Not too long ago, Mexican food meant hard taco shells and a small packet of store-bought salsa. But oh, how times have changed. In recent years, Melbourne’s love affair with Mexican cuisine has boomed into something very special – a culinary scene of vibrancy and intrigue. Taste slow-cooked barbacoa, hand-pressed tortillas, homemade hot sauces, and unbeatable mezcal – there’s never been a better time to try the top-quality delights on offer.

Get started with our guide to the Unmissable Mexican Restaurants in Melbourne.

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Mamasita

Located on Collins Street, the culinary secrets of Mamasita are hidden atop a relatively unassuming staircase. One of Melbourne’s original Mexican hotspots, step inside Mamasita to taste undeniable delicious traditional cuisine. The menu? Jam packed with mouthwatering options – tuna tartare, furikake, avocado salsa tostadas and more. If you’re looking for a cheeky bev, there’s plenty on offer. Cocktails, wine, beer, and of course a large variety of margaritas. Ever tried a cucumber-jalapeno margarita? At Mamacita, you can! Book online at Mamacita.

Hotel Jesus

Hotel Jesus, from the creators of Mamasita, is a Smith Street stalwart perfect for quick and easy Mexican cuisine. It’s more cantina than fine dining at this Collingwood establishment, so don’t expect over-the-top table service. Instead, stop by for a quick, flavoursome bite. Their tasty tacos and crunchy tostadas aren’t to be missed, and the mezcal rhubarb sour is a must-try. For more information or to book a table, head to Hotel Jesus.

Radio Mexico

Sitting pretty in St Kilda is the Mexican standout Radio Mexico! These tacos do hit the pricier end, but boy, are they worth every cent. Expect generous toppings at this warm and inviting establishment, like guajillo-marinated tofu, butter-garlic scallops, pork crackling, sweet-sour hibiscus flowers, and more. And don’t get us started on the slow-cooked pork with slaw – it’s an unforgettable addition to any meal. For more information, visit Radio Mexico.

La Tortilleria

Hungry for a plate of al pastor tacos, made with real corn tortillas? Kensington’s La Tortilleria is the place to be. Its colourful exterior is an accurate representation of the bold, vibrant flavours that come with every bite. Bring your amigos and taste tacos that are deliciosos – the secret to really good bien chido Mexican lies in this inviting establishment. For more information or to book a table, head online to La Tortilleria.

Dingo Ate My Taco

At Dingo Ate My Taco, it’s a firm belief that tacos can be eaten at any time of the day! A sensational food truck slinging early-morning breakfast tacos, inspired by Austin Texas BBQ, is worth the premature wake up! Stuff your taco with as many fillings as you can manage, and, of course, their delicious homemade salsa. Or opt for something a little more similar to traditional breakfast foods by adding a fried egg to your shell. Morning tacos? We say yes please. More information available at Dingo Ate My Taco.

Hecho En México

An establishment bursting with colour and energy – that’s Hecho En México, a fantastic Mex offering in the heart of Fitzroy. At Hecho, a street-style classic Mexican restaurant, there’s plenty of tacos and nachos to choose from, as well as an extensive list of creative margarita cocktails. Try the coronarita and spend the next few years telling your friends about it! There’s even a bottomless brunch available every weekend, packed with as many tacos and drinks as you can manage. Get more information online by heading to the Hecho En México website.

Mesa Verde

Fiesta vibes are in high quantity at Mesa Verde on Swanston Street. Witness their bold and beautiful traditional Mexican cuisine any day of the week, atop Curtin House. It’s an establishment offering a stunning old-meets-new vibe, and slinging out quality freshly-shucked oysters, finger limes, kingfish ceviche, habaneros, and tacos. A major drawcard is Mesa Verde’s tequila collection – one of the largest in Australia! There will be no regret in adding Mesa Verde to your dinner bucket list.

The Happy Mexican

Situated on Hoddle Street, in the inner-Melbourne suburb of Abbotsford, is the vibrant and welcoming The Happy Mexican! Its colourful interior is an appropriate backdrop for munching down a few weekly specials – tasty half-price tacos on Tuesdays, $12 burritos on Thursdays, and $12 margaritas on Fridays. Known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and bopping atmosphere, there are plenty of traditional favourites to try, from quesadillas and nachos to tortas, tacos, and burritos. With their delectable slow-cooked birria on offer, The Happy Mexican is well worth the detour!

Taquito Bar

Hand-pressed tortillas and a menu that changes with the seasons – Taquito is a Mexican-inspired cantina with plenty of classic dishes like BBQ corn and ceviche. With an unbeatable number of taco options to try, plus delicious margaritas and the option to select a chef’s feed, Taquito is the perfect place to take friends, family and your partner for date night. Located right in the heart of Carlton, and surrounded by plenty of places to kick on at, Taquito Bar is the right place to satisfy any Mexican craving.

El Sabor

A local favourite of North Melbourne, with a great history behind it, El Sabor is an unmissable Mexican cuisine offering, featuring the usual suspects – quesadillas, tacos, chilaquiles, enchiladas, and more. Its two-storey venue presents a perfect backdrop for all kinds of moods, capturing the essence of Mexico with vibrant decor representative of diners straight out of Latin America. Taste the rich culinary flavours of El Sabor, which translates to “The Taste” in Spanish. More information is available on the El Sabor website.