5 Best Regional Mexican Restaurants In Wilmette

5 restaurants available nearby

1. Zentli

4.9

Exceptional(63)

Price: Moderate

• Regional mexican • Evanston

Booked 7 times today

Step into Zentli in Evanston, Illinois, and immerse yourself in an authentic celebration of Regional Mexican cuisine. This vibrant eatery not only serves up "the best Mexican food and margaritas of my life" according to enthusiastic patrons but does so in a setting that honors the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. From the ingenious use of locally sourced ingredients to the meticulously crafted blue corn tortillas and house-made mole, Zentli offers a genuine taste of Mexican street food. The restaurant's atmosphere, adorned with colorful art and murals, complements the depth of flavors in dishes like the praised Pambazo and mole enchiladas, making every meal a delightful experience. As one diner put it, "If you like Mexican food or just want to try some wonderful Mexican food, you gotta go there!"

A photo of ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine restaurant

2. ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine

4.7

Exceptional(29)

Price: Moderate

• Regional mexican • Lake View

Booked 28 times today

Indulge in the authentic flavors of Oaxaca at ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine, a gem nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Lake View, Chicago. Chef Carlos Lopez Muñoz masterfully crafts dishes that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of his hometown with a unique twist by integrating neighboring international elements. Patrons rave about the "exceptional" presentation and "exquisite" flavors, highlighting the Enfrijoladas and Papas Bravas as must-tries. Reviews consistently praise the "authentic and delicious" cuisine, with one delighted diner exclaiming, "Made me feel like I was eating in Mexico at a fine dining restaurant!" ISTMO's commitment to quality and authenticity makes it a standout destination for anyone seeking a true taste of Regional Mexican cuisine.

3. Big Star - Wrigleyville

4.5

Awesome(39)

Price: Moderate

• Regional mexican • Wrigleyville

Booked 13 times today

Big Star in Wrigleyville, Chicago, is renowned for its authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, offering an unbeatable combination of delicious tacos and a vibrant atmosphere, especially popular on Cubs game days. Guests rave about the "fantastic and full of flavor" tacos and the "super good tequila options." The restaurant is celebrated for its "great food and even better margaritas," ensuring every visit is memorable. Patrons particularly love the fish tacos, recommending them as a must-try. With its prime location across from Wrigley Field, Big Star is the perfect spot for pre-game dining, providing "fast service" and "amazing pours" of bourbon at fair prices. This spot is a true gem for anyone seeking quality Tex-Mex in Chicago.

4. Cafe El Tapatio

4.7

Exceptional(330)

Price: Expensive

• Regional mexican • Lakeview / East Lakeview

Booked 21 times today

Cafe El Tapatio in Lakeview, Chicago, stands as a beacon of Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, expertly crafted by the Parra family for nearly half a century. This vibrant eatery not only excels in traditional favorites like tacos and burritos but also in unique dishes such as crepas de pollo, inspired by frequent culinary explorations in Mexico. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality, with one saying, "the food was BEYOND delicious and reminded me of my mother." The atmosphere is equally praised, described as "fun and festive" with a "HUGE outdoor patio," perfect for enjoying their acclaimed margaritas and churros. Cafe El Tapatio is celebrated not just as a restaurant but as a cornerstone of the community, consistently providing a warm, welcoming experience that keeps guests returning for decades.

A photo of Moe's Cantina Wrigleyville restaurant

5. Moe's Cantina Wrigleyville

4.6

Exceptional(44)

Price: Moderate

• Regional mexican • Wrigleyville

Booked 7 times today

Moe's Cantina in Wrigleyville, Chicago, is a true gem for aficionados of Traditional Spanish cuisine, offering an authentic and vibrant dining experience. Patrons rave about the "fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned tacos" and the "best nachos I've ever had," highlighting the perfect balance of toppings to chips. The restaurant's atmosphere, coupled with its traditional Spanish offerings, makes it a standout. The delightful elote and signature tacos come highly recommended, capturing the essence of Spanish flavors. As one reviewer put it, "the drinks were also excellent, with a great selection of cocktails that complemented the meal perfectly." Moe’s Cantina is not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Traditional Spanish culture right in the heart of Chicago.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

Best Regional Mexican Restaurants in Wilmette

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5 restaurants available nearby

1. Zentli

2. ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine

3. Big Star - Wrigleyville

4. Cafe El Tapatio

5. Moe's Cantina Wrigleyville

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