The best Mexican restaurants in Sydney right now

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? Rosa Cienfuegos' Tamaleria & Mexican Deli sits on Marrickville Road in the heart of Dulwich Hill village, next to a classic patisserie, a Turkish community centre and a Moroccan homewares shop.

Why we love it: In this multicultural little pocket people queue happily, even in the heat, to get their hands on an authentic taste of Mexico City. Specifically, they are here for tamales. For vegetarians, tamales are made with vegetable shortening, plus there are gorditas and tlacoyos (both kinds of masa-based flatbreads with toppings).

Time Out tip: Make sure you order a horchata to go with it. They make the chilled, super-refreshing milky drink from panella sugar, condensed milk and cinnamon, and it’s a killer pick-me-up on a humid day.

Address: 463 Marrickville Rd, Dulwich Hill NSW 2203

Expect to pay: Around $18-30 for a meal

What is it? The beloved taqueria has moved from Chippendale to Redfern – and the latest reincarnation is its best one yet.

Why we love it: Whether you’re in the market for a Marg on the mezzanine, a taco on the terrace, or simply want to relive the heyday of Mexican soccer in minimum resolution (or all of the above), Ricos' latest reinvention appears to have all boxes ticked. 

Time Out tip: Save room for dessert, because you’re unlikely to find better churros around town. A snap of the crisp sugared shells reveal a soft springy centre, delicious both solo or doused in the accompanying salted de leche.

Address: 305 Cleveland St, Surry Hills NSW 2016

Expect to pay: Around $20-30 for a meal, plus dessert and drinks

What is it? Say hola to Lottie, a sun-drenched rooftop Mexican restaurant, now open atop Redfern hotel, The Eve. The 107-seat open-air diner is the latest from the Liquid & Larder crew – the team behind The Gidley, Bistecca, The Rover and Alfie’s. 

Why we love it: The menu, which is 100 per cent gluten free, features fresh, Mexican-inspired snack-style dishes using the best Aussie produce. Of course, there’s a cracking line-up of tequilas and mezcals, alongside three types of Margaritas – classic, spiced and seasonal.

Time Out tip: Traditional Mexican spirits like raicilla and sotol are also on offer.

Address: The Eve Hotel, 8 Baptist St, Redfern NSW 2016

Expect to pay: $14-18 for small plates, $38+ for a main

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 an earthy, savoury 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? 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

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? 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: The Eve Hotel, 8 Baptist St, Redfern NSW 2016

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

What is it? A tiny taqueria serving Mexican street food inside St Peters brewery, Future Brewing.

Why we love it: The casual go-to is run by Oaxaca-born Manuel Diaz and his wife Diana Farrera. What the eatery lacks in size – Nativo can seat just 14 guests – it sure makes up for in soul. The street-inspired menu of tacos and snacks features native Australian ingredients, like the al pastor pork shoulder tacos with saltbush morita salsa and guacamole with lemon myrtle oil.

Time Out tip: Here's a chef with serious street cred. Diaz has worked in some of Mexico City’s best kitchens, as well as Michelin-starred restaurant La Chevre d'Or in France and Bar Patrón and Santa Catarina here in Sydney.

Address: 82 May St, St Peters NSW 2044

Expect to pay: Around $50-80 for two, plus 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? 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? 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 Carribean 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 vibrant restaurant offers contemporary Mexican fare in a gorgeous space decked out with Pinterest-worthy decor.

Why we love it: It's not where we expected to find some of Sydney’s best Mexican food, but suddenly this once-barren stretch of Bayswayer Road is bearing delicious bounty in the form of a whole snapper, deboned and dressed like a traffic light in a zippy green tomatillo sauce on one side of the spine, a smoky red salsa on the other. 

Time Out tip: Check out the $99 bottomless brunch deal.

Address: 19, Shop 7/33 Bayswater Rd, Potts Point NSW 2011

Expect to pay: $45-55 for a 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, roastes sweet potato with chiptole 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 tequila ranging from Dos Equis to some serious offerings such as 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