Doña Zita

Great Vegan-Friendly Find off the Boardwalk! I was searching for a vegan-friendly meal near the Coney Island boardwalk, which isn’t easy—most places don’t offer much beyond fries. Luckily, I found this Mexican restaurant just off the boardwalk and decided to give it a shot. I ordered two vegetarian soft shell tacos and asked the staff to make them vegan by leaving out any dairy like cheese and sour cream. They were super accommodating. I honestly didn’t expect much and thought two tacos might not be enough—but the portions were generous and super satisfying. The tacos were fresh, flavorful, and totally hit the spot. I’m really glad I found this place and got two! Definitely recommend it to anyone looking for vegetarian or vegan options near the boardwalk

They must have just reopened for the season, because I was the only one there and one of a few random people strolling the Bowery. It was a beautiful day for a walk and I was quite hungry. Seeing a beloved local spot open and ready to serve up some fresh food was a most welcome sight. I ordered two chicken tacos, and waited only about 5 minutes while they were made hot and fresh. I was presented with the option of red and green salsas and was warned that the red was spicy. That’s fine by me! I had one taco with red and one with green—picante y sin picante! They also offered a bottle of crema and a bowl of fresh pico de gallo. They left me to use the condiments at my discretion. Next time I’ll use more pico because that was sooo good! Anyway, my food was so delicious and hot and I really enjoyed it. Glad to sit there and take in the good food, and the wonderful ambience of the warm, breezy day. Glad I finally got out to this place. I’ve been a local for 3 years and it was my first time, but definitely won’t be my last! By the way, if you support little businesses like this in Coney Island, go out and support them! They even deliver! And remember, if you want the Bowery to continue existing and places like Doña Zita to be around for generations to come, DO NOT support the casino being built here. The entire Bowery will be flattened and much of the remains of Coney history will be destroyed. Support local! Support Doña Zita’s! ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽

felt like i took a day trip to Playa Del Carmen this is right off the boardwalk, so glad i came. muy bien!! que rico!! vibes 10/10 music 10/10 service 10/10 food 10000/10 definitely get the birria quesadilla with consome

Tacos are normal but cemitas are definitely iconic! They are huge and a not-so-common dish to have at Coney Island.

📍 Dona Zita – 1221 Bowery St, Brooklyn, NY 11224 📸: Coney Island hidden gem 🌶️🌽🥪 Stopped by Dona Zita for a flavor bomb of a meal and left seriously impressed. I ordered the Pork Cemita — a beautiful sesame seed bun stacked with tender pork, Oaxaca cheese, creamy avocado, onion, papalo, chipotle, and mayo. This was hands down the best Cemita I’ve ever had. Every bite had that perfect mix of smokey heat, richness, and crunch. 💯🔥 And let’s talk about their Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Elotes… they did it RIGHT. Spicy, cheesy, creamy, crunchy — everything you want in street corn and then some. 🌽🔥 If you're near Coney Island and looking for some real-deal Mexican street food vibes, Dona Zita is a must. 🌊🌮💥 #DonaZita #ConeyIslandEats #CemitaCravings #FlaminHotElotes #BrooklynEats #NYCFoodie #StreetFoodGoals #FoodieInTheBigApple2025

Best tacos in Coney Island! Hidden gem… food is fresh and tasty. Good variety. Staff members are friendly and very helpful

Food was really good tbh i got some barria tacos and the guy working was so chill and cool definitely shout out to this place.

The food absolutely always amazing and everyone is always so kind. I can’t understand how can someone say anything bad about this place. ONLY reason why we come to Coney Island.

Good value for your money for sure. The sandwiches are ENORMOUS; I was absolutely stuffed after only eating half. I had the cemita with breaded chicken and was it the best sandwich I've had? No, but there's something to be said about a sandwich that feeds you for 2 days. Of the cons-- couldn't get used to the papalo leaves, wasn't a fan of the flavor (although that's a personal thing). I also thought the breaded chicken could have been crispier. Adding their complimentary salsa verde sauce improved the flavor by a lot though. They also have a bathroom and a decently sized seating area, which is a definite plus for Coney Island.

I use to have a cemita de milanesa de polo from here since before Covid when I use to work in Coney Island. To be able to come back years later and it still be here is the best feeling ever. When you're craving a big cemita or Mexican food in Coney Island this is the spot! It is extremely clean always their seating area, tables everything. They have a variety of options to choose from but the cemita never misses! You get a large sandwich chicken cuter or choice of your own meat for $15! Some may say this price is steep yes before it use to be $10 but inflation affected everything now. So for $15 for this large portion not bad. It's flavorful delicious and authentic down to the pápalo and chipotle ! It is a CASH ONLY establishment so take cash because the ATM is $5 service fee which is crazy. So overall my go to when in coney when I'm hungry !

The chorizo cemitas sandwich at cash-only Dona Zita ($15) was unlike any other sandwich I've had in New York. A mythically large sandwich stuffed with so much chorizo, some kind of crunchy slaw, and possibly multiple stewed chipotle peppers? Mine came 8/10 spicy and 10/10 delicious. Took half home because I didn't realize how big it would be (next day: still yum). Next time, I'll plan to share with a friend.

Mexican is not New York's calling card. It never was, and never will be. So know that before going into any Mexican eatery in this city. Now that you know this, you should also know I came here once earlier in the summer, and absolutely hated it. But so I would not cut off my nose despite my face, I decided not to write a review... for the time being. Fast forward a few months later, I had a weird craving for Mexican, and knowing this exists, I gave it another chance (it also helps I live nearby). This time, I ordered a Cemita con Pollo Milanesa, also known as a chicken cutlet sandwich in Spanish. It comes with sliced avocado, Oaxaca cheese, and with some spicy peppers to give it a kick, all served on a sesame seed roll. I also ordered a mango drink to help keep things down. For almost $20, you get a generous sized sandwich and a nice sized drink. It is cash only, but they have ATM's on the side where you can... no just have cash with you, cash only. So is this better than what I had the first time? Yes. But with a side of caution. The sandwich is delicious, with a bountiful array of flavors. It all balances well, and the spice is enough to handle without losing your edge. But you have to eat this with a fork on hand because it will start spilling out. The generous portion of cheese will do that. If you want to be brave, then simply eat it with two hands, but do not say I did not say I told you so. It is a messy sandwich. The mango drink is refreshing without going too overboard on the flavor. With my redemption complete, I will return, knowing mine, and this city's limitations.

They have a lot of very clean and shaded outdoor seating. They are also close to the boardwalk & very accessible! The have very affordable vegetarian tacos! Which was nice to see. Beware if you have celiacs though-- the shells are flour! And the base is mushroom which I didn't see noted on the sign. But it's still pretty tasty.

Muy rica la comida, pedí una gordita de pollo, mi esposo pidió una torta y estaba muy rico. El servicio súper lindo y amables todos. Un ambiente muy bonito la verdad fue una experiencia agradable. recomendable!

Amazing spot! Stopped by Coney Island and saw Dona Zita for the first time! Who doesn't love Mexican food?! I got a carnitas taco and it was delicious and they were not cheap with the meat like most restaurants are doing! friendliest staff I've encountered and it's a family owned business! Support small businesses definitely stop by and support this local restaurant! Plenty of outdoor seating available and indoors as well. They make the food in front of you also so I'm definitely coming back to Dona Zita when in Coney Island!

The best tostadas I have ever tasted . The price is very reasonable. The servers are friendly. On summer days it tends to get crowded service goes according to the crowd. It is an outdoor place it tends to get crowded in the summer however the tables are always clean.

If first impressions determine a second visit, I'd come here 1,000 more times. Shared tacos and flautas. Flautas: Pollo. Literally such a massive portion and cooked/seasoned immaculately. 10/10 Tacos: Carnitas (pork): absolutely perfect 10/10, Pollo (chicken): 6/10 because it could've used a little more seasoning, Bistec (steak): 8/10 because it was beautifully seasoned but just a touch on the chewy side, and Chorizo (Mexican sausage): 9/10 because the carnitas blew everything out of the water but this one was absolutely delicious. In all this place deserves 5 stars because the quality and flavor was on point ! They also have a condiments bar with homemade pico, fresh cucumbers, crema, and two types of salsas (green and red, both so good)

Wow did not expect to find this hidden gem in Coney Island! Reasonable price for Coney Island and amazing portion! Ordered the spicy meat taco and the bistec torta. Did not expect it to be such a huge portion. Unlimited sauced, radish and lime on the side. The spicy meat taco was very flavorful. The bistec torta was so amazing! It was filled with lots of beef, avocado, lettuce and pickled spicy vegetable. Every bite was satisfying and made us crave for more. This will definitely be our prefer food stand in Coney Island!

Excellent tacos for $4. They have 2 lines, one for just tacos in the entrance and the other line to order everything else. They have HUGE sandwiches: tortas, cemetas, also quesadillas, burritos, etc... I am such a big fan of the tacos I hardly ever get anything else, although the sandwiches are delicious too! 3-4 tacos is the perfect end to a day at the beach especially after some beers. I usally go for chicken, al pastor (pork) and carne enchilada (spicy beef). The vegetable taco is also great. I get mine "con todo", with everything, lettuce and cilantro. There is a little fixings bar near the register where you can add hot sauce (green and super spicy red), salsa, limes and some radish slices to calm the spicy heat in my mouth. Great taco place, nice size portions and they are always busy. They have plenty of bench seating outside to stay, or take it to go and have a meal on the beach.

Really good clean Mexican food. Excellent flavors. Amazing prices. Friendly staff. Always be a pleasure when at Coney Island

The best Mexican food I've found in the NYC area!!! This Texan was so excited for a feast of tacos, tostadas, and even a cemita. A Jamaica agua fresca too, of course. The prices are reasonable and each dish is loaded with meat and other veggies. The carnitas was tender and flavorful and the Pollo was juicy with an interesting sauce. The cemita was massive! A beautiful chipotle pepper, avocado, and bistec masterpiece. The piles of fresh oaxacan cheese topped everything off nicely. The only downside for me was just how lettuce and cilantro was on top of everything - a bit distracting and difficult to eat. But that is easily removed. The pico de gallo is fresh and the red and green sauces are rico y picante!

It is unusual to be the one star on what looks like a 4-star establishment. This was brought to me for lunch, mid-day after work on a Saturday, and I was hungry. I finally had a more than the little cake I started my morning with, a sandwich and tostada, but when I finally take a bite it was like... what is this? I had a steak tostada and a steak torta, two of my favorite things, so I have had them all over anywhere I can get them. If you know Brooklyn, then you that there is a great handful of spots to get wonderful tacos from. That being said, why Coney Island? Rides, games, I get it, amazing time, but why lax on the tacos? It's so strange, and I am so mad because it LOOKS GOOD, BUT it tastes like WATER. Steak, avocado, Oaxaca cheese, pickled jalapeno, beans, etc, all typical ingredients of a torta, but here, somehow tasted like a cucumber sandwich, no flavor. Add smoky hot sauce, now it's a spicy cucumber sandwich. Add salt. Salt brings out the flavor in anything, and that's what it hit me. This food is old. Flavorless, gummy and old. No thanks. Despite how many options are available for great Mexican food, we took a recommendation from someone to try this place. Well that person has been banned from future suggestions. Thank you, but never again.

I've ordered on location and had it delivered though a delivery service. Delicious! $8 gorditas. They're huge. Tried the chorizo ones and the carnitas. Both are amazing! Walking distance to Coney Island Beach. You can walk to it from Best Western Coney Island Inn (w 13th Street) and the Sleep Inn (stillwell ave). They make things fresh so be patient if you order at their location. Can't beat the prices! Yum.

This place is freakin amazing. Find a $5 lunch here at coney-- that's a gem! I always get the tostadas and torta. Man do they pack on the fillings. It leaves you feeling full and satisfied with authentic mexican cuisine. You can tell the employees work their asses off at this place and deserve the tips they ask for in the plastic cups hung around the umbrellas on the tables. Very friendly service and amazing mexican food

I didn't think Coney Island would have anything decent to eat but I was wrong. I was at the beach with a friend and while leaving we were hungry and wanted something quick to eat. We settled with Dona Zita since there were quite a bit of people eating at this place. We initially wanted tacos but ended up getting a Quesadilla and a Torta. I originally ordered a quesadilla and gordita, but being that you had to order with the lady who was cooking, she misheard me and heard torta. They also have music blasting so you definitely have to speak up there. But regardless, the mistake was a blessing because we loved the torta. We got it with chorizo which was really flavorful. The sandwich itself was also HUGE. We could barely wrap out mouths around it. As for the quesadilla, we got it with chicharron and I would pass on this next time. The chicharron gets soggy because it's covered with a lot of things. It was also a bit hard to eat because the utensils could barely cut it. I came here again another time and this time we sticked with the sandwiches. We got a steak cemita and carnita torta. Both were really good and huge again. Both came with slightly different fillings. The steak had some chipotle peppers in it which gave it a little kick. The carnita came with pickled jalapenos instead. Both were good but I preferred the carnitas a little more only because I preferred the texture of the meat more compared to the steak. The steak was cut up into tiny pieces and almost pellet like, but a little lacking in flavor by itself.

The lines were long but the food was worth it! There was one line for tacos and one line for other food which was confusing and a bit inconvenient. The service was good and efficient.

Tostada was good but their Elote are Awesome. Everytime I come to Coney Island this is one of my stops

Definitley the place to get food in Coney Island beach area. Although they dont serve alcohol they allow alcohol from the Margaritas Restaurant around the corner! Service was very friendly and place is cute and small. Cant believe I have missed this joint! I ordered a Carnitas tostada which was $5 but holy moly it was loaded with cheese guac tomato and meat. My husband got the Flautas which are fried rolled tacos he got chicken. Very yummy, service was prompt, clean area, nice music along the patio. Will definitely come again I really wanted to order the Cemita but seeing the portions ima wing it and come hungry or hangry lol totally recommend glad I came on mh day of here

Easily the best tacos I've had in the New York area so far. I had a carnitas and chorizo taco with a little of both of the salsas. The meats had flavor and the veggies were fresh. At a price point of $3.50 a taco, it was awesome. Doesn't hurt that it's outside and you can enjoy the sun.

I ordered the potato flautas, a chicken taco and a fried pork taco. This was the best Mexican food I have had since coming to NYC! I've been here working during COVID, and the options for delivery or takeout have been limited because of the pandemic. But I've been eating from different places 4-5 times a week (that's what living out of a hotel does). And these were bomb! They were perfectly packed and transported. The food was still hot. And everything was flavorful and juicy. Nothing was cold, dried out, or bland like so many other places I've had food delivered from. I was literally in heaven while eating my dinner!

The food is good however the lack of attention and care of the staff is truly upsetting. On a visit, a drunk group of people came in without masks on, and the staff said nothing. Later, a man from the group walked towards the back of the local and began peeing while people around were eating. I motioned to the staff to get their attention ,and point out that this was disgusting. They did nothing . The "staff" were two men just standing and seeing this drunk pee and did not do anything . Someone else pointed it out and the "staff" just looked down clearly ignoring it. This was not only disgusting to witness but also experience as we were eating. It is infuriating to see the lack of response and care from the staff. Truly disappointed.simply wish the staff would have responded

A little gem amongst the busy area of Coney Island/ Luna park. Hidden on the tiny street of Bowery behind some arcade rooms you'll find some really awesome Mexican food. My friend and I were in the area lookin for a quick lunch. Aside from Nathan's famous all the other restaurants here have horrendous reviews. It was a surprise to see a little small shop like this one to be so highly rated so we decided to give it a shot. Definitely a great find. We ordered the carnitas tostadas, carnita tacos, and a quesadilla. Super fresh and huge huge portions!The pile of carnitas was juicy and tender. Large amounts of oaxacan cheese , avocado, and toppings. The great thing was they also have a DIY toppings bar with salsa, hot sauce, and sour cream. The quesadilla was unique as well. Thicker than normally and it was grilled to a crispy cheesy perfection. Overall a decent experience and I would come here again if I'm at Coney Island.

The staff is welcoming and accommodating in helping to understand the menu. Though, I don't have enough experience in Authentic Mexican food. This is one of the best food I have experienced. I felt like I was magically transported to Mexico. I ordered the Tostada with Verde (green sauce). If you want some spice add verde sauce. I highly recommend this establishment.

Came here on a friday night and this place is by far the best mexican food I've found around Coney Island. This place is right across from Luna Park. If you just want tacos you can order them from the front of the restaurant and anything else is ordered from the side. The prices are reasonable and the food is loaded with meat and other toppings. Ordered two tacos and did not expect such a huge portion. On the side you have options to add green, white and hot sauce to your meal. Service will depend on how busy the place is and seating is limited and outdoors. Overall my tacos were flavorful and filling.

I'm usually not the type of person to eat from places are hole in the walls. But when I heard chatter about how good this place was AND they had vegetarian options I was sold. There were 2 separate lines, one for tacos one for everything else. We just got tacos but next time I am getting the enchiladas. All the food is made to order. I ordered 3 veggie tacos and they were HUGE. At authentic Mexican places they normally don't have a veggie option so I was so excited. The tacos were two tortillas, beans, Lettuce, cilantro, cheese, avocado, and tomato. They had salsa and sour cream to dress your own taco with. Will 100% be back!

No greater Coney Island eating experience than this place. These tacos are affordable and lend an authentic Mexican nod right here in my own back yard.

Went here with a group of 6 people and ordered one of their combo meals. Great value, for around $20 you get loads of rice and meat and other such things (depending on your choices) and a two liter bottle of soda. Food was good, service was quick, and this place probably has the best prices of anywhere near Coney Island!

Glad my gf and I bumped into this place on a Saturday night while strolling through Coney because her and I were starving! We didn't eat much at this place -- in fact, just one taco each -- but from what people were ordering, the volume of guests, and the seemingly popularity of their corn on the cob, this joint is legit. What she ordered: carnitas. What I ordered: chorizo. I liked my chorizo taco but I wasn't so thrilled. It was tasty, but lacking a punch that I get whenever I eat the chorizo taco from Rockaway Taco. They're alike but different in many ways. Still flavorful but not great. I wish I had gotten to try the carnitas, which looked super ah-mah-zing. I will, however, give this establishment 3 stars because of its popularity, quality food (taken the gf's opinion into account of her carnitas), the outrageously mouth-watering menu, and for the staff's quick hands with the food-handling. I wish there were more seating available but considering it's really a shack that HAPPENS to have enough space for some seating, I won't hold much of a grudge.

I was thinking of getting a snack, so I got 2 tacos, but they were huge, and SO fresh and delicious! Friendly people good value

This is the best Mexican I have had in New York City. I know you find this disarming, friends, but I am from California and so you must heed my words. And whenever I'm home in San Francisco, say ensconced on a bench at the fabulous Taqueria Vallarta, the most immediate thing I realize I've missed is the vibrancy of the ingredients. Bright flavors come from fresh vegetables and Doña Zita is an oasis of thoughtful flavor in this desert of Mexican food that is Our Fair City. Other pluses: this being Coney Island, the prices are rock bottom: two dollars for the pictured (massive) tacos. Place your order and she grills up the onions for you straight away, along with some meat, and then you dress with limitless supplies of pico de gallo and a few salsas yourself. It looks as if she uses a second griddle for vegetarians! Doña Zita and the others are kind and charming. I know you love your Red Hook truck or your hole-in-the-wall Jackson Heights secret, but I put forward Doña as a worthy rival. With her own permanent stand, she bests the trucks, and with the sunlight shining through her umbrellas, somehow the food shines so much more brightly than in the Heights. My bestie and I snacked there (two tacos per), rode the Cyclone and wandered the beach, and came back for two more. You have got to check this place out.

Why pay $10 for a funnel cake when you can get away from tourists and inhale some spicy pork awesomeness for so much cheaper? At Dona Zita's, tacos are $3 and tortas (toasted sandwiches) are $8. The menu is simple but has chicken, pork, veggies, beef, and chorizo. They also have Jarritos and agua fresca. Perry got a sampling of different tacos while i opted for the larger enchilada torta. It was as big as my head! The meal was big on quantity, but I did feel that the meat could have been jucier. I'll totally be back when I'm in the neighborhood, simply because its a great cheap eat. Keep it up guys!

This is the real deal. Good, made to order food you can eat in or take away to the beach. Delicious food at a reasonable price for Coney Island

Food was completely dreadful and this come from a pallet who likes to indulge in various tastes for the price I paid I was highly disappointed best part about the food here was the coke cola I had to wash the nasty taste out my mouth

Stumbled upon this place - great authentic Mexican. We had the mushroom quesadilla (amazing), and the chicken and veggie taco. Veggie taco had avocado, cheese, mushrooms and beans - very big and hearty. The horchata was delicious too

Best tacos ever!!!! I go so much they know my face already... I tell every one about this spot and I always let every one know on my fb when they open

Cheap and delicious. The pupusa was a really generous size and it was SO CHEESY AND GOOD

This place is so Solid!!! Always a go to when I'm in Coney Island. It's right across the street from Luna Park and in front of a Motorcycle Social Club. Their service is always pleasant and the food is soooo good! The price is unbeatable! For $4 I got the Spicy Chicken Taco topped with Mexican Cheese, Lettuce, Pico de Gallo, Cilantro, tons of meat on a Tortilla. On the side you have the option of adding green sauce, white crema and Hot Sauce. I'm almost always tempted to jump on the train just to go here and forge on Mexican eatery :)

Decent Mexican at Coney Island, hallelujah. The cemitas (Mexican sandwiches) seem like the thing to get, but even the tostadas are piled high, with sauces and accompaniments to round things out. There's a separate stall in the vicinity doing Mexican corn. An order of horchata rounds things out perfectamente.

I love their food! Finally found a good real Mexican food spot. I have order online and have went to there for pick up. My husband that doesn't really eat Mexican food is also hooked to their food!

Wow! This place worth every penny. The portion is huge! My gf had cemitas pollo and only managed to finish half. I had the tostadas bistec and another one with spicy meat. They were both really good and generous portion. Perfect for after drinking and suntanning all day. I also like the red chilli, it's really spicy for someone who doesn't eat spicy at all. But if you eat spicy, this is probably 4 or 5 to you. Please give it a try!

This was the best cemita I have eaten outside of Mexico, and I have been to the source (Puebla)!! If you love Mexican food, you absolutely cannot miss eating here. FYI, they have one window for ordering tacos and another for everything else. Add homemade salsas and pico and you will have one of the best meals of your life in NYC.

The food is ok. Some stuff is kind of bland and you'll need to put hot sauce or other condiments on it for taste. It can be 30 minutes or more wait for food and then there are no seats. The music is too loud and annoying.

The pork taco was salty and dry. The beef taco was tasty & fresh, but a bit salty. And, the chicken taco?, the chicken taco was fabulous! They have their chicken meat served up pulled-chicken style, so it comes dressed with a tasty sauce. Then when you ply on the fresh chunky salsa, and their house sauce, it turns into one of the best chicken tacos I've had. Normally, I prefer hard taco shells. However, this place can convert me with their dual soft shells per taco. The second shell is useful too; it catches the grease that seeps past the first shell. Their location right off the Coney Island boardwalk couldn't be better. Grab a plate of fresh tacos, and enjoy them while soaking in some sun on the beach, and listening to the breaking waves.

I moved back to NYC from being in California for the last couple of years and knew I would have trouble finding decent Mexican food again. Unfortunately for me, that one place is in Coney Island... the absolute, absolute opposite side of the city from the northernmost part of the Bronx. They are, in fact, worth a 2 hour subway ride. And that 2 hours... is only ONE WAY. I've done the 4-hour trip. Believe it. They are the real deal. I could take one star off because sometimes, the wait is effing long, there's no place to sit, the pork is a bit too salty, and people that go there are mad ghetto. But if you're patient, the price is right and the product is tasty as helllllllll.

Do not underestimate Dona Zita! Before hitting the beach, this is a must especially if you enjoy Mexican food. Their prices may seem a little expensive, but the portions are well worth it. I always get a torta here and I can never finish the whole thing. Their tacos are also equally delicious. It's a great establishment for Coney Island and I can't wait til next summer just to get another one!

TACOS!!!! Bestest tacos ever!!! I found this "spot" back when it was a little stand in the flea market behind Nathans when I worked at Astroland.in the mid2000s she moved to this spot near El Dorado arcade. The tacos here are sooo fresh and yummy and the Pico de Gallo is TO DIE FOR!!! They also serve yummy tortas and quesadillas.... dont forget the agua de fruta or jarrito soda!

I can't say this enough, but this is my favorite Mexican joint EVER. I've been going to them since they opened many years ago. Every time I go it's fresh. Every dish they have is delicious but my go-to is the tostada with chorizo. If I'm really hungry, I'll go for a torta with milanesa de pollo. Trust me when I say this, the tortas are f***ing HUGE. I recommend this place to anyone who's going to Coney Island.