Tableside Guacamole
Fresh guacamole is prepared to order, with customers praising its chunky texture and lime-and-spice balance.
Maria Bonita Taco Shop & Grill
Umm Suqeim
Maria Bonita Taco Shop & Grill is a relaxed Mexican restaurant in Umm Suqeim, with a colourful, vintage-style room and a menu built around classic tacos, fajitas and quesadillas. The tableside guacamole is a recurring highlight, while churros and Tres Leches cake give you a strong reason to save room for dessert.
Reputation Score
4.3
★★★★☆
2,458 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Taco Favourites
Baja fish, shrimp, ribeye, birria and al pastor tacos are repeatedly singled out, with the Baja tacos noted for their crunchy exterior.
Mexican Atmosphere
Colourful décor, Mexican music and a vintage feel make the room feel more characterful than a standard casual restaurant.
Fresh Salsas
The complimentary chips and salsa have been praised for freshness, alongside the restaurant’s range of sauces.
Live Music
Some visits include live Mexican music, adding an extra layer to the lively dining-room atmosphere.
Generous Servings
Several diners describe the portions as filling, including fajita plates served with rice, guacamole, sour cream and bean paste.
What to Eat at Maria Bonita Taco Shop & Grill How we choose these items We use AI to find praise and criticism of specific foods and drinks in a selection of Google reviews. For Maria Bonita Taco Shop & Grill, this list is based on 50 reviews, not every review of the restaurant. The score is positive reviews minus negative reviews. For example, two positive reviews and one negative review give +1. Each review counts once per item; neutral comments do not change the score. A zero score is not a positive recommendation. “Only neutral feedback” means there are no positive or negative votes. “Mixed feedback” means equal numbers of positive and negative votes. The quotes are examples of what people said, not every comment we counted. We use different reviews where we can. We normally show up to 10 foods and 5 drinks with non-negative scores. Items with the same score stay together. If a tied group would go past the limit, that group and the lower non-negative scores go into Honorable mentions. If an overflowing positive top tie would leave the list empty, we show up to 10 items from that tie and keep the rest in Honorable mentions. Foods and drinks with a negative score are under What to Avoid. Use this as a guide to what reviewers liked, not a guarantee that you will like it too.
These items at Maria Bonita Taco Shop & Grill got the most positive mentions in user reviews. Check them out!
Food 7
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Burrito Net +4
“The burrito, the taco and the nachos were all absolutely tasteful.”
Positive 4Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The burrito, the taco and the nachos were all absolutely tasteful.”November 2021
“Typical Mexican food like quesadillas and burritos. Simply delicious and tasty.”March 2022
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Birria taco Net +3
“My favorites were their birria taco and guacamole.”
Positive 3Negative 0
Review excerpts
“My favorites were their birria taco and guacamole.”June 2025
“The El Pastor taco is a must-try, and the birria taco is equally delicious, although we wish they were more generous with the consommé dip.”May 2023
-
Churros Net +3
“Be sure to finish off the meal with the scrumptious churros.”
Positive 3Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Be sure to finish off the meal with the scrumptious churros.”June 2025
“The churros was so good.”November 2021
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Fajita’s Net +3
“Love their Fajita’s , tacos , and Nachos”
Positive 3Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Love their Fajita’s , tacos , and Nachos”July 2025
“Fajitas were very good.”October 2020
-
Ribeye tacos Net +3
“Baja shrimp & ribeye tacos are my go to taco flavors (always request for them salsas 😉)”
Positive 3Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Baja shrimp & ribeye tacos are my go to taco flavors (always request for them salsas 😉)”April 2026
“If you are craving for good quality beef, you can try the ribeye beef tacos.”November 2024
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Chicken fajitas Net +2
“I had the chicken fajitas and they were really good.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I had the chicken fajitas and they were really good.”July 2023
“Chicken fajitas didn’t disappoint too. Im not a fan but I wanted to try it that time and I was so full!”March 2024
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Tres leches cake Net +2
“The only saving grace was the chips and salsa and the Tres Leches cake.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The only saving grace was the chips and salsa and the Tres Leches cake.”July 2023
“Their drinks are also top notch (my wife loves the strawberry mojito mocktail) and their Tres Leches cake is very much worth it!”April 2026
Honorable mentions (25)
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Baja fish tacos Net +1
“Oue favorites include the Baja fish and shrimp tacos (very fresh with a crunchy exterior), the ribeye tacos, and the chicken gringa.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Oue favorites include the Baja fish and shrimp tacos (very fresh with a crunchy exterior), the ribeye tacos, and the chicken gringa.”April 2026
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Baja tacos Net +1
“We love Maria Bonita — especially the Baja Tacos.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We love Maria Bonita — especially the Baja Tacos.”August 2024
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Beef burrito Net +1
“My regular order starts with Guac on the Spot, followed by their beef chorizo tacos and beef burrito 🌯🤤 Highly recommended 💯”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“My regular order starts with Guac on the Spot, followed by their beef chorizo tacos and beef burrito 🌯🤤 Highly recommended 💯”July 2023
-
Beef chorizo tacos Net +1
“My regular order starts with Guac on the Spot, followed by their beef chorizo tacos and beef burrito 🌯🤤 Highly recommended 💯”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“My regular order starts with Guac on the Spot, followed by their beef chorizo tacos and beef burrito 🌯🤤 Highly recommended 💯”July 2023
-
Chicken gringa Net +1
“Oue favorites include the Baja fish and shrimp tacos (very fresh with a crunchy exterior), the ribeye tacos, and the chicken gringa.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Oue favorites include the Baja fish and shrimp tacos (very fresh with a crunchy exterior), the ribeye tacos, and the chicken gringa.”April 2026
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Chicken nachos Net +1
“We had the burrito, chicken nachos and wings. Every dish was delicious!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had the burrito, chicken nachos and wings. Every dish was delicious!”May 2026
-
Chicken quesadilla Net +1
“The guacamole, made fresh tableside, is a highlight, and the chicken quesadilla is packed with flavor.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The guacamole, made fresh tableside, is a highlight, and the chicken quesadilla is packed with flavor.”October 2025
-
Chicken tacos Net +1
“The chips were stale, the guacamole too light in color, while the chicken tacos were good.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The chips were stale, the guacamole too light in color, while the chicken tacos were good.”November 2019
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Crispy complimentary nachos with salsa Net +1
“From crispy complimentary nachos with Salsa to goey cheese based gourmet nachos, from mouth watering burritos to sizzling fajitas, Maria Bonita used to be an epitome of Mexican food in UAE. Moreover, it has several awards under it's name. From oldest to top rated Mexican restaurant by TimeOut magazine. Unfortunately, it has lost that charm. However, it still portrays a traditional Mexican look along with humble and cooperative staff. Two thumbs up.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“From crispy complimentary nachos with Salsa to goey cheese based gourmet nachos, from mouth watering burritos to sizzling fajitas, Maria Bonita used to be an epitome of Mexican food in UAE. Moreover, it has several awards under it's name. From oldest to top rated Mexican restaurant by TimeOut magazine. Unfortunately, it has lost that charm. However, it still portrays a traditional Mexican look along with humble and cooperative staff. Two thumbs up.”May 2021
-
El pastor taco Net +1
“The El Pastor taco is a must-try, and the birria taco is equally delicious, although we wish they were more generous with the consommé dip.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The El Pastor taco is a must-try, and the birria taco is equally delicious, although we wish they were more generous with the consommé dip.”May 2023
-
Empanadas Net +1
“Food again, average. We ordered Nachos, Empanadas, Quesadillas and Steak Tacos. Everything was very heavy and felt very greasy. The guacamole was very nice. Out of what we ordered We both thought the Empanadas were the nicest dish.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Food again, average. We ordered Nachos, Empanadas, Quesadillas and Steak Tacos. Everything was very heavy and felt very greasy. The guacamole was very nice. Out of what we ordered We both thought the Empanadas were the nicest dish.”September 2024
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Enchilada plate Net +1
“The enchilada plate had 3, each with a different flavor, all chicken and it was good and pulled, but slightly chewy.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The enchilada plate had 3, each with a different flavor, all chicken and it was good and pulled, but slightly chewy.”October 2020
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Flan Net +1
“The green sauce they serve and the flan were bomb too.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The green sauce they serve and the flan were bomb too.”June 2025
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Goey cheese based gourmet nachos Net +1
“From crispy complimentary nachos with Salsa to goey cheese based gourmet nachos, from mouth watering burritos to sizzling fajitas, Maria Bonita used to be an epitome of Mexican food in UAE. Moreover, it has several awards under it's name. From oldest to top rated Mexican restaurant by TimeOut magazine. Unfortunately, it has lost that charm. However, it still portrays a traditional Mexican look along with humble and cooperative staff. Two thumbs up.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“From crispy complimentary nachos with Salsa to goey cheese based gourmet nachos, from mouth watering burritos to sizzling fajitas, Maria Bonita used to be an epitome of Mexican food in UAE. Moreover, it has several awards under it's name. From oldest to top rated Mexican restaurant by TimeOut magazine. Unfortunately, it has lost that charm. However, it still portrays a traditional Mexican look along with humble and cooperative staff. Two thumbs up.”May 2021
-
Guac on the spot Net +1
“My regular order starts with Guac on the Spot, followed by their beef chorizo tacos and beef burrito 🌯🤤 Highly recommended 💯”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“My regular order starts with Guac on the Spot, followed by their beef chorizo tacos and beef burrito 🌯🤤 Highly recommended 💯”July 2023
-
Hot chocolate Net +1
“The hot chocolate was very tasty!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The hot chocolate was very tasty!”November 2021
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Papa bravas with shrimp Net +1
“For starters we had the papa bravas with shrimp. The shrimp addition was a good idea! Loved the potatoes. It was spiced just right and loved every bite of it. Would recommend it.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For starters we had the papa bravas with shrimp. The shrimp addition was a good idea! Loved the potatoes. It was spiced just right and loved every bite of it. Would recommend it.”May 2024
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Patatas bravas Net +1
“My favorite dish was patatas bravas, but also queso fundido was excellent.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“My favorite dish was patatas bravas, but also queso fundido was excellent.”December 2024
-
Quesedilla Net +1
“The quesedilla and yhe churros are to die for.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The quesedilla and yhe churros are to die for.”December 2025
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Queso fundido Net +1
“My favorite dish was patatas bravas, but also queso fundido was excellent.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“My favorite dish was patatas bravas, but also queso fundido was excellent.”December 2024
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Shrimp tacos Net +1
“Shrimp tacos did not have any extras like lettuce or tomatoes, but the shrimp was flavorful.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Shrimp tacos did not have any extras like lettuce or tomatoes, but the shrimp was flavorful.”October 2020
-
Soft beef rib tacos Net +1
“Then we had the soft beef rib tacos. It was nice too!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Then we had the soft beef rib tacos. It was nice too!”May 2024
-
Tacos al pastor Net +1
“The tacos al pastor is yummy as well. 3pcs isn’t enough 😁”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The tacos al pastor is yummy as well. 3pcs isn’t enough 😁”March 2024
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Trio fajita Net +1
“Recommend the Trio Fajita, big portion, lovely taste full of flavours.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Recommend the Trio Fajita, big portion, lovely taste full of flavours.”September 2021
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Wings Net +1
“We had the burrito, chicken nachos and wings. Every dish was delicious!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had the burrito, chicken nachos and wings. Every dish was delicious!”May 2026
Drinks 3
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Iced tea Net +1
“The iced tea is brewed in-house and is a refreshing treat, although we would have preferred free refills.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The iced tea is brewed in-house and is a refreshing treat, although we would have preferred free refills.”May 2023
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Spicy margarita Net +1
“For starters we tried a spicy margarita and cola jarritos. The spiced margarita was nice! Got a kick to it.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For starters we tried a spicy margarita and cola jarritos. The spiced margarita was nice! Got a kick to it.”May 2024
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Strawberry mojito mocktail Net +1
“Their drinks are also top notch (my wife loves the strawberry mojito mocktail) and their Tres Leches cake is very much worth it!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Their drinks are also top notch (my wife loves the strawberry mojito mocktail) and their Tres Leches cake is very much worth it!”April 2026
What to Avoid (6)
Food 6
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Chimichanga Net −1
“For mains, we tried the Chimichanga. The chimichanga was wrapped in too much bread and not much filling.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“For mains, we tried the Chimichanga. The chimichanga was wrapped in too much bread and not much filling.”July 2023
-
Pastor chicken tacos Net −1
“The pastor chicken tacos were a bit dry tho, but the flavors were there SO SHOUTOUT to whoever came up with the marinade for the pastor. let me have the recipe!”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The pastor chicken tacos were a bit dry tho, but the flavors were there SO SHOUTOUT to whoever came up with the marinade for the pastor. let me have the recipe!”January 2025
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Piña colada Net −1
“Piña colada was a bit too watery, if could be creamier or slushy type would be perfect.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Piña colada was a bit too watery, if could be creamier or slushy type would be perfect.”January 2025
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Queso fuidado with chicken Net −1
“We got the Queso Fuidado with chicken for starters. The cheese in the Queso Fundido was like a blanket with chicken pieces on top - literally had to scoop out with a spoon.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“We got the Queso Fuidado with chicken for starters. The cheese in the Queso Fundido was like a blanket with chicken pieces on top - literally had to scoop out with a spoon.”July 2023
-
Steak taco Net −1
“The steak taco is a bit of a letdown, especially for the price.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The steak taco is a bit of a letdown, especially for the price.”May 2023
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Steak tacos Net −1
“Food again, average. We ordered Nachos, Empanadas, Quesadillas and Steak Tacos. Everything was very heavy and felt very greasy.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Food again, average. We ordered Nachos, Empanadas, Quesadillas and Steak Tacos. Everything was very heavy and felt very greasy.”September 2024
Tips for a Better Visit
Request Salsas. Ask for the restaurant’s salsas with the Baja shrimp or ribeye tacos; one regular specifically requests them.
Save Room. Keep space for dessert: churros and Tres Leches cake are among the most consistently recommended finishes.
Check Music. For a visit with live music, one review noted Mexican music on Sunday around 3PM.
Mention Cilantro. If you need to avoid cilantro, say so when ordering; one group’s request was followed consistently.
Parking Nearby. Drivers can look for convenient RTA parking nearby, according to a recent dining review.
Late Orders. For takeaway, note that one review records the last order time as 11:30pm.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Al Khaja Bldg - Shop 4 Umm Al Sheif Rd
Umm Suqeim First - Umm Suqeim, Dubai
| Mon | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Tue | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Wed | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Thu | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Fri | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Sat | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Sun | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
Common Concerns
Pricey Dishes
Some diners consider the food expensive for the portions, with one review calling it slightly on the pricey side.
Service Variation
Service reviews are mixed: some diners report delays, disorganisation or staff who were unfamiliar with the menu.
Delivery Issue
A hotel-delivery order arrived without cutlery, which made the takeaway experience less convenient.
Heavy Food
One table found the nachos, empanadas, quesadillas and steak tacos heavy and greasy, with mains arriving unusually quickly.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
In Umm Suqeim, Maria Bonita is a long-running Mexican restaurant where the main draw is a colourful, vintage-style dining room paired with classic comfort food. You can order tacos, fajitas, quesadillas and burritos, then watch the guacamole being prepared at the table. The Baja fish and shrimp tacos, ribeye tacos and birria tacos are among the most discussed dishes.
The guacamole is the safest starting point: reviews describe it as fresh, chunky and well balanced with lime and spice. Fajitas also receive strong marks, arriving with rice, sour cream, guacamole and bean paste. For dessert, leave room for the churros or Tres Leches cake; both appear repeatedly in recommendations.
Complimentary chips and salsa are another welcome touch. The atmosphere is a major part of the visit, with Mexican décor, occasional live music and a room that some diners say feels like a lively Mexican casa. RTA parking is reported nearby, and Sunday around 3PM was mentioned for live music.
Prices are not universally considered good value, and service can vary from quick and attentive to disorganised or unfriendly. Delivery diners should check that cutlery is included.