Coming to the Czech Republic I was worried about many things: what would the people be like, how would I make friends, how would I learn the language, and most importantly : what would the food be like? I'm from Southern California, and being so close to the border means that we have TONS of Mexican Food. Not just any Mexican food, but arguably the best Mexican food the US has to offer. After a few weeks in Prague, I started to worry about this addiction (that every Californian of course has) and started my search for the best Mexican food in Prague. Here are my top 5 picks :

(1.) Mexicali Mercado : Kovářská 939/4, 190 00 Praha 9

By far my favorite place to indulge my Mexican Food craivings. They offer a weekly lunch menu that includes a drink and soup and it changes quite frequently. Did I mention they also have a salsa bar which is limitless along with drinks and soup (if you ordered the lunch menu). Their plates are the closest I've come to authentic Mexican food with items like enchiladas, tamales, and street tacos constantly on the lunch menu. You can also regularly order beef tacos, a taco salad, or a burrito. As if this weren't enough , there is also a large market offering everything and anything you could imagine to make any Mexican dish you desire (even husks for tamales and Mexican spices). Unfortunately, food is only served for lunch from 11:00-3:00pm but the market is open until 8:00pm. *My personal favorite: beef nachos. Enough for two people!

2.) Agave Restaurant :  Masná 620/2, 110 00 Praha 1-Staré Město

So finding good Mexican food in Prague is difficult, but finding Mexican breakfast in Prague is almost impossible! That's why I was more than pleasantly surprised when I went to Agave and found out not only did they serve delicious, authentic Mexican food at a good price, BUT they also offerred breakfast. One of the things I love about Agave is the authentic atmosphere : Latin Music and decorations along with exceptional customer service. If you've eaten at any restaurant or pub in Prague, you know that service isn't exactly what the Czech Republic is known for (well, good service, they may very well be known for bad service). At Agave the servers are always very helpful and friendly! The restaurant also gets points for free water (a rare find in the city) , a large menu, and an extensive breakfast menu. I've been here many times and can high recommend Agave! The best is coming for breakfast on the weekends ; when most restaurants so close to the center are packed, Agave stays very low key without a need for reservations (weekday nights are a different story so make sure to reserve).

(3.) Las Adelitas : Lucemburska 6, Praha 3, Americká 8, Praha 2, Malé náměstí 13, Praha 1

Of course there could not be a list of best Mexican Restaurants in Prague without mentioning Las Adelitas. With 3 locations in the city they are pretty popular. Their Mexican cuisine is a little fancier and definitely has some artistic liberties. I've never had bad customer service at Las Adelitas and appreciate their Latin atmosphere that makes me feel as if I've transported to Mexico. More on the expensive side with smaller portions but still quite a tasty meal. Did I mention you get a free Margerita on your birthday? Make sure to bring your ID for proof.

4.) El Pueblo Mexicana Steak House: Ve Smečkách 27 110 00 Prague

Numbers 4 and 5 are more of a stretch and aren't exactly the MOST authentic Mexican Restaurants, but as close as we can get going down the list and still far better than Burrito Loco (which can barely be called Mexican food; more like the unwanted child if McDonald's and Taco Bell had a baby). My favorite thing about this place is their platters; a huge selection of Mexican food that consists of fajitas, burritos, nachos, tacos, and quesadillas. Their salsa is also pretty good. Now, do they have Czech dishes on the menu? Yes. Which turns me off (a Mexican Restaurant or any specialty restaurant should only serve their themed plates) but it's a very Czech Republic thing to do so I can't blame them. Another well decorated interior and lots of room on the bottom floor for larger parties.

(5.) Restaurace Jama: V Jámě 7 110 00 Prague

Restaurace Jama may not actually be a Mexican restaurant (more like a sports bar serving burgers, tacos, and wings) but they do offer a nice selection of Mexican Specialties along with some pretty darn good guacamole. Their tacos are delicious and filling and when ordered with a side of chips and salsa you might as well be on a South of the Border holiday. I also love the variety of craft beers and speedy/friendly service.

What are some of your favorite Mexican restaurants in Prague?

//Vanessa Durazo//