Tacos may be humble in form, but when done right, they’re the ultimate street food experience - flavour-packed, handheld and endlessly customisable. Across Australia, Mexican venues are turning up the heat with sizzling fillings, freshly pressed tortillas and inspired housemade salsas, proving that taco night doesn’t have to be once a week.
Whether you’re after smoky barbacoa, chipotle chicken or golden Baja fish, these five restaurants are serving tacos the way they’re meant to be - bold, balanced and deeply satisfying.
El Santo Geelong – Geelong, Vic
Tucked along Ryrie Street, El Santo Geelong delivers all the colour, energy and
flavour of a Mexican laneway. Bright interiors, sacred iconography and Latin
beats set the scene for long Margarita sessions and plates built to share. This
isn’t your average Tex-Mex - it’s a vibrant homage to modern Mexican street food.
The tacos are the main attraction here, served in twos or
threes and packed with punchy flavour. Standouts include the pork carnitas,
slow-cooked for tenderness, paired with pineapple, tomatillo salsa and fresh
coriander. Feeling hungry? Try the pork chimichanga burrito for a cheesy,
salsa-soaked experience.
Ready to turn any night into taco night? Book your table at El Santo.
Chicano Taqueria & Bar – Fitzroy, Vic
What started as a pop-up is now a Fitzroy fixture. Chicano Taqueria has found
its home on Brunswick Street, delivering a menu packed with smoky, spicy,
slow-cooked brilliance. With an open kitchen and Chef’s table, it’s all about
watching the magic happen while sipping mezcal under vibrant murals and moody
lighting.
The grilled honey and chipotle chicken taco is a must - topped
with guacamole, pico de gallo, house crema and crispy chicken crackling. For
something with even more attitude, try the barbacoa beef empanadas or the
Peruvian pork with caramelised onion.
Want the real deal? Book a night at Chicano and prepare for flavour fireworks.
Little Mexico – Cowra, NSW
Cowra may not be the first place you’d expect to find serious tacos, but Little
Mexico is changing that fast. Housed in The Mill - Cowra’s oldest building - this
cosy cantina serves up tequila, tostadas and tacos in a setting full of rustic
charm and coeliac-safe options.
Start with charred corn ribs slathered in tajin butter and
crema, then move on to the birria beef tacos. These slow-cooked brisket
beauties come folded with cheese, salsa verde and fresh coriander - deep, rich
and perfect with a wedge of lime.
After a taste of Mexico in the heart of NSW? Book your visit to Little Mexico
today.
The Mexican – Yamba, NSW
At The Mexican in Yamba, it’s all about honouring heritage recipes with fresh,
flavour-driven execution. Located on Coldstream Street, the space is bold and
bright, offering the perfect backdrop for sipping cervezas and sharing plates
under the sun or stars.
The tacos are no afterthought. The pulled beef version is
a slow-cooked revelation - topped with shredded cabbage, salsa verde and sour
cream. Pair it with spicy wings or chimichurri steak for a feast worth writing
home about.
Looking for tacos by the beach? Grab your sombrero and book a table at The
Mexican.
Whether you’re in the heart of Fitzroy or cruising coastal Yamba, there’s no wrong day for a taco done right. These venues prove that great tacos aren’t just about tradition - they’re about bold flavours, fresh ingredients and the kind of casual dining that always feels like a celebration.
