Perth is home to a cuisine that’s spreading like delicious wildfire – Mexican cuisine. From smoky salsas to molten queso and perfectly spiced carnitas, Perth’s Mexican restaurants are a taco lover‘s dream come true. Vibrant colours and bold flavours reign supreme at these culinary havens, so whether you’re a fan of spicy salsas or crave the perfect margarita, these sensational Mexican restaurants in Perth have got you covered. A fiery, flavour-filled journey that will leave you craving seconds – and maybe even thirds! – awaits, so gather your amigos and let’s go…
1. el Publico
An achingly cool spot inspired by the heritage of the Mexican cocina, el Publico is highlighted by delectable cuisine and warm service. Since opening in 2012, they’ve served up tantalising dishes like the Birriadilla taco, which arrives with a steaming jar of liquid gold consommé to enhance each bite. The corn chips are sensational, and the drinks selection is truly impressive, whilst those with a more adventurous palate can try their famed fried crickets, served with ancho chilli salt. Maybe they’ll leave you yearning for more?
📍511 Beaufort St, Highgate WA 6003, Australia
2. La Cholita
Perth’s CBD has a clear Mexican champion in the form of La Cholita, a bustling treasure where the sangria flows and the ambience is lively. The menu showcases mouthwatering dishes like the beef tongue taco with a zesty ranchero sauce, and the crumbed prawn taco with pickled red cabbage and creamy guacamole. Don’t miss out on the quesadillas’ tempting cheesiness, and we’re giving you all the permission you need to indulge in their thoughtfully curated tequila list.
📍279 William St, Northbridge WA 6003, Australia
3. La Cabaña
With a seasonally-changing menu that might hero slow-cooked beef one visit, or delectable corn ribs the next, La Cabaña in South Freo is just a stone’s throw away from the beach. That seasonal menu offers a delightful variety, but the quality of Western Australian seafood and a spot near South Beach means there’s usually incredible fish dishes on offer. The cosy ambience is captivating, especially during sunny days when snagging a seat in their lush, plant-filled courtyard and relaxing with a cool margarita in hand will transport you to the heart of Mexico.
📍400 South Terrace, South Fremantle WA 6162, Australia
4. Pancho’s
Still going strong after forty years in the Mexican restaurants business, a visit to Pancho’s is like stepping into a lively fiesta. The ambiance is electric, creating an immersive and unforgettable dining experience, especially if you’re diving into the banquet menus or hosting a party. The succulent chicken enchiladas are, for our money, the best on the menu, but the Tex-Mex influence shines through clearly in snackable sides like the perfectly spiced jalapeño poppers. You won’t want to skip the cocktail menu, either.
📍885 Albany Hwy, East Victoria Park WA 6101, Australia
5. On the Border
Truly On the Border in the sense that it’s right on the outskirts of Perth, this place is a proper fiesta. Their divine signature margaritas are a true delight to sip, whilst the Southern California-Mexican (hence the restaurant’s name) inspired menu creates a memorable experience. There’s a tantalising array of mouthwatering dishes, including the popular spicy chipotle wings to start, and the Mexi Parmi that straddles these two distinct but complimentary food cultures.
📍Unit 3/28 Anchorage Dr, Mindarie WA 6030, Australia
6. Al Pastor Taqueria and Tequila Bar
Potentially Freo’s finest Mexican joint, Al Pastor Taqueria and Tequila Bar offers a rustic setting that sets an inviting stage. Each dish is a celebration of authentic tastes, from the incredible handmade corn tortillas to the mouthwatering beef tacos. Flavour and freshness reign supreme throughout the menu, aided by the the culinary sorcerers in the kitchen, whilst the lively ambiance is aided by an excellent tequila menu and thirst-quenching frozen margs.
📍1 James St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
7. Hermanos En Cantina
Hermanos En Cantina puts Tex-Mex on the menu for a joyous celebration of food. You’ll find them in Mount Lawley, serving up meticulously crafted tacos bursting with an array of flavours for just $9 a pop. Try the Texas Red – with pulled beef brisket and avo – or the Dos Caros, with hand-battered, hand-fried shrimp, for our picks of the menu. They’re devoted nacho lovers too, claiming theirs to be amongst Australia’s best; as always, we’ll leave the final decision to you!
📍663 Beaufort St, Mount Lawley WA 6050, Australia
8. Caballitos
Caballitos in Perth surprises with its cool and captivating Mexican oasis. There’s a heavy sprinkling of irreverent fun – owing to its place in the Sneakers & Jeans family of bars and venues – that you’ll see as soon as you find the place. Follow the winking horse to a vibrant hideaway where talented staff expertly craft zesty chilli margaritas that dance on your palate. Those margs flow especially freely on Saturdays, but the Caballitos gang needs little excuse for a party, as their Margi Mondays and Nacho Typical Thursdays make all-too-plain…
📍26 Queen St, Perth WA 6000, Australia