Anita GarciaEl Paso is a great place to enjoy real Mexican food, with bold flavors and recipes passed down through generations.
Whether you’re hiring caterers for a special event or trying new restaurants with family and friends, you’ll find plenty of delicious choices around the city.
I’ve vetted the top Mexican restaurants in El Paso to ensure you get the most authentic experience possible. From tasty tacos to rich mole and fresh salsa, there’s something here for everyone.
Explore my top picks below to find your perfect match!
How much does Mexican food cost in El Paso?
Mexican food in El Paso typically costs between $10 and $20 per person at most casual restaurants, while budget taquerias offer meals for under $10 and trendier dining spots generally range from $15 to $30 per person.
| Restaurant Type | Average Cost Per Person |
| Budget Taquerias & Cafes | Under $10 |
| Casual & Historic Institutions | $10 – $20 |
| Trendy & Modern Spots | $15 – $30 |
1. Leo’s | Mexican Food Restaurant
Website: https://www.leoselpaso.com/
Address: 7520 Remcon Circle
Contact: 915 833 1189
Hours: Tue-Sun 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Leo’s Mexican Food Restaurant has been a favorite in El Paso for years, and it feels welcoming and familiar as soon as you step inside.
It’s even more special because it’s been family-owned since 1946, and people love their scratch-made traditional recipes that offer true old-school flavor.
On top of that, the huge Tex-Mex and American menu includes everything from enchiladas to sizzling fajitas, so there’s always something for any craving.
The relaxed atmosphere also helps, making it a great spot for families and casual nights out, especially when sharing food and drinks.
That said, dinner rush can get very busy, which slows service, and phone orders may be paused during peak times, so waiting is common.
Customer Reviews
My favorite restaurant for Mexican food
This place just became my favorite restaurant for Mexican food, first time here, hubby brought me for a pre bday lunch and beyond impressed! Got the combination plate and it was delicious! Our waitress esmeralda (emerald) was amazing, attentive, and so sweet! Best customer service I’ve had in year’s! Love this place and highly recommend we will be back!! Ps..The pina colada was delicious 😋
- Kat | Google Review
In business since 1946
Historic Mexican Restaurant on the West Side of El Paso. In business since 1946. Highly suggest the Chicken Enchiladas with Mole. Highly recommend if on the West Side. Peter is an excellent server. 22 years with Leo’s.
- Luke Cole | Google Review
2. Amar Restaurant
Website: https://www.restaurantamar.com/
Address: 3100 N Mesa St.
Contact: 915 613 5051
Hours: Sun-Thu 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Fri-Sat 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Amar Restaurant brings something fresh to El Paso with its Peruvian-Mexican fusion dishes that feel light and modern.
From what I’ve noticed, the menu focuses on seasonal ingredients, offering seafood plates, plant-based meals, and colorful dishes like tortas and aguachile.
What really stands out is how refreshing it feels compared to heavier Tex-Mex food, making it a nice choice for brunch or a relaxed dinner.
The cozy atmosphere also helps, making it a good spot for casual meetups or date nights, with a nice mix of cultural flavors in every bite.
However, service can be a bit inconsistent at times. For instance, there may be delays with drink refills or getting the check, especially when it gets busy.
Customer Reviews
Awesome service and super attentive
A great, little restaurant! Fusion of Mexican and Peruvian food. Awesome service and super attentive. On the smaller side, so either be willing to wait or make reservations. Celebrated our wedding anniversary, and my wife really enjoyed and liked the place. The food was super tasty and impressed with the dishes we had (look at pics). Will totally go back.
- Jesus Tapia | Google Review
If you like Mexican food you’ll love Amar!
It’s a gem of a restaurant offering mouth watering Peruvian food. I highly recommend this place for their food and customer service. If you like Mexican food you’ll love Amar!!! The name says it all. ☺️☺️☺️
- Loretta Rodriguez | Google Review
3. El Sazon De Belem
Website: https://sazondebelem.com/
Address: 5019 Alabama Street
Contact: 915 257 1013
Hours: Tue-Sat 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sun 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
El Sazon De Belem is a cozy El Paso breakfast spot where the smell of fresh tortillas makes the whole place feel like home.
This homestyle eatery is known for its all-day breakfast menu, packed with big burritos and saucy morning plates that are perfect for family-style meals or casual gatherings.
On top of that, the prices are very affordable, so you can enjoy authentic comfort food without spending too much.
I also heard from a friend who used their catering service for a morning meetup, and the trays of eggs and menudo were a big hit.
The only downside is that wait times can be longer than you’d expect, and seating can get a little disorganized when it’s busy.
Customer Reviews
Food was fresh and good
I like when you go somewhere and the restrooms are clean, they even smelled good and things look well maintained throughout the restaurant. A calm atmosphere very clean, the waitress was friendly food was fresh and good. I had green enchiladas with chicken, they were good. I’ll be back someday. This place definitely cares about cleanliness and appearance. Good job.
- Nilla C. | Google Review
Almost like my Mom’s cooking
Almost like my Mom’s cooking.This restaurant has it all! Clean, friendly servers, and great food! The homemade salsa and chips are delicious. They don’t skimp on portion size. You get what you pay for.
- Julie Barrera | Google Review
4. L & J Cafe
Website: https://ljcafe.com/
Address: 3622 East Missouri Avenue
Contact: 915 566 8418
Hours: Mon-Wed 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Thur-Sat 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sun 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
L & J Cafe is one of El Paso’s most historic dining spots, serving hearty comfort food since 1927.
This legendary restaurant is loved for its deep borderland heritage and a huge traditional menu filled with classics like spicy chile verde and saucy enchiladas.
Another draw is their flexible ordering options, which let you choose quick meals or large catering trays depending on your needs.
The old-school atmosphere also adds to the experience, making it a great place to bring visitors who want a taste of local history.
Keep in mind, though, that vegetarian options are quite limited, and some meatless dishes may feel a bit dry or less flavorful than the rest of the menu.
Customer Reviews
My favorite Mexican food restaurant
Born and raised in El Paso and L & J Cafe has always been my favorite Mexican food restaurant. My favorite is dish is the Chile Colorado con Carne and Chile con Queso Steak. If you are going for lunch make sure you get there early because it gets packed but it is worth the wait!
- Christine Kemp | Google Review
This is the best Mexican restaurant in El Paso
This is the best Mexican restaurant in El Paso.
There is a wait, so please make a reservation and send a text message when you arrive to be seated.
You can enjoy authentic Mexican food, not Tex-Mex, and accordingly, slightly spicy sauces are provided.
Serving is a bit slow due to the large number of customers.
Needless to say, the portions are generous, and there isn’t a single dish that isn’t delicious. It is incredibly tasty.
If I visit El Paso again, I definitely plan to go back here!!
- Jaedo Lee | Google Review
5. Kiki’s Mexican Restaurant
Website: https://kikisrestaurant.com/
Address: 2719 North Piedras Street
Contact: 915 565 6713
Hours: Mon, Wed-Sun 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Kiki’s Mexican Restaurant is a friendly El Paso neighborhood spot that makes every meal feel warm and personal.
People know it for home-style Mexican food that mixes classic Tex-Mex dishes with fresh seafood from the coast.
Also, you’ll find comforting options like picadillo and caldillo, plus creative plates such as crab enchiladas and tilapia tacos.
Plus, the signature combo plates are also a good deal and let you mix favorites like flautas and chile rellenos for a filling meal.
Another nice touch is the rotating daily specials, which keep things interesting for regular visits.
However, tortilla quality can sometimes be inconsistent, and the seasoning may feel a bit mild on certain dishes.
Customer Reviews
The food was amazing
Absolutely loved our experience at My Kiki’s Mexican Restaurant! The food was amazing — we had the enchiladas and flautas, and both were packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. Despite the place being packed, we were seated quickly and the service was top-notch. Friendly staff, great atmosphere, and seriously delicious food. Definitely a 5-star spot — we’ll be back soon!
- Paul Parazzi | Google Review
Here u can enjoy ur food and service!
I tried the crab enchiladas(it is made with crab stick). Excellent! If u haven’t try their cheese sauce yet, you should give it a try. Busy restaurant however staff r very friendly, I feel very welcomed, unlike other busy popular Mexican restaurants, here u can enjoy ur food and service!
- Phoenix | Google Review
