Anyone who’s ever craved a proper burrito in Dublin knows the hunt can feel like a small quest. With over 10 Mexican restaurants listed on TripAdvisor, options range from long-standing favourites like Acapulco (open since the 1980s) to newer spots such as El Grito Mexican Taqueria (opened 2015). This guide helps you find the best places, understand what to order, and tackle that uneasy feeling after a spicy meal.
Mexican restaurants listed on TripAdvisor Dublin: 10 ·
Year El Grito Mexican Taqueria opened: 2015 ·
Oldest Mexican restaurant in Dublin: Acapulco (since 1980s)
Quick snapshot
- Acapulco is Dublin’s oldest Mexican restaurant (TripAdvisor (travel aggregator))
- El Grito has been operating since 2015 (The Fussy Eater (Dublin food blog))
- Capsaicin in chili peppers can irritate the stomach (HeyDublin (Irish travel guide))
- Exact number of Mexican restaurants in Dublin across all platforms
- Which dish is universally most popular in Ireland
- Whether capsaicin or lactose is the primary cause of discomfort
- Acapulco has been serving since the 1980s (TripAdvisor)
- El Grito opened in 2015 (The Fussy Eater)
- Casa Orozco offers online ordering (Casa Orozco (official restaurant site))
- More Dublin taquerías expected to offer delivery via platforms
- Growing interest in authentic regional dishes beyond tacos
- Increased awareness of digestive triggers linked to spicy food
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Mexican restaurants in Dublin (TripAdvisor top list) | 10+ |
| Most popular dish | Tacos al pastor |
| Common cause of stomach upset | Capsaicin and lactose |
| Difference between burrito and chimichanga | Chimichanga is deep-fried |
| Oldest Mexican restaurant in Dublin | Acapulco (since 1980s) |
| El Grito location | 20 Mountjoy Square E, Dublin 1 |
| Pablo Picante rating (HeyDublin) | Reported 4.4 stars on Google |
| Casa Orozco delivery | Online ordering available |
Why does my stomach hurt so bad after Mexican food?
Digestive discomfort after a Mexican meal is a common complaint. The main culprits are capsaicin, lactose, and high fat content. Capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat, can irritate the stomach lining and speed up intestinal transit (HeyDublin (Irish travel guide)). Many classic dishes use cheese and sour cream, which can trigger symptoms in lactose-intolerant individuals.
What food causes explosive diarrhea after eating?
- Dishes heavy in chili peppers (capsaicin effect)
- High-fat sauces and fried items (gut motility)
- Large portions of beans and fibre-rich ingredients
According to TripAdvisor (Dublin restaurant listings), Salsa Authentic Mexican Food and Bar is one venue that explicitly notes its authenticity, but the same triggers apply regardless of cooking style.
Why do I have to poop right after I eat Mexican food?
The gastrocolic reflex — the body’s natural response to a full stomach — can be exaggerated by spicy food. Capsaicin activates TRPV1 receptors, which can cause diarrhoea-like urgency in sensitive individuals. A 2021 roundup from Lovin Dublin (Dublin lifestyle site) listed ten Mexican restaurants, none of which claim to adjust spice levels, so diners with sensitive stomachs should ask for milder options.
Diners who love heat face a real trade-off: flavour intensity versus digestive comfort. Ordering a side of rice or bread can buffer the capsaicin, but the best strategy is to choose milder proteins like chicken over chorizo.
The implication: if you’re prone to gut issues, ask for less chilli and skip the sour cream. Opt for a simple taco with grilled meat and fresh salsa.
Where’s a good place to get Mexican food?
Dublin has a growing scene of Mexican restaurants, from long-established eateries to newer taquerías. TripAdvisor (travel aggregator) lists 10 Mexican restaurants in Dublin, and The Fussy Eater (Dublin food blog) highlights El Grito as a strong taqueria option.
Is there a new Mexican restaurant in Dublin?
- El Grito (2015) – Mountjoy Square
- Parrilla – Ranelagh (opened recent years)
- Casa Orozco – online ordering available
According to HeyDublin (Irish travel guide), Pablo Picante on South Great George’s Street is a popular choice with a 4.4-star Google rating. Cookie FM (Dublin food blog) describes Parrilla at 7-9 Sandford Road, Ranelagh, as serving authentic Mexican flavours with delivery.
Best Mexican restaurants in Dublin City Centre
- Acapulco – oldest, central, open Tue–Sun 5pm–late
- El Grito – taqueria, 20 Mountjoy Square E
- Pablo Picante – South Great George’s Street
- Burrito Box – fast service, delivery available
Mexican restaurants near me with delivery
- Salsa Authentic Mexican Food and Bar – Mayor Street Lower, open until 9pm, online ordering (TripAdvisor)
- Casa Orozco – pickup and delivery (Casa Orozco (official website))
- Parrilla – delivery via its own service
For Dubliners looking for a quick fix, delivery options are expanding. But the most reliable authenticity often comes from sit-down restaurants like Acapulco and El Grito, where the cooking isn’t rushed.
The pattern: city-centre venues offer the most variety, but suburban spots like Parrilla in Ranelagh are gaining traction among foodies.
What is the most popular Mexican dish?
Tacos al pastor is widely cited as the most popular Mexican dish, both in Mexico and abroad. According to Gastroranking (Irish restaurant ranking site), Dublin’s Mexican restaurants feature tacos, burritos, and enchiladas prominently on their menus.
What is the tastiest Mexican food?
- Tacos al pastor – marinated pork with pineapple
- Enchiladas – rolled tortillas with sauce
- Quesadillas – melted cheese in a tortilla
Chicken is the most common meat in Mexican dishes, found in tacos, burritos, and enchiladas across Dublin’s restaurants. HeyDublin notes that Salsa is positioned as authentic Mexican food rather than generic Tex-Mex.
What is the most common meat in Mexican dishes?
Chicken leads, followed by pork (al pastor, carnitas) and beef. Fish and shrimp are common in coastal-inspired dishes. Dublin venues like El Grito offer a range of proteins, with chicken being the most ordered (The Fussy Eater).
What this means: if you’re unsure what to order, start with a chicken taco. It’s a safe entry point that reflects everyday Mexican eating.
What is the difference between a burrito and chimichanga?
The core difference is preparation: a chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito. The frying gives it a crispy exterior and richer flavour, while a burrito is served as-is, wrapped in a soft tortilla.
3 key differences, one pattern: frying transforms the same ingredients into a completely different texture experience.
| Attribute | Burrito | Chimichanga |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Wrapped, not fried | Deep-fried after wrapping |
| Texture | Soft, chewy | Crispy, crunchy |
| Toppings | Often served with salsa and sour cream on the side | Often topped with cheese sauce, guacamole, and crema |
| Regional origin | Northern Mexico / US border | Sonora / Arizona (disputed) |
| Calories (approx) | ~500-700 | ~700-1000 |
Can’t tell the difference between Mexican dishes?
If you’re confused, start with the simplest: a taco (open-faced, soft or hard shell), then a burrito (wrapped), then a chimichanga (fried). Many Dublin restaurants, including TripAdvisor users of Fiesta Mexicana, describe the menu as “best in Dublin” but the line between dishes can blur.
The catch: ordering a chimichanga when you expected a burrito means extra calories and a different mouthfeel. Ask your server.
Locals of Mexico, what foods best represent everyday Mexican food?
Everyday Mexican food is rooted in street food and simple ingredients. Tacos, tamales, pozole, and menudo are staples. Corn, beans, chili, and tomatoes form the base of most dishes (Gastroranking). In Dublin, HeyDublin lists Boojum Abbey Street as a fast-casual option that serves burritos and bowls, reflecting the street-food style.
Common ingredients in every Mexican kitchen:
- Corn (tortillas, tamales)
- Beans (refried, black, pinto)
- Chili peppers (fresh, dried, smoked)
- Tomatoes (salsas, stews)
- Lime, cilantro, onion (garnishes)
For Dubliners seeking authenticity, look for restaurants that use corn tortillas, offer tripe or tongue (menudo, tacos de lengua), and serve pozole – a hominy stew. The Fussy Eater notes that El Grito’s menu includes traditional items like tacos de carnitas and tamales.
Dublin’s Mexican food scene is still evolving, but venues like El Grito and Acapulco are bringing real regional flavours. For the everyday Mexican experience, skip the loaded burrito and try a simple taco al pastor.
Why this matters: the gap between “Mexican” in Dublin and authentic everyday food is closing, but diners should look for key signals – corn tortillas, fresh salsa, and meat cooked on a vertical spit.
What we know and what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Acapulco is Dublin’s oldest Mexican restaurant (TripAdvisor)
- El Grito opened in 2015 (The Fussy Eater)
- Capsaicin can cause stomach irritation (HeyDublin)
- Chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito (Gastroranking)
- Chicken is the most common meat in Mexican dishes (The Fussy Eater)
What’s unclear
- Exact total number of Mexican restaurants in Dublin
- Which dish is universally most popular in Ireland
- Whether capsaicin or lactose is the primary cause of discomfort
- How many Dublin restaurants offer authentic tortillas made from nixtamalized corn
Quotes from the scene
“We are Dublin’s oldest Mexican restaurant.”
— Acapulco website (TripAdvisor restaurant listing)
“Sharing the Mexican recipe to Dublin since 2015.”
— El Grito Mexican Taqueria (The Fussy Eater)
“Best Mexican in Dublin. Bar None!”
— TripAdvisor user review of Fiesta Mexicana (TripAdvisor)
“Parrilla serves authentic Mexican flavours and small plates with cocktails.”
Summary
For Dubliners searching for Mexican food, the city offers a mix of old-school staples and newer taquerías. The digestive discomfort many experience after a spicy meal is real, but manageable with simple ordering choices. The scene is still maturing, but venues like El Grito and Acapulco are bringing authentic flavours to the capital. For the hungry Dubliner, the choice is clear: stick to corn tortillas, ask for less chilli if needed, and try a chicken taco before venturing into chimichanga territory.
For a deeper dive into Dublin’s Mexican food scene and how to enjoy it without stomach issues, Dublins best Mexican spots and tips is a great resource.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Mexican restaurant in Dublin for delivery?
Salsa Authentic Mexican Food and Bar and Casa Orozco both offer online ordering and delivery. Check TripAdvisor and Casa Orozco for current menus.
Are there any vegetarian options at Mexican restaurants in Dublin?
Yes, most Mexican restaurants offer vegetarian options such as bean burritos, cheese quesadillas, and vegetable fajitas. El Grito and Pablo Picante have vegetarian choices.
Do Mexican restaurants in Dublin serve authentic tacos?
Several do, including El Grito and Acapulco, which serve corn tortilla tacos with traditional fillings like carnitas and al pastor (The Fussy Eater).
What is the average price of a meal at a Mexican restaurant in Dublin?
Expect to pay around €10–€20 for a main dish. Burrito Box and Boojum are more affordable (€7–€12), while sit-down restaurants like Acapulco and Parrilla range €15–€25.
Can I find gluten-free options at Mexican restaurants in Dublin?
Yes, corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free. Many restaurants, including El Grito and Salsa, offer corn tortilla tacos and bowls. Always confirm with the restaurant.
What are the opening hours of Mexican restaurants in Dublin?
Acapulco is open Tuesday–Sunday from 5pm to late. El Grito hours vary; check their website. Most city-centre spots are open for lunch and dinner.