This is nacho average food trail – seven places to get Mexican cuisine in Canberra
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Not so long ago, it felt almost impossible to find a delicious and authentic taco or quesadilla in Canberra.
But with an influx of Mexican eateries flinging open the doors to their casas, we’re suddenly drowning in Margaritas and corn chips – and we’re not mad about it.
The perfect combination of comfort food and flavoursome yet simple meals, we’ve put together a list that will gauc your world if you’re craving some Mexican-inspired goodness. From authentic dishes to classic favourites and unique twists, here are seven places in Canberra to treat your tastebuds to some Mexican cuisine.
This is nacho average food trail.
Loquita
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This refined mezcal bar and eatery opened in 2021 to bring experimental and elevated Mexican flavours to the Civic’s Garema Place – and with $4 Taco Tuesdays, it’s no surprise it quickly became a local favourite.
Recently unveiling a new menu that puts chilli front and centre (which includes a tequila shot that’s so spicy you need to sign a waiver first), taqueria-style food that highlights the flavours of Mexico’s vibrant regions, and an extensive range of mezcal tequila is the main focus for this experimental eatery, making it perfect for a fiesta.
17 Garema Place, City | loquita.com.au
Fonda Mexican
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Fond Mexica has carved out its own little slice of contemporary Mexican-influenced dining in Canberra’s city. While it is part of a restaurant chain that began in Victoria, what makes this venue so unique is they don’t play by the rules – and their dining offerings go beyond your basic crunchy taco shell.
From margarita-tasting paddles to hefty roasted sweet potato burritos and cheesy nachos, a visit here will transport you south of the border without the need for a passport.
Shop FG10/148 Bunda Street, City | fondamexican.com.au
Cabo
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Ever wanted to go to Cabo? Well, there’s an oasis right here in Canberra. Brought to life by Lala Hospitality Group (who also own Amici and Highball), Canberra’s Cabo is a place where tequila reigns supreme, with offerings that include Tequila Tastings and Build Your Own Margarita experiences. But they also have an extensive food offering.
From taqueria platters (which include eight fresh flour tortillas served with pico de gallo, guacamole, green tomatillo and corn salsa, lettuce, cotija cheese, sour cream and salsa, pickled onion and coriander as well as your choice of filling) to Chicharron, you’ll feel like you’re in Mexico with a cocktail in hand, without leaving town.
Melbourne Building, 27 Northbourne Avenue, City | cabocanberra.bar
Mochachos
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Known for their dry spiced and flame-grilled Mexican chicken and flavoursome meals (which include burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and chimichangas), Mochachos in Kingston offers a lot more than corn chips and guac.
A must-try to cross off your bucket list? Fried until it’s perfectly crispy and golden, their homemade chimichanga has all of the rich flavours of Mexico.
34 Eyre Street, Kingston | mochachos.com
Cartel Taqueria
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If you haven’t been to Cartel in Queanbeyan yet, you’re missing out. Making a name for themselves for their loaded, delicious and picture-perfect tacos, on the menu you’ll also find cheesy nachos, fritter bites, churros and more.
Add in a frozen margarita (perfect for sipping on while enjoying their picturesque water views on a hot summers day) you may not be in Mexico but you sure will taste it.
Ray Morton Park, 6 Trinculo Place, Queanbeyan East | carteltacos.au
Jarochos
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Tasty and legit – that’s the best description of Jarochos. A family-run small business that’s dedicated to creating authentic Mexican food, recently opened on Braddon’s Lonsdale Street.
All gluten-free, order one of their six-inch tacos (that range from marinated pork, spices, pineapple, onion, and coriander to Mexican mushrooms and corn landed on cheese, with onion and coriander) to spice up your life.
10/60 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | jarochos.com.au | @jar_ochos
Paloma’s
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Right next door to Hopscotch – and with the same owner, Nick Parkinson – Paloma’s is described as three parts bar, one part restaurant (inspired by its namesake cocktail – three parts grapefruit, one part tequila).
It’s Mexican-inspired, serving up an impressive line-up of Mezcal, Tequila, cocktails, local wines and a Paloma’s collab Mexican Lager with Capital Brewing Co. Relaxed and shareable Latin-style bites – tacos and moreish bowls of chips and guac – will no doubt go down a treat.
2/5 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | palomas.bar
Feature image: Ben Calvert Photography.
