Say Cinco de Mayo and many will automatically think tacos and margaritas, like it’s a giant annual taco Tuesday. This year, let’s use the food association around the holiday to recognize the growing diversity of Mexican food around the New Orleans area, from chef-led deep dives into regional cuisine to soulful soups to, of course, really good tacos and margs.
Acamaya, 3070 Dauphine St., (504) 299-3477
The upscale/casual Mexican seafood restaurant is a hard reservation these days, and it’s clear why – chef Ana Castro’s combination of technique, sourcing and vision for what Mexican flavor can be put it in a league of its own.
El Pavo Real, 4401 S. Broad St., (504) 266-2022
A mom-and-pop find in Broadmoor always feels like Mexican home cooking. The aesthetic here is low-key, homemade and deeply flavored, and the Mexican breakfast dishes are particularly good…