When it comes to culinary experiences in Brisbane, you can unearth brilliant spots in every corner of the city. That goes double for the vibrant Mexican cuisine to be had here; from vibrant venues to a range of taco and margarita varieties, Brisbane’s Mexican restaurants offer a tantalising experience for the senses.
1. Maya
If you’d like your Mexican meal paired with a spectacular view of the city, look no further than Maya. Since opening in 2020, this sky-high Ann Street go-to is super popular among locals and visitors, so you might want to book a table a couple of days in advance just so you don’t miss out.
On the menu, you’ll find taco varieties such as chargrilled beetroot, crispy soft shell crab, beer-battered snapper, pork belly, and slow-cooked lamb. There’s even a whole page on the drinks list dedicated to margaritas.
📍 757 Ann St, Fortitude Valley
2. California Tacos
After becoming a go-to Mexican joint on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, California Tacos is now open in Brisbane.
While the neon-lit oasis is known best for serving up Australia’s biggest nachos, they also make mean tacos which certainly aren’t lacking in the sauce department.
📍 120 Boundary St, West End
3. Viva La Cali
From the team that brought comic book-inspired bar 1st Edition to the Valley comes Viva La Cali, an open-air, SoCal-inspired laneway bar that’s as big on vibes as it is on flavours.
Spread across 80 square metres, Viva La Cali presents a relaxed and casual experience, whether it be for a margarita or meal (or both). Menu highlights include their mouthwatering tacos as well as the Bugs Bunny Margarita, which is mixed with house-made sour carrot juice.
Viva La Cali also offers bottomless tacos and margaritas on Sundays.
📍California Lane, 22 McLachlan St, Fortitude Valley
4. California Native
California Native, which is decked out with retro artworks and Californian souvenirs, puts a classic Cali spin on Mexican dishes. Dig in to a serving of nachos topped with braised ancho chicken, succulent sizzling steak tacos served with avocado salsa verde, or delicious house-baked enchiladas. And to finish: a sweet sticky date and walnut cake.
📍321 Chatsworth Rd, Coorparoo
5. La Carmela
La Carmela is a haven for Mexican food lovers, with an impressive array of food choices and vibrant atmosphere that makes it a choice spot for tacos, tequila and more.
Indulge in their delectable margaritas and tantalising dishes, such as the highlight birria tacos and slow-cooked beef nachos.
📍25 Caxton St, Petrie Terrace
6. Baja Modern Mexican
Head to Brunswick Street’s Baja to indulge in a myriad of delectable dishes that’ll treat your taste buds to a true taste of the namesake cuisine, an intriguing fusion of Mexican, Mediterranean, and Asian elements. From the succulent prawn tostadita to the tasty queso fresca, you can expect freshness and innovation at this cosy cantina.
Quench your thirst with their extensive cocktail menu, from margaritas to palomas and more.
📍211 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
7. Comuna Cantina
At Comuna Cantina’s pair of highly Instagrammable restaurants, you’ll discover a delightful selection of Mexican favourites, such as crispy chicken and fish tacos, as well as plenty of margaritas and sharing cocktails.
The lively interiors, complemented by good music and comfortable seating, also sets the stage for a memorable dining experience.
📍12 Creek St, Brisbane City – 791 Stafford Rd, Everton Park
8. La Patrona
Set in a vibrant space full of wall art and decor, La Patrona is one of Brisbane’s hidden treasures when it comes to Mexican cuisine.
The menu is inspired by the owner’s home region of Bajio in Mexico, with stand-out choices such as the prawn tacos, salmon ceviche, and of course, plenty of margaritas.
Most of the dishes are gluten-free too.
📍11 Florence St, Teneriffe
9. Mama Taco
Excite your taste buds with heavenly eggplant, beef and prawn tacos whilst sipping on a margarita at West End fave Mama Tacos.
The ambiance at this Hardgrave Road spot exudes a relaxed vibe, with pink-hued interiors to enhance the overall affair. It’s a perfect spot for dinner dates and dining with friends.
📍Shop 4/59 Hardgrave Rd, West End