Mexican restaurants in Sydney have come a long way, yet with all the offerings available, it seems we still have a still-longer way to go for more variety, more styles, and more culture. Not to mention, importing ingredients from South America is much easier in Northern Hemisphere countries than it is in Australia.
With that said, over the past seven years, Sydney’s Latin American cuisine game has stepped up, and Sydneysiders are loving it. From Taco bars to margarita bars, here are Sydney’s best Mexican restaurants to try.
Four Hundred Mexican Bar & Kitchen
North Sydney
If you’re one of those people who needs a reason to cross the bridge, make it the Mojo Cubana Torta at Four Hundred. Stuffed with Cuban roast pork, double-smoked ham, swiss cheese, and pickles, it’s worth the trip. For the drinks list, expect a mezcal negroni or classic spicy margarita. The current trend is all about mezcal, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
The venue pays homage to an ancient Aztec story —The 400 Drunken Rabbit Gods. It already sounds interesting, right? I won’t spoil the story, but go in and ask about the tipsy rabbits. You can opt for the bottomless brunch for $89 per person or gather your friends and explore the a la carte menu for lunch or dinner. There’s plenty on offer here, and you’re guaranteed a good time.
Cartel
Chippendale
This fun and buzzing Mexican joint bring a lot of South American flavours and culture to the table. They’re unapologetic in what they serve, including a traditional style of ceviche (served in a bowl), and they do as much as they can in the traditional way.
You will notice the empanadas are not puff pastry, and the corn chips are not the corn chips you know. Instead, they import dried corn, reboil it, and mill it into flour to be made into masa (maize dough), which is then used to create tortillas, corn chips, and the pastry for the empanadas, among other things.
Their drinks are also a standout, with cocktails made from avocado-washed tequila, cactus cocktails covered in worm salt, and a margarita tree that comes with ten cocktails on a tree apparatus. International mixologist Grant Collins is a whiz behind the bar, constantly breaking the rules and coming up with new concoctions that we haven’t seen before.
Londres 126
Circular Quay
When it comes to offering a one-of-a-kind experience in Sydney, Londres 126 leads the pack. Meticulously designed in a heritage building on Loftus Street, the 1940s-inspired venue is rich in timeless detail and pays homage to Frida Kahlo’s infamous parties of yore.
The menu reflects Mexico City’s dynamic food scene and champions Australia’s produce. A highlight is the signature guacamole served with chicharron crackling, a dusting of arbol chilli and agave syrup. The Al Pastor Fish tacos are a must — the addition of fennel salad is genius. Other highlights on the menu include the street corn drizzled with ancho mayonese, and the spiced duck breast with Davidson plum mole.
While the food is phenomenal, the drinks take centre stage. Sample an extensive and rare range of wild agave mezcals and boutique tequilas. The cocktails take a spin on the classics and, if you don’t like spirits, they have an Australian-led wine list to pair with your dish. If you’re looking for fancy Mexican food rich in tradition and culture, book a table at Londres 126. You won’t regret it.
Rosa Cienfuegos Tamaleria
Dulwich Hill
This authentic Mexican deli serves one thing—tamales—, and they serve the best tamales in Sydney. Each parcel is handmade in-store. You can take them home to enjoy or purchase ingredients from the store to make your own. If you’re nervous, just ask Rosa for tips.
There are two types of tamales you can get. The first is Mexico City-style, with chicken and green salsa steamed in a corn husk, and the second is Oaxaca-style—spicy Mexican capsicum with cheese steamed in a banana leaf.
Itacate
Redfern
Rosa Cienfuegos also owns Itacate, a casual all-day Mexican eatery and deli. This vibrant eatery is packed with generations of knowledge and Mexican flavour. Diners will find huevos divorciados, tacos, garnachas, and more. You can even pick up rare Mexican pantry finds such as spices and sauces.
There’s nothing fancy about Itacate. Everything here is fun, colourful, and unbelievably tasty. Try it for yourself.
Ricos Tacos
Roseberry, Marrickville, and Chippendale
After being forced out of The George In Waterloo, partly due to the pandemic, Toby Wilson took his tacos on the road, introducing us to Ricos Tacos.
You can find these flavour-packed tacos at Grifter Brewing Co. in Marrickville. They also have a permanent brick-and-mortar store in Chippendale. The menu is always changing. Following their Instagram page is a good way to see what’s cooking. Expect a range of tacos from cauliflower to pulled beef, topped with different kinds of salsa, including the infamous Taco King salsa. The hashbrowns are also legendary.
Bad Hombres
Surry Hills
This Mexican-inspired eatery is vegan, which is not something you hear a lot of. The menu is a playful take on Mexican classics, including nachos, quesadillas, ceviche, and others. For example, nachos come with cashew cream, and mushrooms replace fish in the ceviche. You will also find tacos filled with miso eggplant, Baja jackfruit, and chipotle potato.
The sharing plates are great for when you want to try a little of everything, including oyster mushrooms stir-fried Peruvian style or mole enchiladas with sweet potato, kale, corn, and house ‘cheddar.’ Their drinks list also contains natural wines and a range of mezcals.
El Loco
Surry Hills
Walk around Surry Hills, and you’ll come across a vibrant little eatery serving a little slice of Mexico in Sydney. Operated by Merivale, this cheeky spot is a great lunch break or for after-work drinks. If you’re a night owl, stick around, El Loco’s DJs will have you sipping and dancing all night long.
The menu is extensive and includes tacos, either signature or DIY style, quesadillas, large plates, and sides, so if you have a group of friends or are on a date night, El Loco is a great place for any occasion. The DIY taco platters are a crowd-pleaser. You get eight soft flour tortillas, lettuce, pickled jalapeños and onion, guacamole, grilled corn, refried beans, and pico de gallo. Sip on margaritas or enjoy a range of Caballito shooters packed with colour and flavour.
Mejico Sydney
CBD
How do you like your guacamole? Smashed tableside? We Agree. Mejico is a modern Mexican restaurant and bar on Pitt Street that has been serving Central American cuisine since 2013.
Still a popular haunt, Mejico has an industrial vibe inside with exposed brick walls and concrete beams, but the menu is refined and sophisticated. Focusing on market-fresh food, the menu is split into street snacks, tacos, and mains. The street snacks include empanadas, jalapeno poppers, corn ribs with chilli, patatas bravas, smashed potatoes with paprika and smoked cayenne aioli. Their tacos are classics, including chicken, beef, and prawn, but are a must-try.
The market menu is where flavours and techniques shine. Expect to find beef tartare, beetroot carpaccio, chargrilled octopus with Amarillo sauce and puffed rice, and a watermelon salad with mint and habanero sprinkled with Mexican dukkah. To drink, choose from over 230 tequila and mezcals, or work your way through the cocktails list, including a Mexo Espresso.
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