El Topo

The verdict

Bondi Junction establishment, The Eastern, prides itself on having the best Mexican food in Sydney at its restaurant, El Topo. With bright colourful interiors and cheeky skeleton-backed chairs, it’s the day of the dead everyday at this Mexican Bondi gem. This is no ordinary Old El Paso, with authentic flavours of tamarind, crispy pork, guajillo chillies, avocado leaf, jicama fruit and cactus leaf given a modern twist by Phil Davenport of Toque 12, and executive chef Brett Barker.

The menu is vast, ranging from classic quesadillas to more daring dishes like scallop ceviche and 12-hour beef short ribs. They’ve got all your Mexican favourites with no less than five taco varieties for you and your mates to share. The chipotle pork filling and fried gemfish option come highly recommended whilst for those that are looking for something a bit more substantial, you can’t go past the smoked pepper enchiladas or Oaxaca whole snapper. Everyone is welcome at this Mexican fiesta too, with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options to appease all. And to top off your Mexican feast, the Mexican doughnuts and tequila and lime sorbet will go down a treat.

Speaking of tequila, El Topo’s bar is well-stocked with no less than 100 Mexican spirits for you to choose from as well as a host of margaritas to kick-start your meal. Having trouble choosing? We recommend opting for the flight of the month, just have a chat with one of their friendly staff and they’ll have your drinks sorted for the night.

So grab a group and get stuck in to a Mexican fiesta for the ages. 

Image credit: Jackielyn Powell