Let’s face it, Mexico is… far from Adelaide, and regrettably, there are no direct flights. So, an escape to Cancun or Mexico City for sizzling Mexican cuisine is probably off the table. Thankfully, Adelaide’s own Mexican restaurants overflow with hearty enchiladas, mouthwatering street tacos, and utterly banging burritos, which will send your taste buds on a flight of their own. The Mexican food revolution has begun, with a wave of talented chefs bringing their authentic flavours and vibrant spices to local spots, so join Secret Adelaide on a delicious romp through the best Mexican restaurants in town.
1. Mexican Society
Where better place to start than a three-time winner of the best Mexican food in Adelaide award, and a twice-recognised national winner? Mexican Society will set your taste buds on fire, and whilst Gouger Street might have many tempting Chinese restaurants to sway you, it’s worth keeping on the straight and narrow to this spot.
If you’re dining as a pair, the banquets come equipped with dishes such as duck nachos, grilled octopus, and elote for sharing. Meanwhile, there’s no fewer than ten taco options to choose from, working together in a delicious symphony. We’ve been told not to skip the potent jalape帽o margaritas, either.
馃搷140 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
2. La Popular Taqueria
Nominative determinism at work? La Popular Taqueria, nestled in Port Adelaide, is a haven for true aficionados of authentic and delectable Mexican cuisine. The ambiance is accented with traditional Mexican decorations and a warm and attentive staff that ensure you feel the friendship of a true Mexican welcome.
Each dish on the menu at La Popular Taqueria is a winner, but the soul-warming sopa de tortilla (tortilla soup) and the taco de res (beef cheek taco) – bathed in a blazing three-chili sauce – are cited as two unmissable dishes, whilst the cochinita pibil taco is bursting with flavour. To quench your thirst, their extensive selection of Mexican and local beers (nearby Pirate Life Brewing feature on the menu) and a dangerously tempting array of mezcals and tequilas should keep you happy.
馃搷226 St Vincent St, Port Adelaide SA 5015, Australia
3. Zapata’s
It may be on Melbourne Street, but this place is an Adelaide treasure through and through. In fact, Zapata’s is Adelaide’s oldest Mexican restaurant, having opened back in 1975 – and yet, it remains a must-visit for all aficionados of Mexican cuisine nearly 50 years after opening.
The generous servings offer great value, whether you choose the succulent Barramundi Chimichurri in a luscious tomato sauce or the sizzling chicken fajitas. Zapata’s is your passport to an unforgettable culinary voyage!
馃搷42 Melbourne St, North Adelaide SA 5006, Australia
4. Lucky Lupitas
Importing specialty ingredients like chillies and black beans directly from Mexico gives Lucky Lupitas an authenticity you can’t fake. They parlayed their early success in Bedford Park to score a move to North Adelaide, powered by their delectable pork rice bowls & veggie nachos, and have been thriving ever since. Aside from the food, punters speak highly of the wait staff, led by Aneesh and Paula, and the must-try sangria, made with fresh, luscious fruit. It’s an ideal fusion of a vibrant atmosphere, captivating flavours, and a convivial vibe.
馃搷1/163 O’Connell St, North Adelaide SA 5006, Australia
5. Cha Chi’s Mexican Cantina
Cha Chi’s retro-looking cantina vibes are hiding some of Adelaide’s best-loved Mexican food, and the usually buzzing atmosphere is testament to this. It’s been satisfying cravings since the ’90s, thanks in part to heaped nachos, crisp flautas, and the ominously-named Fire Basket, packed with jalape帽o poppers and more. The restaurant’s jugs of flavoured margaritas – Midori, kiwi, and watermelon being just a few of the options – make it an excellent option for a squad dinner out. Also on the menu: chocolate nachos. We’ll let you be the judge of those…
馃搷493 Portrush Rd, Glenunga SA 5064, Australia
6. Saz贸n
Saz贸n on Grenfell Street (they also have a sister cafe in Mount Barker) is an excellent lunchtime option if you’re looking for Mexican food – and that’s only partly due to the fact that they don’t do a dinner service. From Monday to Friday, 7am-3:30pm, Saz贸n churns out a steady trade of strong coffee and intriguing chilli hot chocolate, but you’d be wise to drop by during the lunch hour for quesadillas, crispy sweet potato fries, and a nifty 3-for-$24 taco option. It’s perhaps your best option for Mexican food if you’re working in the CBD or wanting to break up a shopping trip to Rundle Mall.
馃搷3/19 Grenfell St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
So, whether you’re craving a zingy margarita, perfectly spiced tacos, or a rich, indulgent mole sauce, Adelaide’s Mexican food scene has got you covered. These Mexican restaurants are sure to delight even the most discerning foodies, so leave your passport behind and dive right in!