Best Mexican Restaurants on Oahu
Some may say finding a good Mexican restaurant on Oahu is impossible. Some say otherwise.
Here are some of the best Mexican restaurants on Oahu that have won rave reviews from locals and critics alike.
You be the judge.
Mexico Restaurant
With a name like Mexico Restaurant, you'd think they'd have really good Mexican food, right?
Well, the general consensus says "yes," - Mexico Restaurant is one of the best Mexican restaurants on the island.
Start your Mexican dining experience with Flautas, Chipotle Scallops, or a plate of Nachos - tortilla chips piled high with cheese, beans, salsa, olives, guacamole, sour cream, and your choice of meat (optional).
Traditional Mexican fare, such as the generous portions of Enchiladas, Tacos, Burritos, and Quesadillas (all with your choice of chicken, beef, or ground beef filling) are served with a side of Rice and Beans.
Those with a more adventurous palette may savor the Lengua (Beef Tongue) Burrito or Menudo (Tripe Soup),
Indulge in one of their large specialty Margaritas, such as Li-Hing Mui, Blue Hawaii, or Mango, and don't forget the Flan for dessert.
Mexico Restaurant: 1247 School Street, Honolulu, HI 96817; 808-845-9059
Cha Cha Salsaria
Although technically Cha Cha Cha Salsaria's cuisine is a blend of Caribbean and Mexican flavors, the restaurant is often considered a Mexican restaurant where locals are drawn to not only their delicious Mexican cuisine, but also to the great scenery (their patio sits right on Koko Marina), the live entertainment, and Happy Hour specials.
The options are plentiful at Cha Cha Cha Salsaria.
Start with a Chile Con Queso Dip, Vegetarian Black Bean Soup, or for a sample of their Caribbean cuisine, try the Jerk Chicken Wings - covered in a delectable spicy and sweet sauce that many call a favorite.
For your main entrée, choose from mouth-watering dishes such as the flavorful Garlic Lime Chicken & Veggies Quesadilla, the Carne Asada Burrito, the Blackened Fresh Fish Tacos, the Shrimp Fajitas, or the Shredded Beef Enchiladas.
Or choose one of their popular House Specialties, such as the Chicken Chimichanga, Picadillo Tamale, or the Chile Relleno Casserole.
Cha Cha Cha Salsaria's unique flavors combined with go-to dishes make for an enjoyable meal for many who crave Mexican.
Cha Cha Cha Salsaria: 377 Keahole St. C-1A Honolulu, HI 96825; 808-395-7797
El Mariachi
With locations in Kaneohe and Aiea, El Mariachi is often recognized as one of the few restaurants in Hawaii that serves "authentic" Mexican food.
Start your meal with Ceviche, Taquitos, or Garlic Shrimp.
Typical Mexican Fare, such as Chimichangas, Enchiladas, and Chile Relleno are found on El Mariachi's menu, but in addition to common fillings such as grilled chicken or steak, less common options, such as lobster, scallop, and shrimp, are also available to choose from.
El Mariachi's specialties include the Chile Rojo - slow simmered pork in a red chile sauce, the Campeon Burrito - stuffed with grilled steak, chicken, beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and Spanish Rice, and the Mariachi Tacos.
If you still have room for dessert after eating one of El Mariachi's generously-sized meals, try the Fried Ice Cream to finish off your lunch or dinner.
El Mariachi: # B, 45-1151 Kamehameha Hwy Kaneohe, HI 96744; 808-234-5893
El Mariachi 2: 99-205 Moanalua Rd # 212 Aiea, HI 96701; 808; 487-8226
Luibueno's Mexican & Seafood Restaurant
It's no secret that the North Shore is home to some of Oahu's bests - such as the best shave ice, the best surf, and the best sunsets, but not many realize that it's also home to some of the best Mexican food as well, which can be found at Luibueno's Mexican & Seafood Restaurant in Haleiwa.
Specializing in seafood as well as Mexican cuisine, fresh fish and other seafood options are plentiful on the menu.
Appetizers include Camarones Ala Plancha (sauteed shrimp), Calamar Frito (calamari), and Puerto Vallarta Sashimi.
For your entrée, choose from the Callo de Hacha en Crema de Tequila (seared scallops), the Paella Valenciana, or the Fresh Catch of the Day.
However, if you're yearning for Tacos, Burritos, or Quesadillas, they have that too, but in addition to chicken, steak, or veggie fillings, you can have your chosen dish filled with (you guessed it!) seafood - ahi, mahi, or the catch of the day.
Plates are large, and so are the kids meals - served with rice and beans, and includes a drink and dessert - a scoop of Dave's Hawaiian ice cream.
Luibueno's Mexican & Seafood Restaurant: 66-165 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa, HI 96712; 808-637-7717
El Charro Mexicano Restaurant
Flavorful cuisine, generous portions, and friendly service attracts hungry diners to El Charro Mexicano Restaurant from all across the island.
Considered as one of the few restaurants on Oahu that serve "authentic Mexican food," El Charro's menu boasts a variety of appetizers, entrees, salads, and desserts to satisfy your craving for ono Mexican food.
Classic plates, which include Flautas, Quesadillas, and Chimichangas, are filled with your choice of meat such as shredded chicken, kalua pork, and beef tongue, and is served alongside rice and beans.
Specialties, such as the Pollo Poblano, Milanese, or the Chicken Mole, are other popular options at El Charro's, and their seafood items are quite popular as well, such as the Seafood Burrito or Garlic Shrimp.
Dessert options include Sopapillas, Fried Ice Cream, and Fried Banana Split.
El Charro Mexicano Restaurant: 99-115 Aiea Heights Dr, Ste 304, Aiea, HI 96701, (808) 488-9727
More Dining Options
For more dining options on Oahu, check out:
Kid-Friendly Restaurants on Oahu
