Where to Get Your Taco Fix in Newcastle
Say ‘hola’ to the top places for tacos in Newcastle city centre
Craving a taco or two? Then grab your sombrero and head into Newcastle where you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to mouth-watering Mexican morsels.
Whether you fancy an authentic Mexican treat or tacos with a Thai, Indian or Hawaiian twist, you’ll find something to tantalise your taste buds in our round-up of Newcastle’s best taco hotspots.
Zapatista, Grainger Street & Ridley Place
A Mexican mainstay in Newcastle since opening its first restaurant on Ridley Place in 2012, Zapatista opened a second branch on Grainger Street a couple of years later and is a go-to for taco lovers. Order one of their soft flour tortillas and customise to your liking with a choice of fillings –chargrilled chicken, pulled beef brisket and three bean chilli included.
Taco Bell, Grainger Street
American chain Taco Bell arrived in Newcastle in 2018 and has been a popular stop-off for food on the go ever since. As its name suggests, tacos are king with crunchy and soft options available, and both brimming with fillings like black beans, grilled chicken and seasoned beef. Open ‘til the small hours, it’s great for a post-night out taco treat too.
Dakwala, Grainger Street
We all know that Mexico is the birthplace of the oh-so-tasty taco, but how does a taco with an Indian twist sound? If that tantalises your taste buds then head to Dakwala and try their Desi tacos – a thelpa flatbread stuffed with curry leaves and pulled chicken.
Chiquito, Grey’s Quarter, Eldon Square
Family-friendly dining and a tonne of Tex-Mex treats make Chiquito a top destination for tacos in Newcastle. Served in trios with three options available – chicken tinga, beef or pulled jackfruit – they come loaded with cheese, pico de gallo and pink onion. There's even a "lettuce taco" option if you're on a health kick!
Motel Mexicana, Mosley Street
We’ve been living it up Motel Mexicana since it set up shop on Mosley Street in early 2024. Fellow taco fans certainly won’t be disappointed with fillings like beef barbacoa, pollo latino and mushroom enchilada. Don’t miss out on their Taco Tuesday deal either when tacos are just £3.50 a pop or three for a tenner. Arriba, arriba!
Tortilla, Grey’s Quarter, Eldon Square
Shopping ‘til you drop is hungry work, but Eldon Square eatery Tortilla is the perfect pitstop for a post-spree taco or two. Opt for corn or soft shell flour tacos and customise with a variety of fillings – from chicken asado or beef to vegan chilli or grilled veg – and finish off with toppings like Monterey Jack cheese, guacamole and sweetcorn salsa.
Las Iguanas, Grey Street
For a fiesta-filled feast that’s heavy on the tacos, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Grey Street favourite Las Iguanas. Get a duo of tacos crammed with the likes of smoky chipotle chicken, roasted corn and feta and lemon and chilli prawns. Eating out with your amigos? Try their taco sharing board – a smorgasbord of taco treats ideal for two or three to share.
Lola Jeans, Market Street
Burgers may be Lola Jeans’ bread and butter, but taco fans are in for treat at the Market Street restaurant too. Served in soft tortillas, there are two tacos to choose from and they’re equally tempting. If you’re partial to poultry, get the Korean chicken tacos but if seafood is more your thing the Baja fish – tempura cod fillet teamed with homemade salsa, iceberg lettuce and Baja sauce – is the one for you.
Gaucho, Market Street
Love tacos and steak, but can’t decide between the two? Market Street steakhouse Gaucho has you covered. Kick off your meal with their salmon tartare or beef tartare tacos and follow up with one of their big juicy steaks for your main course. Taco or steak dilemma solved!
Chaophraya, Grey’s Quarter, Eldon Square
For something a little different, Chaophraya’s signature Thai tacos should definitely be on your radar – soft rice flour tacos topped with crispy shallots and a choice of red curry chicken or vegetables. Enjoy as a starter or as part of their Thai tapas deal teamed with equally tempting dishes like chicken satay and spring rolls.
Moku, Side
Newcastle’s Hawaiian hotspot Moku might not seem a likely place to head for tacos, but Hawaiian food isn’t all about poke bowls and loco moco. Their tempting lunch menu features tacos served in pairs with chips and with fillings like huli huli chicken, sticky pulled pork and char siu jackfruit to choose from, Moku's tacos are a must-try.
There’s a tonne of tasty tacos to try in Newcastle – from the traditional to the out-of-the-ordinary – so grab your amigos and enjoy taco time in the Toon today!
Main image: Moku
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