Manila's taco scene has evolved from a handful of hidden gems to a diverse culinary landscape where authentic street tacos, innovative fusion concepts, and chef-driven Mexican cuisine coexist and thrive side by side.
El Chupacabra
El Chupacabra sits at the heart of Poblacion's vibrant food scene, serving authentic street tacos that have earned cult status among Manila's food lovers. This intimate spot specializes in simple but perfectly executed tacos filled with your choice of slow-cooked carnitas, char-grilled carne asada, or their house special San Francisco-style pork sisig--a creative Manila twist that shouldn't work but absolutely does. The restaurant's commitment to authenticity extends to every detail: corn tortillas are made fresh daily, meats are seasoned with care, and each taco arrives with fresh lime, onions, and cilantro for you to customize. Beyond tacos, the menu features quesadillas, burritos, and classic Mexican sides. The casual, no-frills atmosphere reflects the restaurant's philosophy that exceptional food doesn't require pretension. Expect a lively crowd especially on weekends, with locals and expats alike drawn to the genuine flavors and affordable prices. The restaurant's loyal following speaks to the consistency and quality that has kept them thriving in the competitive Poblacion dining landscape.
Onlypans Taqueria
Onlypans Taqueria became a viral sensation the moment it opened, with customers lining up for their justifiably famous birria tacos and creative specialty items. This modern taqueria operates in a sleek industrial space that contrasts beautifully with the gritty charm of surrounding Poblacion restaurants, and the quality of their food matches their contemporary vibe. The signature birria tacos--corn tortillas dipped in rich, spiced birria consomé and filled with tender, shredded beef--are considered among Manila's best, with a flavor profile that's deeply savory and slightly spicy. Beyond traditional tacos, Onlypans excels at creative adaptations: their Birria Ramen combines the beloved consomé with ramen noodles in an unexpected fusion that somehow works brilliantly, and their Birria Grilled Cheese offers another innovative take on their signature broth. The taqueria's late-night hours (until 2 AM weekdays, 3 AM weekends) make it a favorite post-dinner destination for the Poblacion crowd. Service is attentive without being intrusive, and the energetic atmosphere makes this a perfect spot for groups. While popularity has meant occasional waits, the exceptional quality and reasonable prices keep customers coming back.
Lágrima
Lágrima brings refined taqueria culture to the upscale Salcedo Village neighborhood, proving that excellent tacos thrive just as well in elegant surroundings as they do in casual street stalls. This stylish restaurant elevates the taco experience with carefully sourced ingredients, creative flavor combinations, and meticulous preparation. Their taco menu showcases an impressive range: mushroom tacos feature earthy umami notes, succulent carnitas arrive falling-apart tender, delicate shrimp tacos highlight the protein's natural sweetness, and pollo al pastor tacos deliver the signature slow-roasted chicken with charred edges and aromatic spices. Each taco is carefully plated and finished with thoughtful garnishes and house-made salsas that enhance rather than mask the main ingredients. The restaurant's design reflects its culinary philosophy--modern and refined but never pretentious, with a warm ambiance that welcomes everyone from families to couples to solo diners. The bar program features excellent margaritas and an impressive tequila selection that pairs beautifully with the food. Lágrima has established itself as the go-to destination for those seeking taco excellence in an upscale setting, bridging the gap between street food authenticity and fine dining presentation.
Los Tacos MNL
Los Tacos MNL represents the modern evolution of Manila's taco scene, created by chef Patrick Curitana as an exploration of Mexican cuisine through his personal culinary lens. This contemporary taqueria emphasizes handmade masa (corn dough), traditional cooking methods, and carefully balanced flavors that showcase how complex and nuanced taco cuisine can be. The menu rotates seasonally, but signature items highlight Curitana's dedication to quality: each taco features either housemade corn or flour tortillas, with fillings that range from traditional carnitas and carne asada to more experimental options that change based on seasonal ingredient availability. The restaurant's philosophy extends beyond the tacos themselves--they work directly with suppliers to source premium ingredients, honor traditional Mexican cooking techniques, and create an experience that respects the taco's cultural significance. The BGC location's contemporary design and upscale setting attracts a sophisticated crowd, while the casual counter service and reasonable prices keep it accessible and unpretentious. Limited seating and reservation-only hours (messages only) means planning ahead, but those who visit consistently praise the authenticity, quality, and thoughtfulness that Curitana brings to every dish. This is taco dining that rewards genuine appreciation for the craft.
La Chinesca
La Chinesca brings a chef-driven approach to Mexican cuisine in the heart of BGC, earning recognition from the prestigious Michelin Guide Philippines. Created by celebrated Chef Bruce Ricketts, who also runs Helm (itself a 2-Michelin-star restaurant), La Chinesca showcases Mexican culinary tradition through a refined yet approachable lens. The taqueria's sleek, contemporary design reflects BGC's upscale dining culture, but the food remains authentically Mexican with distinctly Filipino sensibilities. Their taco selection features expertly executed classics alongside creative house specials, each prepared with meticulous attention to ingredients and technique. Beyond tacos, the menu includes innovative tostadas, ceviches, and other Mexican preparations. The restaurant's sophisticated cocktail program pairs beautifully with the food, featuring premium tequilas and expertly crafted margaritas. La Chinesca has multiple branches throughout Metro Manila (BGC, Makati, Parañaque), making high-quality Mexican cuisine accessible across the city. The BGC location attracts a discerning crowd who appreciate Ricketts' culinary philosophy that respects Mexican tradition while remaining open to Filipino influences. This is chef-driven Mexican food for serious food enthusiasts.
Taquería Franco
Taquería Franco represents a unique culinary vision where French technique meets Mexican tradition, creating an unexpectedly harmonious fusion. Helmed by Chef Miko Calo, one of Manila's most celebrated culinary talents, Franco takes Mexican tacos into new territory while maintaining deep respect for their cultural roots. The restaurant's concept is elegantly simple: apply French culinary precision, ingredient sourcing philosophy, and presentation standards to authentic Mexican taco-making. The result is a taqueria that doesn't try to be trendy or ironic, but instead creates genuinely excellent tacos informed by French culinary thinking. The menu features classic Mexican preparations executed at the highest level alongside creative interpretations that reflect Calo's playful culinary approach. Their signature tacos showcase premium ingredients treated with meticulous care--perfectly charred corn tortillas, precisely cooked proteins, house-made salsas balanced to perfection. The bar program is notable: a five-star dive-bar cocktail experience that celebrates agave spirits, mezcal, and creativity. Located in the prestigious Salcedo Village neighborhood, Taquería Franco attracts Manila's most sophisticated diners. The intimate space encourages conversation and lingering, perfect for experiencing the nuances of both the food and drinks. This is Mexican cuisine informed by world-class culinary standards.
Tadeo Filipino Mexican Comfort Food
Tadeo represents a bold culinary concept: blending Filipino and Mexican cuisines in a way that feels authentic to both traditions rather than diluting either. This innovative taqueria, helmed by brothers-in-law chef Jorge Mendez and Chino Cayetano, operates out of a tiny kitchen in the heart of Tomas Morato, yet produces food that punches far above its modest footprint. The philosophy behind Tadeo is simple but ambitious--every dish must have both a Filipino and Mexican element, whether through ingredients, technique, or concept. The results are creative tacos that shouldn't work in theory but are absolute revelations in practice: sisig tacos deliver the sizzling, umami-forward Filipino classic wrapped in a tortilla, sinigang burritos transform the iconic Filipino braised stew into a portable format, octopus tacos showcase fresh seafood with Mexican spices, and tilapia rebosado tacos combine crispy Filipino-style fried fish with taco presentation. The humble, hole-in-the-wall aesthetic shouldn't fool anyone--the food quality is exceptional, with attention to detail in everything from the sauce preparations to the taco construction. Service is straightforward and friendly, and the affordable prices make this one of the best values in Manila's taco scene. Tadeo has developed a devoted following among those seeking genuinely innovative cuisine that honors both Mexican and Filipino culinary traditions.
