Craving Mexican Food in NYC? Discover Cítrico Café and Its Signature Tiradito de Tuna

Citrico Cafe
Jun 11
4 min read

One ordinary afternoon, you’re scrolling through your phone—maybe checking Instagram or tapping through stories—when an ad catches your eye. It’s a photo of vibrant Mexican food. Tacos, guac, maybe a margarita rimmed with chile salt. And instantly, the craving hits.

But not just any craving. You want Mexican food in NYC that feels real—fresh, flavorful, maybe even elevated. You want something that surprises you, not the same combo plate you’ve seen everywhere.

So you open Google and type Mexican food in NYC. Dozens of spots pop up. But one in particular stands out: Cítrico Café. Not just for how the food looks, but for the vibe. The space is modern, the playlists are Latin, the cocktails are house-infused—and one dish keeps showing up in photos: Tiradito de tuna.

Mexican food nyc — Delicious Tiradito de Tuna

Not Your Typical Mexican Food in NYC

There are plenty of places in New York where you can get decent tacos or quesadillas. But Cítrico Café takes a different approach. Located in the Astoria/Long Island City border, the restaurant blends traditional Mexican flavors with clean presentation and contemporary techniques.

Their menu has plenty of crowd-pleasers—birria tacos, chilaquiles, guacamole—but what really stands out is a plate that feels almost unexpected: the tiradito de Tuna.

Mexican food in Astoria, citrico cafe — Beautiful Enchiladas presentation

Tiradito de Tuna : A Bold and Beautiful Starter

The Tiradito de Tuna at Cítrico Café is not just a dish—it’s a quiet flex. It’s one of those plates that makes you stop talking mid-conversation. The presentation is refined but unpretentious: thin slices of raw tuna, laid out like brushstrokes on a cold plate, drizzled with bright citrus, smoky oils, and house-made chile sauces.

The fish is ultra-fresh and delicate
The sauce balances lime, salt, and subtle heat
The garnishes—herbs, sesame, a touch of crisp—bring texture and aroma

It’s the kind of starter that opens the appetite and sets the tone for the whole meal. Refreshing, sharp, just spicy enough—and an excellent contrast to heavier dishes on the menu.

And if you appreciate small details, this plate is all about them: temperature, balance, acidity, and restraint. It’s a dish made by people who care about precision.

Tiradito de tuna mexican
food in nyc — Color and flavor

A Chill Space with Latin Soul

Cítrico Café is more than food. It’s also about energy, design, and sound. The space is filled with natural wood, exposed brick, and soft lighting. High ceilings give it air; Latin music gives it rhythm—think lo-fi reggaetón, salsa edits, Latin house.

You’ll feel comfortable whether you’re on a solo lunch, a date night, or a weekend brunch with friends. It never tries too hard. It just gets the mood right.

And when your tuna crudo arrives at the table with a cold drink beside it, you’ll know you found something better than average.

Mexican restaurant in Astoria — Having a good time at Citrico cafe

🌿 The Story Behind Cítrico Café: Modern Mexican Roots

Every great restaurant has a story, and Cítrico Café is no exception. Founded by a team of hospitality professionals with deep roots in Latin America and Queens, the goal was simple: bring authentic Mexican flavors into a modern, elevated space—without losing heart.

The word cítrico—meaning “citrus” in Spanish—speaks to the freshness and brightness that defines the food. Citrus is used often in Mexican cooking: to marinate, to balance spice, to brighten up seafood like the now-signature tuna crudo. That concept—balance, vibrance, contrast—is at the center of everything they do.

What began as a local neighborhood restaurant has quickly grown into a destination spot for people across NYC looking for a Mexican food experience that’s both rooted and creative.

three delicious cocktails at citrico — Three delicious cocktails at citrico cafe

🍸 Pair It with an Agave Cocktail

The best way to enjoy the tuna crudo? Pair it with one of Cítrico Café’s house-infused agave cocktails. The bar specializes in small-batch infusions like:

Hibiscus-infused mezcal – light, floral, slightly tart
Pineapple tequila – fruity with a touch of heat
Tamarind margarita – balanced, tropical, with a chile rim

You can also go for a mezcal flight and sip slowly while enjoying the dish. Everything at the bar is thoughtfully balanced—no sugary syrups, no gimmicks. Just real flavor.

Who’s This Place For?

Cítrico Café hits the sweet spot between casual and refined. It draws a mix of:

Locals who know good food and want consistency
Travelers looking for a true Mexican food in NYC experience
Couples on date night looking for something different
Groups who want flavor, vibe, and cocktails in the same place
Seafood lovers who appreciate raw dishes and minimalist plating

Whether you're dressed up or laid-back, hungry or just curious, it fits.

A Standout Spot for Mexican Food in NYC

There are hundreds of Mexican restaurants across New York. Some are strictly traditional. Others lean into fusion. What Cítrico Café does well is find the middle point: real flavors, fresh ingredients, a bit of creativity, and a strong sense of place.

Reasons to go:

The tuna crudo—seriously, try it
The infused mezcal cocktails
The cool but unpretentious atmosphere
The playlist that makes the meal
The location that feels like a hidden gem in Queens

People enjoying mexican food in nyc — Good vibes at citrico cafe

Final Word: Next Time You Crave Mexican Food in NYC...

Whether you're craving citrus-laced tuna, smoky mezcal, or a moment of escape from the chaos of Manhattan, Cítrico Café delivers a complete experience. It’s refined but friendly, modern but rooted, and flavorful in every sense of the word.

So next time your phone serves you an ad for tacos or tuna, and that craving hits…Don’t just search Mexican food in NYC.Go straight to Cítrico Café—where the flavor, vibe, and people always hit just right.