The best Mexican restaurants in Perth

Stepping into La Condesa feels like arriving in a pared-back Tulum getaway. This modern Mexican cantina by hospitality heavyweight Clint Nolan serves tasty tacos, seasonal seafood and share plates with an aesthetic backdrop of terracotta-toned decor. There's an extensive cocktail list filled with creative concoctions, each served from a bar piled high with agave spirits and crafted mixers. Refinement meets unpretentious fun – it’s Mexican coastal luxe without the airfare.

Address: 483 Hay St, Subiaco

Price: Expect to pay $45 per head 

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 house special cocktails as well as 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!) 

Only five minutes from the Perth CBD, 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 and some new ones, 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 (we’re talking tacos, dessert, frozen cocktails and house tequila), and kids under 12 eat free every day.

To take away the guess work, there’s a very handy meal code on the menu that clearly illustrates chef recommendations, gluten-free and vegetarian options, as well as the meals likely to take a little longer to prepare and the ones containing nuts, alcohol and seafood – super useful. There’s also a separate (and very large) vegan menu, so those with dietary requirements or preferences won’t be missing out. 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 unsatisfied. 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 duck tacos. 

Address: 26 Queen St, Perth 

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 we’re talking Margaritas, Iced Tea-Quila, the Bloody Maria or the Native Negroni. Dishes are designed to be shared, and menu items include the famous 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 is damn good here. 

Address: 400 South Terrace, South Fremantle

Price: Expect to pay $40 per head

Tuck into the tacos and tequila or a beer and burrito at Mexican Kitchen. This family-owned, traditional Mexican joint has been a favourite in the heart of Freo’s famous cappuccino strip since 1980. Vibrant with colour and quirkiness, the venue is deceiving in size. From the street, it gives off a tiny hole-in-the-wall vibe, but when you walk in, you'll discover an underground dining area and bar. Mexican Kitchen is open from Tuesday to Sunday for dinner and lunch on weekends. Looking for a bargain? We’re tempted by their $30 fishbowl Fridays and $12 Margarita Sundays.

Address: 19 South Terrace, 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-sangrita 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 Street, Mount Lawley

Price: Expect to pay $25