Lively and authentic – say hola to the tastiest (and spiciest) Mexican restaurants in Melbourne!
Who doesn’t love a good authentic Mexican restaurant? Tasty regional tacos, delicious quesadillas, and a fair-share of margaritas are just the tip of the flavourful iceberg that is Mexican cuisine.
Luckily, Melburnians have plenty of options when it comes to Mexican bars and restaurants. For those wanting to go beyond the store-bought spice packets and hard-shelled tacos, we’ve come up with a list of the 10 best bars and Mexican restaurants in Melbourne for 2024. And with World Fajita Day around the corner, there’s never been a better time to check out the very best Mexican food and drinks that Melbourne has to offer!
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Bodega Underground
A self-described ‘restaurant smuggled from Mexico to Melbourne,’ Bodega Underground pairs exceptional food and drinks with a listless atmosphere. Just a short walk from Parliament Station on the outskirts of Melbourne’s Chinatown, this dim and moody Mexican-styled bodega captures an intimate and sombre vibe that’s wholly captivating. The only thing better than their atmosphere is the food and drinks on offer: a robust selection of tapas, tacos and salivating cocktails make this a great choice for a quiet night out with friends. All their cuisine is 100% gluten free, with many vegan options to boot, letting even more Melburnians try out the great flavours at Bodega Underground.
Photographed by Coffeefy Workafe. Image via Unsplash.
Fonda Mexican
A reference to the small family-run restaurants of Mexico, Fonda Mexican aims to capture the homely feel of Mexican cuisine and restaurants, with simple yet delicious food designed to be shared with friends and family. With every meal made from scratch, you can be sure you’re getting some of the best Mexican street food flavours in Melbourne. The bright poppy interiors make this the perfect setting for any special occasion, meeting-spot or catch-up with friends. With several locations across Melbourne, homely cooking is never far away at Fonda Mexican.
Photographed by Jennifer Griffin. Image via Unsplash.
Hello Jose
Give your greetings to Hello Jose, one of the best Mexican restaurants in West Melbourne. It’s hard to miss Hello Jose – with a Mexico City inspired exterior and a bright, party-like interior. Apart from the eye-catching venue, your tongue is what will really get excited: Hello Jose excels with their tremendously tasty tacos, coming in a wide selection of fillings to fit any mood. For those wanting to start their weekends on a tipsy note, the ‘boozy brunch’ special is sure to get you and your friends zestier than one of Hello Jose’s signature cocktails. Wave your worries away at Hello Jose!
Photographed by The Black Rabbit. Image via Unsplash.
Hotel Jesus
In the beating heart of of Melbourne, hidden in a heritage post office on Smith Street is Hotel Jesus – it’s a slice of Mexico that calls upon communal eating and good company. A bright, hyper saturated décor inspired by 70s-era taquerias across Mexico looks like a pop-art piece come to life. Enjoy a fantastic range of market-inspired snacks including unique tacos and tostadas, easily shareable with friends and family. And after you’ve finished your snack, drink it down with top-of-the-line tequila and mezcal, or even a flamboyant cocktail. Stay a while at Hotel Jesus, one of the best and most authentic Mexican restaurants in Melbourne of 2024.
Photographed by Chad Montano. Image via Unsplash.
Little Hop
Tacos, craft beer, tequila and mezcal make for one wicked night out at Little Hop. This colourful yet narrow bar is a reminder that sometimes the simple things in life are often the sweetest. A small menu of drinks and tacos means everything is all killer no filler; just the tastiest Mexican cuisine this side of Fitzroy. Vinyl turntables make up the music accompaniment, filling your night out with great tunes and even better people. Open every day from 12-11pm, jump on down to Little Hop!
Photographed by Hybrid Storytellers. Image via Unsplash.
Los Hermanos
If there was one word to sum up the Mexican bar and restaurant Los Hermanos, it would be passion. Los Hermanos promises to bring the flavours of Mexico City to Melbourne in a vibrant, busy and authentic style. This late-night taqueria is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a spicy meal with friends. Los Hermanos’ wholesome tacos, nachos and cocktails are a great snack for catching up with colleagues, and the perfect way to end the day. Head on down to Los Hermanos to taste one of the best Mexican restaurants in Brunswick.
Photographed by Jeswin Thomas. Image via Unsplash.
Mamasita
Since opening in early 2010, Mamasita has built a reputation as one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in Melbourne’s CBD. Located at the top end of Collins Street above an inconspicuous 7/11, the chefs at Mamasita have been cooking up some of the most exciting and innovative Mexican dishes in the city. Beer battered fried fish, mushroom tostadas and confit duck leg are just a taste of what’s on offer. Catering to a wide range of dietary requirements, guests can also pair their meal with a fantastic selection of Mexican spirits for a great night out with friends.
Photographed by Cabeca de Marmore. Image via Shutterstock.
Radio Mexico
Calling all Mexican lovers: tune into Radio Mexico as soon as possible. Serving tacos, margaritas and Mexican beers since opening in 2012, this St Kilda bar and restaurant promises authentic Mexican flavours with a Melbourne twist. A blend between a street-food taco truck and fine dining restaurant, Radio Mexico has cemented its reputation for a welcoming dining experience, rambunctious fun with friends, and one of the best Mexican restaurants in St Kilda. Open every day of the week, there’s no need to book ahead at this iconic Melbourne staple.
Photographed by Hari Nandakumar. Image via Unsplash
Taquito Bar
In a city full of sky-scrappers and excess, sometimes it’s nice to find a cosy place to eat and relax for an evening. Taquito Bar, along Carlton’s famous Drummond Street, promises one such intimate experience. While Taquito Bar may be small in square metres, the food is packed with big flavours. Meat, fish and vegetarian tacos are solid staples for any occasion, and their delicious Mexican churros are a cinnamon infused delight. Every tortilla is handmade from scratch, ensuring only the best quality food ends up on your plate. Between bites, sip on some delicious Mexican inspired cocktails including classic margaritas, spicy micheladas, and the salivating El Diablito. One of the best Mexican restaurants and bars in Melbourne!
Photographed by Jesse Cortez. Image via Unsplash.
Village Cantina
Attention to detail can make all the difference at Village Cantina. Reminiscent of a Texas-styled saloon, Village Cantina in Yarraville is complete with exposed red-brick, steel veranda and plenty of Mexican souvenirs. Order from an extensive menu of authentic Mexican street food staples including flavourful tacos, chunky burritos, mouth-watering quesadillas, and crunchy nachos. With plenty of vegan friendly options available as well, even more can enjoy the great tastes of Village Cantina. Generous portion sizes will give you plenty to chow down over an exciting evening. Open for lunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday, become part of the family at Village Cantina!
For more delicious cuisines to try, check out the Top 10 Italian Restaurants in Melbourne. Or for a mighty whopper, these 10 Best Burger Joints in Melbourne are a must visit!
