Cape Town, South Africa
Ándale! Cape Town’s top 5 Mexican restaurants
Where to go in Cape Town for a Mexican feast
There’s no shortage of tacos, tequila and late-night energy in Cape Town, but genuine Mexican spots – those places that surprise you with unique flavours, homey interiors or a secret stash of mezcal – are rarer than you’d think. From lively taquerias with queues down the block to sit-down spots where you can hang out for hours with a margarita in hand. These are the places we keep coming back to for Mexican food in Cape Town – always authentic, never boring and full of personality. Here’s where you should head to satisfy all your Mexican cravings.
Top photography courtesy of Hacienda Coastal Mexican
01
Hacienda Coastal Mexican
Hacienda Coastal Mexican takes its inspiration from Baja California with a focus on coastal Mexican cuisine and you can feel it the moment you walk in. The first thing you notice is the interiors – a little bit of art deco, a splash of palm fronds and sunlight that pours in all afternoon. There is an easygoing, slightly sultry buzz that ramps up after dark. Chef Justin Barker brings a keen eye for detail and a background in modern fine dining to the Mexican classics at Hacienda. Our favourite dish is hands down the Baja Langosta tacos, filled with tempura lobster, fennel tajin salsa, pomegranate aioli and topped with dried grapefruit. Also, try their tequila and mezcal tasting flight – taste your way through their bespoke selection of tequilas and mezcals that are exclusively sourced from the Bajio region.
Hacienda Coastal Mexican
92 Bree Street
Cape Town City Centre
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Hacienda Coastal Mexican
02
Una Más
We love Una Más for its easy, come-as-you-are energy. Una Más was founded by three restaurateurs – brothers Gavin and Sean Binder and Ricky Simon from Three Wise Monkeys. With a shared passion for the spirit and flavours of Mexico, they opened the flagship spot in Sea Point. The interior isn’t the usual colourful splash that is expected from a Mexican restaurant. Instead, it’s sleek with wood and marble finishes, metallic light fixtures and just a pop of yellow to bring the space to life. The Tazón de Burrito bowl is a winner. Tender meat with coriander-spiced rice, guacamole, tortilla chips, street corn, cabbage and our favourite – queso fresco (Mexican cheese).
Una Más
77 Regent Road
Sea Point
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Una Más
03
El Burro
What we love about El Burro is the pops of colours and festive decor that make you feel like you’ve been transported straight to a bustling street market in Mexico. At El Burro, the kitchen hums with the energy of chefs who’ve spent months eating their way through family-run taquerias and mezcal bars in Oaxaca and beyond. El Burro’s pride and joy is their handmade corn tortillas, pressed fresh daily and paired with an array of salsas that burst with flavour. Their margaritas, made with freshly squeezed lime juice, are the perfect complement to any dish. Over the years, El Burro has won a loyal following for good reason – this is Mexican comfort food, made with heart.
El Burro
79 Main Road
Green Point
Cape Town
South Africa
El Burro
1 New Church St & Kloof Nek Rd
Tamboerskloof
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of El Burro
04
Chingada’s
Chingada’s is putting authentic Mexican cooking centre stage with a brash, no-rules approach that’s a breath of fresh air. The owners are determined to keep things lively, unpretentious and, above all, authentic – tacos hit the table overflowing with braised short rib, grilled fish or house-pickled veg and the tortillas are made fresh each morning. The interior comes alive with textures and bright colours, with a mural that draws the eye and gives the space a sense of personality. Step up to the bar and you’ll find an entire wall devoted to small-batch tequilas and mezcals sourced directly from independent producers in Mexico. The selection goes deep, with rare bottles that highlight the earthy, smoky, and sometimes wild side of agave spirits. If you’re craving that fiesta spirit, layered flavours and a setting that’s anything but shy, Chingada’s is the place to be right now.
Chingada’s
50 Orange Street
Gardens
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Chingada’s
05
Mamacita’s
Part bar, part canteen, Mamacita’s has built a following for its unpretentious vibe and big-flavour dishes. Interiors lean industrial, with bright accents and just enough kitsch to remind you this is a place that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Expect retro diner seats, hand-painted walls and plenty of eye-catching neon. Mamacita’s is all about Los Angeles street food, tequila and cocktails – burritos are packed to bursting, nachos are made for sharing and there’s always something spicy sizzling on the grill. The spicy BBQ pork nachos are a must – the best you’ll find in town. Pair that with their Mangonada cocktail and all your cravings will be satisfied.
Mamacita’s
75 Harrington Street
District Six
Cape Town
South Africa
Mamacita’s
8 Kloof Street
Gardens
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Mamacita’s
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