Just a short walk from the western edge of New York’s Central Park is Rosa Mexicano Columbus Avenue. A smart Mexican eatery packed with fine-dining and authentic flavours from across the country. It has to be in the running for the best Mexican restaurant in Manhattan. We visited on our trip to New York with kids and it was the perfect stop off after a long morning out sightseeing. Looking out on the iconic Lincoln Centre, Rosa Mexicano has an impressive array of delicious dishes. We headed into the restaurant for lunch to be wowed by their Mexican fare.
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Is this the best Mexican Restaurant in Manhattan? Rosa Mexicano, Columbus Avenue, New York
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The restaurant chain was launched by Chef Josefina Howard in 1984. It has gone on to open outlets at a number of locations across New York and elsewhere in the United States.
Its menu is filled with a host of recognisable classics with Tacos, Quesadillas and salads all present. But the big difference is the attention to bringing the flavours and ingredients from across Mexico all under one roof.
The restaurant was one of the first to offer fine-dining Mexican in New York and that ethos still continues to great success.
There’s a real sense of theatre at Rosa Mexicano, and with a performance space like the Lincoln Centre across the street perhaps some of that has rubbed off on the restaurant.
As you climb the stairs to the restaurant you cannot fail to be impressed by the huge thirty foot wide blue tile water wall. Designed by architect David Rockwell, complete with rows of miniature leaping figures inspired by the Acapulco cliff divers.
Guacamole
Equally dramatic is the flamboyant start of the meal with Guacamole en Molcajete prepared at the table.
Chopped, mashed and mixed in a huge mortar filled with avocado, tomato, onion, coriander and optional jalapeño, this is a performance matched by the dish itself, which is confidently packed with taste.
Served with warm tortilla chips and salsa, this might be the best guacamole I’ve even eaten.
Main courses
For our mains I picked the Hongos tacos, based on a recipe from Mexico’s Distrito Federal.
This is a delicious (and spicy) veggies and gluten free dish packed with portobello mushrooms, roasted peppers, grilled corn and black beans.
It was so delicious and filling. The side of creamed Mexican corn was so tasty, I keep thinking about it and wishing I could have it again.
My kids all loved the Pescado Baja. A generous dish with beer battered salted fish wrapped in fresh and tasty tortillas.
Their lunch came with rice, black beans and grilled corn.
They all happily gobbled it up, including our youngest who can be a bit fussy about spiced dishes, but it was a big hit with them all.
Mr G picked out the Ensalada Picada. A huge and satisfying salad with grilled salmon sat on Tuscan kale tossed with roasted peppers, chayote squash, roasted corn and a serrano pepper vinaigrette.
I loved our little spot in the restaurant with a table in a prime position looking out on Columbus Avenue and West 62nd Street.
It was a great people watching location, one floor up with great views all around.
Desserts – Rosa Mexicano Columbus Avenue
The restaurant staff were also wonderful, attentive and present just the right amount.
To finish we shared giant, hot Churros with a dusting of sugar and cinnamon, with a dark chocolate and a raspberry dipping sauces. And spicy Mexican coffee while the children tucked into ice creams.
These have to be the best churros I’ve had. Perfect.
Rosa Mexicano is the perfect spot for authentic Mexican flavours in a smart and welcoming space. Here you can enjoy simply delicious plates in great surroundings.
You can find out more about Rosa Mexicano at their website here. And while you’re here why not check out our review of a Hard Times tour at the Tenement Museum.
