It’s Fiesta Time at These 10 Mexican Restaurants in Melbourne

Let’s taco ’bout the Mexican restaurants in Melbourne

So, we’re guessing you clicked on this article because, like us, you start feeling all hot and bothered at the thought of tucking into a freshly made margarita and a round of carnitas. Is there a more iconic duo? We think not. As you’re probably aware, the Mexican restaurants in Melbourne are sought after and popular. So we’ve put together a little list to guide you to live your best Mexican life in Melbourne.

Mexican cuisine is a multifaceted one, to say the least. You’ve got real, authentic Mexican cuisine, you’ve got Tex-Mex and then you’ve got something that resembles the kind of Mexican cuisine that was all the rage in Australia circa 1999. You know what i’m talking about – we’ve all got a soft spot in our hearts for shredded cheese and a box of hard taco shells. Now though, Mexican restaurants in Melbourne are all about fresh and creative flavours so you’ll find some seriously delicious options.

When life gives you limes, make a damn margarita

The time for Mexican food is well and truly here. It’s the time for mojitos and nachos, for burritos and Negro Modelos, for spice, lime, zest and good, good vibes. For healthy Mexican food and for vegetarian Mexican food – can you tell we’re excited? So, let’s pay homage to all that is Mexican cuisine and pay the seriously good Mexican restaurants in Melbourne a visit, shall we? The best Mexican in Melbourne awaits!

The 10 best Mexican restaurants in Melbourne

1. Mesa Verde

Obviously when talking about the best Mexican restaurants in Melbourne, Mesa Verde is high on the list.  Mesa Verde’s approach to Mexican food is bold and unique, with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients playing a big role. Boasting one of the largest tequila and mezcal collections we’ve ever seen, hosting DJs to fit the vibe and a menu that is everything our Mexican dreams are made of, we could taco bout Mesa Verde forever. You can even choose your own salt for your margaritas… Go here for Mexican in Melbourne. Seriously.

Eat: Mole Negra beef cheeks with cauliflower puree and chimichurri.

Drink: El Borralho made with Bruxo No 1, kumquat, ginger, lemon and marmalade.

Level 6, 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne 3000

Mon –  Fri: 5pm til late; Sat – Sun: 2pm til late

2. Pablo Honey

Cool as a cucumber, Pablo Honey is one Mexican restaurant in Melbourne that is well worth a look. Serving some of the best Mexican food in town, it’s inspired by Radiohead and Pablo Escobar respectively, the food and drinks on offer here are creative and innovative. Think dishes designed to be shared, mains, late night snacks and vegetarian Mexican menus with dishes made using flavour combinations you won’t find anywhere else. Just be sure to order as many of the cocktails as you can too. You can thank us later.

Eat: Crispy pork hock with confit baby cabbage, chilli and lime tequila glaze and tortillas.

Drink: The watermelon and chilli margarita. Refreshing and spicy? Yes please!

68a, Acland Street, St Kilda, Melbourne 3182

Mon – Fri:  4pm til late; Sat – Sun: 11am til late

3. Jalisco Mexican

With a prime position on Chapel Street, Jalisco Mexican is rustic, lively and responsible for some of our favourite Mexican food in Melbourne. The colourful outdoor beer garden is the ideal location to begin your time there, sipping on a marg and nibbling on corn chips with a side of freshly made guac. You’ll find all the classic Mexican bits and bobs here, from enchiladas to tacos and fajitas, all made with lashings of lime, chilli and coriander. It’s little wonder it’s one of the best Mexican restaurants in Melbourne.

Eat: Tiger prawn tacos with cabbage, chilli-lime mayo and pico de gallo.

Drink: Jalisco spice made with tequila, Triple Sec, chilli and lime.

69 Chapel Street, Windsor, Melbourne 3181

Sun – Thurs: 5:30 – 11pm; Sat – Sun: 5:30 – 1am

4. Tequila Mexican Restaurant

One of the most famous Mexican restaurants in Melbourne, Tequila Mexican Restaurant in South Yarra is trendy, centrally located and home to a seriously impressive menu. With plenty of drinks, tequila and dishes on offer, it’s no why Tequila Mexican Restaurant South Yarra has the loyal following of Mexi-mad punters it has. Perfect for groups, date nights or occasions where tequila is absolutely necessary, we think you’ll love this Melbourne institution.

Eat: Chicken mole served with cilantro rice and refried beans.

Drink: Classic red sangria made with rum, orange juice, lemonade and spices.

307 Toorak Road, South Yarra, Melbourne 3141

Lunch: Mon – Sun: 11 – 3pm

Dinner: Mon – Sun: 5 – 10pm

5. Si Señorita Bar

Ahhh Si Señorita. This Mexican restaurant in Fitzroy ticks all our boxes. This is what Mexican cuisine is all about – simple dishes made with complex flavours, fun, messy and made to be devoured. This lively spot is all about ceviche, tacos, street food and sharing platters and we can’t get enough. With a delightful cocktail list and plenty of cerveza and wine as well as an impressive selection of vegetarian Mexican food, this casual joint is one Mexican restaurant in Melbourne you’ll be visiting more than once, trust us.

Eat: Coconut-battered fish tacos filled with red slaw and beetroot crema.

Drink: Espresso Martinez of Arette blanco, creme de cafe and an espresso shot.

312 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne 3065

Mon – Wed: 5 – 11pm; Thurs: 5 til midnight; Fri – Sat: Midday – 1am; Sunday: Midday – 11pm

6. Mamacita

Easily one of the coolest venues in Melbourne, Mamacita is all about agave, banger music and damn delicious Mexican food. Oh, and if you don’t want to break the bank, this is the best spot for cheap Mexican food in Melbourne. A firm fixture in the new-wave Mexican food movement, the dishes are made with fresh flavours you probably haven’t seen before, and we’re really into them. You definitely want to be trying their tacos, mole rojo pork neck and at least one tequila flight, but really it’s all good fam.

Eat: Lengua tacos filled with braised ox tongue, arbol salsa and crema.

Drink: Paloma made with Tromba blanco and grapefruit served with a salted rim.

Level 1, 11 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000

Sun – Thurs: 5 – 10pm; Fri: 12 – 11pm, Sat: 5 – 11pm

7. South of the Wall

Ah South Of The Wall, how we love you for your exceptional food, extensive margarita selection (ie. 10 different kinds) and exceptional way of commenting on society – i.e. your brilliant mural of Donald Trump peeking over a wall. The brainchild of six best mates, this Mexican restaurant in Cremorne is light, bright, fresh and fun. Everything you could ever want from a Mexican joint, no? Serving some of the best Mexican food in Melbourne, this is the kind of place you go with your pals, eat and drink til you pop and get way too merry on the delicious drinks. Meaning, it’s heaven.

Eat: ​Kingfish ceviche with jalapenos, pomelo and torched avocado.

Drink: Any of their margaritas. Seriously.

2-4 Cremorne Street, Richmond, Melbourne 3121

Monday: Closed

Tues – Wed: 4 – 11pm. Thurs: 4 – 1am, Fri – Sun: Midday – 1am

8. Hotel Jesus

The little brother of Mamacita, Hotel Jesus is a no-frills Mexican bar in Melbourne that doubles as a diner inspired by the the neighbourhood taquerias and market tostadurias in Mexico. Just what Melboure needs, in our humble opinion. Housed within a former heritage post office on Smith Street, you’ll find ceviche, slow-cooked meat, veggie options and tacos that dreams are made of.

Eat: The colima ceviche made from snapper cured in lime juice served with pico de gallo, carrot, cucumber, green chilli, coriander and avocado.

Drink: La classica michelada of tomato, black salsa, chilli, lemon served with a salt rim and made with a beer of your choice.

176 Smith Street, Collingwood, Melbourne 3066

Monday: Closed

Tues – Fri: 5:30pm til late, Sat – Sun: 12:30pm til late

9. Los Hermanos

Los Hermanos, quite simply, is where it’s at. The place for good vibes, good food, and really good margaritas. The buzz of this Mexican restaurant in Brunswick is infectious and it’s home to a menu loaded up with tacos so delicious you’ll dream about them long after. Also, try the DIY guacamole, it’s a seriously fun time.

Eat: De ejotes tacos filled with hand-picked organic green beans cooked with potato and free-range oven baked eggs and jalapeños.

Drink: Mezcal margarita made with Wahaka mezcal, fresh lemon, triple sec and orange.

339 Victoria Street, Brunswick, Melbourne 3056

Sunday: Closed

Mon – Wed: 6 – 11pm, Thur – Sat: 6 – 1am

10. La Tortilleria

One of the most special restaurants in Melbourne, La Tortilleria pays homage to real, honest Mexican food. Making the corn tortillas from scratch – and we really mean from scratch – this funky venue is all about keeping things authentic. The tortillas are all made using two ingredients, corn and sea salt, and are gluten- and preservative-free as well as 100% Australian made and non-gmo. Cool right? Also, the bits that go inside them are all delicious!

Eat: From the grill, we love the gringa platter of al pastor free-range pork, melted cheese and zesty pineapple salsa.

Drink: The house sangria.

72 Stubbs Street, Kensington, Melbourne 3031

Lunch: Sat: 11:30 – 3pm, Sun: 12 – 3pm

Dinner: Mon – Thurs: 5:30 – 9pm, Fri – Sun: 5:30 – 9:30pm