Bells HardingstoneJohannesburg’s Mexican dining scene offers a vibrant mix of authentic flavours, lively atmospheres, and a celebration of Mexican culture. From sit-down restaurants with extensive tequila selections to fast-food chains specialising in flame-grilled chicken, the city has a wealth of options for anyone craving tacos, burritos, nachos, and more. Many establishments are certified halaal, making them accessible to a wide range of diners. This guide highlights twenty of the best Mexican restaurants in Johannesburg, based on popularity, ratings, and unique offerings.
Top 20 Mexican Restaurants in Johannesburg
1. La Rosa Mexican Grille and Tequileria – Randpark Ridge
This spot is widely regarded as a premier Mexican dining destination, boasting an impressive 4.4 rating from 3,900 reviews. The restaurant is lauded for its epic Mexican food and a fantastic range of tequilas, with a vibrant and colourful decor that transports diners to Mexico . They offer classic dishes like sizzling fajitas, cheesy nachos, and a variety of tacos, including Oaxacan lamb barbacoa and Baja-style fish.
2. La Rosa Mexican Grille – Montecasino
A branch of the popular La Rosa chain located at the iconic Montecasino entertainment complex, this restaurant holds a 4.3 rating from 2,100 reviews. It is celebrated for its attentive service and excellent cocktails, with one reviewer calling the pineapple, tequila, and jalapeño cocktail the best they’ve ever had. The lively atmosphere makes it a great spot for a fun night out.
3. Salsa Mexican Grill Midrand
This location is a favourite in the Midrand area, with a 4.3 rating from over 1,800 reviews. Reviewers highlight the quirky decor and exceptional service, noting that the food consistently meets expectations. It’s a popular choice for a late lunch or dinner with friends.
4. Salsa Mexican Grill Bedfordview
A vibrant spot with a 4.4 rating from 1,300 reviews, Salsa in Bedfordview is known for its great options and excellent value. They have amazing lunch specials from R109, and a lively party vibe with live music and face-painted guitarists creating a welcoming Latin atmosphere.
5. Pablo’s Mexican Cantina
With a 4.2 rating from 1,600 reviews, this cantina is praised for its warm welcome, fantastic music, and standout decor . The service, particularly from staff like waitress “Shorty,” has been highlighted as royalty-like, creating a memorable dining experience.
6. Salsa Mexican Grill Meyersdal
Another highly rated Salsa branch, this spot holds a 4.4 rating from 974 reviews . It is described as having a homely feel where friendly staff and a great vibe can instantly put you in a better mood. The Quesadillas and Nachos are popular choices .
7. Perron Mexican Restaurant
This restaurant has earned a 4.4 rating from 956 reviews, with one reviewer claiming they serve the best nachos they’ve ever had . The delicious cheese and interesting cocktails are also notable highlights, and the restaurant comes highly recommended.
8. Baha Taco
Located in Norwood, Baha Taco has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors. With a 4.3 rating from 784 reviews, it’s known for its authentic Mexican street food using local, organic ingredients . The California Nachos and braised brisket quesadilla are popular dishes, and the signature margaritas are not to be missed.
9. Salsa Mexican Grill (Fourways)
A well-reviewed branch with a 4.4 rating from 1,500 reviews. It is situated in an upmarket shopping centre and noted for its consistently good food and open design.
10. Salsa Mexican Grill (Cresta)
This branch is another solid option in the Salsa family, holding a 4.4 rating from 1,600 reviews, and known for its good food.
11. Mochachos Ormonde
This popular fast-food chain known for its flame-grilled chicken and spicy dishes has a 4.2 rating from 1,300 reviews at its Ormonde branch . Customers praise the quick service, helpful staff, and generous portions. Notably, this branch also has a prayer room available.
12. La Rosa Mexican Grille – Cedar Square
A branch of the popular La Rosa chain located in the Cedar Square shopping centre in Fourways, it holds a 4.4 rating from 1,000+ reviews.
13. Mexican Fresh – Blairgowrie
A modern, bright chain cafe offering counter-served Tex-Mex dishes like tacos, burritos, and wings. It has a 4.0 rating from 364 reviews and is a convenient and affordable option for a quick Mexican meal.
14. Mochachos Carlswald (Halaal)
This branch of the Mochachos chain is certified Halaal, with 3.6 rating from 623 reviews. This is a great place to start your journey into Mexican food.
15. Mochachos Weltevreden Park (Rock Cottage)
This branch is praised for its friendly manager and hands-on approach, with consistently excellent food and value for money . It is a great spot for trying unique Mexican dishes like enchiladas.
16. Mochachos Northcliff Square
A branch of the Mochachos chain with a 3.8 rating from 894 reviews. This is a very popular joint; frequented by both the young and old alike.
17. Mochachos Wilgeheuwel
A branch of the Mochachos chain with a 3.8 rating from 889 reviews. Cool evenings become more memorable when you visit this restaurant for some spicy delights.
18. Mochachos Pineslopes
Another outlet of the Mexican chain, with a 3.7 rating from 335 reviews. They have a tradition to live up to, and they add variety to the culinary scene of Pineslopes.
19. CHIAPAS eat mexican – Rosebank
A Mexican restaurant in Rosebank that offers food for delivery, with a 3.8 rating from 210 reviews . It is quite popular, especially among the younger crowd.
20. Mochachos – Fordsburg (Halaal)
This fully halaal-certified branch is located on Mint Road in Fordsburg. It is known for its spicy but not hot chicken, bigger portions, and Mexican meals like burritos and fajitas. No alcohol is allowed on the premises.
Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Cuisine Focus | Location | Key Feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Rosa – Randpark Ridge | Mexican, Tequileria | Randpark Ridge | 3.9K reviews, great tequila selection, vibrant décor | 4.4 |
| La Rosa – Montecasino | Mexican | Fourways | Excellent cocktails, attentive service | 4.3 |
| Salsa Mexican Grill Midrand | Mexican | Midrand | Quirky décor, exceptional service | 4.3 |
| Salsa Mexican Grill Bedfordview | Mexican | Bedfordview | Live music, lunch specials, great atmosphere | 4.4 |
| Pablo’s Mexican Cantina | Mexican Cantina | – | Fantastic décor, warm welcome | 4.2 |
| Perron Mexican Restaurant | Mexican | – | Best nachos, interesting cocktails | 4.4 |
| Baha Taco | Mexican Street Food | Norwood | Local organic ingredients, great margaritas | 4.3 |
| Mochachos Ormonde | Mexican Fast Food | Ormonde | Flame-grilled chicken, prayer room available | 4.2 |
| Mexican Fresh – Blairgowrie | Tex-Mex | Blairgowrie | Counter-served, modern and bright | 4.0 |
| Mochachos Carlswald | Mexican Fast Food | Carlswald | Halaal certified | 3.6 |
| CHIAPAS – Rosebank | Mexican | Rosebank | Delivery option available | 3.8 |
Tips and Other Useful Information
Check for Halaal Certification: Many Mochachos branches, including those in Carlswald and Fordsburg, are certified Halaal . The Salsa Mexican Grill chain is also known to have some branches that are Halaal-friendly, but it is always best to confirm with the specific location before visiting.
Look for Specials: Several restaurants offer great value deals. Salsa Mexican Grill in Bedfordview has R109 lunch specials . Baha Taco and La Rosa are known for “Taco Tuesday” specials, offering great value for money.
Expect Varied Ratings: While many Mexican restaurants have strong ratings, some have very low scores. For instance, the CHIAPAS branches in Brooklyn and Rosebank have ratings as low as 2.8 and 3.8, while Mochachos Mall of Africa has a 2.6 rating . It is advisable to check recent reviews for the specific branch you plan to visit.
Tequila Selection: For a wide variety of tequila, La Rosa Mexican Grille and Tequileria is the undisputed leader, with an “amazing range” . Salsa Mexican Grill is also noted for its unique approach to craft tequila, infusing it with fruits and herbs.
Dress Code and Vibe: Most Mexican restaurants in Johannesburg have a casual and vibrant atmosphere. Salsa Mexican Grill branches are known for a lively party vibe with live music, while La Rosa offers a vibrant and colourful decor.
Conclusion
Johannesburg’s Mexican restaurant scene is diverse and dynamic, offering everything from the authentic, organic street food at Baha Taco to the lively party atmosphere at Salsa Mexican Grill and the flame-grilled specialties at Mochachos. With a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and immersive cultural experiences, these establishments bring the spirit of Mexico to the heart of the city. Whether you are a connoisseur of craft tequila or simply craving a hearty plate of nachos, these twenty restaurants represent some of the best Mexican dining experiences in Johannesburg.