Taqiza 2.0 brings a breath of fresh air to the Hub on Hall Street where it sits in good company among superstar Bondi eateries including Lulu, Da Orazio, China Diner and Bills. Following a successful six-year stint on Glenayr Avenue, the Milpa Collective team (Bar Lucia, Santa Catarina, Londres 126, Carbòn, Sonora) have moved their popular taqueria down the road to the former La Palma space. This second iteration of Taqiza will still give the locals what they want – tasty tacos from different regions of Mexico, plus hits from the past six years – with a new focus on premium and rare mezcal and agave spirits.
Taqiza translates to ‘taco party’ in Spanish so you know you’re in for a good time. What the restaurant lacks in size, it makes up for in bold flavours and vivid colours inspired by Mexico. Every feast should start with Taqiza’s tropical guacamole featuring avocado, mango, roasted coconut and plantain chips; street corn with pasilla mayo, fresco cheese, crispy shallots and tajin (chilli and lime seasoning); or passionfruit tuna ceviche with habanero, sesame oil, cucumber and tostadas.
Tacos are the star of the show and you’ll find classics like Baja fish, and crisp pork belly, alongside modern creations including blackened salmon and beer-braised beef cheeks. All tacos are $6 on Tuesdays, and classic and jalapeño Margaritas are just $14. To share, there are barramundi corn empanadas; slow-cooked beef brisket quesabirria (a cheesy version of a birra taco); grilled octopus with chorizo, bone marrow, chipotle mayonnaise, fresco cheese and warm corn salad; and sugar-dusted churros with hazelnut and dulce de leche ice cream.
Head bartender Luna Ercoli has curated a classic yet adventurous cocktail menu featuring refreshing Margaritas such as the Watermelon Sugar with Blanco tequila, raicilla, lime, watermelon and pandan; or the ‘Only in Bondi’ Healthy Margy with Blanco tequila, spinach and zucchini juice, lime and vanilla. Taqiza’s fruit-infused Sangria Fresca takes three days to make and can be chased with one of 150 mezcal and agave spirits including the 5 Sentidos Arroqueno, Derrumbes Michoacan and Balta Wild Tepeztate.
Warm into the weekend with Taqiza’s favourite DJs spinning vinyl tunes every Friday, or let the lively rhythm of Latin bands transport you to the shores of Mexico during their Sunday sessions. The blush-coloured walls and lime furnishings add to Taqiza’s laidback beachside aesthetic and you’ll almost feel like you’re dining in a luxe hacienda on the Mexican coastline.
Bring on the tacos, tequila and tunes, because the (taco) party never stops at Taqiza.
