Baja

THE VERDICT

Joining the new FV by Peppers precinct at the very northern end of Brunswick Street, this hip new Mexican restaurant is sleek and understated—there’s not a hint of Day of the Dead theming here (though you will spot very real cactuses lining the window). Instead, wicker lamp shades cast a patterned shade over panelled bench seating, tiled high tables and polished concrete floors, with a marbled bar lining one side of the intimate dining area. 

On the menu you can expect polished northern Mexican food but with a local twist—think roasted boneless chicken wings with pomegranate molasses and a buttermilk and coriander dressing, or twice cooked octopus tentacles with citrus, chile oil and squid ink burnt jalapeno soy sauce. Taco aficionados need not despair however, as there’s more than a few of those on the menu too, piled with beer battered king fish and chipotle slaw or spicy marinated pork shoulder with salsa and pineapple. 

We haven’t even started on the margaritas and tequila cocktails, of which you’ll find a lengthy list on top of a hefty selection of wines and beers. Small batch tequilas and mezcals are joined with the ingredients like saffron syrup, celery syrup, cold brew coffee and orange blossom water for a drinks list with nary a frozen marg to be seen—and we’re 100% for it. 

Image credit: Larissa Drazic