The best Mexican restaurants in Sydney right now

What is it? A proper crack at Mexican fare that doubles as a jewel in Sydney’s already highly decorated daytime dining crown? Win-win.

Why we love it: Maíz is the brainchild of co-owner Juan Carlos Negrete Lopez, a former Three Blue Ducks sous-chef and permaculture designer who hails from Baja California. And unless you have shelled out more than a few pesos at Oaxacan market stalls or on the side of the road in Puebla, quesadillas are the only item you might recognise on his expansive and exciting menu – a menu which is essentially a celebration of corn in its various incarnations.

Time Out tip: They offer a three-course corn tasting flight for $49 per person, so you can really appreciate the versatility and deliciousness of corn.

Address: 33 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042

Expect to pay: Snacks $10-$20; mains $28-$56, plus dessert and drinks

What is it? A seriously good taco party and the first bricks-and-mortar shop in Darlinghurst from beloved taco trucks in Haberfield and Carlton.

Why we love it: It’s a big call, but I reckon Papi’s serve the best birria tacos in Sydney. The consommé is out-of-this-world good: incredibly savoury, with lots of flavour and spice, plus chunks of meat throughout. The slow-cooked beef in the tacos is tender and juicy, served on a grilled corn tortilla with melted cheese, finished with fresh onion, coriander and a bright hot sauce. A squeeze of lime and you’re good to go – but you’ll need a couple of serviettes.

As well as birria, they serve classic tacos, traditional Mexican drinks, and cinnamon sugar-coated churros dipped in warm dulce de leche. Owner Lawrence Diaz started as a pop-up marquee around the start of 2023 and had their first food truck by the end of that year in Padstow. Long may it continue.

Time Out tip: Keep your eyes peeled for their new Marrickville store

Address: 147 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010

Expect to pay: Three tacos for $20; three birria tacos with consommé for $22

What is it? A cobalt-blue cantina on Bondi Road, home to delicious, authentic Mexican fare.

Why we love it: Mami’s is holy guacamole good. Go for the slow-cooked beef birria tacos, served with an incredibly savoury broth for double-dipping as you please. Nothing on the menu costs more than $20 (except the massive nachos). The team are some of the kindest people you’ll meet, and it’s BYO – what’s not to love?

Time Out tip: If you head to The Royal across the road, you can score 10 per cent off beer and 20 per cent off wine. How good is that?

Address: 286 Bondi Rd, Bondi NSW 2026

Expect to pay: Around $20 for a decent feed

What is it? Nu’u by Nativo is an authentic 60-seat Mexican taqueria and mezcal bar in Glebe, and the second Sydney venue for Michelin-trained chef Manuel Diaz (ex Bar Patrón, Santa Catarina and La Chevre d'Or in France) and partner Diana Farrera. 

Why we love it: Tex Mex this ain’t. Nu’u by Nativo’s menu pays homage to the indigenous cultures and cuisines found across the charming and vibrant state of Oaxaca.

Time Out tip: The name Nu’u (pronounced nu) means ground, and it comes from the Mixtec, an indigenous group from the state of Oaxaca in Southern Mexico, where Diaz and Ferrera are both from.

Address: 29 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037

Expect to pay: Around $50-80 for two, plus drinks

What is it? St Alma is a stylish Mexican spot from chef Tim Christensen and Jack Leary.

Why we love it: By the time the sun sets, this airy, light-filled space transforms into a heaving, buzzing celebration of La Vida Hermosa. The menu is inspired by coastal Mexico and the street food you might encounter there, with local seafood and produce featuring heavily.

Time Out tip: We loved the grilled octopus on our last visit, which in its current iterations comes with chimichurri, refried bean purée and a smattering of addictively crunchy lentils. 

Address: 20 Albert Street, Freshwater NSW 2096

Expect to pay: $20-30 for starters, $8 tacos, $32+ mains, plus sides and a dessert

Olotl is a small, family-run Mexican restaurant on King Street in Newtown, run by mum-and-daughter team Blanca Perera and Blanca Mejia. Here, you’ll find delicious, traditional Mexican fare, with everything made by hand, including the masa tortillas. Come for a deeply flavourful mole verde taco, birria tacos and braised mushroom quesadillas.

What is it? Santa Catarina is yet another venture from the Milpa Collective - a restaurant group passionate about highlighting regional cuisines of Mexico.

Why we love it: It pays homage to Oaxacan municipality, ‘Santa Catarina Minas’. The 100-seat mezcal bar boasts a large wine cellar as well as an intimate private dining room, making it the perfect place for a post-work knock-off, or a weekend out on the town.

Time Out tip: As with all good restaurants (in this writer’s humble opinion), everything is designed to share.

Address: Shop 1/152-156 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000

Expect to pay: $19-28 small plates, big plates $35-99, plus sides and drinks

What is it? A tiny corner taqueria in Chippendale, by three Mexican-born mates.

Why we love it: Radio Taco specialises in all things birria – marinated, slow-cooked beef (goat is also common in Mexico). You can get it loaded onto tacos and nachos, stuffed into a chubby burrito, and there’s even a ramen bowl – all served with consommé for double-dipping. A great, vibey little spot.

Time Out tip: Radio Taco hasn’t been open for long, but already lines snake out the door daily. I reckon your best bet is to get there around opening time – 11am. Brunch tacos, anyone? Sí!

Address: 67 Abercrombie St, Chippendale NSW 2008

Expect to pay: Three tacos for $21, plus a drink

What is it? Penrith's nightlife scene gets a colourful boost thanks to this late-night Mexican spot.

Why we love it: You’ll want to come hungry and preferably with a crew to this fab spot. Checho’s has become a red-hot favourite for locals since it opened in 2020, filling a much-needed gap in Western Sydney for contemporary Mexican fare. Pair your fiesta with a weekly changing frozen Margarita special or a Tequila Sour, and keep the drinks flowing late into the night thanks to Checho’s midnight bar licence.

Time Out tip: Not sure what to order? We've got ideas. Fill your table with spiced corn ribs; popcorn chicharrones (crackling pork belly); Mezcal halloumi; and sticky slow-cooked lamb ribs, before moving on to Checho’s signature CFC (fried chicken) or adobo (a Mexican spiced sauce) braised lamb shanks, with patatas bravas and a watermelon salad with Tajin (a chilli and lime seasoning) on the side. 

Address: Shop 1/396 High St, Penrith NSW 2750

Expect to pay: $14-29 for starters, $10 tacos, $36+ share plates, plus sides and drinks

What is it? What do you get when you combine the Maybe Sammy team with ace Mexican chef Alejandro Huert and a karaoke room? Enter, El Primo Sanchez, a colourful bar and eatery which is big on fun and flavour. Come for the tuna tostadas, stay for the Slushy Blushy cocktails (and for one more song).

Why we love it: We fell in love with the tacos in Mexico because they were bright, fresh, full of flavour – and not laden with sugary sauces and cheese like the ones you may find in some westernised joints. And while El Primo’s ones aren’t $1.50 each, they taste like the ones we’ve had in Mexico.

Time Out tip: Note that El Primo Sanchez has recently moved from its OG Paddington address to Crown Street.

Address: 410 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Expect to pay: Around $70-100 for two for a solid feed, plus drinks

What is it? This stylish Mexican restaurant is by the team behind Barangaroo’s Japanese-Peruvian restaurant, Callao, and leading the kitchen is chef-owner Rasel Zaman, as well as Mexico City-born sous chefs Alvaro Valenzuela (formerly Alma) and Ivan Castillejos (formerly Chula), who draw on their heritage in the menu.

Why we love it: If you’ve been lucky enough to visit Tulum on the coast of Mexico, you’ll know there’s a sun-soaked holiday vibe, trendy restaurants and bars, and on-point mezcal. And if not, don’t worry, because Alegre Bar and Dining channels all that at its Darling Harbour location.

Time Out tip: Go for the signature mole madre that’s served alongside full-blood Wagyu and fresh lime.

Address: King Street Wharf, 21 Lime St, Sydney NSW 2000

Expect to pay: $99-149 for a set menu experience

What is it? Sunny surf energy, Californian food and a touch of fiesta have all found their way to a private deck on Young Street, giving Neutral Bay’s decade-old rooftop bar a charming holiday narrative.

Why we love it: Palm trees and hanging plants, a coastal paint palette and coloured festoon lighting channel cool, carefree Venice Beach vibes. Taco Tuesday is the busiest night of the week and for good reason. You can wrap your fingers around $4.50 tortillas filled with fresh fish, pork al pastor or crunchy okra, while throwing back $15 Classic or Spicy Margaritas. 

Time Out tip: After another sweet deal? There's also Fajita Friday, where you can get your hands on a $40 bottomless feed.  

Address: 1 Young St, Neutral Bay NSW 2089

Expect to pay: $18 tacos (two per serve), $20-30 share plates, plus dessert and drinks 

What is it? Tommy’s in Darlinghurst is part of the local vanguard of more aspirational Mexican venues to arrive in Sydney, and you won’t find a piñata, sombrero or Lucha Libre mask anywhere in sight.

Why we love it: The menu leans heavily on staples of Mexican cuisine that are familiar (and popular), but executed with a level of care and generosity that stands them apart from their high street chain restaurant counterparts.

Time Out tip: Come to Tommy’s hungry. And when we say hungry, we mean absolutely famished, because the portions are notably ample.

Address: 263 Victoria St, Darlinghurst 2010

Expect to pay: $18+ starters, $9 tacos, $38+ mains

What is it? Behold a Mexican cantina with rockin’ tunes and a whole lot of moxy.

Why we love it: Chica Bonita has been Manly's go-to date-night spot since the dawn of time – and for good reason. The food is tasty, the Margaritas hit the spot, and the vibe is fun. And while it's probably due for a freshen up, Chica is still a reliable choice for a Mexican feed.

Time Out tip: Come early and nab a seat by the window and people watch until your heart's content. 

Address: 9 The Corso, Manly NSW 2095

Expect to pay: Around $30-65 for a solid feed, plus a Margarita or two

What is it? This hidden CBD laneway eatery by the Tequila Mockingbird team does elegant Mexican dining with pizzazz.

Why we love it: Esteban borrows from all corners of Mexico: scallop aguachile from the Western region of Sinaloa; beef barbacoa inspired by the country’s Caribbean diaspora and influences; and tacos al pastor from Puebla’s street food trucks. It’s not bound by any specific area nor by any commitment to making Mexican food in its most traditional or mainstream forms.

Time Out tip: Seeing a show? Book in for the $65 pre-theatre special.

Address: 1 Temperance Ln, Sydney NSW 2000

Expect to pay: $105-140 for a premium set menu experience

What is it? This Mexican spot on Bondi Road is grilling up tortillas, seafood and slow-cooked meats on a wood-fire barbecue. 

Why we love it: Carbòn's (which means charcoal in Spanish) signature dish is the shareable tacos, which include the likes of slow-cooked short rib, Clarence River octopus, roasted sweet potato with chipotle and Wagyu rump. You'll also find Oaxaca queso fundido, which is an unctuous cheese dip with chorizo, pico de gallo and flour tortillas for dipping; and Guajillo chilli and garlic prawns with avocado mousse.

Time Out tip: On the cocktail front drinks are focused around premium tequila and mezcal.

Address: 288 Bondi Rd, Bondi NSW 2026

Expect to pay: $17+ starters, $28+ mains, plus sides and drinks

What is it? This little cantina is just a few footsteps from the beach at Narrabeen but even in winter, the beachy vibes keep on kicking. 

Why we love it: The bar at the back is stocked with top tequila like 1942 and Don Julio. The tortillas, when served as soft shell tacos, are char-tinged and soft – they make them in-house with an old-school tortilla press made from two bits of wood and a hinge.

Time Out tip: On Thirsty Thursdays, you can get $12 Classic Margaritas.

Address: 2/209-211 Ocean St, Narrabeen NSW 2101

Expect to pay: Around $50-60 for a good feed for two

What is it? This relaxed Mexican cantina in Surry Hills keeps it simple with good tacos and tequila.

Why we love it: The tacos at El Loco feature traditional flavours and toppings just like we've had in Mexico. Our picks? Smoked Wagyu beef brisket with salsa verde, pickled jalapeño, onion and coriander; pulled pork with salsa, pickled red onion, and coriander; and chipotle chicken with pico de gallo and chipotle mayonnaise. Order that and a Spicy Marg and you'll be good to go. 

Time Out tip: Pop in from 5-7pm for $7.50 wines or $10 pints.

Address: 64 Foveaux St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Expect to pay: $19 tacos (two per serve), $22+ mains, plus drinks and a bowl of $16 churros