10 places to try for the best tacos in Riyadh
Let’s taco ’bout it…
How you weigh up the best tacos in Riyadh may come down to opinion, although we can’t help but think there’s absolutely something for everyone when it comes to these little Mexican delights.
From proven standouts to hidden gems, here are just a few of the places you should put on your list for your taco fix. Trust us; they’ll have you going “Holy Guacamole”.
Don Ruben’s
View this post on Instagram
Designed as a local taqueria, this little hole-in-the-wall serves authentic Mexican fare inside one of the city’s most vibrant spaces. A colourful floral mural frames the dining room, where residents dig (and dig into) the restaurant’s tacos, guacamole, salsas, and quesabirria (a cross between a taco and a quesadilla). If you choose to dine in, you’ll have a soundtrack of Mexican pop songs to accompany your meal, and they’ve got a whole host of local beverages, too.
Don Ruben’s Mexican Restaurant, Diplomatic Quarter, Al Kindi Square, 9163 Ain Street, Riyadh 12523, Sun to Wed noon to 10pm, Thurs noon to 11pm & Fri 2pm to 11pm. @donrubens.sa
El Camino
View this post on Instagram
It’s hard not to gawk at the interiors in this beautiful restaurant, but the food here is even better. Offering seven cuisines of Mexico, El Camino serves vibrant tacos (here lamb shoulder, chicken, battered fish), with liberal application of accompanying delights, alongside a range of options, like brisket burritos, Black Angus beef, and red rice with chicken tinga chilli pasilla.
El Camino, KAFD, Vue East (Tower 5.08), Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519, daily noon to 1am. @elcamino.ksa
El Placer
View this post on Instagram
A dab-hand on this list of the best tacos in Riyadh, this hidden gem in Olaya offers a compact menu featuring starters and tacos, which are, of course, their speciality. Fillings include chicken tinga, chickien al pastor, beef tinga and fried shrimps. We love that their homemade corn flour tortillas come packed to the floury brim, too. Truly excellent stuff.
El Placer, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12241, Wed to Mon 1pm to 1.30am & Tues 1pm to 1am. @elplacer.sa
Firegrill
View this post on Instagram
This casual Mexican eatery does all the basics: burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and of course, tacos. They’ve got a make-your-own concept that lets you pick and choose your favourite proteins, carbs, and salsas according to your liking. Fillings include chipotle chicken, top sirloin steak, spicy barbacoa beef, vegetables, and lime-cilantro shrimps, but our firm favourite is the classic chilli con Carne served on crunchy hard-shell tacos.
Firegrill, various locations including 4521 King Fahd Branch Rd, Al Malqa Riyadh 13521, Tel: 055 095 6225 and Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12241, Tel: 011 277 6663. Sat to Wed 11am to 1am, Thurs & Fri 11am to 2am. @firegrill
Fogon
View this post on Instagram
This Argentinian restaurant may be known for its burgers and steaks, but you definitely can’t go wrong with the short ribs tacos. It is made with smoked and caramelised shredded short ribs, served on warm homemade tortillas and topped with pickled red onions and cilantro. Yum.
Fogon, 8145 Al Hufuf, As Sahafah, Riyadh 13321, daily 1pm to 2am. Tel: 050 152 4045. @fogon_ksa
Mexika
View this post on Instagram
We have a soft spot for this colourful little Mexican restaurant that’s tucked away in the corner of Al Ghadeer Square. The kitchen whips up scrummy tacos alongside its fab selection of make-your-own burritos, quesadillas, and hearty nachos bowls. Fillings include lemon chicken, spicy chicken, striploin steak, chilli con Carne, barbacoa, fajita, and shrimps. Don’t forget to order up some churro pops and margaritas to complete the meal.
Mexika, various locations, including Al Ghadeer Square, Exit 5, daily 10.30am to 3am. Tel: 011 234 2100. @mexika.sa
SoCal Kitchen
View this post on Instagram
SoCal Kitchen serves simple yet incredibly addictive tacos, combining a mixture of traditional flavour and modern flair. From the grilled marinated steak and minced beef to the shrimps and grilled chicken, the tacos are fun, fresh, and oh-so-tasty. Unfortunately, the only way you can grab your hands on these tacos is through online delivery via Hunger Station, The Chefz or Jahez apps.
Tacoson
View this post on Instagram
This tiny, late night diner serves up tacos and quesadillas, alongside delicious drinks for those looking to fuel themselves through to the early hours or just for a quick bite to eat. Tacos are tasty and hit the spot if you’re looking for something decent. The main elements are pretty straightforward; simply pick between the grilled steak and grilled marinated chicken.
Tacoson, As Sahafah, 7413 Al Ulaya, Riyadh 13315, Sat to Wed 1pm to 2am, Thurs & Fri 1pm to 3am. @tacoson_sa
Tacoville
View this post on Instagram
After making waves, having taken up spot in huna Takhassusi, Tacoville has moved into its second permanent bricks-and-mortar restaurant in Riyadh. This Mexican taqueria serves some of the best tacos (soft corn, of course) in town. Options include carne asada tacos (topped with grilled cheese, salsa Roja, pico de gallo and guacamole), cilantro lime fried shrimp tacos, and crispy chicken with mango salsa tacos. Tacos aside, our favourites also include the Pollo Mexicano (fried chicken strips served with fries and sauce) and grilled steak burrito.
Tacoville, Dhahrat Laban, Riyadh 13781, daily noon to 4am. @tacoville.sa
Tokyo
View this post on Instagram
Yes, Tokyo is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Riyadh. Still, its prawn tacos and wagyu tacos served in crispy taco shells deserve a mention. They’re so tasty; you could easily down a dozen of them.
Tokyo Restaurant, Al Urubah Road, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12245, daily 12.30pm to midnight. Tel: 9200 09662. @tokyo_arabia
Images: Instagram