When it comes to cuisines, Mexican is most definitely a crowd pleaser. It’s no surprise really, given that it’s fast, fresh, and involves tequila. At Urban List, we can’t get enough of it so we’ve been busy hunting down the best Mexican restaurants in Perth/Boorloo—from casual family favourites to cool kid hangouts.
So, what are you waiting for? Here are Perth’s best Mexican restaurants.
Jalisco
Doubleview
Image credit: Jalisco | Instagram
The crew at Jalisco have dedicated plenty of time to refining their Cali-inspired Mexican recipes and building out a solid line-up of boutique tequila labels, and boy are we glad. The ancho margarita might just be the best marg in all of Perth and the delightfully saucy and cheesy birria tacos are next-level good. Tecate beer buckets and the option to chuck the footy on the telly make this an awesome spot for dinner with mates.
INSIDER INTEL
- Book ahead! This spot is small and the locals fill it out
- If you're hungry, the massive Cali Burrito will sort you out
- The tortillas here are supplied by the local legends at La Tortilla
Tommy Tacos
Highgate
Image credit: Tommy Tacos | Instagram
Chef Tomas Bidois has taken over the hidden laneway next door to Si Paradiso in Highgate—slinging all sorts of LA-inspired Mexican street eats in a casual setting. The standouts at Tommy Tacos has to be the birria beef and Baja fish tacos, but honestly, it's all damn good, especially when you wash it down with a tommy or two.
INSIDER INTEL
- They do a Mexican bottomless on Saturdays and Sundays, with free-flowing margs
- Keep an eye out for specials like birria spring rolls and birria ramen
La Condesa
Subiaco
Image credit: La Condesa | Instagram
Clint Nolan has struck gold again with La Condesa. Think of this upscale Mexican cantina as the classier older sister of Northbridge fave, La Cholita—serving marvellous Mexican eats and god-tier margaritas but in a more refined Tulum-inspired setting.
INSIDER INTEL
- If you haven't booked, nab a seat at the bar or go for a pre-dinner drink at the hidden bar out the back
- The spicy passionfruit and jalapeno margarita is a must
- You can also come here in the morning for bottomless brunch
La Cabana
South Fremantle
Image credit: La Cabaña | Instagram
La Cabaña in South Fremantle is the place to go for classic Mexican flavours. Think tacos, ceviche and an ice-cold drink to wash it all down. We’re obsessed with the exotic cocktail menu—incorporating local ingredients with a fresh and delicious kick, it is not one to be missed. They’re also one of the few places in Perth whipping up epic tacos al pastor—that’s spit roasted pork for those of you playing at home. Not to mention, their cool outside courtyard is the perfect place for a laidback fiesta.
INSIDER INTEL
- The corn tentacles are iconic
- These guys are now open for breakfast on weekends
- Perfect for a boozy long lunch
La Cholita
Northbridge
Image credit: La Cholita | Instagram
If you love tequila, La Cholita is the place to be; it's got one of the biggest selections going around. A visit guarantees a good time and some seriously delicious food. The guac is next level here, so make sure you start with that before moving on to some of the larger plates, designed—as far as we can tell—to fend off a nasty tequila hangover (hint hint, late night pitchers of sangria). Make sure you try the three cheese jalapeno quesadillas and mole verde chicken. Do yourself a favour and finish with the dulce de leche chimichanga—it tastes like pure happiness.
INSIDER INTEL
- Order a serve of chips and guac as soon as you sit down. They come out in two seconds so you can nibble while you flesh out the rest of your order.
- Most of the menu is gluten-free
- Book ahead; it's always busy
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El Publico
Highgate
Image credit: El Publico | Instagram
Finding El Publico is easy—just look for the neon donkey. This place is a mainstay on Beaufort Street for good reason, dishing out mind-blowing Mexican dishes inspired by traditional regional delicacies since 2012. The vibe is on point, and the cocktails are GOOD. But we all know we’re here for the food.
INSIDER INTEL
- Be sure to try their Birriadilla: delicious slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth, cheesy beef quesadillas with a delicious birria consomme
- If you love cherry cola, you have to try the Lola cocktail
- On Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays you can get a special six taco set for $43
Al Pastor Taqueria
Fremantle
Image credit: Al Pastor Taqeria | Elle Borgward
Sitting pretty inside the Sunshine Harvester Works is Al Pastor Taqueria. If you’re a fan of the food from RoyAl’s, look no further—these street food-esque delights are brought to us by the very same guys. There’s so much deliciousness on offer from tacos to quesadillas, but we highly recommend their signature beef short ribs. Make sure you wash it down with a tequila cocktail or Mexican beer.
El Grotto
Scarborough
Image credit: El Grotto | Instagram
There are few things in life that can beat tacos and tequila by the beach, and El Grotto knows it. They’ve nailed the cocktail selection, and the food menu is full of all our favourites. We’re yet to try anything that we don’t rate, but the zucchini tostada is one of our favourite things to eat right now. Throw in some live music and regular deals like $4 tacos, $6 lagers and $14 cocktails and we're sold, hombre.
INSIDER INTEL
- Head in on Thursdays for $4 tacos and epic drink specials
- Perfect for sundowner bites by the beach
Caballitos
Perth
Image credit: Caballitos | Instagram
Caballitos isn’t a restaurant per se, it’s a bar that serves damn good Mexican food—so good that we couldn’t possibly leave them off a list of Perth’s best Mexican joints. Upon entry you’re bound to notice the stripper pole, which is a pretty good indication this is a place that knows how to party, and after a few of their signature tequila cocktails, we’re betting a little pole dancing is almost inevitable.
INSIDER INTEL
- They’re serving up tacos ‘til late in the night
- Tacos can be made gluten-free on request
- The guacamole is also next-level
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