The 20 Best Latin Restaurants in Maryland

Joy by Seven Reasons offers a lively, bustling setting with a popular bar, upbeat music, and playful décor. The kitchen serves Latin American–inspired, contemporary dishes such as tuna crudo, creative seafood preparations, and thoughtful pasta plates, noted for their well-balanced flavors. Cocktails, mocktails, and inventive soft-serve desserts add to the experience, while attentive service supports the energetic atmosphere.

JesseJay's Latin Inspired Kitchen offers Puerto Rican and Latin-inspired dishes with touches of Tex-Mex, known for generous portions and bold flavors. Specialties such as mofongo, short ribs, and tacos showcase careful preparation and satisfying textures. A cozy indoor dining area, outdoor seating, and a bar create an energetic setting, while attentive staff contribute to a smooth, welcoming experience.

Guardado's Restaurant offers Spanish cuisine in an unassuming, neighborhood setting just off the main streets of Bethesda. The menu focuses on hot tapas cooked to order and generous paellas that many guests highlight. Thoughtful service and a comfortable, casual dining room create a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying shared plates and wine.

Chicken Rico Waldorf specializes in Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken seasoned with a flavorful spice rub that infuses the meat throughout. Guests highlight the tender, moist chicken and generous portions, complemented by fresh sides like spinach, green beans, cilantro rice, and plantains. The setting suits quick meals and takeout, with efficient, no-nonsense service. A reliable stop in Waldorf for hearty, well-seasoned chicken and deli-style fare.

Riviera Tapas Bar offers a broad selection of Spanish-style small plates, from patatas bravas and empanadas to standout garlic shrimp, complemented by sangria and a varied wine list. Dishes are noted for balanced flavors and attractive presentation without pretension. Professional, attentive service and a comfortable noise level contribute to an inviting, modestly styled dining room in historic Riverdale.

Mucho Gusto Bel Air offers a modern take on Mexican-inspired cuisine, with creative tacos, appetizers, and guacamole prepared tableside. Artisanal and seasonal cocktails, such as mezcal-based creations and spiced rum blends, are a highlight. The contemporary setting, occasional festive decor, and courteous, unhurried service create a comfortable dining experience, with the option of outdoor seating when weather allows.

Los Chorros serves Mexican and Salvadoran comfort dishes in a modest, welcoming space. Guests highlight flavorful fajitas, pupusas to go, and a shrimp cocktail in a bright, gazpacho-style sauce. Fresh salsa, guacamole, and cilantro-forward accompaniments add vibrant flavor. Attentive, friendly staff and a homey atmosphere create an inviting neighborhood spot.

El Patio Restaurant serves classic Argentinian cuisine featuring grilled meats, steaks, and empanadas, along with dishes such as milanesa and hearty platters. An extensive menu of appetizers, salads, and house desserts, including tres leches cake, rounds out the experience. The relaxed dining room, occasional live music, and attentive, courteous service create an inviting atmosphere, with beer and wine available to complement the meal.

Little Havana pairs harbor views with a relaxed, lively setting for Latin-inspired comfort food and bar favorites. Guests highlight dishes such as the Cubano, tacos, wings, and jerk chicken rice bowls, along with a well-chosen beer selection. A spacious bar, outdoor deck, and private rooms, including a wood-paneled event space with an attached patio, make it a popular choice for gatherings.

Sardi's Pollo A La Brasa – Bowie specializes in juicy, well-seasoned rotisserie chicken served with a variety of hearty sides. The menu also features Latin-inspired comfort food, such as quesadillas and grilled salmon dishes. Guests order at the counter in a casual setting and have their meals brought to the table for a relaxed, unfussy dining experience.

Taqueria Los Compadres serves hearty Mexican and Central American dishes, with tacos al pastor, pupusas, and other regional specialties prepared in a straightforward, flavorful style. The atmosphere is casual and busy, attracting a diverse crowd throughout the day. Service is welcoming and efficient, with staff accommodating both Spanish- and English-speaking guests. Ample seating makes it convenient for both dine-in meals and takeout orders.

Tucked inside a shopping plaza, Pupuseria El Comalito serves traditional Salvadoran fare in a modest, low-key setting. The open kitchen lets guests watch fresh pupusas, including popular cheese- and squash-filled versions, being prepared. Bilingual menus and helpful staff make the experience approachable, while tangy slaw and refreshing fruit drinks round out the meal.

Hispa Restaurant serves Latin-inspired cuisine in a modest, welcoming space with a small bar and televised soccer. Guests praise fresh seafood, including a generous seafood soup with lobster, shrimp, mussels, and calamari, as well as grilled meats like carne asada with tortillas and beans. Friendly service, lively music, and satisfying portions create an easygoing neighborhood atmosphere.

Pupuseria La Familiar serves traditional Salvadoran cooking in a bright, clean dining room. Handmade pupusas, fried yuca, plantains, and hearty soups are prepared to order, with flavors that highlight fresh, simple ingredients. Service is welcoming and helpful in guiding guests who are new to the cuisine, though dishes may take time as they are cooked fresh.

Fiesta Grill serves homestyle Salvadoran and Mexican dishes, with highlights such as pupusas, hearty chicken soups, tamales, and tacos. Portions are generous and satisfying, with many diners noting there is often enough to take home. The atmosphere is informal and unpretentious, featuring mismatched plates and glass-bottle sodas that add to its laid-back charm.

Caliente Grill offers a broad Latin American menu highlighting Mexican, Salvadoran, and Peruvian specialties. Guests appreciate handmade tortillas, fresh flavors, and dishes such as ceviche, pupusas, and plantains. Attentive staff and freshly prepared margaritas contribute to a relaxed, welcoming dining experience.

Cubano's offers mostly Cuban cuisine in a hip, visually appealing space with a lively vibe. Diners highlight flavorful appetizers such as arepas, bacon-wrapped plantains, and tender octopus, along with classic Cuban entrees and a substantial Cuban sandwich. House cocktails, including mojitos, and desserts like the four-leche cake round out the experience.

Al Carbon Restaurant offers hearty Central American cuisine with a focus on wood-fired grilled meats and chicken. Diners find generous platters accompanied by rice, beans, salad, and fresh tortillas, along with comforting options like seafood soup and fried plantains. The setting is casual and unpretentious, with a family-friendly atmosphere and staff who work to accommodate different languages.