5 Latin American RCA-winning Venues for a Flavourful Fiesta

Latin and South American restaurants across Australia are bringing bold flavours and vibrant culture to the dining scene. From smoky Argentinian asado to zesty Peruvian ceviche and everyone’s favourite Mexican, these eateries celebrate the continent’s rich culinary heritage.

Colourful interiors, lively music and shared plates create an energetic, welcoming ambience perfect for group dining. Whether it’s tacos with a twist or a refined take on traditional empanadas, Latin and South American restaurants continue to grow in popularity, delivering spice, soul and passion to Australian palates.

Here are five Readers' Choice-awarded venues where tacos, tequila and fiestas go hand in hand:

Indulge in smoky sensations at Hoosegow Charcoal Restaurant on Magill Road, a popular venue inspired by exotic tastes in St Morris. Encompassed in an ambient vibe, dine surrounded by vibrant red, pink and orange hues, dark timbers and colourful artwork, mesmerised by wafting aromas. Embracing fresh, local produce, Hoosegow offers tantalising Latin American, Eastern and Asian fusion dishes cooked on crackling Mallee Root charcoal to seal in enticing textures. 

 

Jump right in with char-grilled guajillo octopus, pico de gallo, corn, spring onion, chilli and lime salsa, before signature chilli chicken with jalapeño aioli, baby potatoes and mixed green vegetables. The smoky, spicy and sticky pork ribs never disappoint, served with pineapple salsa, chips and aioli.

Glenunga amigos say hola to Mexican fare with flair at Cha Chi’s Mexican Cantina on Portrush Road. Step into a vibe of aqua and orange-coloured walls and accents, where sombreros, a rustic water feature and potted greenery add a zen-like touch and chandelier lighting sets the mood for inspired dining.

 

Every flavourful dish on the menu has been created using traditional recipes and fresh ingredients, from fall-off-the-bone ribs to yummy sides and authentic desserts; chow down on mole beef tacos in rich sauce with caramelised onion, cheese and lettuce, washed down with an icy cerveza or Margarita.

Touted as the best Mexican north of the border, El Santo Geelong on Ryrie Street is the Mexican laneway you've been looking for. A brightly coloured interior paired with vibrant tunes and the watchful eyes of Mother Mary really set the vibe for authentic dining; or sit on a colourful stool at the black and white tiled bar and chill out with a Margarita.

 

 

With a menu all about big tastes, say hola to pork belly chicharron with jalapeño aioli, or grilled corn with chipotle mayo and queso; then devour char-grilled chicken coated in traditional adobo sauce, served with slaw and corn tortillas.

 

Inspired by small eateries in the Southern USA and Baja, Mexicoast Cantina on Main Road in Toukley brings a taste of Mexico to hungry Central Coast amigos. Find a vibrant, enjoyable meeting place for locals and tourists alike to chill out with a Margarita in hand among Day of the Dead artwork, a colourful tiled bar and glowing neon signage to peruse a menu dishing up all your Mexican faves. 

 

Don your sombrero and say arriba to smoky chicken wings and housemade chip[otle mayo to kick things off; for the main, don’t go past steak fajitas served on a sizzling pan with capsicum, onion, bacon, beans, guacamole, ranchera sauce, pico de gallo and flour tortillas.

Serving heritage recipes for beloved Mexican favourites from generations past, head to The Mexican on Coldstream Street in Yamba for bold flavours made with the highest quality ingredients. Transport your senses to an enticing, faraway corner of Mexico where you can not only taste but feel the passion, as you chill out with tacos and tequila in vibrant surroundings. 

 

Signature plates such as flame-grilled ribeye steak and chimichurri sauce always hit the mark, served with Mexican rice and salad; say gracias to pulled pork carnitas tacos with red and pineapple salsa, or a beef burrito with rice, beans, cheese, salsa, pico de gallo and sour cream.