Taco-bout Tasty Tacos in New York City

From Broadway to Central Park, New York City has an unrivaled number of attractions. When it comes to food, many may think of pastrami on rye, New York-style pizza or bagels. But thanks to a burgeoning Mexican food scene, Central American restaurants and food trucks have opened from Brooklyn to Harlem. New York’s farm-to-table scene has embraced the taco, as have the tasting menus at many upscale restaurants. Discover a BLT in a tortilla in Midtown, West Village surf and turf tacos and even Brooklyn rooftop bars serving crispy duck tacos to share. But where can tortilla lovers find the best tacos in New York? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. Our team of experts has trawled taquerias and cafes, fine-dining establishments and neighborhood favorites to find the tastiest tacos in town. From carne asada to crispy codfish, we've found the best tacos with that New York flair. Pick a favorite and book a table today.

The OpenTable Team

10 Restaurants

Updated January 28, 2020

Restaurants:	Kappo Masa, Blue Hill, Lure New York…
Price Range:	$$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Japanese, American, Seafood…
Neighborhoods:	Upper East Side, West Village, SoHo…

Kappo Masa

$$$$

Japanese

Upper East Side

4.8

531 reviews

Walking into Kappo Masa is like stepping into a work of art. Textured concrete contrasts with potted trees and golden wood, and when the food arrives it’s no less beautiful. This Upper-East Side Japanese hot-spot might not seem like the obvious place to find the best tacos in New York City, but check out the hibachi grill menu. Two tacos are on offer here. Peking duck and foie gras are definitely not Japanese but still meltingly unctuous, while the lobster tacos give guests yet another inventive way to enjoy the quality seafood on offer here. Perfect for special occasions.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Blue Hill

$$$$

American

West Village

4.6

3707 reviews

Blue Hill is an almost hidden gem, down a few steps in Greenwich Village into the depths of an old speakeasy. There are two menus, a four-course and a six-course, each showcasing a range of dishes using local produce and seasonal ingredients. Because of this, the menu changes regularly, but regulars know that the tacos which pop up on these menus are some of the best in the city. How about a combination of crispy pig’s ear and Maine scallops, with pickled pear and hot sauce? Or past offerings have included a tuna taco with flavors so complex it was more like a piece of art. Always in demand, so be sure to book.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Lure New York

$$$$

Seafood

SoHo

4.8

3482 reviews

If fish tacos are the craving of the day, what better place to find the best than in one of the hottest seafood restaurants in town? Lure takes the aquatic theme to a new level, with the interior mimicking that of luxury yet retro yacht. Bypass the excellent sushi bar and take a seat in the comfortable dining area and prepare to swoon at the attention to detail that goes into each of Lure’s seafood offerings. The tacos: Tuna Tacos, from the appetizer section. The firmness of the fish combined with the fresh bite of cucumber, the silkiness of avocado and just a zing of vinaigrette. Fresh and exciting.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Clam

$$$$

Seafood

West Village

4.8

1320 reviews

The Clam might be closer to the Hudson River than the ocean, but that doesn’t stop it serving up some of the finest seafood in town. The star of the show is the often-underrated clam, which appears as a chowder, on seafood platters, in spaghetti, and fried up and served with lobster in sliders for a real hit of comfort food. Crispy Codfish Tacos are the reason for taco fans to show up- that, and the gentle and welcoming ambience. A date night favorite. Booking recommended.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Little Owl

$$$$

Mediterranean

West Village

4.8

3600 reviews

Little Owl is a tiny West Village neighborhood spot, beloved by locals and visitors alike. From to-die-for porkchops to Scottish salmon with champagne sauce, the Little Owl promises Mediterranean flavor combined with seasonal ingredients. Come down for brunch and tuck into their famous surf and turf tacos. One fish, one beef, perfectly spiced and just right for a weekend pick-me-up.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Westville Dumbo

$$$$

American

DUMBO / Vinegar Hill

4.5

383 reviews

Just moments from Brooklyn Bridge, Westville Dumbo is an accessible spot for veggie-centric healthy fare inspired by the seasons. The theme is simple American dishes with big flavor This could be the smoky mac and cheese, with optional bacon. Or, burgers ranging from char-grilled beef to quinoa and artichoke. Their avocado tacos are a famous combo of breaded avocado, silky cheese, salsa, and salad. A diet-friendly treat.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Nobu Fifty Seven

$$$$

Japanese

Midtown West

4.8

5023 reviews

Widely known as one of the best A-Lister spotting restaurants in Midtown, Nobu 57 is a feast for all the senses. Stunning charred wood, woven partitions and Japanese lanterns create an ambience that’s a unique blend of modern and traditional. Exactly what New York has come to expect from restaurateur legend Nobu Matsuhisa. Nobu 57 does a range of tacos, all small and filled with punchy flavor and ingredients, ranging from fresh veggies to king crab. A complete experience.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

BLACKBARN Restaurant - NoMad

$$$$

American

NoMad

4.6

1683 reviews

Bright and bustling, NoMad’s Blackbarn is rocking the farm-to-table revolution in upscale, contemporary surroundings. There are vegan plates like the cauliflower steak or for die-hard carnivores, the house burger comes topped with pork belly and a rich BBQ sauce. Head here at lunchtime for the real treat: chili dusted swordfish tacos. The bite of chili plus the sweetness of mango makes this dish a NoMad favorite.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Westlight

$$$$

American

Williamsburg

4.6

943 reviews

Westlight is a Brooklyn rooftop bar and eatery with some of the best views across New York City. People come here for the cocktails, which range from the creamy and silky to citrus-punched zingers. Food is a rage of plates, small and large, with an emphasis on big flavor. Every New York taco fan should know about the duck carnitas here. Perfectly juicy meat with the right amount of crispness, plus an authentically spiced Huitlacoche sauce. Spectacular.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Kahlo Restaurant

$$$$

Mexican

Chelsea

4.8

598 reviews

Browsing Chelsea’s galleries and markets is an activity that needs a lot of fuel. Take a pit-stop at one of the hottest New-Mexican restaurants in town: Kahlo. Named for Freda herself, it’s no surprise that color and a zest for life run right through the ethos here. Tortillas both crispy and soft, a range of veggie options in rainbow colors, plus plenty of tequila and mezcal mean this restaurant has something for everyone. The fish taco is a favorite, but vegans should ask about the plant-based taco with sautéed corn and squash blossom.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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