The best Mexican restaurants in Perth

Hold on to your hats – and by hats, we mean sombreros – because you’re in for a treat. Caballitos is a late-night tequila bar, nightclub and Mexican cantina, right in the heart of Perth. It's always a party in this Mexican bar, with DJs, mariachi bands, pole dancing and pinata parties – what more could you want? There’s even the resident tattoo artist inking free, custom flash tats. Spanish for 'little horse', Caballitos has more than 200 tequilas and mezcals, loads of loco cocktails, beers, vino and twists on authentic Mexican tipples. There are, of course, Margaritas and Sangria, but the venue also has a load of special cocktails as well as the classics. The food list isn’t massive, but it does the job. With fillings of roasted pork belly, smoky black beans, char-grilled chicken and pulled beef, soft tacos are the hero of the small but delicious menu. And everything can be made gluten-free.

Address: 26 Queen St, Perth 

Price: Expect to pay $60 per head (including a couple of cocktails) 

Pancho’s has been known for more than 40 years as the place to go for laid-back Mexican dining. You’ll want to come extra hungry, because the servings are generous and you won't want to let something so tasty go to waste. The menu boasts all the favourites, including nachos baked to perfection, chilli con queso, enchiladas, tacos and burritos, coupled with loaded fries and jalapeno poppers. The team at Pancho’s know how to pack a punch and a good deal, with loads of weekly specials to take advantage of. On Monday there's half-price nachos, $20 meal combos on Tuesday and Wednesday, $7 Thursday specials (we’re talking tacos, dessert, frozen cocktails and house tequila), and kids under 12 eat free every day. They also have banquet menus, plus a separate vegan menu. And most meals can also be ordered as mild, medium or hot.

Address: 885 Albany Hwy, East Victoria Park

Price: Expect to pay $45 per head

Fusing the modern with the traditional, El Publico is one of Perth’s best Mexican joints. With a menu featuring the likes of mushroom quesadillas and chicken, pork, fish and cauliflower tacos, you won’t be going home hungry. If decision-making isn’t your forte, and picking one thing is proving too strenuous a task, El Publico offers a Feed Me menu, where for just $59 you'll get four courses, including ceviche and tacos. Also check out their weekly specials.

Address: 511 Beaufort St, Highgate 

Price: Expect to pay about $40 per head

Clint Nolan might not be the most Spanish name in the phonebook, but don’t let that put you off the hombre’s loud, no-holds-barred and – most important of all – fun homage to Mexican food and drink. As you’d expect, tequila gets star billing. If you’re a purist, working your way through the bar’s 70 or so bottles – give or take a Mezcal or six – will keep you busy. In the kitchen, the red-shirted team keep it similarly real. While booze-friendly entradas in the vein of grilled octopus and zesty pico de gallo keep those at the bar merry, those seated in the restaurant section have the whole proverbial enchilada to choose from. We’re partial to the tostadas, particularly the avocado and crab configuration.

Address: 279 William St, Northbridge

Price: Expect to pay around $50 per head

If you’re chasing a West Australian take on coastal Mexican cuisine, this South Freo joint is where it’s at. Grab your amigos and venture to this historic port city because you'll want to start with the very interesting drinks menu that's got plenty of Margaritas, tons of tequila, more mezcal that you can dream of, plus Mexican vino and cerveza (beer). Thirst quenched, get some food that's made for sharing – fish tacos, ceviche and braised beef shin with beans and chorizo. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available. And make sure you get the guacamole – it's darn good. 

Address: 400 South Tce, South Fremantle

Price: Expect to pay $40 per head

There are many reasons why we love El Grotto, one of which is the Spicy Marg, made with jalapeño blanco, apricot
lemon and orgeat. The tacos here come in vegan and vegetarian options alongside fish, pork belly and chicken – the staff favourite is the fried cauliflower with salsa macha, roasted pepitas, ricotta salata and coriander. El Grotto's bar is only a stone's throw from the sapphire sea and sandy paradise of Scarborough Beach, so if you sit outside, you'll be able to drink in the salty sea air along with your Mexican Standoff (mezcal, Aperol, lime, passionfruit and pineapple) or Bloody Maria (like a Bloody Mary, with tequila in place of vodka). If you're after something more substantial than tacos, you can also get  quesadillas, seafood ceviche, burritos and tostadas. Fire up the group chat for a night of beachside Mexican-infused fun and mosey over for drinks and a feed after a day spent by the water.

Address: Shop 5/148 The Esplanade, Scarborough

Price: Expect to pay $40 per head

A tequila bar and taqueria with a cheeky streak, Jalisco brings Cali‑inspired Mexican street food to suburban Perth in a big way. Think artfully assembled tacos paired with a bar stacked full of tequilas, mezcals and fun cocktails. It’s the kind of spot where the staff help you pick the best mezcal-and-sangria chaser, and by the end of the night, you feel like you've become a tequila expert. Casual but character-rich, Jalisco nails the festive spirit of Mexico with friendly service and flavours that pack a punch.  

Address: 197B Scarborough Beach Rd, Doubleview

Price: Expect to pay $40 per person

This joint's famed quesabirria tacos will have your mouth watering long before the first bite. What began as a popular food truck at Scarborough markets is now a beloved Mount Lawley venue delivering crispy‑toasted birria tacos dipped in consommé, loaded fries, nachos and fresh agua frescas. The venue is compact and casual, with seating inside or under a pop-up marquee, and staff are laid-back experts in cheesy comfort. It’s the kind of place you go when you need a molten‑cheese moment.

Address: Shop 3/80 Walcott St, Mount Lawley

Price: Expect to pay $25