, onions and potatoes), eggs and huacatay sauce made with black mint. And don’t forget to order one of its famous pisco sour cocktails to wash it all down.
La Fonda Boricua, New York
New York has a large and vibrant Puerto Rican community, which means it has some of the best Puerto Rican restaurants in the world outside of Puerto Rico itself. La Fonda Boricua has been holding it down in Spanish Harlem since 1996, when it was founded by Jorge Ayala. Today it is known for serving amazing mofongo (plantain mash), which comes stuffed with shrimp, chicken, pork, vegetables or mixed seafood.
Also on the menu are juicy pernil (slow-roasted pork with Puerto Rican seasoning), tostones (crunchy fried plantains) with garlic mojito dipping sauce, octopus salad, pollo guisado (chicken stew) and crispy chuletas (fried pork chops). The vibe is welcoming and vibrant and there are often live Latin jazz bands playing and flamenco performances.
La Casita Mexicana, Los Angeles
Mexican food and California go together like peanut butter and jelly, but choosing the best is a nearly impossible task. The sit-down La Casita Mexicana in Bell is a staple that has stood the test of time. Brightly colored tablecloths, wall decor and pinatas make the atmosphere festive and jovial, but the food carries the real weight of regional authenticity.
Chefs Jaime Martín del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu, who both grew up in Jalisco, Mexico, offer a menu of perfectly executed (and extremely delicious) Mexican classics such as traditional chiles en nogada (poblano peppers stuffed with meat and dried fruit with a walnut and pomegranate sauce), enchiladas smothered in a variety of regional sauces and three different types of homemade mole served over chicken or pork. The restaurant has been nominated for a James Beard Award and has received countless accolades.
Los Fuegos, Miami
Grill master and Patagonian native Francis Mallmann’s Argentine love letter to the people of Miami is located inside the stunning Faena Hotel in South Beach. Los Fuegos — true to its name — focuses on South American live-fire cooking in an upscale environment stylishly decorated with the Faena color palette of red and gold.
Guests can feast on octopus a la plancha (on a grill) with potato confit, garlic aioli, olives and fresh herbs; wood-fired artichokes with sesame yogurt and sourdough breadcrumbs; and a selection of meats and seafood cooked on the fire grill or the fire plancha, including massive platters with everything from grilled skirt steak to lamb to branzino (sea bass) to morcilla (blood sausage) for groups to share. Save room for lavish desserts like coconut Pavlova with mango-passion fruit chutney and dulce de leche flan with raspberries and strawberries.
Autana, Ardmore, Pennsylvania
It may surprise you that one of the best Venezuelan restaurants in the U.S. is in a tiny hamlet outside of Philadelphia, but it’s true. Autana is owned by a husband-and-wife team originally from Venezuela who both lost their jobs during the pandemic (chef Levi Hernandez used to cook at the Four Seasons Philadelphia). Originally started as a pop-up and then ghost kitchen inside another business, they moved to their own small space right next door in July 2022.
Menu items include Venezuelan classics like arepas (cornmeal cakes), tequenos (flaky empanadas with a variety of fillings), mandocas (ring-shaped fried sweet plantains mixed with cornmeal and served with cheese) and cachapas (a sweet corn crepe-like pancake with various fillings). At dinner, heartier fare like pabellon criollo (shredded beef, chicken or fish served with rice, beans and tostones) and costillitas (roasted pork ribs) is served. They also sell coffee and pastries during the day, and have a market area with imported Venezuelan pantry items and chocolate bars.
Bottom line
Thanks to growing interest in Hispanic cuisine, you don’t need to take a trip outside the U.S. to experience this great food. We’ve outlined five restaurants here, but other cities offering vibrant Hispanic cuisine include Denver; Washington; Tucson, Arizona; Las Vegas; San Antonio; and San Francisco. And while you’re there, try and visit culturally relevant sites in these cities, too.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.