Reviews Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana

Zomato
Jason
+5
Awesome food! My wife brought me here. I was doubtful when we pull up but the food was outstanding. I had chorizo tacos and my wife had the tostadas de tinga de pollo. Can’t wait to go back.
Mar 24, 2019
Zomato
Matt Prewitt
+5
This place is super delicious. I stopped in on a business trip after seeing reviews on Zomato... I proceeded to return the next day for more, as it is some of the tastiest, most authentic Mexican I've had. This is not the typical Mexican restaurant, but a Mexican deli style as the name suggests. The prices are high, but you get what you pay for. Good vegetarian options. And the guacamole is wonderful.
Aug 05, 2015
Zomato
Mandi Womble
+5
Wow! Wow! Wow! Haven't had Mexican this genuine since I was literally in Mexico! The owner runs the order counter and was super friendly! The food was delicious!!!
Jul 21, 2015
Zomato
Lauryn Grisham
+5
I've never written a review before but I was so happy after eating dinner here that it was necessary. This is Mexican food. This is not Tex mex or Cali-mex or whatever you're used to. This is beautiful delicious Mexican food and everyone should eat here. Don't be put off by all the abrasive signs everywhere. The food is totally worth it.
Jul 16, 2015
Zomato
Pragathi Ramanath
+5
Love the food. Lot of vegetarian options. Love the guacamole and the chipotle salsa outta this world real authentic. Always crowded so we go like after 6. The sandwiches are yummy. The best one is the avacado tortuga. Love their frescas mango and limonade The corn on cob is yum.
May 28, 2015
Zomato
Jamie Roszel
+4.5
Elote Con Cotija Y Mayonesa. Wonderful!
Jan 24, 2015
Zomato
Suzanne Wilson Gillis
+4.5
Anyone who didn't like this authentic restaurant just doesn't like food at all. Everything I put in my mouth was sensational. I tried a lot. Queso Fundito, Avacado Sauce, Chicken Tacos, Fish Tacos, Guacamole... ALL great! It's def a dive so if you are looking for a candlelight date place this isn't for you. But I can't say enough good about the food.
Sep 17, 2014
Zomato
Wm
+4.5
Love this place. The food is always delicious. The owners are proud of what they do and it definitely shows in the quality of the dishes they serve.
Aug 08, 2014
Zomato
Ssimpsn3
+4.5
Amazing. Stop reading the reviews and just go!!! great food and friendly service. don't waste your time at babalu!
Jul 24, 2014
Zomato
Tp
+4.5
Ridiculously good. I can not sing the praises of this place enough. So good. Been coming since they opened. Owners, good people. Food...consistently awesome. We don't live there any longer, but when we come back...we are there...at 1030am...and order damn near everything on the menu. Last time in, Pepe offered us refills on our watermelon water just because we hadn't been there in a year. Meatloaf sandwich, fish tacos, corn, guacamole, cantaloupe/watermelon water...this stuff is just is the real deal.
Jun 30, 2014
Zomato
AK
+4.5
Great fish sandwiches, great fruit juices. I have lived in California, but this little restaurant beats them all. Excellent fresh food, great soups, great juices. Highly recommended.
Jun 15, 2014
Zomato
Facebook User
+4.5
Little slice of heaven!. We looked for Mexican in Memphis & found this little gem! Without a doubt get the fresh Avocado salsa, it comes with homemade chips, to die for! I ordered the Oreja De Elephate (sirloin taco) on the Tortuga bread. So good it's sinful! Top it off with the sweet Horchata! I'll be dreaming of their food, all the way back to Texas!
Jun 14, 2014
Zomato
KC
+4.5
Good food, but pricey. Depending on what you order, with drinks and extras like cheese dip, you're quickly in the $15-$20 per plate range.
Mar 29, 2014
Zomato
Sylina Littlejohn
+4.5
Deli Mexicana day is excellent! The corn is something you have to try.
Mar 17, 2014
Zomato
Will
+4.5
The Best. I love this place....a lot of people compare it to Las Delicias for the "Best Mexican in Memphis", but I think that's comparing apples to oranges. Las Tortugas is the best Mexican food in Memphis, and Las Delicias is the best Tex-Mex in Memphis. They are different, but for true Mexican food (no cheese on the tacos), this is just the tops!
Aug 15, 2013
Zomato
RobWinchester
+4.5
Fish tacos in Germantown? Nice.. After living in Memphis for four years in 2004, I never expected to be introduced to such a delicious, authentic, sincere Mexican café out in Germantown. Tucked away on the corner of a strip mall, this place has food that makes me think Midtown, but in an out-east location. Had I know about this place when I lived here, I very well may have considered changing jobs so I could be closer to this well-loved establishment. - -

Expect a line and a bit of a wait for your food and with the limited seating, your best bet may be to plan on take-out. This fresh food spot is a no-brainer for anyone who appreciates the farm-to-table experience or simple, straightforward dining. I had the fish tacos, with nice slices of avocado, and certainly recommend the aguas frescas. Reasonable prices for the quality of food, but this certainly wouldn’t be on a $10 or less lunch budget. Easily one of my new favorites in the metro area and a nice contrast to other delicious Memphis icons like Gus’s and Central BBQ.
Jun 25, 2013
Zomato
Holley Ann Curry
+4.5
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!
Apr 25, 2013
Zomato
Bkpoland
+4.5
Fabulous, fresh food! We love the shrimp, avocado, and cheese tortugas. Great friendly service as well. Try the watermelon drink!
Mar 10, 2013
Zomato
Laurel Mitchell
+4.5
Excellent fresh food! The guacamole is the best I have ever had!
Love everything about it!
Dec 05, 2012
Zomato
Miltoncat
+4.5
Yum!. I love the food! I don't mind paying for good quality food. Yes the owner is... er, picky... but I suppose he has to be that way to keep the restaurant going well. But like others have mentioned, I really wish it wasn't counter-ordering and I do wish they'd expand for more seats. I wouldn't want to see it become a huge place or anything; just lame to have to hover over a table to get a seat and have people standing so close to you by the table that they're breathing on you.
Nov 28, 2012
Zomato
Slash
+4.5
Soup Nazi's Brother. The signs are great! Try ordering a burrito from Pepe, always a great response. Some of the best Mexican food anywhere.

-Tostadas chicken tinga
-Tacos en mole
Nov 15, 2012
Zomato
Mark A. Robertson
+4.5
FANTASTIC! Fresh ingredients, full of flavor and quality food! This is what Mexican food should be!
Oct 29, 2012
Zomato
CHOWDAHEAD
+4.5
The best Mexican restaurant in all of Memphis. Truly authentic. The owners are from Mexico City. They serve the best tacos, Mexican sandwiches and much more. And they use the freshest ingredients. This delightful eatery puts the normal, so-called Mexican restaurants to shame. What have I been missing all these years??
Oct 02, 2012
Zomato
Emily
+4.5
I have enjoyed the food that I have eaten here. The salad is fresh. The food is cooked to order and tasty. I don't love standing in line and ordering from an unfamiliar menu at the register with a line
Of people
Behind
Me. Infeel
Pressured to make a quick decision
And
I feel unable to ask questions. I would prefer table service rather than
Counter service. I also have a
Problem With the Prices. Lunch for 2 can easily cost $40.00 without alcohol. When they are busy there are more
Customers than seats. They feature seasonal local products and the food quality is very good.
Sep 06, 2012
Zomato
Mmn
+4.5
Awesome food, but too expensive. Magallanes family... please get off of your high horse.... everybody knows your food is good. but why do we have to give up our first born to eat at your restaurant? for 4 people plan on spending $100 for small portions and cheap looking atmosphere. the elote is great also and so are the fish tacos but i can make both at home. and keep most of my money. plus what's with all of the bizzare decor made on the microsoft paint program with the strange rules? i don't get it. it's like a mad little kid learned how to use a computer. ugh.
Mar 18, 2012
Zomato
Elise
+4.5
Best Mexican in Memphis!! Highly recommend.
Mar 01, 2012
Zomato
Delilah
+4.5
I come from the west coast and this is the closest thing I have found to Santa Barbara fish tacos. Yum!! I highly recommend this place!!
Feb 19, 2012
Zomato
Katie Conley
+4.5
I travel a lot and this is the best place I've eaten. The ingredients are so fresh and flavorful. Absolutely loved the hibiscus tea as well!
Feb 08, 2012
Zomato
TheRestaurateur
+4
4 stars. Food: 4.5
Ambiance; 2.5
Service: 4
Jan 14, 2012
Zomato
Pasugg
+4.5
Really good food. Very unique Mexican food experience. The ingredients are fresh and tasty and there are plenty of attractive selections. I had Neola farms brisket tacos. My wife had the pork tenderloin Tortuga. Can't remember the name. The price for the amount of food you get is a little high but when you consider the quality of the ingredients it makes sense why. My only other gripe is the space is small, but it wasn't an issue tonight. I can see it getting pretty crowded in there though. I can't wait to go back and try the rest of the menu.
Jan 13, 2012
Zomato
James
+4.5
My favorite Mexican place to eat in the Cordova/Germantown area. I always get the pork sandwich, corn on the Cobb and a limeade. Delicious!
Dec 25, 2011
Zomato
Garrett P.M.
+4.5
Great family owned deli. Worth every cent. Fantastically fresh drinks. Will make you an avacato fan.
Oct 12, 2011
Zomato
Ashley Trotter
+4.5
I had the honor of having the owner speak at my culinary school graduation and decided to check it out. I was immensely pleased. I had de pollo taco and sandia. I am not always a big fan of Mexican but this was fabulous. I will be returning and getting the limeade which my dad had and was even better. The owner was awesome to us too!
Sep 30, 2011
Zomato
AgentC
+4.5
Fantastic Food... but.... I must agree with many of the other reviewers here. The food is absolutely fantastic. It is a bit pricey, but no one is complaining that it is so because of the quality of food. It's more that it's just an expensive meal, especially at lunch time. The fish tacos are my favorite, and you can get those with a drink for $15 and change.

I'm very loyal to restaurants I like, and a big supporter of "Local Businesses," but I must say that the notices posted around the restaurant are somewhat appalling! You will see signs that say, basically, that Californians aren't welcome, that the restaurant is intended for their friends and family, and anyone who says anything about prices, quality, or the staff will be asked to leave and not come back. Also, there is a sign up that says that if you don't take your tray to the trashcan, they are "watching" and will ask you not to return... I mean, is this a restaurant or a nazi camp? The food is good, but the space is cramped, and your eyes are abused by signs stating that if you do anything wrong, they'll refuse to let you back. It's hard to support a business that has such little customer service and appreciation.

Until the day comes where I feel like stating my mind, I will continue eating there because the food REALLY is good! I would just suggest not going during lunch time, and order to go if you do.
Sep 06, 2011
Zomato
Bgxrmd
+4.5
One of my favorite lunch spots. Get there early to avoid the crowds. Pepe takes pride in his food and his restaurant which is reflected in the delicious offerings. I have never had anything less than good. You may pay a premium, but it is worth it!
Jul 16, 2011
Zomato
Harrell
+4.5
Really Likes It!. A real find for true Mexico City food. Pretty pricey but well worth it.
Jul 08, 2011
Zomato
Jan
+4.5
Overwhelmingly the BEST!. This place is amazing! Memphis offers bad mexican restaurant options, so it makes this place look really good...but this place makes Mexico look bad compared to the food it serves. fresh, fresh, fresh food! you can't find dining like this anywhere. it tastes like they just picked everything fresh from a garden behind the restaurant. i saw the comments about the "soup nazi" and know well what people are saying...but the owner LOVES this restaurant and he proud of it--i think his passion is what drives the consistency in the food everytime you visit. the owner could open 3 more stores in Memphis and make 100 times more money and he knows it. break the chain and eat local!!! i have been there a ton and probably should move further away so i could save some money. it is pricey but the price completely equals the quality--well worth it after you finish. try the frozen fruit drinks (watermelon) and you will get addicted to them!
Jul 04, 2011
Zomato
Lewis
+4.5
High quality, but pricey for the portions. I am from Fayetteville, AR and came here for dinner while on a Memphis trip.

I ordered the chicken tacos with a watermelon fresca. The owner, who speaks/looks like Tony Montanna in Scarface (of course much nicer!) does seem a little pushy on menu items, but he was a very nice guy about it and talked a little bit about the menu items.

But back to my meal... the chicken tacos were wonderful... but so small! The freshness and flavor is apparent and top notch, but I definately left hungry.

I think to some extent that you pay for this place's reputation, but that's not to detract from their quality. They offer you small portions for big prices.
Jun 02, 2011
Zomato
Cockroach
+4.5
You've Seen the "Soup Nazi" Episode of "Seinfeld," Right?. The food here is DELICIOUS!

I have been often for lunch, and (in contrast to several other reviewers here) I have NEVER been treated rudely by the owner or by his son. In fact, both have been unfailingly, remarkably gracious to me. The man knows what he is doing. Trust him, and behave with good manners in his restaurant.

I recommend the torta de aguacate (avocado sandwich).

I also recommend a particular treat: the indoor signage. This guy could make the buses run on time in Mexico City.

One thing I particularly like about Las Tortugas is its location on the Wolf River Greenway, a hiking/biking trail along the Wolf River in Germantown. The restaurant is just a few steps uphill of the trail, and you can easily park your bike outside and keep an eye on it while you order and eat, or just get your food to-go and take it onto the trail.
May 19, 2011
Zomato
Lee
+4.5
Awesome!
May 05, 2011
Zomato
GoGetter
+4.5
Good Eats. Fresh and declicious! OMG! I could go on and on but YOU must try this place for yourself. Everything I tasted was EXCELLENT!!! Will be back.
May 04, 2011
Zomato
AJ
+4.5
Better Mexican food than MEXICO!. I was just in Mexico last week and for some crazy reason, I wanted Mexican food today. I had heard of this place from some other co-workers that travel in the area. I took a business associate and we arrived around 5:30pm. Perfect timing because when we left around 6:15, the place was packed.

We showed up and the owners son was also the one that greeted us. He asked if we had been there before and we told him it was our first time. We got "the speech" which was really great. He told us the short story of the restaurant as well as what he recommended we order. We wanted to get an order of guacamole to split, along with 2 entrees and a side order of their famous corn. He advised us that he would give us a small sample of the guac and cut the corn in half, as that would be more than enough for us to eat along with the 2 dinners. He also suggested that we share the food, so we could both experience the great tastes. I ordered the chicken sandwich (it had a great Mexican name, but I can't remember it) and my co-worker ordered the carne asada tacos.

The guacamole sample came out first, hand delivered! It was great. Very fresh and chunky! Apparently the owner buys his produce and meat fresh every day from local places, which is amazing! Next came the corn. Now, I am not a corn lover. I might have 1 small piece of corn on the cob in the summer, but its not my favorite veggie (to say the least). However, if corn were made like this every day, I would turn into a corn lover for sure! Apparently it was rolled in mayo then in cheese, but you don't even taste the mayo because the cheese is so amazing and the corn is cooked so well. I'm sure its not the healthiest of appetizers, but it was SO yummy, a must! Then came the food. We decided to share the food so we could both try something different, and I'm very glad we did. We started with the sandwich, which had great flavor. Then the tacos. There were 4 small tacos, and they are served just like in Mexico, no lettuce or cheese. They did have a slice of avocado, which was so yummy. The tacos didn't need sauce, but I added a little of the green salsa for a little extra kick.

I will DEFINITELY be returning! Next time I want to try the fish tacos, as almost all of the reviews on the wall (and there were A LOT) talked about the fish tacos. I didn't catch the name of the owners son, but he was so personable and helpful! YAY for yummy local places!!
Apr 20, 2011
Zomato
Hannah Giles
+4.5
LOVELY!. We tried this for the first time today, but definitely not the last. The food was so fresh and delicious I couldn't stop eating; when my plate was cleaned I was sad to be finished. I got the De Pollo and it was heaven. The corn is almost too good to be true, and their lime soda/slushy drink was sooo good.

The only thing to complain about is the size of the restaraunt... it's definitely a busy place and no bigger than a Subway. Don't go in a big group and enjoy.
Apr 03, 2011
Zomato
Mark A Johnson
+4.5
You simply must eat here.. I'll make this brief- Order the shrimp sandwich and the corn. Don't look at the price, Just do it! You can thank me later.
Feb 18, 2011
Zomato
TGIF Michele
+4.5
I could swim in the green sauce!. I loved the food. It was a very busy place at lunch so I will order to go sometime. Very fresh, very tasty. LOVED the green sauce they have, cannot remember the name of it.
Feb 15, 2011
Zomato
Jim
+4.5
Great. Wish I had found this place earlier instead of suffering the mediocrity of the texmex places that abound in this area. I had to laugh at the signs saying theyll kick you out if you complain, if you don't like the food or prices, taco bell is across the road.
Feb 05, 2011
Zomato
Dave L
+4.5
Genuinely Good. It's a different, quirky place- and completely worth a trip. I've lived in southern California and south Texas, and this is absolutely the freshest, most composed Mexican food I have ever had!
Jan 30, 2011
Zomato
Trish Kobylarz
+4.5
I had the Filet Mignon Torte and it was excellent. Great combination and as fresh as they say. Recommend they expand the restaurant and a reminder to young thoughtless folks: when u r thru eating please consider others who r waiting for a seat.
Dec 22, 2010
Zomato
Audrey
+4.5
I wasn't going to make the drive but wow I'm glad I did! Met Pepe, had a tamarind water, guacamole and a torta with braised short rib. Probably the best sandwich I ever ate! Such a great family restaurant! Would eat here every day if I lived in Memphis!
Nov 18, 2010
Zomato
Chloe
+4.5
Amazing- it has the freshest and best Mexican food in town
Nov 07, 2010
Zomato
Julia
+4.5
Worth the wait. I've heard so many of my friends rave about Deli Mexicana and have been meaning to try it as I only live only a mile away.

I tried the tried and true limeade, my husband had the fish tacos and I had the shrimp tortugas. They were ALL savory and so fresh. We haven't had such simple yet delicious cuisine in a long time.

I am SO glad I finally made it there and am eagerly planning my next visit and what I'll try next. We'll definitely be back.
Oct 09, 2010
Zomato
LMA
+4.5
WOW!!. I really love this place. The people are soo friendly and I love how they make it homey. Hanging up pics of their family skydiving, leaving messages around the restaurant telling customers that they are like houseguests and must be respectful and nice. I admire them for doing that and standing by it.

But other than that, their food is delicious!!! Everything there. The mango juice, the corn that is covered in the cheese, their guacamole, fish tacos, chicken tinga (not sure on the spelling). I keep introducing friends to it guaranteeing to them that they will live it. A lot of them walk in unsure if I'm telling the truth. Each and everyone has been a converted believer and fan of the place and the food. You can't go wrong eating here!!
Sep 05, 2010
Zomato
Jetdoc
+4.5
Do not pass up this place. Food was excellent, fresh and delicious. My first time in Memphis and by far the best $$ spent on food. Will visit at least one more time before I leave and will go out of my way to make it back again
Aug 04, 2010
Zomato
Sarah Yancey
+4.5
My favorite place ever. Never disappointed. Their guacamole is the best ever!
Jul 31, 2010
Zomato
Jessica Braithwaite
+4.5
It is spectacular!!! Everything tasted fresh and everyone was nice, helpful, and talkative. I LOVED IT!!!!
Jun 07, 2010
Zomato
Shaun
+4.5
Using Iron Chef criteria: 19/20. I recently moved back to Memphis after about 3 years away. Having grown up driving up and down Germantown Ave. on my way to Moe's, I had always meant to stop my the place with the Mexican Deli sign. I am glad that I did.

Is this place perfect? No, but it's not far off. I go to the restaurant for the cuisine, not the seating. There's something appealing to me to find a mom and pop where you can't find a seat. But I digress.

The food is incredible. In trying to breakdown why, I often find myself relying on the old Iron Chef criteria: taste, presentation, and originality (and since you have to pay, value).

Taste: based on two experiences here, it's top notch. You can taste the quality of the ingredients and the care that goes into each dish. The chorizo torta has a depth of flavor that is incredible. There's a citrus, then some heat, a mix that comes up savory and edgy but not overpowering. The sauces they offer demonstrate power through simplicity. I'm sure others think that the "watered down guac sauce" isn't all that great, and I take issue with that. Not only is it delicious, but I find it entertaining to figure out what all is in there. 10/10

Presentation: and here I'm not going just on the food, but the staff and experience as well. The guy that works the register is great. He's so enthused about what he's offering, and he's willing to offer an honest recommendation. I love to watch how food is prepared, and this place offers a full opportunity to do just that. As far as the actual presentation of the dishes, it's pretty run of the mill. Not good, not bad; maybe the only area that doesn't get full points from me. But here's the saving grace: it's a deli. It's not supposed to be "garnished." Delis are practical, it's about the food. 4/5

Originality: and here it might be construed as uniqueness. I can't name another place like this in Memphis, Mississippi, and maybe even Nashville. It's clean, it's crowded, and it's the owner's son who works the register (if not the owner himself at times). I've been to many a taqueria, and this place is distinctly different. While the food is certainly unadulterated Mexican cuisine, there's something uniquely, and I'm not going to say American, but Memphian about it. There's a care, a dedication to quality ingredients and a pride in sharing a different people's cuisine that heightens the experience. At first I was skeptical of the "we buy everything fresh each morning," but after seeing how enthused the guy at the register was about what he's slinging, I buy it. Lastly, the best authentic Mexican places I've been to aren't necessarily accommodating to us gringos so as far as the hablaing of the Anglis. Here, that's not a problem. Bonus point. 5/5.

Value: Pricey for deli food? Si. Pricey for the overall value? No. I'll happily pay a dollar or two more for authentic, mom and pop at its best. (As a note, the two times I've gone, I have ordered a torta that comes with chips and an ice water for $10 and change, thus, I don't think the $$ is completely accurate).
May 20, 2010
Zomato
THED
+4.5
The best in Germantown!. Everything was fresh and tastes great! I would eat here every day if I could! Just wish it was bigger :)
Feb 27, 2010
Zomato
Russ Davis
+4.5
Wonderful Mexican, But it Makes me Nervous. My wife and I have been here two or three times, and the food is always wonderful. The salsa is delicious and is a great way to eat a little bit while you wait for your food. My wife loves the lime drink they make there and I am a fan of the tacos. If you're wanting 'tex-mex' mexican, this isn't your place... but if you want a great meal at a reasonable price, Las Tortugas should be your pick.

A note about the seating. We've never had a problem getting a seat at lunch, but it's always close. The seating is limited at Las Tortugas, and it has always worked out that someone is getting up just as we're looking for a place to sit. They have a rule-of-thumb about not sitting down before you order, which people routinely ignore. It stresses me out, but, like I said, we've never had a problem.

All-in-all, I TOTALLY recommend Las Tortugas. It's very good and is ran by a group of good guys. You need to try it.
Feb 14, 2010
Zomato
Sylina Cooper Littlejohn
+4.5
Las Tortugas isn't your typical Mexican restaurant. It's not cheap, but everything was excellent. The restaurant is unique and unlike any run of the mill Tex-Mex restaurant. Everything was served with FRESH avocado. The mango ague fresca was also very good. I enjoyed everything, but the fish taco were my favorite. We will definitely be going back. I highly recommend it for those of love fresh and delicious authentic Mexican food.
Jan 10, 2010
Zomato
Duane N Erica Dugger
+4.5
Crazy about the Carne Asada Steak tacos!!! Guacomole is the best I have ever had!! Just wish they gave more salsa with the meal, kind of a tease:(
Dec 30, 2009
Zomato
Ridgeback
+4.5
One of the best in Germantown. I almost hate writing a good review for this place because I don't want it to get more crowded. The place is great, the food is fresh, and the menu is very diverse. If you are wanting Mexican food you might find at El Porton or On the Border, you have come to the wrong place. This is so much better. Every Tortuga is great, especially the scallops and the filet.
Nov 11, 2009
Zomato
Brad
+4.5
Nothing short of amazing.... To find a Mexican restaurant menu completely without 'goop'! All fresh, all flavorful, textures and presentation are perfect.
Once again, food prepared with a passion for quality by a staff and owners that CARE about food.
So very rare! So very good!
Bravo!
Nov 02, 2009
Zomato
SEC
+4.5
Excellent, not your typical Mexican fare. Chorizo Tortuga is AWESOME!!!
Sep 16, 2009
Zomato
Kim Snow
+4.5
Wonderful is an understatement! Fish tacos are exceptional! Fried Cheese is to die for! The only thing negative I can say is I can never eat as much food as I would like! I would eat. Las Tortugas at least once a day if I didn't have to drive from Southaven!
Sep 16, 2009
Zomato
French's Connection
+4.5
No tex mex here!. Great little place to get some great authentic mexican food with fresh ingredients. No cheese dip, get the guacamole!
Aug 13, 2009
Zomato
Rodin
+4.5
YUMMY. Finally ate here after hearing so much about it and I was not disappointed. The food was very fresh and light and the fish tacos were truly delicious. I will definitely go back and highly recommend Las Tortugas for a fresh, delicious dining experience.
Aug 10, 2009
Zomato
Angela R Kincer
+4.5
Bread was phenomenal, very "refreshing" mexican meal. Quaint atmosphere, owners very friendly and informative prior to your first dining experience. Definately recommend.
Jul 28, 2009
Zomato
Lemuel
+4.5
Great bread, good Chorizo. We ate at Las Tortugas for the first time today and liked it a lot. They make a big deal out of being authentic, and while I can't tell if it is or not, it definitely is not Tex-Mex and it is very good. I had the spicy sausage sandwich, which is made with nicely toasted bread. The sausage was good and the bread was excellent.

When you go there the first time you may get an explanation of how they do things at Las Tortugas. Everything is authentic, no Tex-Mex, they go buy the day's supplies each morning at the market, etc. The owner started the restaurant as a hobby and does it because he loves it. Depending on how you look at it they are either very proud or arrogant.

The service was a bit uneven but OK. While placing my order at the counter the guy stopped to help someone out on the floor and took a phone-in order. After placing your order you wait for your number to be called. You could hear when the guy called the numbers but not so well when the woman called them. In the end, though, the food was worth the wait.
Jun 24, 2009
Zomato
Mike
+4.5
A five star authetic Mexican dining experience! The sandwiches are incredible and the owner makes sure to visit all the patrons within with a warm amile and a friendly hello!! A must!!
Jun 17, 2009
Zomato
Debbie Voss
+4.5
Great Fresh Mexican Food. The restaurant is a family run business and they give it a very frindly atmosphere. The food is great. Never had a bad dish. Fish taco's are wonderful.
Jun 08, 2009
Zomato
Anne
+4.5
A favorite. I love that the food here is so fresh and that the meat and dairy are largely local. The brisket taco, chicken tostada, and corn side dish are good. Also love the cantaloupe and watermelon juices.
May 31, 2009
Zomato
Shehzad Azmi
+4.5
Great food, awesome service and refreshingly different menu. I highly recommend it.
May 12, 2009
Zomato
Carson
+4.5
The Freshest Food, Ever. Las Tortugas has the best food AND service. The food is so fresh! Every time I leave town this is my first stop. The line to order can get very long so come with your patience. The person taking the orders will take the time to answer any of your questions (hence the long line to order). The fresh juices are awesome!! The Horchata drink is awesome! Its a must visit restaurant if you live anywhere near Memphis. Skip the bbq cuz this is where its at!
Apr 13, 2009
Zomato
Andrew Herwit
+4.5
Everything is fresh and authentic. I recommend the fish tacos and the tamales!
Apr 12, 2009
Zomato
Leo Bicknell
+4.5
So Refreshing. It is so refreshing to find restaurant owners who are proud of the fact that everything is fresh. If you tell them it is your first time you will get a story about how no Sysco or US Food Service trucks have ever been there; they actually go to the markets and select their own produce and have a deal with a farm to supply their meat. Only the best ingredients are used.

They are also true to their roots; no tex-mex here, just simple Mexican food. If you go in thinking of a standard American Mexican restaurant you will be in for a bit of a surprise as many of the typical items are not there. But want you will find is a bit of home cooking that is just amazing.

Even with no advertising the place is always packed. It's not cheap, fresh does cost money, but you do get a great value. Some of the best food in the entire Memphis area, and well hidden so few people know about it. Take the time to find this little gem.
Mar 16, 2009
Zomato
Jesse C
+4.5
Very Fresh!. As some of the other reviews have noted, the owners take a great deal of pride in their dishes, which are very well prepared, with hand-selected fresh veg and meat, and no grease. No Tex-Mex, as they will be sure to tell you...no fajitas, burritos, etc. Probably the most surprising item (for those accustomed to Tex-Mex) is the signature item, the Tortugas or Mexican sandwiches (no it's not a hardshell taco). Dining room is usually crowded. Excellent place for a casual lunch!

They also have a deli case with Mexican meats (like chorizo sausage), sweets, and cheeses.
Mar 10, 2009
Zomato
Andy Spooner
+4.5
Unusual menu, delicious sandwiches. Do yourself a favor, and get the proprietor to suggest something. You will not find these dishes at the typical Mexican restaurant. A unique experience.
Dec 27, 2008
Zomato
Gregg Smith
+4.5
Fantastic. This is the only restaurant I've been to more than 5 times that has exceeded my expectations every single time. It's pricey but they only use the best, freshest local (mostly) ingredients. The shrimp tacos are pricy, but really good. If they have the ribs, they are fantastic. I also recommend the brisket tacos. Guac, queso fundido and the aguas frescas (fresh fruit drinks) are all really good.
Dec 06, 2008
Zomato
Lori Winter
+4.5
The food is fresh and made to order. The owner, Pepe, visits local stores and farmers each and every morning to handpick that day's produce and meats. No delivery truck pulls up to the back of this restaurant. And you can truly taste the difference.
Nov 29, 2010
Zomato
Tiffany
+4.5
Do yourself a favor, and don't leave without the elote con mayonesa. A steamed cob of corn rolled in queso fresco and served with hot sauce and a wedge of lime.
Aug 23, 2011
Zomato
Stacey Greenberg
+4.5
My friend Chip is crazy about Mexican food like I am crazy about Asian food. We went to lunch one day (at Bluefin) and did nothing but talk about food. In addition to convincing me to finally try Edo, he got me really excited about a little place called L
Mar 11, 2010
5
Kelli Brown
+5
Las Tortugas cannot be beat! All their food is made fresh and taste like it! The owners are so nice and friendly. The food is a little more expensive than you’ll find elsewhere but absolutely worth the splurge. Everything is delicious- especially the guacamole.
5
Derek Sutphin
+5
Some of the best Mexican food I've had, made even better by the incredible variety of high quality offerings and options. The owners were friendly, helpful, and personable to the point where I can't wait to go back again!
5
Madison Byer
+5
Amazing food, even better staff! As a Celiac, the staff took the time to walk me through the menu and their safe GF practices. I highly recommend!
5
Kyle Ritter
+5
One of top Mexican restaurants, especially outside Texas. Maybe the best tacos anywhere. Excellent corn and guacamole. The owners are great and obviously love making delicious food. A must try! We liked it so much we went twice.
5
Doug Zarbock
+5
As unassuming of a location as it is, this is one of the best restaurants in the United States. The high quality ingredients stand out. The staff’s friendliness and customer service is impeccable. My personal favorite dishes are the fish tacos, elote, and fresh limeade, but you really cannot go wrong here.
4
Patrick Fraser
+4
This place is really good. Food was hot and delicious. Price is a bit high for what you get. I felt it was not worth it, but can understand why people love it. Service was great and I recommend anyone who loves sandwiches to give it a try.
5
Daniel Manning
+5
Las Tortugas is a beautiful woman who wants to be wined and dined. She treats you kindly and never breaks your heart. I believe I would take her on a second date. She's fancy and not too expensive yet knows how to have a good time.
5
Damian White
+5
Absolutely amazing restaurant. The food is always fresh and delicious. The staff is amazing and the whole place is clean as a whistle. If you want authentic Mexican food, this place is the best of the best!
Clicca per espandere