Mexican food is not new to the UAE. Stalwarts on the country's culinary scene include Maria Bonita's and Maya by Chef Richard Sandoval in Dubai, and Burro Blanco in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
But the cuisine seems to be having something of a resurgence in popularity, with a host of restaurants poised to open in the coming weeks, and plenty more having already opened this year.
Here's our round-up of new Mexican food to try in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Coming soon
Sobremesa, Dubai
Located in Souk Al Bahar, with a view of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, Sobremesa is a collaboration among chef Marco Ferreira and restaurateurs Daniil Chakmin and Hekim Setdarov.
The 60-cover dining room is decorated with minimalist, neutral decor. The charcoal grill smoked menu features a selection of Mexican-Spanish favourites, with highlights that include homemade tortillas; a truffled quesadilla with Oaxaca cheese, mushrooms and avocado salsa; and duck carnitas tacos.
The restaurant’s name doesn’t have a direct English translation, but essentially means conversation over a long, lazy meal.
Originally due to open in October, the opening of the much-anticipated restaurant has been delayed until later this month.
Cocina Tres, Dubai
An exciting new concept from the team behind Honeycomb Hi-Fi and Miss Lily’s, is expected to open this month.
No images of the restaurant at the Pullman Dubai Downtown have been shared yet, but the design promises to be “vibrant” and inspired by the work of Mexican architect Luis Barragan. The menu is focused on coastal Mexican cuisine, with fresh ceviche, wood-fire grilled plates, and hand-ground tortillas.
Canary Beach, Dubai
Canary Club in JLT is well known for its culinary fusion of Japanese and Mexican cuisine, and now the team is poised to open a beach club at Club Vista Mare on Palm Jumeirah.
With a sushi-focused half of the menu, it’s far from an authentic Mexican experience, but the Amjad Barakat, Jamal Wick and Joey Ghazal collaboration promises a menu of fresh crudos, served alongside the popular Canary guacamole in a beachfront location.
The opening date is yet to be announced.
Now open
Eclipse Terrace Lounge, Abu Dhabi
The restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island has reopened with a brand-new Mexican menu.
Kicking off in mid-October, the venue is serving a Colores y Sabores menu, which promises to be a “vibrant twist on Mexican street food”.
The menu includes annatto-marinated tacos, crispy cod bites and flan de elote. It’s also offering Taco Thursdays, from 7pm to 10pm, with unlimited tacos on offer at live cooking stations for Dh195 per person.
Esco-bar, Dubai
Esco-bar has a loyal following at its Palm West Beach location, but the Mexican restaurant and bar has opened a new outpost at 25 Jump Street in Dubai One Central. With a vibrant atmosphere, the food veers more on the Tex-Mex end of the culinary scale – think fajitas and loaded nachos – than authentic flavours, but the atmosphere delivers in true Mexican style.
A new hot spot, 25 Jump Street is also home to fast food joint Junk Burger, Lebanese favourite Em Sherif Deli, an outpost of Joe and the Juice, and bar 19 Sixty-Four by McGettigans.
El Moreno, Dubai
The taqueria opened its doors in Azizi Riviera, Nad Al Sheba, in April. The venue has a small number of dine-in tables, but you can order to take away via Noon, Careem and Talabat.
Menu highlights include duck carnitas tacos, which are a chef’s special, as well as chorizo con papas tacos and quesabirria tacos – slow-cooked beef with cheese, dipped in a beef consume.
Taqueria Freedah
This cosy Jumeirah Street spot, which opened in January and specialises in tacos and ceviche, has just four tables, but promises to serve some of the most “authentic Mexican street food in Dubai”.
At the taqueria, chef and co-owner Jorge Rodriguez honours Mexican heritage through the dishes as well as the decor, which features walls emblazoned with images of artist Frida Kahlo.
The menu is changeable, with specials frequently being added, but favourites include rib-eye and spicy pastor chicken tacos.
Chipotle, Dubai and Abu Dhabi
A North American favourite, casual dining eatery Chipotle opened its first outpost in the UAE in October last year at The Beach, JBR.
In the months since, it has expanded to include a Yas Mall restaurant in Abu Dhabi, which opened in August, and a Citywalk, Dubai eatery, which opened this month.
A build-your-own concept, the menu comprises customisable burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas and salads.
Ordering is designed to be quick and convenient, allowing customers to select a protein and customise their meal with options such as rice, beans, salsa and cheese. Additional sides, such as chips, guacamole or queso, are also available.
