Arriba!: Your Guide to Mexican Food in Shanghai

Arriba!: Your Guide to Mexican Food in Shanghai
By Susie Gordon , eChinacities.com

Whether you’re a Mexican expat yearning for a slice of home, or just a fan of burritos and a dash of tequila, you’re in luck. After years of under-representation, there’s no longer any shortage of Mexican restaurants, cantinas, and bars in Shanghai. Here’s our pick of the best:

Cantina AgaveView In Map
Located on what is affectionately nicknamed the ‘Expat Crossroad’ of Fumin and Changle Lu, Agave is so popular that it’s pretty much impossible to get a table at peak times unless you book ahead. However, if you manage to get in, you’ll be impressed by the simple, home-style Mexican dishes (tacos, burritos, enchiladas etc.) as well as the huge drinks menu – the best and most comprehensive selection of tequilas in town. Top picks from the menu are the beef machaca tacos and the pork carnita burrito, and their Sunday margarita deal is a popular, guilty indulgence.

Price: Average.
Add: 291 Fumin Lu, near Changle Lu, Jing’an District
静安区富民路291号近长乐路
Phone: 021 - 6170 1310
Hours: Daily, 11:00 -23:00pm

Mexico Lindo 墨西哥灵得餐厅View In Map
The Gubei area is best known for its luxury apartment complexes, but there are plenty of restaurants there too. Luckily for those who don’t live on a Gubei budget, they’re not all high-end. This goes for Mexico Lindo, located just where Gubei meets Hongqiao. It’s popular, but never gets too crowded, making it perfect for a quiet weekend brunch, or an afternoon snack. It was opened by an American and the kitchen is manned by a Latino-American chef meaning that the fare is authentic Tex-Mex. Particularly special are the spicy fajitas and frosted margaritas. The décor is classic hacienda: yellow walls, bright paintings, gaudy decorations.

Price: Average.
Add: Unit 39, Lane 3338, Hongmei Entertainment Street, near Yan’an Xilu
虹梅路3338弄虹梅路休闲街39号(近延安西路)
Hours: Daily, 11:00 - midnight

Maya 玛雅View In Map
If you want Mex without the Tex, Maya is the place to go. You’ll have to navigate your way through a French Concession housing complex to get there, but once you’ve found it, you can relax and enjoy modern Mexican food cooked up by acclaimed chef Brad Turley. Every Mexican restaurant in Shanghai has its loyal fans, but Maya repeatedly tops the ‘best’ list. We recommend the potato skin appetizers.

Price: Average to expensive.
Add: 2/F, Club House, Shanghai Grand Plaza, 568 Julu Lu
巨鹿路568弄四方新城俱乐部2楼
Phone: 021 - 6289 6889
Hours: Daily, 17:00-1:00 

Zapata’s Mexican CantinaView In Map
This Hengshan Lu hotspot is more famous for its bar-top dancing and tequila-drenched bi-weekly Ladies’ Nights than its food, but you can get a mean quesadilla from the little cabana by the entrance to the garden. Another good Mexican bar is Tequilaz on nearby Shaanxi Bei Lu if you’re in the mood for even more Mexican spirit.

Price: Cheap.
Add: 5 Hengshan Lu, near Dongping Lu
衡山路5号近东平路
Phone:021 - 6433 4104
Hours: Daily, 17:00 - late

Adobo Latin FlavorView In Map
Another Mexican which refuses to pander to the trend for Texan fusion, Adobo is pure south-of-the-border. It’s co-owned by a Mexican who insists that only classic street food appears on the menu, and prides himself on his dedication to Latin authenticity. There’s a home-made feel to everything from the tart margaritas to the guacamole. It’s Happy Hour after 10pm every day.

Price: Average.
Add: 139 Tai'an Lu, near Huashan Lu
徐汇区泰安路139号近华山路
Phone: 021 - 6281 4891
Hours: Daily, 11:00 – 1:00

El Mexicano 墨可思View In Map
It’s a bit of a hike over to Yangpu District, but well worth it, as rumour has it that El Mexicano serves up the best Mexican food in Shanghai. Another advantage is surprisingly low prices, proving that good Mexican grub doesn’t have to break the bank. A generous plate of quesadillas will only set you back 25 RMB, and the selection of salsas is surprisingly comprehensive.

Price: Cheap.
Add: 100 Handan Lu, Yangpu District
杨浦区邯郸路100号
Phone: 021 - 5167 0383
Hours: Daily, 10:00 – 21:00pm

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