While Mexican food often conjures up thoughts of tacos and burritos, Esteban is firmly grounded in the upscale dining market. Here, you’ll find a stunning array of mezcals and tequilas for sipping, alongside a series of dishes from across Mexico. Owners Mark Crawford and Michael Fegent, along with executive chef John Frid have put together an authentic journey through the region, highlighted by a 3.4-metre ironbark-fuelled parilla grill.

A 60-person eatery that has become ingrained in the Bondi foodie culture, Carbon specialises in woodfired Mexican dishes by incorporating traditional Latin American parrilla grilling techniques. Inspired by the haciendas of the Mexican Caribbean, the diner has a unique atmosphere that capitalists on its traditional white walls and Mexican textiles. In terms of food, we recommend grabbing a few share plates, namely the Hampshire suckling pig and roasted lamb shoulder.

Chica Bonita Manly has piles of personality and Mexican fare for the hungry crowds. Its stools are often packed to the brim but well worth the wait. Start off with some of the tasty snack foods like kingfish ceviche or guacamole and chips. Then get stuck into the tacos and tostadas like the cheeseburger taco or the brisket tostada.

Arriving straight from the streets of Guadalajara Mexico, Dos Senoritas is a truly authentic journey through flavour and texture. Located in Gladesville, the eatery is home to Chef Domingo, a man so proud of his heritage, he went and recreated it here in Sydney. Dos Senoritas is famous for its moles – Mole Poblano, chicken breast cooked slowly in green mole pepian or Mole Oaxaca, featuring chicken cooked in a dark chocolate sauce.

Potts Points’ Chula offers a delicious range with some of the best Mexican in Sydney. The dishes and beverages highlight the menu in a modern contemporary style. Think Charcoal-grilled beef, zingy ceviche, fresh zesty salads, Mexican truffle quesadillas and more. And don’t forget the most popular Mexican dessert, Churros are also on the menu. For the drinks, try the Mexican cocktails or Michelada.

Dishing out authentic Mexican food in Sydney, complete with a near-endless list of margaritas to choose from, La Farmacia is a must-visit dining destination. Hidden behind a closed door in Stanley Street eatery Mrs Palmer Sandwich, the hidden tequila bar and restaurant isn’t easy to spot, but once you enter, you’ll never forget it. If you’ve got the time, we highly recommend the bottomless brunch options on Saturdays and Sundays, which sees a set menu and 1.5 hours of bottomless margaritas.

Sydney’s proverbial home of street plays host to a Mexican icon from head chef and co-owner Juan Carlo. Maiz Mexican Street Food opened in King Street in 2021 at the height of the lockdown and has been booming ever since. With a beautiful courtyard that feels equal parts familiar and foreign, the restaurant is renowned for its signature vegan hibiscus al pastor, spanner crab tinga and 16-hour slow-cooked beef barbacoa.

With several restaurants throughout Melbourne, Fonda is now gracing the golden sands of Bondi beach, producing fresh and simple Mexican food made with love. ‘Fonda’ meaning a home that is open to the community as a restaurant is exactly what founders Tim McDonald and Dave Youl had in mind. Think crispy prawn tacos, fresh bright salads, tostadas and shared taco boards.

Check out El Loco at Excelsior for a bounty of the best Mexican Sydney. Located in trendy Surry Hills, make sure you get in early because this Mexican restaurant in Sydney is packed on most nights. It’s no wonder since the food does the talking. Streetfood is the name of the game and the menu keeps things simple, like all the best things in life, flavourful and fresh.

Perhaps a little less Mexican and a little more Cali, SoCal in beautiful Neutral Bay is the perfect spot for a bit of Golden State ambience. It’s packed with modern Southern Californian share-style Mexican street food with a heavy dose of Latin American spices. Dishes like the seared tuna tostadas, ocean trout ceviche or the Baja fish tacos will have you coming back for some of the best Mexican Sydney.