The Best Mexican Restaurants in Canberra

Outside of chain restaurants, Canberra’s Mexican food scene is still relatively fledgling. But the eateries that do exist are nothing short of stellar. From mezcal and tequila bars making excellent tacos to cafes creating classic dishes with a Mexican twist, you’ll find all sorts of venues serving up truly delicious food.

If you’re looking for the best Mexican restaurants in Canberra, here are our favourites in (and around) the city.

Fonda

Fonda's exceptionally popular outposts across Sydney and Melbourne have finally led to a store being opened in Canberra so it's good news all around. Expect serene pastel interiors, super fresh Mexican favourites - from quesadillas to spicy margs - and some of the best house-made salsa known to mankind. 

Shop FGIO/148 Bunda Street, Canberra 

Loquita

Loquita garners hugh praise for its delicious bites and booze. Technically a bar, Loquita's compact yet delectable food menu is well worth the trip.

You can grab a selection of tasty tacos filled with everything from slow-cooked beef brisket to fried cauliflower (plus a rotating secret taco that changes weekly) as well as snacks like fried chicken ribs, guac and corn chips, and loaded fries. Pair your eats with one of Loquita’s incredible margaritas (there are 10 variations to choose from) or a jug of sangria.

17 Garema Place, Canberra City

Jarochos

If you’re after a taste of authentic Mexican food in Canberra, Jarochos is your best bet. Here, you can grab tacos with pork, chicken, beef, mushrooms and Mexican sausage, along with hot and cold drinks and, depending on the day, other snacks like picadas, empanadas and quesadillas. All of it is top-notch.

Jarochos doesn’t have a fixed shopfront, but you’ll find the team popping up at different locations and events around the city. They’re often at annual Canberra events like Floriade and weekly markets around Canberra.

Locations around Canberra

Cafe Blanco

Cafe Blanco, situated in the Tuggeranong district, draws on owner Jose Blanco’s Venezualan and Colombian roots, with a range of Latin American and Mexican dishes, plus cafe classics with a twist.

You can enjoy a rotating roster of menu items including tacos with different fillings, tostadas, Cubano sandwiches, ceviche, and fresh takes on breakfast favourites, like avo on toast with jalapenos and crumpets with dulce de leche. The pastries and cakes are also very good, especially the caramel flan.

Shop 1/3 Carleton Street, Kambah

Cartel Taqueria

Cartel Taqueria isn’t actually in Canberra, but it’s so darn good that we’ll give it a pass. Located in Queanbeyan – about 20 minutes out of central Canberra – this excellent Mexican joint is the newest opening for the team behind Canberra institution Patissez.

Given the name, the menu is obviously very taco-heavy, but there’s a huge variety to choose from. Fillings include beef, pork shoulder, king prawns, and corn and zucchini fritters, with both flour and corn tortillas available. There are a few other dishes too, like queso or guac with corn chips, and nachos. Make sure to order a frozen marg to go with your meal.

Ray Morton Park, 6 Trinculo Place, Queanbeyan East

Mezcals Tequila Bar & Restaurant

Up for a road trip? Head just 90 minutes out of Canberra to Cooma for some of the best Mexican food in regional NSW. Mezcals Tequila Bar & Restaurant does fresh and organic dishes, along with great cocktails, made with ingredients imported from Mexico.

The restaurant has a fairly brief menu, but everything here is totally delicious. You can order a few tacos and snacks to make up a main or grab a hefty burrito, chimichanga (fried burrito) or plate of chilaquiles (fried tortillas in salsa). If you can fit it in, get the churros with dulce de leche for dessert – you won’t regret it.

Shop 1/114 Sharp Street, Cooma

Keen to check out the other cuisines on offer in the capital? Here are our guides to the best Italian restaurants in Canberra and the best Japanese restaurants in Canberra.