This Louisiana Mexican Restaurant Named Best in America

NEW ORLEANS, La - Louisiana is known for gumbo, crawfish, boudin and just about anything that can be cooked with a roux and served over rice. But there's another type of food getting plenty of attention in the Pelican State, and one restaurant is helping put Louisiana's Mexican cuisine on the map in a big way.

Oh, and they've only been open for business for a couple of years.

Acamaya in New Orleans has been named Louisiana's choice in a national ranking by The New York Times highlighting the best Mexican restaurant in every state. The Bywater neighborhood restaurant has already earned plenty of attention from major food publications, and this latest nod adds yet another impressive accomplishment to the list.

Acamaya Brings Something Different To New Orleans

Located in New Orleans' Bywater neighborhood, Acamaya isn't your typical Mexican restaurant.

The restaurant was opened by sisters Ana and Lydia Castro, who wanted to combine their Mexican heritage with the ingredients and culture of their new found home in New Orleans.

READ MORE: This Louisiana Buffet Is Being Called the Best in the State

According to the restaurant, the Castro sisters were born in Texas and raised in Mexico City before eventually making their way to New Orleans. Their restaurant brings together flavors from Mexico City, the Gulf of Mexico and New Orleans.

Almost from day one of opening up for business, Acamaya has been anointed as one of, if not the best Mexican restaurant in the U.S.

From AOL.com -

This restaurant received a 2025 Bib Gourmand distinction from the Michelin Guide for the American South and it was deemed one of the best new restaurants in America by Esquire and Bon Appetit in 2025. The restaurant was also featured on the 2024 New York Times Restaurant List.

Seafood Is A Big Part Of The Menu

Acamaya's current dinner menu features dishes such as Gulf shrimp aguachile, ceviche, seafood cocktails, oysters, crab sopes, octopus and blackened drum prepared Veracruz-style.

There's also an arroz negro featuring mussels, squid and shrimp, along with other dishes that combine traditional Mexican ingredients and techniques with seafood from the Gulf.

Acamaya in New Orleans

The Restaurant Has Already Earned Some Serious Recognition

Acamaya was included on The New York Times' 2024 Restaurant List and was named one of the Best New Restaurants in America by both Esquire and Bon Appétit in 2025. It also received a 2025 Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand distinction.

The Michelin Guide describes Acamaya as a Mexican and seafood restaurant and highlights its seafood-focused menu and creative dishes.

READ MORE: Louisiana's 10 Best Restaurants Ranked

And now, The New York Times has recognized Acamaya as one of its picks among notable Mexican restaurants in the United States.

Acamaya Is Located In New Orleans' Bywater Neighborhood

For anyone wanting to check out Louisiana's nationally recognized Mexican restaurant, Acamaya is located at 3070 Dauphine Street in New Orleans.

The restaurant recommends reservations, although some seating is held for walk-in customers. Its current hours are Thursday through Monday from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with the restaurant closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Simply put, if you love delicious, interesting Mexican cuisine, Acamaya in New Orleans needs to your next foodie destination.

Read more at nytimes.com.