Mexican Restaurants in Ocala

A cornerstone of Ocala's Mexican dining scene, Las Margaritas has been serving authentic regional Mexican cuisine for years. This establishment specializes in traditional recipes prepared with fresh ingredients and time-honored techniques. Their carne asada is marinated with a blend of citrus and spices, grilled to perfection with a smoky char. The enchiladas feature homemade corn tortillas filled with various proteins and topped with rich mole and cheese sauce. Their chiles rellenos—poblano peppers roasted and stuffed with cheese then covered in egg batter—showcase the care taken in each dish. The fajitas arrive sizzling on cast iron, featuring perfectly seared meats and vegetables. Las Margaritas also serves fresh tamales made in-house using traditional family recipes. The margaritas are expertly crafted with quality tequilas and fresh lime juice. The dining room features colorful traditional décor with warm lighting that creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for families and celebrations. Service is attentive and knowledgeable, with staff who can guide you through menu selections and pairing recommendations.

El Gallito Grill brings authentic street food traditions from Mexico to Ocala with a focus on quality and simplicity. Their tacos al pastor feature tender, marinated pork stacked on a vertical rotisserie, thinly sliced and served with pineapple, onions, and cilantro on warm corn tortillas. The carnitas—slow-cooked pork that falls apart at the touch of a fork—are a house specialty, perfectly seasoned and finished with a quick fry for crispy edges. Street tacos here are simple, authentic preparations highlighting the quality of the meat and the warmth of handmade tortillas. Chimichangas are fried burritos filled with your choice of meats and vegetables, served with sour cream and guacamole. Quesadillas feature Oaxaca cheese and your choice of fillings. The kitchen maintains traditional cooking methods while keeping preparation efficient for quick service. The casual counter-service model keeps prices reasonable without sacrificing quality. Fresh ingredients are used daily, and many items are prepared to order. The atmosphere is lively and family-friendly, with colorful décor reflecting Mexican street food culture.

Casa Fiesta brings the festive spirit of Mexican dining to Ocala with a menu that blends traditional and Tex-Mex favorites. Their nachos supreme are legendary—crispy tortilla chips piled high with seasoned ground beef or grilled chicken, melted cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo. The chile con queso is a creamy, flavorful dip made with a blend of cheeses and mild green chilies, perfect for starting a meal. Combination platters allow diners to sample multiple dishes, served with rice, beans, and warm flour tortillas. The sizzling fajitas showcase perfectly cooked meats and vegetables, arriving at the table on hot skillets with the aroma of charred peppers and onions. Burros are generously filled with your choice of fillings, topped with cheese sauce and sour cream. The establishment maintains a warm, celebratory atmosphere with vibrant décor, friendly service, and reasonable prices that make it popular with families and groups. Their margarita selection is extensive, from classic recipes to creative house specialties. The dining room is spacious, often featuring mariachi music on weekends, creating an authentic Mexican celebration experience.

La Taqueria Oasis specializes in authentic Mexican taqueria fare, focusing on quality proteins and traditional preparation methods. Barbacoa—meat slow-cooked in an underground pit or slow cooker until incredibly tender—is shredded and served in warm tortillas with onions and cilantro. The al pastor follows the traditional method of stacking marinated meat on a vertical spit, creating caramelized layers that are shaved fresh for each order. Carnitas tacos feature succulent slow-cooked pork that's been braised until fork-tender, then quickly fried to create crispy edges while maintaining moistness inside. Tortas are pressed Mexican sandwiches on fresh bolillo rolls, filled with meats, avocado, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. Ceviche tostadas showcase fresh fish or seafood "cooked" in citrus juices, topped with diced onions, cilantro, tomatoes, and avocado on crispy tortilla bases. The taqueria maintains a no-frills, authentic approach with minimal décor and focus on excellent food. Everything is prepared fresh to order. The menu is deliberately limited, allowing the kitchen to perfect each item. Prices are very reasonable, reflecting the casual service model. The space is small and efficient, perfect for quick meals or takeout.

Diego's Mexican Grill elevates traditional Mexican cuisine with contemporary techniques and fresh, quality ingredients. Their carne asada is sourced from premium cuts of beef, marinated with a proprietary blend of citrus and spices, then grilled over an open flame to achieve a perfect char while maintaining juiciness. The shrimp ceviche features fresh Gulf shrimp "cooked" in fresh lime juice with diced red onion, cilantro, jalapeños, and tomato, served with tostadas. Pulled pork tamales showcase slow-cooked pork wrapped in corn masa and corn husks, steamed until the dough becomes light and fluffy. Grilled fish tacos feature daily fresh catch, grilled whole or filleted, topped with a creamy chipotle slaw, avocado, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Chiles poblano are roasted poblano peppers filled with Oaxaca cheese and topped with a light tomato sauce and whipped egg white, creating a delicate, soufflé-like quality. The restaurant features an upscale-casual environment with modern décor that respects traditional Mexican design elements. The bar offers premium tequilas and mezcals for craft cocktails. Service is professional and knowledgeable. The kitchen's commitment to fresh ingredients and careful preparation elevates the dining experience while maintaining authentic flavors.