
Taqueria Ramirez
RESTAURANT SUMMARY

In Brooklyn's vibrant Greenpoint neighborhood, Taqueria Ramirez New York City has emerged as the definitive destination for Mexico City-style street tacos, where Giovanni Cervantes transforms traditional recipes into an extraordinary culinary experience that rivals the finest establishments in Mexican gastronomy.
Founded in 2021 by Mexico City native Giovanni Cervantes and his wife Tania Apolinar, this intimate taqueria represents a passionate pivot from photography to culinary artistry during the pandemic. Cervantes draws upon childhood memories of authentic street food culture, creating a focused menu that embodies the philosophy of "doing one thing exceptionally well." The restaurant quickly earned recognition as one of The New York Times' Top 10 New Restaurants of 2022, with their Campechano taco specifically named among the city's seven best dishes that year.
The cuisine at Taqueria Ramirez centers on six meticulously crafted taco varieties that showcase heritage techniques and premium ingredients. The signature Suadero features slow-cooked beef confit prepared in traditional lard, creating impossibly tender "rose meat" that melts on the tongue. Their celebrated Tacos al Pastor balances marinated pork with sweet pineapple, while the Campechano combines suadero and longaniza for complex, layered flavors. Adventurous diners gravitate toward the Tripa—blow-torched beef intestines that have achieved cult status among New York City fine dining enthusiasts. The seasonal Consommé Ranchero, based on Cervantes' grandmother's recipe, elevates the experience beyond typical taqueria fare. Each taco is assembled on house-made corn tortillas, with a self-serve station offering traditional accompaniments including house-made salsas, red onions, cilantro, and lime.
The intimate counter-service space creates an immersive experience where diners witness the artistry of taco preparation at the central plancha. Clean white subway tiles and hand-painted red menus establish a modern aesthetic that honors traditional taqueria culture. The open kitchen's cauldron-style vessels become theater, with meats slowly confiting throughout service. Limited counter seating encourages interaction and community, often creating weekend lines that spill onto Greenpoint's sidewalks. The atmosphere buzzes with authentic energy, enhanced by Cervantes' encouragement for guests to order in Spanish, deepening cultural connection.
Taqueria Ramirez represents more than casual dining—it's a cultural bridge that brings Mexico City's street food mastery to discerning New York palates. Reservations aren't accepted at this first-come, first-served establishment, making each visit feel exclusive despite accessible pricing. For those seeking authentic Mexican cuisine elevated through passionate craftsmanship, Taqueria Ramirez delivers an unparalleled experience that justifies its reputation among the best restaurants New York City offers.
CHEF
Tania Apolinar & Giovanni Cervantes
ACCOLADES

(2024) Opinionated About Dining Cheap Eats in North America Ranked #59

(2025) EP Club Recommended Restaurant












