Melbournes Best Mexican Restaurants
With the increase in Mexican restaurants in Melbourne, it is hard to keep track of which restaurants serve the best and most authentic tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and other Latin American specialties. From hole-in-the-wall taquerias to upscale establishments, customers have various options to choose from, whether you are a curious newcomer to the cuisine or a seasoned taco-to-burrito enthusiast.
This guide will help you discover and explore Melbourne’s top Mexican restaurants. We have placed spotlights on specific restaurants where we believe their hearty plates of comfort food alongside vibrant surroundings will blow your mind and leave you wanting to come back for more. Grab your sombreros and dancing shoes as we embark on a delicious journey through Mexican cuisine.
In This Article
What are the top 3 traditional Mexican food?
If you are a food enthusiast who is after the authentic taste of Mexico’s rich tradition, you must try out the top 3 classics: tacos al pastor, mole, and chiles en nogada.
Each classic has a boost of vibrant flavours that your taste buds will dance. Looking for a mix of sweet and savoury flavours? Go for the tacos al pastor, a dish that has marinated pork and sweet pineapple. Curious how chocolate will mix with other spices? Look out for the rich and complex mole. Lastly, are you craving something spicy? Try out Mexico’s iconic chiles en nogada, stuffed poblano peppers covered in creamy walnut sauce.
What do Mexicans traditionally put in their tacos?
In tacos, Mexicans fill them with a mix of high-protein meats like grilled steak, crispy carnitas, or chicken and traditional toppings such as cilantro, sliced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice. Incorporating both high-protein and traditional toppings gives it a burst of flavour. Tacos are also seen as nutritious comfort food since they have fresh vegetables, are lean and high-protein, and have heritage spices wrapped in fiber-rich corn tortillas.
What is the difference between corn and flour tortillas?
Both corn and flour tortillas are staple ingredients in Mexican cuisine, and both offer unique and tasty qualities. For corn tortillas, it has a grittier texture with the right amount of corn flavour which gives off a gluten-free experience. As for flour tortillas, they provide a lighter and more neutral taste compared to corn tortillas. Depending on the filling of your taco, enchilada, or tostada, both tortillas will grasp the flavours.
Top 10 of Melbournes Best Mexican Restaurants
Mad Mex
Mad Mex is your go-to destination for fresh, fast, and jampacked Mexican food! Since 2000, the restaurant has empowered customers to create different tacos, burritos, nachos, and quesadillas. They offer classic fillings to vegan and gluten-free options – from toppings and signature sauces. At Mad Mex, their team is passionate about serving and presenting a modern twist to authentic Mexican dining. Whether you dine in, take away, or order for delivery, you will be satisfied with your cravings and end the meal with a smile.
Website: https://www.madmex.com.au/mexican-food-restaurant-melbourne/
Mejico
Step into your Mejico moment as they bring contemporary flair to authentic Mexican cuisine in Melbourne. They are not your average taco or burrito joint. Mejico offers fresh and seasonal produce and mixes it with bold spices and flavours, along with crafted cocktails and a vast atmosphere. Their restaurant serves a long selection of ceviches, enchiladas, tacos, cocktails, and more. The chef also ensures each dish is prepared and served with care and precision. Mejico, a vibrant and colourful restaurant will make you want to come back for more every day.
Website: https://www.mejico.com.au/melbourne
Taco Bill
Taco Bill, since 1967, serving Mexican cuisine with a burst of flavours and greeting customers with warm hospitality, is one’s ultimate destination for the Mexican dining experience. If you are craving classic tacos, sizzling fajitas, cheesy quesadillas, or chunky burritos, Taco Bill will prepare and serve you their dishes, using only the freshest ingredients. Whether you are dining alone, with family, with friends, or with a loved one, the atmosphere of Taco Bill will make you feel like you traveled to Mexico!
Website: https://www.tacobill.com.au/
Si Señorita
Si Señorita invites Melbourne to experience a vibrant Mexican fiesta! With a passion for traditional flavours and a commitment to quality, their hospitable team will help you unwind from your worries and stress. Aside from the usual tacos, Si Señorita also serves delicious salads, creamy enchiladas, and mouthwatering fajitas. Their dishes are best paired with rare tequilas and a selection of agave spirits. Satisfying your taste buds and quenching your thirst at Si Señorita is the best way to keep the stress away.
Website: https://www.sisenorita.com.au/
La Tortilleria
At La Tortilleria, prepare for a taste of real Mexico! Immerse yourself in the bold and vibrant flavours of Mexican street food. Every dish is handcrafted with fresh ingredients and corn tortillas that were daily made from scratch. Be sure to try out their tacos al pastor and mole as well! La Tortilleria also ensures the team serves customers with cheerful and hospitable service. With a warm and lively atmosphere, you will see and feel the rich heritage of Mexico at La Tortilleria.
Website: https://latortilleria.com.au/restaurant/
Hello Jose
Hello Jose is your gateway to authentic and exquisite Mexican street food. They serve both classic and innovative dishes, from signature tacos, to house-made salsas, sizzling fajitas, tamales, and more. Take a step into Hello Jose’s sunny terrace and enjoy your food with a refreshing margarita or cerveza.
Website: https://www.hellojose.com.au/
The Happy Mexican
Jump into a cheerful and relaxing haven and be transported to the heart of The Happy Mexican! They are more than just a restaurant. The Happy Mexican creates memorable experiences for their customers. Dive into their diverse menu featuring refreshing salads, creamy enchiladas, superb salsas, and cheesy nachos. A bite of their delicious food will leave everyone smiling from ear to ear and dancing from side to side!
Website: https://www.thehappymexican.com.au/
Los Amantes
Drive into an unparalleled urban dining experience in Los Amantes! Explore traditional Mexican street food with innovative interpretations and bursting with flavours. The busy open kitchen of Los Amantes shows how much passion and care they put into their scrumptious food. Grab your friends to enjoy the Mexican adventure!
Website: https://www.losamantes.com.au/
El Chico
Since 2003, El Chico has continued to bring colorful and diverse selections of Mexican cuisine to Melbourne. With a warm and bright environment, El Chico serves the best street food like zesty ceviches, delicious tamales wrapped in banana leaves, and soft corn tortillas with slow-roasted meats. These dishes are only made with the freshest and most premium ingredients. Smell rich aromas flowing through the restaurant and enjoy the lively atmosphere of El Chico.
Website: https://www.elchicomelbourne.com/
Juana Taco
Since 2018, Juana Taco has been your ideal destination for fast-casual Mexican flavours. They continue to serve handmade tortillas with juicy protein, zesty salsas, cheesy nachos, and more. Juana Taco also offers vegetarian and gluten-free options, which makes their menu diverse. Hop into their colorful eatery and experience joyous energy at Juana Taco!
Website: https://www.juanataco.com.au/
Since Mexican food mostly has lettuce, tomatoes, and other vegetables, it is rich in vitamins and minerals. Aside from nutritious vegetables, Mexican food is also packaged with beans. Beans are also known to be rich in fiber.
Tamales is known to be a Mexican specialty. Made with corn-based dough, enriched with butter or lard, stuffed with savory filling, and wrapped in either banana leaves or corn husks, tamales are excellent appetizers or meals. It is best served with fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, or lime rice. Each bite bursts with various flavours!
The side dishes that are commonly served with Mexican food are refried beans, pico de gallo, rice, guacamole, salsa taquera, and homemade tortillas.
