Los Mejores

Our Favorite Local Mexican Restaurants

Mexican Americans and Mexican immigrants enrich our community in so many ways, and their influence can be seen in the restaurants that punctuate nearly every neighborhood in town.

01/29/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Let's Taco 'Bout It

Casa Masa's Second Location Officially Opens This Weekend in The Landings

Chef Rob DiSilvio's new location has been in soft-open mode this week, ahead of the opening. The new restaurant features an expanded menu and a full bar, with a raft of creative cocktails designed by former Pangea owner Brad Coburn.

01/08/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Strip Mall Superstars

Sarasota's Best Under-the-Radar Restaurants

Our guide to out-of-the-way, hiding-in-plain-sight, if-you-know-you-know restaurants that will knock your socks off.

09/01/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Origin Stories

Four Sarasota Chefs Share the Stories of Their Restaurants

Here's why they love doing business in Sarasota.

09/01/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Restaurant Review

At Kolucan, Mexican Culinary Traditions Are Treated With Reverence

Diners will find established Mexican American favorites, but alongside the burrito bowls, carne asada and mole come upscale riffs on Mexican flavors previously unavailable here.

01/03/2024 By Lauren Jackson

So Good

Kolucan Will Open in Gulf Gate on Aug. 31

Chefs Gino Calleja and Jose Rojas will prepare upscale Mexican cuisine at the new restaurant.

08/24/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Made With Love

A New Restaurant Will Bring Elevated Mexican Food to Gulf Gate

Kolucan is the brainchild of Gino Calleja, the owner of Reyna's Taqueria, and his business partner Jose Rojas.

07/06/2023 By Lauren Jackson

The Big Time

Restaurant Review: Rocco's Tacos

Rocco’s Tacos has come to Sarasota, and just one meal will tell you why the chain has been such a big success.

05/01/2023 By Lauren Jackson

For Whom the Bell Tolls

'I Love Taco Bell. There, I Said It.'

In a state and a region that are overflowing with quality Mexican restaurants, does Mexican-inspired fast food even have a place? Our writer argues yes.

04/12/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Viva Tequila

Rocco's Tacos Will Open at University Town Center on March 6

The long-anticipated restaurant will feature traditional Mexican favorites, more than 300 tequilas and a generous happy hour.

02/14/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Let's All Go to the Mall

Reyna's Taqueria Has Opened a New Location Inside Sarasota Square Mall

Opening in the quiet mall may seem like a risky venture, but Reyna's owner Gino Calleja is confident people will come.

05/13/2022 By Lauren Jackson

5/5

Where to Get a Cinco De Mayo Feast

Six restaurants that are offering excellent options for your fiesta.

05/05/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Let's give 'em something to taco 'bout

New Mexican Eatery in Old Two Senoritas Spot to Open Next Month

The owners of El Melvin Cocina Mexicana are putting the finishing touches on its ambiance and menu.

10/30/2019 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Wheels of fortune

New Mexican Food Truck Hits the Streets of Bradenton

Rincon Mexicano serves tacos and quesadillas stocked with pork al pastor, beef or chicken.

06/06/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Sunday Fun Day

What to Do in Sarasota on Cinco De Mayo

$100 margaritas, golf tournaments and tons of great deals—this is your definitive guide to Cinco De Mayo in Sarasota.

05/01/2019 By Giulia Heyward

10 Bucks or Less

3 Pepper Burrito Co. Brings Mission Burritos to the Heart of Downtown

The restaurant just opened its 10th location dead center in the middle of the downtown Sarasota Farmers Market, perfectly situated amid dozens of offices within a walkable range.

04/01/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker