Best Mexican Restaurants in Melbourne

Celebrate the vivacious flavours of Mexican cuisine at Mejico, right in the heart of Melbourne. Enjoy a feast any time of day with a menu that spans from breakfast right through to dinner. There is a mix of the classic like your taco's, with small bites of street food to big plates of pulled pork and sides. Kick up your heels with the zesty beverage menu known for its lively cocktail creations.

Mejico Melbourne is suitable for functions for over 100 guests.

Tuesday to Saturday 12pm until late

Professing to be Melbourne's first true 'taqueria', Mamasita Restaurant is a spicy CBD hotspot. If you can stand the wait for a table, the fresh, vibrant tacos and authentic Mexican share plates will definitely make it worth your while. If you're hungry, utter "feed me" for six courses of Mamasita's best at a great price.

Lunch Thursday-Friday and dinner daily

Tres a Cinco is a colourful Mexican bar and cantina in downtown Melbourne. Try the Kingfish aguachile ceviche or taco with marinated pulled pork shoulder. There is a notable list of spirits, and of course some killer margaritas on the cocktail list.

Open for lunch Thursday-Sunday and dinner Wednesday-Sunday

Photography: Jake Roden

Head down the stairs to discover a glowing basement of vintage Mexican film posters and a buzzing crowd at Melbourne's Bodega Underground. True to the Melbourne bar scene this is a place that exudes character and fun, with over 80 varieties of mezcal and tequila, the cocktail list is impressive, to say the least. Bar snacks are fusion food creations like dumpling tacos, paying homage to its Mexican heritage and the Chinatown location.

Open for lunch Friday-Sunday and dinner daily

Los Pollos in the Melbourne suburb of Footscray, serves up classic Mexican street food with its speciality - flame grilled chicken with a special sauce on the menu. The beverage list is very short but affordable with a few beers, wine and tequila based cocktails.

Lunch Tuesday-Friday and dinner Tuesday-Saturday

Located right next to Luna Park, just 400 metres from St Kilda Beach, Bay City Burrito treats diners with authentic and delicious Californian/Mexican street fare. Known for its signature margaritas, and best of all, delicious, genuine burritos and tacos, Bay City Burrito is sure to please the whole family with its laid back, Mission-inspired feel.

Open for lunch and dinner daily

Funky Benzina Cantina in Preston, around 25 minutes from the CBD is all about tequila and tacos. Have fun with your mates in the rustic downstairs space or venture up to the roof with a margarita or 2.  But whatever you do, just don't forget the house made churos with warm chocolate sauce.

Open Wednesday-Sunday from 5pm

Tucked behind the Novotel in Kingsway, The Black Toro is the venture from former Ezard chef, Garen Maskal - a chef who believes that simplicity and respect for quality produce is the key to great cooking. The Hispanic-themed restaurant offers guests with a Mexican and Peruvian inspired menu, serving innovative dishes which showcase a range of skill and technique.

Open for lunch Thursday-Friday and dinner Tuesday-Saturday

From the popular kitchen of Mamasita comes the lively and Mexican inspired Hotel Jesus in trendy Collingwood. Come and try the much-talked-about and Melbourne cult status dish of Mexican-meets American inspired tacos and invigorating cocktails. A visit to the hotel alone to see the interior design is worth the trip alone, with it's 1950's ice-cream store inspired decor of white tiled walls, bright baby blue finishings, coke signage and neon signs. A fun and bubbly neighbourhood favourite.

Open for lunch Friday-Sunday and dinner Tuesday-Sunday

Chido Chido Bar and Cantina in the Mercure Hotel in Doncaster serves up modern authentic Mexican favourites using Australian produce and great 'south of the border' cocktails.  The rooftop terrace offers views- perfect during Happy Hour!

Open daily for lunch and dinner