Best Tacos in Melbourne
Your Ultimate Guide to Flavourful Bites
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In the bustling city of Melbourne, those with a penchant for Mexican food (What wine goes well with Mexican food?) can rejoice in the vibrant selection of taco restaurants dotting the culinary landscape. From the inviting cantinas in West and North Melbourne to the lively spots on Collins and Hoddle Streets, Mexican eateries offer an array of tacos infused with authentic flavors reminiscent of Mexico City. Eateries like Mesa Verde and Radio Mexico serve as a testament to this, delivering a variety of tacos topped with everything from succulent pork belly (What wine goes well with pork belly?)and beef brisket (What wine goes well with beef brisket?) to innovative mushroom and ox tongue options.
Fans of the traditional taco will appreciate the efforts to maintain authenticity, such as the use of fresh corn tortillas (how long do corn tortillas last?) and an extensive menu featuring pastor and fish tacos. Meanwhile, those looking to experience Mexican street food with a local twist can explore locales like Bodega Underground and Saporito Taquito, where the fusion of quality ingredients and robust Mexican beers complements the Melbourne food scene. These restaurants provide a perfect balance of traditional Mexican dishes and a contemporary dining experience, complete with flavorful sauces, chipotle mayo, and fresh salsa.
Each establishment boasts its unique take on this popular dish – from Taqueria Balaclava, known for their impressive range of taco fillings, to the vibrant and seasonal offerings at Benzina Cantina in Brunswick East. Along with the ever-popular Taco Tuesdays, some provide wider experiences such as bottomless and boozy brunches (What wine goes well with brunch?), capturing the essence of a true Mexican fiesta. Whether it's the casual ambiance of a beer garden or the intimate setting of an inner-city taqueria, Melbourne’s taco scene warmly invites natives and visitors alike to explore the delicious range of tacos crafted with passion and precision.
Taco Hotspots Across the City
Melbourne's vibrant food scene is speckled with a variety of taco destinations, each boasting their unique twist on this classic Mexican staple. Enthusiasts can explore a diverse array of tacos, from traditional recipes to modern fusions, in settings that transport patrons from bustling city streets to the essence of Mexico.
Mesa Verde: A Mexican Oasis in West Melbourne
Mesa Verde, located in West Melbourne, offers an authentic Mexican culinary experience. Their menu includes a range of Mexican beers and a selection of tacos that feature the freshest ingredients. Patrons rave about the beef brisket tacos and pork belly taco, making Mesa Verde a must-visit for taco lovers.
Radio Mexico: A Culinary Trip to North Melbourne
Radio Mexico stands out in North Melbourne with its lively atmosphere and a menu that pays homage to Mexico City's street food. The fish tacos are a crowd favorite, perfectly complemented by an extensive menu of Mexican drinks. This spot has gained popularity for its bold flavors and quality ingredients.
Bodega Underground: Hiding Flavors in the Heart of the City
Located on Collins Street lies Bodega Underground, a bustling eatery that combines a modern aesthetic with traditional Mexican dishes. They are known for their bottomless and boozy brunch options. Their delicious tacos come with a variety of fillings, including inventive options like mushroom tacos and ox tongue tacos.
Benzina Cantina: South-of-the-Border Delights in Collins Street
On Collins St, Benzina Cantina offers a modern twist on Mexican cuisine with its vibrant décor and a selection of tacos that celebrate the unique flavors of Mexico. They feature a variety of tacos, from the fiery pastor taco to a refreshing fish taco slathered in chipotle mayo, ensuring a balance of tastes for any palate.
Tantalizing Tacos: A Gastronomic Adventure
Melbourne's eclectic dining scene boasts a variety of delectable taco offerings, each with a unique twist on this classic Mexican dish. This gastronomic adventure takes us through an array of restaurants serving up everything from authentic Mexican flavors to innovative fusion, complete with a medley of fresh ingredients and savory sauces.
Taco Bill's Signature Creations
Taco Bill, an established name on Collins Street, is renowned for its array of classic Mexican dishes. Their signature creations include beef brisket tacos, overflowing with tender meat, and a generous helping of salsa and chipotle mayo. It's a spot where traditional Mexican flavors meet quality ingredients.
Dingo Ate My Taco: An Unconventional Twist
At Dingo Ate My Taco in Brunswick, they put an unconventional twist on Mexican cuisine. Adventurous eaters can indulge in their ox tongue tacos or mushroom tacos, which are a hit among those seeking something different from the norm. Their inventive menu is sure to pique the interest of taco enthusiasts looking for variety beyond the classic offerings.
Trippy Taco's Fusion of Flavors
Trippy Taco, domiciled on the vibrant Gertrude Street, offers a fusion of flavors that captivate the palate. With a selection of tacos that includes everything from slow-cooked pork to fresh and zesty fish tacos, customers rave about the perfect balance of spices and textures. Vegetarian options are also celebrated here, ensuring that every guest finds something to love.
Exploring the Pork Belly Taco Delicacy
The pork belly taco is a delicacy that should not be overlooked, and Benzina Cantina in North Melbourne is the place to satiate such cravings. Here, the pork belly taco is perfected with crispy skin and succulent meat, served with fresh corn salsa and a dollop of smoky chipotle sauce, making each bite a complex harmony of flavors.
Taco Tuesdays and Beyond: Melbourne's Taco Culture
Melbourne's passion for tacos extends from authentic Taco Tuesday specials to a broad array of Mexican culinary delights, showing the city's dedication to variety and quality Mexican cuisine.
Authentic Taco Tuesdays: A Tradition Explored
Taco Tuesdays in Melbourne are a testament to the city's evolving food scene, with restaurants across suburbs from Fitzroy to West Melbourne, offering an array of deals to celebrate this weekly tradition. Establishments such as Si Señorita Bar and Bodega Underground boast enticing offers with authentic flavors that mirror the vibrant streets of Mexico City. Patrons can indulge in a diverse selection of tacos, including beef brisket tacos, pork belly tacos, and fish tacos, often accompanied by Mexican beers or tequila shots to complete the experience.
Variety is the Spice: Tacos for Every Palate
The Melbourne taco scene isn't shy about variety, offering everything from mushroom tacos to ox tongue tacos. Radio Mexico in St Kilda and Mesa Verde on Collins Street serve up menus teeming with different flavors and fillings, all made with fresh ingredients. The pastor taco, a traditional dish with a twist of pineapple, makes for a lively dish alongside more innovative offerings such as chipotle mayo enhanced bites. For those with a penchant for heat, options like salsa arbol and other hot sauces (how long does hot sauce last?) are readily available.
Beyond Tacos: Exploring Mexican Dishes
Melbourne's Mexican restaurants deliver much more than just delicious tacos. Mesa Verde not only dishes out a variety of tacos but also invites guests to dive into larger Mexican dishes. From chicken tostadas dressed with salsa verde to chipotle chilli chicken wings, the city's culinary hotspots such as Trippy Taco on Smith Street and Village Cantina in Yarraville feature extensive menus. Additionally, Benzina Cantina in Preston is known for pairing traditional fare with local craft beers, perfectly curating the Mexican dining experience with a Melbourne twist.
The Taco Trail: From Smith Street to Swanston Street
Melbourne's taco scene is a vibrant tapestry, showcasing a variety of tacos from Mexican street food staples to innovative creations. This trail from Smith Street to Swanston Street represents the city's love affair with authentic and fusion Mexican flavors.
Smith Street Eats: Hidden Gems of Mexican Street Food
Smith Street in Collins Street vicinity is the heart of Melbourne's Mexican street food. One of these gems, Trippy Taco, offers a menu packed with fresh ingredients and vegetarian options. Their authentic tacos, filled with delights such as spiced black beans (how long do black beans last?) and avocado, have become a staple for locals. Patrons can enjoy a selection of tacos including mushroom tacos and the ever-popular fish tacos, paired with a range of authentic Mexican beers.
Swanston Street Delights: Village Cantina's Taco Wonderland
Moving down the trail, Swanston Street near Melbourne Central is home to Village Cantina, known for its wide variety of tacos. From ox tongue tacos to beef brisket tacos, Villiage Cantina offers an expansive menu that caters to diverse palates. The pork belly taco, with its perfect balance of flavor and texture, is a must-try. They also feature an extensive drinks menu, highlighting a selection of craft beers and Mexican drinks.
Taquerias Galore: A Tour of Melbourne's Taco Spots
The taco tour is incomplete without exploring the rich tapestry of taquerias scattered through Melbourne, from West Melbourne to North Melbourne. Bodega Underground on Flinders Lane offers a vibrant atmosphere with a menu that includes larger dishes like chicken tostadas, while Dingo Ate My Taco in Brunswick delivers a more intimate experience with their bottomless brunch option. Each spot features a unique take on tacos, with variations such as pastor taco and slow-cooked pork accompanied by homemade sauces and salsas.
Savoring the Flavors: Taco Fillings and Beyond
In Melbourne, taco aficionados are spoiled for choice with a myriad of flavorsome fillings and condiments that can transform the humble taco into a gourmet delight. This section is a glance into the vibrant taco scene, where quality ingredients, variety, and innovative pairings are at the forefront.
A Symphony of Flavors: Quality Ingredients at the Core
Melbourne's taco scene is driven by a passion for quality. The city's best Mexican eateries, such as Radio Mexico in St Kilda and Bodega Underground on Little Collins Street, source fresh ingredients that are the foundation of their delicious tacos. Bites like the pork belly taco from Benzina Cantina on Gertrude Street exemplify the commitment to quality, embodying flavors that have diners returning for more.
Saporito Taquito
Ingredients: Local produce, fresh meats
Locations: Hoddle Street, Smith Street
Bodega Underground
Ingredients: Handpicked vegetables, select seasonings
Locations: Collins Street
From Mushroom Tacos to Ox Tongue Delicacies
Vegetarians and meat-lovers alike find joy in Melbourne's eclectic selection of tacos. For instance, the mushroom tacos at Trippy Taco on Gertrude Street offer a savory, earthy option, while adventurous eaters can head to Mesa Verde on Curtin House for exquisite ox tongue tacos. Each serves as a testament to the creativity and diversity of tacos available across the city.
Mesa Verde
Specialty: Ox Tongue Tacos
Location: Curtin House, Flinders Lane
Trippy Taco
Specialty: Variety of vegetarian options
Location: Gertrude Street
The Perfect Balance: Chipotle Mayo and Salsa Sensations
A taco is only as good as its condiments, and establishments like Village Cantina on Carlisle Street excel at creating the perfect balance with house-made chipotle mayo and vibrant salsas. On Hosier Lane, Taco Bill offers a wide variety of Mexican beers to complement their extensive menu, while spots like Pinche Cantina perfect their tacos with signature hot sauces for an additional kick.
Village Cantina
Condiments: House-made Chipotle Mayo, Salsa Verde
Pairings: Craft Beer Selection
Taco Bill
Beverages: Mexican Beers, Soft Drinks
Ambiance: Lively Cantina Atmosphere
Quenching Thirst: Mexican Drinks and Craft Beers
When exploring the best tacos in Melbourne, the experience is made complete with the right Mexican beverages, from authentic beers to rich craft brews.
Sipping on Tradition: Mexican Beers and Craft Brews
Melbourne boasts a variety of establishments like Bodega Underground and Mesa Verde, where Mexican beers are celebrated. Fans of tradition might enjoy a bottle of cerveza imported straight from the busy streets of Mexico City, enhancing the flavors of tacos with classic notes of crisp lager. Craft beer aficionados are not left behind with local microbreweries offering selections tailored to Mexican cuisine. Places like Benzina Cantina in North Melbourne or Radio Mexico in St Kilda curate a rotation of Mexican-style ales and IPAs, artfully brewed to complement the zesty and nuanced profiles of chipotle mayo or a fresh salsa verde.
Craft Beer Pairings:
Mesa Verde, Hosier Lane: Offers a rotating selection of craft beers tailored to their taco offerings.
Bodega Underground, Collins Street: A wide range of Mexican beers and local craft brews to suit every taco combination.
Benzina Cantina, West Melbourne: Known for their craft ales, perfect with their slow-cooked pork belly tacos.
Extensive Menus: From Soft Drinks to Boozy Brunch
For a non-alcoholic refreshment, Taquito on Smith Street and Trippy Taco in Gertrude Street offer an assortment of soft drinks that add a swift kick of sweet and tangy to the dining experience. These include traditional Mexican sodas and fresh agua frescas made with quality ingredients. However, if a lively brunch is on the agenda, diners can head to Dingo Ate My Taco on Brunswick Street or Curtin House on Flinders Lane for a boozy brunch where tacos teamed with a michelada or a crafty cocktail strike the perfect balance. These venues pride themselves on their expansive drink menus that accommodate anything from a laid-back lunch to a festive evening.
Soft Drink Selection:
Taquito, Smith Street: Serves up authentic Mexican sodas alongside their mushroom and ox tongue tacos.
Trippy Taco, Brunswick East: Offers a variety of soft drinks to pair with their selection of vegetarian tacos.
Brunch with a Twist:
Dingo Ate My Taco, Brunswick St: Features a bottomless brunch with cocktails that enhance the flavor of their fish and pastor tacos.
Curtin House, Collins St: Known for its boozy brunch options that complement their beef brisket and pork belly tacos.
Beyond Tacos: Larger Dishes and Seasonal Specials
While tacos are undoubtedly a staple of Mexican cuisine, many Mexican restaurants in Melbourne offer a broader menu, featuring larger plates and seasonal specials that promise a feast beyond the taco realm.
Chicken Wings and Tostadas: A Mexican Twist
Mexican eateries in Melbourne give chicken wings and tostadas a unique twist with rich Mexican flavors. Spots like Taqueria Honorio and Bodega Underground serve up chipotle chilli chicken wings that are a hit with diners seeking something spicier. Tostadas come loaded with a variety of toppings, including fresh seafood, and are often drizzled with chipotle mayo or sprinkled with crumbly cheese, delivering a crunchy and satisfying alternative to the soft shells of tacos.
Saporito Taquito's Crispy Corn Tortillas
Saporito Taquito, located on the vibrant Collin Street, is renowned for its crispy corn tortillas. They're a golden and crunchy vessel for a selection of succulent fillings, like slow-cooked pork and mushroom mixes. It's a popular spot for those wanting the textural contrast to the usual soft tortilla found in tacos.
Seasonal Wonders: Exploring Larger and Seasonal Dishes
Exploring seasonal and larger dishes gives diners a proper taste of the dynamic range of Mexican cuisine. Seasonally rotating menus feature dishes like pork belly tacos at Dingo Ate My Taco, while Ox Tongue at Radio Mexico, West Melbourne, showcases the regional diversity. Restaurants like Benzina Cantina in North Melbourne, often pair these offerings with craft beers or Mexican drinks, enhancing the dining experience with complementary flavors.
From Hardware Lane to Queen Vic Market: Tacos Across Melbourne
In the vibrant heart of Melbourne, a taco renaissance is unfolding, with Hardware Lane and Queen Vic Market standing out as hot spots for Mexican fare ranging from classic street food to innovative creations.
Hardware Lane's Taqueria Scene
Hardware Lane, a bustling culinary artery of Melbourne, is famous for its eclectic dining scene. Among its gastronomic jewels is Mesa Verde, situated within the ornate Curtin House on Swanston Street, where patrons enjoy an extensive menu that features a variety of Mexican beers and authentic tacos like the flavorsome pork belly taco. Not far from here, Bodega Underground on Little Bourke Street serves up a delectable selection that includes beef brisket tacos and fish tacos, perfectly paired with their rich chipotle mayo.
Queen Vic Market Delights: Slow-Cooked Pork and More
Venture over to Queen Victoria Market and the surrounding area where Mexican cuisine thrives with fresh, quality ingredients. A notable mention is the vibrant La Cantina, just a short walk from the market on Collins St, where the taco selection—ranging from mushroom to ox tongue tacos—captivates both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Radio Mexico in nearby St Kilda brings a slice of Mexico City to Melbourne with its authentic pastor tacos, while their market neighbor Dingo Ate My Taco offers a bottomless and boozy brunch experience. Whether it's Taco Tuesday or any day of the week, the market area is a hub for unforgettable Mexican street food.
Here's a snapshot of what these taco havens offer:
Hardware Lane:
Mesa Verde
Pork Belly Taco
Extensive Mexican beer variety
Little Bourke St:
Bodega Underground
Beef Brisket, Fish Taco
Rich chipotle mayo, lively late-night spot
Queen Victoria Market & Surrounds:
La Cantina
Ox Tongue, Mushroom Taco
Fresh ingredients, perfect for a quick bite
St Kilda:
Radio Mexico
Pastor Taco
Authentic Mexican dishes, boozy brunch
Spicing Things Up: Hot Sauces and Salsas
When it comes to enjoying tacos in Melbourne, the pairing of spicy sauces and savory salsas is essential. They bring out the vibrant flavors of each taco variety, elevating the dining experience with their heat and richness.
Salsa Arbol and Chipotle Sauces: The Heat of Melbourne
Melbourne's Mexican restaurants understand the importance of a fiery kick in their dishes, with Salsa Arbol and Chipotle Sauces standing out for their smoky heat. Salsa Arbol, known for its bold flavor and fiery heat, is often a go-to for those wanting to add an authentic Mexican touch to their meal. Chipotle Sauces, made from smoked jalapeño peppers, bring a depth of heat that is both spicy and slightly sweet.
Key Ingredients in Salsa Arbol:
Arbol chili peppers
Garlic
Tomato
Vinegar
Spices
Salt
Key Ingredients in Chipotle Sauce:
Chipotle chili peppers
Garlic
Tomato
Spices (sometimes)
Smoke essence
Salt
Melbourne's taquerias often feature these sauces to complement classics like the beef brisket tacos or the pork belly taco.
Exploring the Wide Range of Salsas
Beyond the intense heat of chili-based hot sauces, Melbourne's taco scene offers an extensive menu of salsas, each with a unique profile. Fresh ingredients are the foundation of these salsas, from the tangy tomatillo-based Salsa Verde to the rich and savory Salsa Roja made from roasted tomatoes and chilis. Diners at establishments like Radio Mexico in St Kilda or Bodega Underground on Little Bourke Street can find a variety of tacos paired with salsas that perfectly balance spice and flavor.
Salsa Verde: A tangy salsa with tomatillos, onions, cilantro, and lime.
Salsa Roja: A richer, deeper salsa with roasted tomatoes and chilis.
Pico de Gallo: A fresh, chunky salsa with tomato, onion, chili, and cilantro.
With these salsas, each taco, be it fish, mushroom, or ox tongue, becomes a canvas for flavor. This variety ensures there is a perfect salsa pairing for every taco on the menu, whether it's for a casual meal on Collins Street, a boozy brunch in Hosier Lane, or a vibrant evening in one of Carlisle Street's bustling taquerias.
Conclusion: Melbourne's Taco Wonderland
Melbourne's culinary scene offers a diverse selection of tacos, from classic Mexican street food to inventive contemporary twists. These eateries promise an authentic and flavorful experience that caters to all taco aficionados.
A Taco Journey Through Melbourne's Streets
Melbourne's streets are a treasure trove for taco lovers, with each laneway and alley offering its own unique take on this Mexican staple. Taquito on Smith Street is synonymous with fresh ingredients and flavors that pay homage to the streets of Mexico City. On Carlisle Street, Trippy Taco serves up vegetarian options like mushroom tacos, ensuring there's something for every palate. In West Melbourne, Bodega Underground keeps the spirit of nightlife alive with its glow of neon signs, offering a mix of classic and fusion tacos paired perfectly with Mexican beers.
Taquerias, Cantinas, and More: Melbourne's Mexican Culinary Landscape
The city's Mexican restaurants are diverse, ranging from casual taquerias to upscale cantinas. Mamasita, a staple on Collins Street, has etched its name as a go-to for taco enthusiasts, while Radio Mexico in St Kilda and Benzina Cantina in Preston balance traditional Mexican dishes with Melbourne's modern flair. Mesa Verde, nestled in Curtin House on Flinders Lane, not only offers an extensive menu of delicious tacos but also boasts a variety of Mexican drinks. For a truly authentic experience, La Tortilleria in Kensington brings the essence of Mexican street food to life with their handmade corn tortillas and a variety of salsa options.
Patrons seeking a vibrant atmosphere can head to Village Cantina in Yarraville for a bottomless brunch experience, complete with a selection of tacos and boozy beverages. Whether you desire a classic pastor taco or a more unconventional sashimi taco, Melbourne's eclectic taco wonderland delivers with both quality and creativity.
