Best Mexican Food in Ocala, FL
From authentic street tacos to Tulum-inspired Tex-Mex, these are the top Mexican restaurants in Ocala as verified by our local team
Mexican Food in Ocala
Ocala's Mexican food scene offers genuine variety, from family-run restaurants serving recipes passed down through generations to modern Tex-Mex concepts with craft cocktail programs. Whether you're craving tacos and combination plates or a night out with tequila flights and margaritas, Marion County has a Mexican restaurant to match.
Our team has visited each of these restaurants to verify their quality, atmosphere, and value. Beyond the spots featured below, Ocala has even more Mexican dining worth exploring, including El Mezcal for traditional plates and Azul Tequila for its tequila-forward menu and vibrant atmosphere. Browse the full list below or visit our complete Mexican restaurant directory for additional options including menus, hours, and directions. For quick, flavorful tacos in a casual setting, Frida's Tacos and Tequila (see the menu) is another local favorite worth checking out. West of I-75 on Highway 40, La Hacienda Restaurant and Supermarket at 4185 W Highway 40 combines a Latino-owned Mexican grocery store with a restaurant, so a meal and the grocery run can happen in one stop. On weekends, the food vendors at the Mi Pueblo Flea Market in Belleview, open Saturdays and Sundays at 12180 SE US Highway 441, are another place to find Latin American food south of Ocala.
Best Mexican Food in Ocala by Neighborhood
Where to go depends on where you are. Here are the standout Mexican restaurants grouped by area across Ocala and Marion County.
Best Mexican Food in Downtown Ocala
The downtown square anchors the Tex-Mex and cocktail-driven Mexican dining scene.
Cantina Tex-Mex & Tequila Bar
Located in downtown Ocala, Cantina brings a Tulum-inspired atmosphere to the city square with creative Tex-Mex dishes and an extensive tequila bar. Fiesta Hour runs Tuesday through Friday from 2 to 6 PM, and the restaurant is closed on Mondays.
Say Taco (formerly Sayulita Taqueria)
Say Taco began as Sayulita Taqueria, a counter-service taco shop off the downtown square named for the Mexican surf town. After the pandemic it changed its name, added a bar and switched to full service. Visit Ocala lists a daily happy hour from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and hours to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Taco'n Madre
Taco'n Madre is a taquería on N Pine Ave (US 441), a few blocks west of the downtown square, licensed by the state as a permanent food service under Taqueria Compadres No. 2. It also takes delivery orders through Uber Eats. Check its current menu and hours before you go.
Best Mexican Food in SW Ocala
The SR 200 / SW College Rd / SW 36th Ave corridor is the densest Mexican food zone in Ocala, with authentic and traditional spots within a few miles.
Las Margaritas
Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant & Gallery, in the Market Street at Heath Brook center, lists fajitas, birria tacos, enchiladas suizas and tableside guacamole on its Ocala menu, along with a margarita menu and 13 named tequilas. The restaurant's website says it makes its dishes from scratch and offers pickup and delivery. See the full guide for hours, prices and the menu.
El Toreo Mexican Restaurant (SW 200)
One of two El Toreo locations in the Ocala area, this SW 200 restaurant serves a full menu of traditional Mexican dishes including fajitas, combination platters, and house specialties. The family-owned restaurant has built a loyal following for its consistent food quality and welcoming service in the southwest Ocala corridor.
Best Mexican Food in East Ocala
The E Silver Springs Blvd commercial corridor serves the east side and Silver Springs area.
Best Mexican Food in South Ocala
South Pine Avenue (US 441), just south of downtown.
What Makes Ocala's Mexican Food Stand Out from Other Cities?
Authentic Preparation
Look for kitchens that make tortillas in-house and slow-cook meats using traditional methods, and ask about daily specials, which often show off the cook's home region.
Range of Styles
From tacos at Taco'n Madre to upscale Tex-Mex at Cantina, and from traditional plates at El Toreo to Latin fusion at Latinos Y Mas, Ocala covers the full spectrum of Mexican-inspired cuisine.
Tequila & Cocktails
Las Margaritas and Cantina Tex-Mex both feature extensive tequila selections. Cantina's Fiesta Hour runs Tuesday through Friday from 2 to 6 PM (closed Mondays).
Best Ocala Mexican Food For…
Different cravings call for different spots. Here's how to pick the right Mexican restaurant for tonight.
Tacos near downtown
Taco'n Madre, a taquería at 80 N Pine Ave, a few blocks west of the downtown square.
Tacos and tequila downtown
Say Taco (formerly Sayulita Taqueria) at 10 NE 1st Street. Full bar and a daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. happy hour.
Date night + craft cocktails
Cantina Tex-Mex & Tequila Bar downtown. Tulum-inspired interior and tequila flights; closed Mondays.
Margaritas worth ordering
Las Margaritas on SW College Rd (literally in the name) and Cantina. Both list a full margarita and tequila menu.
East Ocala / Silver Springs
El Toreo Silver Springs at 3790 E Silver Springs Blvd for traditional combo plates.
Family-friendly dinner
El Toreo (SW 200 or Silver Springs locations). Kid menus, generous combo plates, family-friendly atmosphere, predictable pricing.
Latin variety beyond Mexican
Latinos Y Mas at 2030 S Pine Ave. Family-owned since 1991, with Cuban and Mexican dishes on a Latin fusion menu. Best for groups with mixed cravings. For a Cuban breakfast or lunch, Latin American Cafe is on NE 14th St.
Cheap lunch
Taco'n Madre tacos near downtown or an El Toreo combination plate on either side of town.
Fajita night
El Toreo for sizzling fajita platters and Las Margaritas for steak, chicken, pork or shrimp fajitas on its Ocala menu. Both hit the table with sound effects.
How Do Ocala Mexican Restaurants Compare?
| Name | Area | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Las Margaritas | SW Ocala | |
| Cantina Tex-Mex & Tequila Bar | Downtown Ocala | |
| Say Taco (formerly Sayulita Taqueria) | Downtown Ocala | |
| Taco'n Madre | Downtown Ocala | |
| El Toreo Mexican Restaurant (SW 200) | SW Ocala | |
| El Toreo Mexican Restaurant (Silver Springs) | East Ocala | |
| Latinos Y Mas | South Ocala |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best Mexican food in Ocala?
Which Ocala Mexican restaurant has the best margaritas?
Are there authentic Mexican restaurants in Ocala with handmade tortillas?
Where can I get street tacos in Ocala?
Is there a Tex-Mex restaurant in downtown Ocala?
What Latin American restaurants in Ocala serve Mexican food?
How many El Toreo locations are there in Ocala?
Where is the best Mexican food on SR 200 / SW Ocala?
Where can I get Mexican food on the east side of Ocala?
What is the best Mexican restaurant in Ocala for a date night?
Which Ocala Mexican restaurant has the best happy hour?
Is there authentic vs. Tex-Mex Mexican food in Ocala?
Where can I find vegetarian or vegan Mexican food in Ocala?
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All restaurants on this page have been visited and verified by the Only In Ocala editorial team. We are long-time Marion County residents who dine locally and update our recommendations based on firsthand experience. Have a suggestion? Contact our team.
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La Mejor Comida Mexicana en Ocala
Esta guía reúne los mejores restaurantes de comida mexicana en Ocala, Florida, desde tacos al estilo callejero (street tacos) y cocina Tex-Mex hasta margaritas y bares de tequila. Incluye opciones para toda la familia, lugares para una comida rápida y sitios para una cena con ambiente. Cada restaurante tiene su propia especialidad, ubicación y horario. Se recomienda confirmar los horarios directamente con cada restaurante antes de visitar.
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