Mexican food is the new black in Sydney — it’s trendy and delicious. The city’s love for the carefree North American culture is no longer a secret and in the last couple of years, there has been a shift in the availability of this cuisine. Here’s a look at some of the most delicious restaurants responsible for bringing a taste of Mexico to Sydney.
Luke and Sean Miller started cooking Mexican food in their backyard and just 13 months later, their fish tacos and margarita pitchers have become the most-talked about culinary combo in the city. You won’t find any mountains of cheese or shredded iceberg lettuce in the meals served here. Chica Bonita prepares the most authentic Mexican food in the northern beaches of Sydney with several elements of the restaurant imported directly from Mexico, including paintings, lampshades and, most importantly, the ingredients that go into the beloved chimichangas (pulled pork, black beans, cheese and chipotle cream) and brisket tostada (nab the popular dish if it pops up as a special).
Playing with the flavors of Mexican street food and presenting it to the foodies with a kiss of Australia, La Lupita is a humble reincarnation of a food truck that’s housed in The Basement music venue. The restaurant’s creative director and head honcho, Atilla Yilmaz, doesn’t like to compromise on ingredients in his dishes, so that may explain why the menu is short and simple — three types of tacos, three other starters (spiced pinto beans and salsa, roasted corn and chipotle hot wings) and an extensive list of tequila. But it’s not just the meal that makes La Lupita special. The full experience is a blend of good cuisine, socializing in the American-style booths and dancing on Mariachi Monday, Big Band Tuesday and World Music Wednesday.
At this Mexican joint from Dr. Sam Prince of Zambrero Fresh Mex Grill, a chef swaying to merengue and grilling corn on the cob greets you near the open kitchen window. Order chia seed cocktails with a double shot of tequila or a bowl of guacamole made fresh at your table. The latest addition to the Mexican family in Sydney, Mejico serves up dishes such as achiote chicken (chicken breast, chicken wings, pumpkin puree, roasted garlic, ancho chilli), a range of tacos (from braised lamb shoulder to grilled ocean trout) and desserts (such as agave-glazed caramel fudge).
This over-the-top eatery is located in Surry Hills, the Sydney suburb where Mexican food mania has hit an all-time high thanks to hipster locals who are adventurous enough to try a hundred varieties of the same cuisine — all on the same couple of blocks. The dimly lit interiors are adorned with hanging sombreros, Day of the Dead insignias, religious artifacts, old framed images of Frida Kahlo, tea-light candles and lots of aged tequila and Corona. Soak up the décor while noshing on lamb, pumpkin, guajillo pepper soup with quinoa, braised pork belly tacos, and chipotle chicken and portobello mushroom quesadillas.
Photo Courtesy of Mejico
