Craving tacos? Here’s where to find the best Mexican food in Brisbane
When it comes to world cuisine, we have a lot to thank the country of Mexico for. While a lot of us are no strangers to a humble burrito, true Mexican food enthusiasts know there is so much more to it – fresh flavours, crisp textures and simple recipes are what make an authentic Mexican dish truly great. Other countries have also borrowed from Mexico’s rich and vibrant culinary culture to create food fusions that we could only dream of – so whether you’re picky about pico de gallo or salivating for a birria taco, Brisbane has you covered. We’ve rounded up the best spots to get your Mexican food fix in Brisbane – let’s taco ‘bout it.
Baja, Fortitude Valley: If Mexican food makes you think of layers of cheese and sour cream, allow Baja to take you down a fresher route. The modern Cali-Mex eatery focuses on health and quality, showcasing local ingredients interpreted into classic dishes inspired by the culinary scene of its geographical namesake. Chow down on the signature Baja fish taco with beer-battered reef fish and chipotle slaw, pork croquettes with pineapple and chilli relish, and fried cauliflower with pickled onions and delicious creme fraiche.
Cartel Del Taco, Hawthorne and New Farm: If you’re wondering what the specialty is at this Hawthorne haunt, it’s all in the name. This Mexican-inspired street taqueria is all about doing tacos (and a few other bites) the right way. Seven kinds of tacos are up for grabs, including TROMPO spit-grilled pork al pastor, beef brisket suadero, slow-cooked beef birria, carne asada and a beer-battered snapper. That’s not all – Cartel Del Taco also serves snacks like chargrilled corn, chipotle adobo, octopus tostadas and empanada-style beef pasties, as well as tequila and mescal-infused cocktails from the bar.
Comuna Cantina, Brisbane City and Everton Park: While it might not be a straight-up Mexican eatery, don’t dismiss Comuna Cantina – this lively eatery draws inspiration from all over South and Central America. Starters like grilled corn, guacamole and tacos hint to the menu’s Mexican influence, while heartier options like nachos, quesadillas and burritos have all been given a pan-Latin spin. Be sure to check out the crazy cocktails – there’s a dedicated section for margs, of course.
El Planta, South Brisbane: Blossoming from humble Wandering Cooks-based upstart into a bona fide culinary star in its own right, El Planta has been knocking it out of the park with its menu of plant-based Mexican eats. The South Brisbane bar and eatery’s menu has something even die-hard carnivores will enjoy, with the menu morphing weekly. Highlights include hand-pressed tortilla options including beer-battered palmito fillet and pineapple salsa, and seasoned corn lathered in poblano crema and cojita cheese. Spare a thought for the beverage list too – the mezcal-laced margaritas and negronis are seriously great sips.
El Torito, West End: Those seeking a truly homemade Mexican experience best make tracks to El Torito, a family-run restaurant that has been feeding West Enders since 1996. Built on a foundation of traditional Mexican dishes like chilaquiles and chochinita pibil, eventually more well-known eats like burritos, chimichangas and fajitas came to join the menu – meaning there is something for everyone. As for the drinks, the authenticity carries over – margaritas, micheladas and horchata can be found flowing here.
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Mama Taco, West End: In early 2020, Hardgrave Road in West End welcomed a colourful bar and eatery that pays homage to the taquerias and mezcalerias of Mexico. Mama Taco seeks to shine a spotlight on Mexican cuisine, showcasing the depth and history of some of the country’s diverse culinary regions. The menu encompasses tacos, platos (larger plates), en el lado (sides) and postre (desserts), with standout dishes including caramelised cumin eggplant tacos with queso fresco, wild king prawn tacos with watermelon radish and raspberry chipotle mayo, aguachile with aji chilli, and the signature Mama Burrito with saffron arroz, frijoles and more. Additionally, Mama Taco’s libation list is part deep-dive exploration and part educational experience on all things agave – think flights of mezcal and tequila and agave-infused cocktails, as well as Mexican cerveza and new wave Australian wines.
Mexicali Bar Y Taqueria, Bulimba: Earlier last year beloved Gold Coast hotspot Mexicali opened a Bulimba location, to the general delight of many Brisbanites. This colourful rooftop bar and eatery anchors its offerings around the original’s best-selling items – think beef birria quesatacos, crispy snapper pescadillas, tacos al pastor, Moreton Bay bug tacos, jalapeno poppers, and chilli-salt squid with chipotle mayonesa, while its cadre of Mexican-born chefs keep things interesting with a host of new dishes to watch out for. Plus, Mexicali’s bar serves eight kinds of margarita (infused with 100-percent blue agave tequila) alongside a suite of mezcals, cervezas, sangrias and micheladas. Can you say salud?
La Bodega Taqueria, East Brisbane: Recently awarded Best Mexican Restaurant of 2025, La Bodega Taqueria nods to the LA food-truck scene shaping its menu of approachable fare, which, as you might expect, is big on tacos. In the kitchen, a slowly spinning vertical TROMPO grill lovingly cooks La Bodega’s adobe pork al pastor, which is carved and served on tortillas with grilled pineapple salsa and a sprinkling of slaw. Though a must-try option, you’d be remiss to skip La Bodega’s other taco selections, which include Yucatan chicken with chipotle crema, grilled rump steak asada with chimichurri, Tempura-battered and fried snapper, and slow-cooked mojo jackfruit with grilled queso. As for the larger gear, be sure to keep an eye out for the enchilada – a layered number reminiscent of a Mexican-style lasagna. Recently we got the low-down on a brand-new location opening this October.
MAYA Mexican, Fortitude Valley: Inspired by Mexico’s captivating coastal regions, MAYA Mexican offers fresh produce and light flavours – think fire-roasted peppers coated in habanero-infused honey, achiote-grilled chicken tacos, amber jack ceviche and Queensland Scallops baked in red chimichurri butter. The rooftop bar is amply stocked with artisanal tequilas, mezcals and sotols (that means the margaritas are top notch) as well as a host of Australian and international wines and beers both bottled and on tap.
Rita’s Tequila and Taqueria, Teneriffe: Rita’s takes a purposefully unconventional approach to Mexico’s most iconic culinary item. The team’s free-wheeling non-conformist take on tacos has resulted in a delightfully quirky and ever-changing roster of fillings, featuring the likes of miso eggplant coated in chilli caramel, slow-cooked beef barbacoa, Mediterranean-style lamb with tabbouleh and chipotle marinade, and Baja grilled prawn. Throw in snacks like baked jalapeno poppers and smoked-chilli salt corn ribs and you’ve got all the makings of a Mexican-inspired feast (with a few tasty tweaks).
La Carmela, Petrie Terrace: For authentic street-eats and a cocktail list available across three bars, look no further than La Carmela on Caxton Street. From Tuesday to Sunday this cosy, Mexican eatery offers a bold menu of Mexican classics including taquitos, enchiladas and cali street burritos, amongst unique dishes such as birria soup and churro ice cream bowl for dessert. Don’t forget to sample the Backhanded Panda cocktail with Chambord, Paraiso, vodka, lime juice and Sprite.
Poca Madre, South Bank: Step into a funky desert oasis on the corner of Little Stanley and Ernest Street in South Bank. This cruisy no-frills Mexican spot is ideal for sneaky mid-week margaritas, savvy lunch specials or fun bottomless taco date nights. Stop in for a range of comforting classics and flavoursome newcomers, including birria quesatacos, braised beef cheek tacos with salsa roja, chorizo queso fundido baked with manchego and red peppers or Pescado barramundi baked in plantain leaf with epazote-spiced salsa verde, greens and fresh pico de gallo. For the ultimate showstopper, order the 1.5-kg slow-roasted Sovereign lamb shoulder.
Pepe’s, various locations: When it comes to claiming the mantle of Brisbane’s best Mexican restaurant, ask any local and they’ll let you know that Pepe’s is a contender. The beloved institution has been pumping out authentic Mexican eats since 2006 – we’re talking flautas, enchiladas and empanadas stuffed with the freshest ingredients going, all washed down with perfectly blended margaritas. The kitchen is also extremely accommodating for people with dietary requirements – so your vegan and gluten-free mates will enjoy it just as much.
Mama de Luna, Wilston: Located on Kedron Brook Road, Mama de Luna is a cafe and restaurant that specialises in traditional Mexican food served with the kind of welcoming atmosphere you’d expect when dining in Mexico itself. Folks can stop by at breakfast for chilaquiles, breakfast quesadilla and the signature Huevos Divorciados, or pop in later for a taste of Mama de Luna’s soft tacos, tostadas, huaraches, red-rice bowls and cheesy quesadillas.
Honourable mentions: Other stalwarts of the Mexican-cuisine scene include El Camino Cantina, which boasts locations at South Bank, Bowen Hills and Chermside, as well as Mucho Mexicano over in South Bank and Hawthorne.