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Best Mexican Restaurants in Brighton - The 2026 List

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By katie kirwan • Head Of Brand & B2C At DesignMyNight Nightlife and hospitality expert with 13 years of experience and coverage in The Times, Time Out and Bar Magazine. Last updated on 8th July 2026

Brighton's got a taco for every mood, and that's before we even get onto the margaritas. Fancy a quick bite at the Open Market or a loud, colourful night out in North Laine? Sorted. After something a bit more refined for a date night over in Hove? We've got that covered too. Whether it's homemade tortillas from a hole-in-the-wall taqueria or a proper sit-down feast with a tequila list to match, here's where to find the best Mexican food in Brighton and Hove.

Halisco

Winner of Time Out's Best Restaurant in Brighton, Halisco has become one of the city's most talked-about Mexican spots. Corn ribs and buttermilk chicken tacos are the headline acts, but it's worth leaving room for the peanut and mole-topped pork belly and a plate of crispy seabass on the side. The menu digs into some proper depth too, think slow-cooked ox cheek tacos with bone marrow mayo, alongside a solid vegan lineup that includes refried bean and confit garlic mushroom tacos. Wash it all down with something from the well-stocked tequila and mezcal bar, and expect a louder, more festive atmosphere than most Mexican spots in Brighton.

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Casazul

After an authentic pick for a Mexican restaurant in Brighton? Casazul has to be up there for its tiny menu of tacos at an Open Market location. A really highly rated spot, this is worth a visit for both vegan choices and meaty moments galore.

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Saltio At Shelter Hall

29 reviews

Tucked into Shelter Hall right on Brighton's seafront, Saltio brings Mexico's street food scene to the beach. Expect an ever-changing menu of tacos, tostadas and loaded nachos, each one built to honour regional Mexican traditions with the odd Brighton twist thrown in. Zesty salsa, slow-cooked meats and a bold mole or two all make an appearance, so there's plenty to work through. Add colour, spice and a proper fiesta atmosphere, right on the beach, and you've got one of the best reasons to head to the seafront for dinner.

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Carlito Burrito

Injecting some fun into our list of best restaurants in Brighton for Mexican food? Carlito Burrito. This colourful venue is not only known for award-winning street food like burritos, nachos, tacos and quesadillas, but also the bar - serving the best margs, mezcal sips or beers from Mexico.

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Wahaca Brighton

1090 reviews

One of the most noted across the town's restaurant scene and a Mexican restaurant by The Lanes in Brighton, the Wahaca menu is Central American-inspired through and through. The street food-style offering includes the likes of slow-cooked brisket, vegan tostadas and avo-chicken quesadillas, while bigger meals come in the form of gut-busting burritos.

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MEO Brighton

Best known as one of Kemptown's favourite brunch spots, MEO also runs a proper Mexican kitchen on Thursday to Sunday evenings. The cafe transforms after dark into a spot for tacos, hearty burritos and spicy margaritas, all served in the same warm, dog-friendly space that makes it a neighbourhood favourite by day. Worth knowing about if you fancy something a little different from Brighton's usual taco haunts, or if brunch here is already on your list.

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