Mexican is one of the last cuisine frontiers that Australia has yet to truly master. Anyone who's had the privilege of spending some time in a taqueria or Mexican restaurant in South or North America will tell you this fact (as a Californian I must continue to be painfully obnoxious about this fact). There's just simply no comparing our store-bought Old El Paso taco kits to the real deal.
But slowly the Mexican restaurant scene across the country is beginning to catch up. Sydney has begun to sprout some delicious counterparts to the Latina food scene overseas, and if you, like me, are a snob about where to find your next taco or tamale or empanada, then this is a list for you.
These are the best Sydney Mexican restaurants open in 2025 – from Blacktown to Bondi. I've tried to include a mix of far-reaching efforts (though Greater Western Sydney certainly has a grip hold on the cuisine for now). These restaurants are rated on their authenticity, freshness of ingredients, popularity amongst Reddit-users and word-of-mouth alike, and of course, for their VIBES.
For all the best Mexican restaurants Sydney has to offer, read on.
1. Radio Taco (Chippendale)
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Open: Monday–Saturday
Sydney's newest viral taco spot is Radio Taco, a 12-seat dedicated birria taqueria in Chippendale, opened by three Mexican-born friends. It's situated a couple blocks back from The Abercrombie and the new Bar Fredas, but in a more suburban street. Its virality has meant that lines on a Friday or Saturday night can be long, but if you're down for the wait, it's well worth it. And while you're grabbing your birria (they do beef, chicken, mushroom and soon, goat), definitely try their hibiscus iced tea or the crispy queso tacos.
2. Tacos, Tacos, Tacos (Potts Point)
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Open: Tuesday–Saturday
Llankelly Place has been home to plenty of delicious joints, but Tacos, Tacos, Tacos still flies a little under the radar. They're only open for dinner most nights (though they do lunch on Saturdays from 1-3pm-ish), so perhaps you've walked right by it and never noticed. Their menu is small but inventive and INCREDIBLY fresh. Think: swordfish al pastor, Pork Mole and a smattering of entrees. To hydrate, they sell a select menu of Mexican sodas as well as – more recently – some alcoholic beverages.
3. Maíz (Newtown)
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Open: Tuesday–Saturday
One of the only hatted Mexican restaurants in town, Maiz serves up some of the most authentic cuisine. You won't find standard burritos and fajitas here – instead you'll be treated to a menu of unskippable treats like Tamal, Enmolada and Esquites (an incredible corn soup that you really can't go past). For drinks you can get a range of Mexican cerveza (beer), wine and Palomas (of course). Getting a table here is something you'll want to book in advance – especially for weekends and groups. It books up fast, so plan in advance.
4. The Tamaleria & Mexican Deli (Dulwich Hill)
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Open: Tuesday–Sunday
Perhaps the ultimate if-you-know-you-know spot in greater Sydney, the Tamaleria in Dulwich Hill dishes up truly authentic Mexican street food. It’s also one of the rare places where you’ll find gorditas and tamales on the menu — all handmade by owner Rosa Cienfuego, who turns out anywhere from 70 to 500 a day. And right inside, you'll find a Mexican deli that stocks imported pantry staples so you can bring a little of that flavour home with you.
5. Chica Bonita (Manly)
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Open: Tuesday–Sunday
Offering both takeaway and dine-in, Chica in Manly serves up all the Mexican-inspired classics alongside weekly burrito specials and a solid selection of cocktails and beers. Don’t skip their happy hour either — you can score $10 margaritas from 8pm on Thursdays and between 4–5pm on weekends. They’re not afraid to get creative, turning out everything from enoki mushroom burritos to loaded carne fries, and the atmosphere is just as appealing, with vibrant interiors and even bringing in a DJ for Cinco de Mayo.
6. Esteban (CBD)
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Open: every day
If you're looking for something a little more in the realm of fine dining, then I would recommend Esteban in the city. It’s a moody, multi-level Mexican restaurant tucked down Temperance Lane. You’ll find a menu shaped by regional Mexican traditions and elevated with native Australian ingredients — think house-pressed tortillas, fire-roasted seafood, and a standout Wagyu rib-eye cooked over an ironbark grill. The space itself feels special, entered through a striking 400-kilogram steel door and opening into a warm, wood-and-leather dining room. Downstairs, a tequila and mezcal bar channels a New York lounge, perfect for lingering over a thoughtful spirits list or a sharp cocktail.
7. Papis Birria Tacos (Darlinghurst) and Food Truck (Haberfield)
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Open: Darlinghurst outpost opens Tuesday–Sunday, the food truck schedule is posted weekly on Instagram
If you love birria — and I mean proper, red-stained-your-fingers birria — Papis is already on your radar. Their Darlinghurst shop and roving Haberfield food truck sling some of the juiciest, most decadent tacos in Sydney. Expect generous amounts of slow-cooked beef, cheese pulls for days, and a rich consomé that feels like an emotional support beverage. Their lines can get intense, especially on weekends, but the payoff is huge. Follow their Instagram for truck locations and drop times.
8. Mexicano (Narrabeen)
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Open: Tuesday–Sunday
A Northern Beaches favourite, Mexicano mixes coastal cool with hearty, flavour-forward Mexican cuisine. Their tacos, tostadas and quesadillas lean fresh and vibrant, and their handmade tortillas give everything an extra layer of authenticity. The drinks list is equally strong, with Chocolate Martinis and Chocolate Margaritas for dessert. It’s a buzzing, beachside spot that fills up fast, so book ahead if you’re rolling with a group.
9. Vandal Taqueria (Newtown)
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Open: Tuesday–Sunday
Mexican is already a decently gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian-friendly cuisine, but Vandal is Newtown is one of the only entirely plant-based spots you can pull up to (RIP Bad Hombres – our other vegan-friendly Mexican fave). This taqueria leans into bold flavours with a street-food energy – think smoky barbacoa, crispy 'fish' tacos, and punchy salsas that pull no punches. Inside, the space is graffitied, loud and fun in the best way possible. And somehow, they serve a six-course set menu for only $38 a head. Unreal.
10. Rico’s Tacos (Redfern)
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Open: Wednesday–Sunday
Once a cult-status food truck, Rico’s now runs a permanent spot in Redfern’s The Norfolk. Their menu is small, tightly executed and incredibly satisfying – the kind of food you crave at random times of day. Their jerk chicken tacos and piping hot churros remain a standout, but the rotating specials (like hash browns or chipotle syrup pancakes) are where the magic really happens.
11. Uncle Ayjays Food Truck (Newtown and Marrickville)
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Open: the food truck schedule is posted weekly on Instagram
An Inner West go-to, Uncle Ayjays is the definition of reliable street food. Their tacos are simple, cheap and hit the spot in a way only post-gig/pre-pub tacos can. Expect juicy meats, no-nonsense toppings – and maybe catch them in the middle of a food truck live-stream.
12. El Topo Cantina (Warwick Farm)
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Open: Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Located inside the Warwick Farm food and entertainment precinct, El Topo Cantina delivers big flavours and even bigger portions. Their menu leans classic Mexican-American – think loaded nachos, sizzling tacos, deep-fried jalapeno poppers and a Pasilla Chili Chocolate Crème Brûlée. I would recommend coming by for $4 tacos and $12 margaritas from 5pm every Tuesday.
13. Baja Cantina (Glebe, Surry Hills and Central)
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Open: Every day
A Glebe institution, Baja Cantina has been serving Californian-inspired Mexican for well over a decade. Expect comforting favourites – King Fish Ceviche, Ribeye Steak Tacos, burritos that don't scrimp – alongside a beautifully decorated interior. Their Central location is located right near Central Station for those commuting from more regional suburbs too.
14. Smoking Gringos (Blacktown and Penrith)
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Open: Wednesday–Sunday
Smoking Gringos is Western Sydney’s answer to big, messy, flavour-bomb Mexican street food. Their birria ramen went viral for a reason, but the rest of the menu ≠ from cheesy birria tacos to loaded birria fries (sense a theme?) ≠ is equally worth exploring. They lean Tex-Mex with swagger, drawing crowds from across Sydney, and their portions are properly generous.
15. Pico De Gallo (Eastern Creek)
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Open: Thursday–Sunday
One of Sydney’s best halal-friendly Mexican spots, Pico De Gallo offers a legit street-style menu full of flavour and spice. Their tacos are loaded, their burritos are stacked, and their Latin cocktails are some of the best you’ll find. It’s an especially great option for families and groups, with fast service and crowd-pleasing options. It's also 100% Halal!
16. Chico's (Kirribilli)
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Open: Tuesday–Sunday
Chico’s is all about vibrant, modern Mexican with a polished North Shore edge. Expect colourful plates, playful cocktails, and a lively dining room that fills with locals nightly. Their tacos and tostadas lean fresh and contemporary, and their margarita list is extensive enough to warrant repeat visits. With its harbour-adjacent location and bright interiors, it’s a great choice for date nights, long lunches or celebratory dinners.
17. Alma (Avalon) and St. Alma (Freshwater)
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Open: Daily
These Northern Beaches sibling restaurants specialise in upscale, coastal-Mexican dining with a focus on incredible produce and beautifully plated dishes. Alma in Avalon offers a refined, breezy dining experience, while St. Alma in Freshwater brings a slightly moodier, more intimate feel – but both nail the same ethos: high-quality ingredients, punchy flavours and thoughtful technique. Expect standout tacos, vibrant tostadas and cocktails that lean citrusy and fresh. A favourite among locals for good reason.
