2 Bay Area Mexican Restaurants Make New York Times 'Greatest' List

RICHMOND, CA — Inside the Richmond flea market, people can find clothes, jewelry, collectibles, and, according to the New York Times, some of the best Mexican food in the country.

The New York Times recently released its list of the 41 "Greatest" Mexican food spots in the country. Reporters, editors and photographers at the publication spent more than a year traveling the country in search of the best.

"This list is not an attempt to rank the best Mexican restaurants. It is, rather, a mosaic of great places to eat, from food trucks to corner restaurants to tasting-menu counters," according to the New York Times. "We hope it tells an expansive story about Mexican cooking in America today — a dynamic cuisine all its own, and as American as any food."

Barbacoa Mejía, located at the Richmond Pulga, and Californios, the only Mexican restaurant in the world to hold three Michelin stars, made that list.

The former is operated by Omar Mejía, who comes from a long line of Mexican pitmasters.

"Mr. Mejía’s family recipes include tender pit-roasted lamb, delicious consomé and regional salsas such as a salsa verde that includes xoconostle (prickly pear), and chinicuiles (grubs)," according to the New York Times.

Chef Val Cantu operates Californios, which the New York Times highlights for its ceviche made with Monterey Bay abalone.

"Each of the dozen or so courses manages such virtuosity in its own way," according to the New York Times.

See the entire list from the New York Times.