Many complain about the lack of Mexican food in Tokyo, but the truth is, it’s simply hidden within the city’s overwhelmingly vibrant dining scene.

Tokyo is home to everything from niche regional Chinese cuisine and Uzbek restaurants to Burmese, Finnish, and Hungarian spots, not to mention the diversity within Japanese food itself (have you tried the cuisine of Hachijojima?). Amid all that, the city actually offers some surprisingly solid options for Mexican food, if you know where to look.

Here is Metropolis’ guide to some of the best Mexican spots in Tokyo, selected by our editor Arden, a San Diego native with a Mexican mother, who grew up eating Mexican food long before she showed up on the Tokyo food scene.

From a quiet homestyle kitchen to a resort-style rooftop, these are her picks for where to go when the craving hits.

1. Tacos 3hermanos (Harajuku)
– “The Most Mexican Taco Truck in Japan”

What started as a taco truck experiment has evolved into chef Furuya Yamato opening his first brick-and-mortar restaurant in the bustling Omotesando district. After spending nearly a decade living in Mexico City and perfecting the art of street tacos, Japan-born Yamato now serves traditional Carnitas and Suadero tacos alongside other classics like Chilaquiles. The restaurant also offers imported Modelo and Tecate beers. Arguably the best Mexican tacos in Japan, the lively atmosphere and Mexican music make this spot a true gem in Tokyo.

3-26-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
@tacos_3hermanos_df

2. Fonda Mexicana (Ginza)
-“From New York to Ginza”

The award-winning chef and culinary director, Roberto Santibañez, leads FONDA MEXICANA New York’s new location in Tokyo. The restaurant spices up a fine dining experience with an authentic taste of Mexico. The sophisticated menu features traditional Mexican dishes like Guacamole Chicharrón, Tuna Tostada, Mixote Grilled Chicken and Steak Fajitas.

7-2-18 Ginza, Chuo-ku
@fonda.ginza

3. Taquito Japan (Shin Koiwa and Ichikawa)
-“Homestyle Mexican, Hidden in the Neighborhood”

A quiet, authentic spot tucked into a residential neighborhood, Taquito Japan is run by a Mexican husband and his Japanese wife. The menu covers homestyle staples like tamales, tacos, and slow-cooked stews. It originally opened in Ichikawa and now has a second branch in Shinkoiwa. The Ichikawa location is reservation only, so plan ahead.

・Ichikawa
3-17-19 Shinden, Ichikawa-shi, Chiba
@taquitojapan

・Shin-Koiwa
1-53-15 Shin-Koiawa, Katsushika-ku
@taquito_shinkoiwa

4. La Jolla (Hiroo)
-“Tokyo’s OG Mexican Spot”

Named after the San Diego Seaside town of La Jolla, meaning “the jewel” in Spanish, this Mexican eatery opened in 1987 taking inspiration from Northern Mexican and San Diego-style dishes. Entrees like Enchiladas and Quesadillas are served on plates with Mexican spiced rice and refried beans. Set with a full bar, sip on frozen margaritas in the cozy and local atmosphere of La Jolla. 

5-16-3 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku
la-jolla.jp/about.html

5. Hacienda Del Cielo (Daikanyama)
-“Resort-Style Mexican, Without the Pool”

Hacienda Del Cielo features a more modern take on Mexican dishes fused with an array of flavors from South America, including Brazil, Peru and Argentina. Less Abuela, more rooftop resort—but it works. The modern and elegant interior along with the rooftop patio set a vibrant atmosphere amidst the Tokyo skyline.

10-1 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku
@haciendadelcielo