My Ongoing Quest for Oviedo's Best Tacos (and Mexican Food, Obviously)
A local's personal, imperfect, and ever-growing list of where I keep going back for tacos, burritos, and all things salsa.
I've lived in Oviedo for going on twelve years now, and I've made it my personal mission to eat as many tacos as humanly possible. This list isn't some official ranking — it's just a running tally of the places that have earned a repeat visit (or ten). I'm always adding to it, so consider this a living document. If you've got a spot I haven't tried, please tell me. I'm always hungry.
Taqueria Los Amigos
This little strip-mall spot on 417? It's my go-to when I need a quick fix. The al pastor is legit — they slice it off the trompo right in front of you, and it's got that perfect char. I usually get three tacos with extra pineapple.
Their salsa bar is small but mighty: the green tomatillo salsa is bright and a little spicy, and the red one is smokey. Also, they have these amazing grilled onions and jalapeños on the side. It's not fancy, but it's honest.
El Potro Mexican Grill
If I'm taking out-of-town guests or just want a sit-down meal with a margarita, El Potro is my pick. The atmosphere is lively, and the service is always friendly. I love their molcajete — it's a huge stone bowl full of sizzling meat, cheese, and cactus. Perfect for sharing.
They also have a great lunch special: a combo with a taco, enchilada, rice, and beans for under ten bucks. It's a steal. And their chips and salsa are complimentary and keep coming.
Taco vs. Burrito: Which to Get Where
| Spot | Best Taco | Best Burrito | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taqueria Los Amigos | Al pastor | Not their strong suit | Quick, no-frills |
| El Potro | Carnitas | Wet burrito with mole | Sit-down, festive |
| Sunoco Truck | Barbacoa | N/A | Casual, cash-only |
| Las Palmas | Chicken tinga | The 'Supreme' | Family-friendly |
| El Ranchito | Lengua | Chimichanga-style | New, hidden |
The Taco Truck at the Sunoco on 426
Okay, hear me out. It's a gas station taco truck, and it's incredible. I think it's called 'La Taqueria Mobil' or something similar, but the name changes. What doesn't change is the quality. The barbacoa is fall-apart tender, and they give you a bunch of fresh cilantro and onion.
They're only open for dinner, and sometimes they run out of things by 8 PM. But when they have it, it's the best casual taco you'll find in Oviedo. Cash only, so come prepared.
Las Palmas
This is more of a full-service Mexican restaurant with a huge menu. I come here for the enchiladas suizas, which are smothered in a creamy green sauce and melted cheese. It's comfort food, plain and simple.
They also have a lunch buffet on weekdays, which is dangerous for my productivity. But it's a good way to sample a bunch of things. The churros for dessert are a must.
Chipotle (Yes, Really)
I know, I know — it's a chain. But hear me out: the Oviedo Chipotle on Alafaya has been consistently good. The staff is efficient, and they don't skimp on the guac. When I need a burrito bowl in a pinch and nowhere else is open, this is my fallback.
Also, they have the cilantro-lime rice that my kids actually eat, so sometimes I'm just trying to please everyone. No shame.
El Ranchito
A newer addition to the Oviedo scene, El Ranchito is tucked away in a plaza near the Oviedo Mall. They have a massive menu, but I'm partial to their tortas — the bread is soft and pressed, and the fillings are generous.
They also have a salsa bar with like six different salsas, including a habanero one that will clear your sinuses. Proceed with caution. The horchata is homemade and not too sweet.
Find it on YouTube → “Oviedo Florida Mexican food tour”
Questions folks ask me
Do any of these places have good vegetarian options?
Yes! El Potro has a veggie fajita plate, and Las Palmas has cheese enchiladas. Taqueria Los Amigos will do a bean and cheese taco if you ask. Chipotle has sofritas.
Which place is the most family-friendly?
Las Palmas and El Potro both have kids menus and high chairs. The Sunoco truck is not great for small kids — no seating and sometimes a wait.
Is there good outdoor seating at any of these?
El Potro has a patio that's nice in cooler weather. The Sunoco truck has a couple of picnic tables under a canopy, but it's not fancy. Others are indoor only.
Do any of these spots serve breakfast tacos?
Not consistently, but Taqueria Los Amigos sometimes has breakfast on weekends. Las Palmas has a breakfast buffet on Sunday mornings.
Which has the best margarita?
El Potro wins for traditional margaritas — they have a nice house margarita on the rocks. Las Palmas has a frozen one that's sweet.
So there you have it — my running list of Oviedo taco and Mexican food joints. It's always growing, and I'm always looking for the next great spot. If you've got a recommendation (or a correction — I know I'm fallible), drop me a line. And hey, if you see me at the Sunoco truck, say hi. I'll be the one with salsa on my shirt.
More from the Oviedo blog
- Where to Actually See the Oviedo Chickens (and the Unwritten Rules)
- My honest newcomer's guide to moving to Oviedo, FL
- My Oviedo on the Park Survival Guide: Parking, Events, and the Best Benches
- Why I keep going back to Black Hammock (and why you should too)
- Oviedo vs Winter Springs: where we almost bought, and why we chose Oviedo
- The family-friendly restaurants we keep going back to in Oviedo
