Authentic flavours
Diners repeatedly describe the food as authentic, homemade and reminiscent of eating in Mexico.
Querida Mexican & Friends Restaurant
Al Barsha
Querida Mexican & Friends is a cosy Mexican restaurant in Al Barsha with a relaxed, home-style feel. Reviews point to light tacos, flavourful birria tacos and especially crispy churros, while the friendly team is happy to guide diners through less familiar dishes.
Reputation Score
4.7
★★★★★
959 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Standout churros
The churros are a reliable highlight: reviewers describe them as crispy, warm and perfectly sweet.
Birria tacos
Birria tacos are repeatedly praised for their generous flavour and are a strong first order for meat-lovers.
Sharing sampler
The Sampler for Two gives newcomers a practical way to try several dishes in one order.
Vegetarian choice
Vegetarians have more than token options, with reviewers noting a strong range of suitable Mexican dishes.
Warm atmosphere
The compact room is colourful, cosy and homey, with Spanish music adding to the Mexican dining experience.
Tips for a Better Visit
Book ahead. Reserve a table before visiting because the cosy room can fill up quickly.
Try the platter. Order the sharing platter to sample the main dishes; one reviewer found the portion comfortable for three.
Order generously. If you have a large appetite, plan for extra dishes because one reviewer found the food light.
Allow a walk. Parking may involve a short walk, so factor that in before your booking.
Ask for guidance. If Mexican dishes are unfamiliar, ask the team to explain the menu and suggest an order.
Try dessert. Leave room for dessert: the mango sorbet with Chamoy sauce is an unusual option alongside the popular churros.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Talal 14 Building - Shop no.9 - 14th St - opposite Roots Salon Bus Stop
Al Barsha First - Al Barsha, Dubai
| Mon | 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Tue | 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Wed | 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Thu | 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Fri | 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Sat | 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Sun | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
Common Concerns
Small space
The restaurant is genuinely small, with close-set tables and limited room around the dining area.
Busy periods
When the room is packed, you may need to wait for a table.
Portion concerns
One diner found the servings small for the prices and said bigger appetites may require double orders.
Mild salsa
A reviewer wanted spicier salsa options, so heat-seekers may find the current choices limited.
Inconsistent visit
One repeat visitor found a later meal bland and oily, with service that felt less attentive than before.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Querida Mexican & Friends is a small, colourful Mexican restaurant in Al Barsha that leans into homestyle cooking rather than a polished, formal dining-room feel. The reviews make a strong case for the birria tacos, tamales, empanadas and churros, with the churros repeatedly singled out for their crisp exterior and warm, sweet centre. A sharing platter or Sampler for Two is a useful way to explore the menu without choosing just one dish.
The atmosphere is cosy and familiar, with close-set tables, Mexican-themed decoration and Spanish music. Service is often described as warm and helpful, particularly when diners are trying Mexican food for the first time; the team has been praised for explaining dishes and making recommendations. Vegetarian diners also report plenty of choice.
This is not a spacious restaurant. It can be packed, so booking ahead is sensible, and parking may mean a short walk. One review also found portions small for the prices, while another reported a disappointing Taco Tuesday visit with oily, bland tacos, so consistency may vary.
A family of two adults and one child reported paying 351 dirhams for a shared corn-dish plate plus drinks and sides, though that is a past customer bill rather than a current price list.