Review of Mexican Restaurants in Kyoto

From delicious to god-awful, here are my reviews of multiple Mexican restaurants in Kyoto for you to check out (or ignore entirely). I’m Mexican from San Diego, so I think I know what I’m talking about.

Maximo - Sanjo

Okay, listen. Maximo has been my ride-or-die since 2018. When I tell you their beef skirt steak tacos are from God, I’m not exaggerating. If you’re looking for a perfect mix of Mexican-Japanese cuisine, this place is for you.

The owner is Japanese, but has studied Mexican cuisine. He makes the most amazing chips and guac from scratch. To drink, I always get a frozen mango margarita, and it’s to die for.

Que Pasa Downtown - Shijo

When I tell you that I ordered burritos from this place in 2019 and it was just horrible… man. HOWEVER! Everyone told me to give them another chance around 2022. Finally, my hyper-fixation food was their beef burrito for a solid 2 months. They’re available on Uber Eats or dine-in, but I mostly just ate them at home. I would say they’re just alright, but if you are craving home, it will do the job

Other than burritos, I would not order anything else. You can make quesadillas at home, but if you weren’t raised that way, you can order them for 600-900 yen.

Cocina ÓRALE! - Shijo

This is the most authentic-tasting Mexican food I have ever had in Kyoto. But for the price, this is something you would check out if you just got paid, or if you’re trying to impress your date. I would definitely make a reservation, as this intimate restaurant fills up super quick!

They also offer ramen menudo, which I have not tried, but sounds promising.

OC Burrito - Shijo

This place is like… “Girl I guess…”

HOWEVER! I do enjoy their orange rice. It’s fast-food at the end of the day. It’s kind of like if your mom took you to Vallarta or IGA to eat lunch but the main cooks weren’t working that day.

Roti Chicken&Jackie Tacos - Karasumatakatsuji

Immediate yes for the tacos. The guac…. eh. But the tacos and chicken are pretty good! You can eat-in or order on UberEats.

AK Cafe - Kita-ku

Hell no.