Sydney is the gateway to Australia and is popular with international visitors.
One reason for this popularity is the Harbour City’s acclaimed dining scene. Sydney is home to numerous peoples from around the globe who have settled and introduced their customs and food. One imported cuisine that has gone from strength to strength in recent years is the vibrant flavours of Mexico.
But where are the best Mexican restaurants in Sydney? And what are their most popular dishes?
Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you. Read on for our guide to the best Mexican restaurants in Sydney and suggestions on what to order.
Méjico Restaurant
Location: 355 Crown St, Sydney, NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 9230 0119
Editor’s Update: After more than a decade in the Sydney CBD on Pitt Street, Mejico Restaurant has moved to ever-buzzy Surry Hills. Why? Simply because its original home is being redeveloped. Well, the city’s loss is Crown Street’s gain…
With Mescal, Cocktails and some of the finest Corn Ribs around, Méjico offers high class surroundings along with great quality Mexican food.
Though on the more expensive side, Mejico still guarantees bang for your buck as the food is fine dining level small plates that will offer you a taste of every corner of Mexico, right here in Sydney.
Méjico’s main calling card, beyond their already high quality food, is their bar selection. Mejico has a pretty extensive and broad tequila shelf, with some very knowledgeable bartenders who can talk about mezcal and Mexico all day long.
Tequila isn’t your thing? Don’t worry, Méjico also has an extremely knowledgeable sommelier who will help you find the right vino for your taco. For the cosmopolitan among us, Mejico is a great choice.
If you fancy knocking out an easy Mexican dish at home, try our Best Comforting Beef Nachos Recipe
Barrio Cellar
Location: 58 Elizabeth St, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 8385 4383
Barrio Cellar is another hip and unique spot in the heart of Sydney that promises great food as well as vibrations. Great for a late night out, Barrio Cellar is a ‘tequileria’ and eatery that offers seasonal food and cocktails that are subject to change.
For those who don’t want the same boring menu options every saturday, Barrio Cellar is a good choice as they change their menu as their produce and goods change with the seasons.
This Mexican joint has another great selection of Tequila and Mezcal which compliments the seasonal Mexican street food they have on offer.
Located in a basement, Barrio Cellar provides a contemporary setting, designed by award winning architects, for you to enjoy your food and drink, which is both sexy and cosy.
If you’re feeling cheeky, stay a little later, or return on a Friday, to hear some local DJs provide some beats to shake your shoulders and work off some tacos.
Why not provide Mexican dishes for an event? See our Mexican Catering Foods Ideas for some inspiration
Bar Pátron Circular Quay
Location: 2 Phillip St, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9189 1957
Bar Pátron is a Mexican restaurant that focuses on authentic Mexican cuisine, which many customers will agree with. Their interesting menu covers lunch, dinner, and late night bites.
The menu is authentic and the drinks menu is artisanal, combining both Tequila as well as a great wine list – many suggest that this is the best Margarita in Australia.
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Bar Pátron offers some sophisticated settings and dining in their restaurant which compliments their focus on authentic Mexican food. Located just by Sydney’s Circular Quay this is an interesting stop if you want some authentic food and drink from a mid range eatery.
If you have a passion for Margaritas, see our rundown of the Best Cocktail Bars in Sydney
Ricos Tacos
Location: 305 Cleveland St, Redfern, NSW 2016 Ph: 0487 667 225
What started as a food truck based business has finally found a home at the glorious Norfolk Hotel in Redfern. And what a space it is. Hit the main dining area for dinner, or maybe choose to devour a Taco (or 3) out in the courtyard. Feeling funky? Then head upstairs to Club Ricos where you can enjoy your Quesadillas and Tostadas beneath a disco ball whilst DJ spin the latest tunes.
The result is a very chilled, friendly spot to grab a meal and a few drinks with friends.
So what about those famed Tacos? For us, it has to be the Chicken Achiote ($9) and Ricos Fish ($9.5), both of which have the perfect balance of texture and flavour. Our Top Tip though is to keep an eye out for the Special Taco of the Week – it never disappoints.
Finally – a wee warning. Ricos Tacos are so good that you really need to book at weekends to ensure a table. And if that’s not a sign that this is one of the top Mexican restaurants in Sydney, we don’t know what is.
Fancy spice and freshness of a different kind? See our guide to the Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Sydney.
Chula
Location: The Cresent on Bayswater, 19, Shop 7/33 Bayswater Rd, Potts Point, NSW 2011 Ph: (02) 9331 0126
It’s over to Potts Point for the next of our best Mexican restaurants in Sydney.
Chula is a modern Mexican restaurant that tries to remain true to Mexican classics while still keeping up with the modern changes to Mexican cuisine. Wth a traditional decor you truly feel like you are in Mexico.
However, when your food comes don’t expect the usual greasy street stall mess, Chula is clean and aesthetically pleasing with presentation and their take on Mexican cuisine is authentic while still revamping these classic dishes.
This is a perfect spot for those who want an authentic dining experience which has the confidence to change the classics while still honouring them – they achieve this with their classically trained Mexican chefs.
Chula is a guaranteed hit if you are in Sydney.
Wondering where to get great Mexican food in Melbourne? We’ve got you covered.
Bad Hombres
Location: 40 Reservoir St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 Ph: 0405 274 515
Have a vegan friend or family member (or prefer plant-based yourself), but still want the taste of Mexico? Don’t fear, Bad Hombres have your back. Bad Hombres is a cutesy little vegan Mexican restaurant that offers a laid back vibe to enjoy your food.
Expect all the Mexican classics of Birria, enchiladas, nachos, etc, but simply revamped with plant based goodness and vegan friendly options. Don’t expect any meat, it’s purely vegan here but many happy customers will verify that you won’t miss any meat.
With a rustic decor in the restaurant you will have all the comforts of Mexico, but with the added ability to enjoy it guilt free and not worry about its effect on your health.
This is a great joint to try if you are vegan curious, they might just make you give up meat forever.
Editor’s Update: Although their website is still up and running, there are rumours that Bad Hombres has closed. We will let you know when we learn more.
Mexican Burrito Cantina
Location: Surry Hills Medical Centre, 567 Crown St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 9699 2499
If you’re in Surry Hill and you would rather have some meat, we don’t blame you . Luckily, Mexican Burrito Cantina is just down the street and offers some similar food that caters for the carnivorous among us.
The food at this Cantina is 100% authentic Mexican – made by real Mexicans, no imposters.
Mexican Burrito Cantina wants to get the traditional classics right for a reasonable price.
The food is fresh and made in-house whilst the rustic chic of the interior makes you feel like you’re getting served by the roadside in Mexico. And we mean that as a compliment.
The decor and vibe here is second to none, if you want a really authentic experience give this cantina a look. It’s one of the best Mexican restaurants in Sydney.
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Chica Bonita Manly
Location: 9 The Corso, Manly, NSW 2095 Ph: (02) 9976 5255
If you fancy a trip down to Manly, Chica Bonita will make it worth your while. This modern and chic restaurant will have you covered from lunch until dinner. Why there’s even a drinks menu to take you into the later hours.
You can truly feel like you’re in Mexico if you come here after the beach. With sand still in between your toes, you can enjoy some well reviewed margaritas alongside some Mexican classics that will fill your stomach after a day of swimming.
Many locals regard this as a hidden gem. However, it’s also a fabulous find for tourists. With its cosy, yet cool, decor it really is a well-rounded eating experience that offers some great beer, tequila, and wine options to take you into the later hours.
Does the thought of an afternoon at Manly Beach make you hungry for seafood? Give our Best Seafood Restaurants in Sydney a read.
El Camino Cantina
Location: Creatively Belle, 18 Argyle St, The Rocks, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9259 5668
At El Camino they do family style Tex-Mex food that will satisfy large groups. It cultivates a more laid back environment where families can share stories across their tables.
The Tex-Mex menu offers some great combinations of Mexican and American cuisine. If you want buffalo wings alongside your burritos, then this is the place to be.
With plenty of Taco Tuesdays and Wing Wednesdays you’ll get value for your money here as well as some fun and vibrant surroundings. If you want some good vibes and great food, without having to act out and dress up, then El Camino is for you.
For a look at the Best Cafes in Sydney, click here
Baja Cantina And Beer Garden
Location: 43-45 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe, NSW 2037 Ph: (02) 9571 4540
This little spot is a comforting eatery and drinking hole that won’t disappoint. The Baja Cantina seeks to serve creative and wholesome Mexican food that has a Californian twist.
They offer both an á la carte menu and a set menu. This makes it a good dining choice for both a romantic dinner and a large group.
The beer garden here is a welcome point of difference. Obviously, it’s best in summer, but it really hits the Mexican cantina vibe right on the head.
This is a great place for hungry families or a get together with friends as well as an intimate date. Baja Cantina is a versatile eatery that will satisfy all customers with its welcoming smells and staff.
Popular and serving tasty food, this is one of the finest Mexican restaurants in Sydney.
Guzman Y Gomez
Location: 175 King St, Newtown, NSW 2042 Ph: (02) 9517 1533 See Website For Further Locations
Guzman Y Gomez has exploded out of the blocks in recent years, growing from a handful of outlets to 151 and counting.
This little eatery really gets Mexican street food right. With outside seating and food served over the counter, you can guarantee an authentic Mexican eating experience.
Putting passion into every ingredient, Guzman Y Gomez guarantees real Mexican flavour in each dish. Their menu consists of the Mexican classics but leaves room for you to customise how you see fit.
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GYG also offers some more modern twists on the Mexican classics such as burrito bowls and Cali burritos which help to make all feel welcome, including great vegetarian options.
Be prepared to eat in their outside dining area, just like at the Mexican roadside, as they can’t offer indoor seating. Or enjoy while seeing the sites of Sydney.
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El Loco at Excelsior also El Loco at Slip Inn
Location: El Loco at Excelsior, 64 Foveaux St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 9114 7339 & El Loco at Slip Inn, 111 Sussex St, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9114 7327
Moving on with our rundown of the best Mexican restaurants in Sydney, we’re splitting our tummies between the Excelsior and the Slip Inn.
El Loco really embraces the Mexican vibe, serving restaurant grade cuisine in a dressed down environment they get most things right here. But then, this is part of the ubiquitous Merivale hospo behemoth, so you can expect a certain level of polish.
Their menu offers hand held Mexican classics that have been given the restaurant treatment while still remaining affordable to all.
The decor and al fresco seating indoors feels very authentic and helps enhance the humble yet fulfilling experience at El Loco with music and colour. El Loco feels warm and welcome to all kinds of diners and drinkers.
Open till 3am this is one for the night owls, on top of their food they also boast some great local DJs on the weekends. With over 100 types of Tequila and Mezcal to enjoy with your food, you’re sure to have a great time.
Perhaps to like to drink your Mezcal with a view? Check out our Best Rooftop Bars in Sydney
Alegre Bar and Dining
Location: King Street Wharf, 21 Lime St, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9184 5816
Location, ambience, service and great food – Alegre Bar and Dining has it all.
Positioned a skip and a jump from ritzy Barangaroo with its numerous eateries, Alegre Dining oozes class. The decor is all cool stone and discreet lighting and the vibe is relaxed – but expensive – Riviera Maya resort. Luckily, the menus more than meet expectations.
Oyster-lovers will no doubt adore the Margarita Oyster ($6.5, 3 min) with Chilli, Lime Granita & Finger Lime. Meanwhile, the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Tostada ($32 for 2) is simply divine. It’s always great to see a Vegan dish that offers plenty of texture as well as taste. At Alegre, the Fried Cauliflower Taco ($15) with Chipotle Mayo, Corn & Black Bean Salsa, Pickled Cabbage and more, definitely ticks the right boxes. However, if you lean more to carnivore, don’t worry. The Adobo Rojo Fire Roasted Lamb Rack (4 for $48/8 for $96) with Blistered Jalapeno Labneh, Roasted Celeriac Puree & Pepita Chilli Ash is a show-stopper.
To help you with your selections, the kitchen offers a number of Banquets, along with a very fine Bottomless Brunch. Which reminds us. Alegre also has a large Drinks List – including a substantial range of Tequila and Mezcal.
So why not settle into one of their comfy banquettes and see for yourself why Alegre Bar and Dining is amongst the top Mexican Restaurants in Sydney?
El Primo Sanchez
Location: 27-33 Oxford St, Paddington, NSW 2021
Cocktails and tacos from the team who brought us drinking den Maybe Sammy? Yes, please!
With orange tiling and mirrorballs strung from the ceiling, the vibe is very much FUN! Heck, there’s even a dinky karaoke room.
But for us, a Mexican restaurant lies or dies on the strength of its cocktails and the zing of its tacos. And thankfully, El Primo Sanchez get them both right.
The Tropical Coffee Margarita is a great spin on the much-loved Espresso Martini. Here, Patron Silver, Mr Black, Paranubes Oaxaca Rum, Mango, Agave & Lime combine to much your palette dance.
Expect more surprises in the food section too. The Roasted Pumpkin Taco has great texture thanks to Caramelised Macadamia Macha & Sunflower Seeds. Meanwhile, one of the national emblems stars in the Kangaroo Milanesa. Matched with Salsa Guacamolada & Chiles Toreados, it’s a winner.
All-in-all, El Primo Sanchez is the kind of place where you meet friends for a drink and end up staying all evening.
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This is why I decided to set up my blog, Eatability, to share the best food and drink spots in Australia with as many people as possible. Hi, my name is Dylan Cole, and I moved to Australia five years ago from England, UK.
Through this blog, I will be sharing and recommending some of my favorite places you need to visit, such as where to find the best pizza in Adelaide, and the best bakery in Brisbane. Whatever food you are fancying, I have got you covered!
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