You might not associate Boston with a robust Mexican-food scene, but over the past several years excellent tacos, quesadillas, and tostadas have been making their way into the city. A number of publications, fromThrillist to Zagat‘s survey, have recognized Boston for its standout south-of-the-border spots. Here is our roundup of the best Mexican food in Boston for your next big catering order.

1. Jose’s Mexican (Sherman Street, Cambridge)

Want Mexican food “North of the Charles, south of the border”? Then visit Jose’s Mexican, one of the best Mexican catering spots in Boston. At Jose’s Mexican, traditional dishes are done the classic way. Nothing exemplifies this more than its Doña Reyna’s tamales—steamed cornmeal pocketing poblanos and cheese or shredded beef, and topped with one of Jose’s signature sauces: smoky chipotle, spicy adobado, fresh tomatillo, or a deeply complex mole. The restaurant offers several build-your-own options, too, like the Fiesta Ixtapan de la Sal, with quesadillas and customizable tacos.

2. Acitron Cocina Mexicana (Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington)

Acitron, a Mexican catering spot in Boston, uses local ingredients to cook family recipes. The result? Craveable, richly flavored dishes. Try the carne adobada—beef cooked low and slow in a toasted dry-pepper sauce. The Torta Acitron sandwich—with your choice of meat such as chorizo or spiced, shredded chicken—is a lunch-friendly option. Don’t miss out on the guacamole—made to order and served with freshly fried corn chips.

3. Viva Burrito Fresh Gourmet Mexican Hot Catering (Staniford Street, Boston)

This Mexican catering joint in Boston can feed a crowd. Using house-made tortillas and the freshest ingredients, Viva Burrito makes catering easy with its five catering packages—choose from tacos, basic or signature burritos, fajitas, and enchiladas, plus your choice of protein and beans. Orders can easily be customized, and there’s even an option to select the number of vegetarians in your group.

4. Montecristo Mexican Grill (Huntington Avenue, Boston)

Montecristo Mexican Grill serves up excellent, authentic Mexican for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Start the morning with one of the best Mexican catering spots in Boston. Go for a platter of fried plantains—Mexico’s answer to french fries, and your new favorite snack. Choose from hearty entrees like the veggie burrito grande—or the perfectly cooked six-ounce sirloin steak, served with spiced rice, zucchini, peppers and potatoes. And for a side that’ll go beyond the boring salad or bread, get some pupusas—thick corn tortillas filled with your choice of pork, beans, or cheese.

5. Boloco (Boylston Street, Boston)

Boloco offers globally inspired burritos and a philosophy of sustainability. That’s why Boloco is one of the best Mexican catering spots in Boston. Ditch the bland boxed sandwiches and order a Boloco tote bag, which comes with burritos (choose from teriyaki, Bangkok Thai, tikka masala, and more!), tortilla chips, salsa, and chocolate chip cookies. Boloco’s sleeper hit is its mini breakfast burritos box—tiny burritos filled with spicy eggs, bacon, and cheese.

6. El Barrio Mexican Grill (Dorchester Avenue, Boston)

Among the best Mexican catering spots in Boston, El Barrio Mexican Grill serves up the Mexican dishes with rich, authentic flavors you know and love. Choose between several kinds of tacos—filled with batter-fried fish, braised pork, or grilled shrimp—or chicken fajitas seasoned with cumin, red chilies, and sizzling peppers. For sides, you won’t want to miss the maduros—a tray of addictively sweet plantains.

7. On the Border (Commerce Way, Woburn)

With some of the best crowd-pleasing Mexican food, On the Border has been a favorite of Bostonians for its big flavors and juicy meats cooked on the mesquite-fired grill. Try On The Border’s bold burrito bowls (called “Border Bowls”) with your choice of grilled veggies, fajita chicken, or grilled shrimp. The bowls come with On The Border’s signature cilantro-lime rice, black beans, and guacamole. For a hearty dinner, pick from eight (!) different varieties of enchiladas, slathered in sour cream, ranchero sauce, or chile con carne.

8. Cantina La Mexicana (Washington Street, Somerville)

This Mexican catering outfit is known for its simple, authentic Mexican food, but those in the know come here for the tamales—those pockets of cornmeal come filled with tender chicken or pork, and smoky chile rojo sauce. Add a side of spicy rice and refried beans, and you’ve got the makings of an office fiesta.

9. Anna’s Taqueria (Cambridge Street, Boston)

Since 1995, Anna’s Taqueria has been serving Boston with all-star trays of burritos—everyone’s favorite lunchtime staple. Consider ordering a catering tray from Anna’s, one of the best Mexican restaurants in Boston for burritos. All five of Anna’s burrito trays start with tightly wrapped burritos loaded with fillings such as steak roja or chicken ranchero. The trays also include chips, salsa, and Mexican-style drinks such as cinnamon-infused horchata and what is called “Jamaica” there (hibiscus-ginger tea).

10. Boca Grande Taqueria (First Street, Cambridge)

Boca Grande Taqueria is bringing Tex-Mex to Boston—but don’t expect overly heavy or rich food. The dishes are healthy and fresh. Order the grilled lemon chicken, tofu chile adobo, or the pico de gallo-based salad with mango dressing. All the flavor, but without that heavy, overstuffed feeling.