
Highest-rated Tex-Mex restaurants in Raleigh by diners
When you're looking for heat, Tex-Mex food delivers. Tex-Mex, as the cuisine is affectionately coined in the Southwest, is the by-product of what happens when cultures—and their kitchens—combine.
Tex-Mex food draws from American, Mexican, and Native American flavors. It developed in the 1800s, when these three distinct cultures all settled in what we now call Texas. Popular ingredients featured beef, flour tortillas, tomatoes, and yellow cheddar cheese, spiced up with chili peppers that provide a smoky flavor. It found its way into the hearts of the Southwest, eventually spreading around the rest of America. We can thank Tex-Mex cuisine for introducing us to chili con carne, fajitas, nachos, enchiladas, and quesadillas.
Tex-Mex's bold flavors make it perfect for those seeking some heat, particularly younger, adventurous diners who prefer more spice with their meal. Gen Z diners, in particular, look for spicy variety, with up to 50% eating at least one spicy meal every week. This craving for bold tastes has ousted Italian food from its #1 position as Americans' favorite cuisine.
With that kind of reach, where do you begin when it comes to finding that perfect Tex-Mex dish to make your palate dance? Who has managed to create that just-right blend of smoky spice and cheesy goodness that you've come to know and love in Tex-Mex food?
Stacker did a little of the heavy lifting for you and combed through data on Yelp as of Aug. 5, 2025, to put together a comprehensive list of the highest-rated Tex-Mex restaurants in Raleigh. We looked at how many reviews and their average ratings to make sure your guide to Raleigh cuisine is ready. Take a look to see where your new favorite restaurant will be! Note, some of these may have recently closed, so make sure to double-check.
#7. San Jose Mexican Restaurant
- Rating: 3.4/5 (133 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 11201 Galleria Ave. Raleigh, North Carolina
- Categories: Tex-Mex, Mexican, Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Cantina 18
- Rating: 3.6/5 (327 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 433 Daniels St. Raleigh, North Carolina
- Categories: Tex-Mex
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Superica
- Rating: 3.8/5 (184 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 25 Fenton Main St. Ste 110 Cary, North Carolina
- Categories: Tex-Mex, Cocktail Bars, Tacos
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Little Rey
- Rating: 4.1/5 (37 reviews)
- Address: 1101 East Whitaker Mill Road Ste 102 Raleigh, North Carolina
- Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Tacos, Tex-Mex
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Salt & Lime Cabo Grill
- Rating: 4.3/5 (100 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4800 Grove Barton Road Ste 106 Raleigh, North Carolina
- Categories: Seafood, Tex-Mex, Mexican
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Salt & Lime Cabo Grill
- Rating: 4.3/5 (1437 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6006 Falls Of Neuse Road Raleigh, North Carolina
- Categories: Seafood, Tex-Mex, Mexican
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Meat & Bite
- Rating: 4.7/5 (85 reviews)
- Address: 2908 Hillsborough St. Raleigh, North Carolina
- Categories: Burgers, Tex-Mex, Wraps
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Jill Jaracz, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 88 metros.