Melbourne’s culinary scene offers a diverse array of international cuisines, with Mexican food gaining popularity in recent years. Tacos, in particular, have become a favorite among locals and visitors alike, with numerous restaurants and food trucks serving up these handheld delights across the city.
From traditional street-style tacos to creative fusion interpretations, Melbourne’s taco offerings cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. The best tacos in Melbourne can be found at various establishments, ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, each putting their unique spin on this beloved Mexican dish. Whether you’re craving authentic flavors or innovative combinations, the city’s taco scene has something to satisfy every palate.
1) La Tortilleria
La Tortilleria stands out as a top destination for authentic Mexican street food in Melbourne. Located in Kensington, this iconic eatery has been serving fresh, high-quality tacos since 2013.
The restaurant’s commitment to authenticity is evident in their use of traditional Aztec methods to create stone-ground corn tortillas daily. This dedication to craft has made La Tortilleria a supplier for other notable Mexican restaurants in the city.
Their menu focuses on Mexico City-style street food, with tacos al Pastor being a crowd favorite. The dish features free-range Otway pork marinated in a blend of achiote and ancho chilies.
La Tortilleria’s blue house, known as “azul casa,” offers a welcoming atmosphere for diners to enjoy honest and soulful Mexican cuisine. The emphasis on sharing plates adds to the convivial dining experience.
Recognized by local food critics and publications, La Tortilleria has earned its place among Melbourne’s best Mexican restaurants. Their tacos are frequently cited as some of the finest in the city.
2) Hello José
Hello José brings authentic Mexican street food to Melbourne’s West Melbourne neighborhood. This vibrant taqueria offers some of the city’s best tacos in a lively, colorful setting.
The restaurant’s standout offerings include their José’s Pastor Tacos, featuring marinated pork. Their menu also boasts flavorful chipotle chilli chicken wings that have become a local favorite.
Hello José recently expanded with an outdoor beer garden called the Cerveza Garden. This addition provides seating for over 40 guests, enhancing the dining experience.
Located near Queen Victoria Market, Hello José has quickly become a popular spot for taco enthusiasts. The restaurant combines fresh, market-sourced ingredients with quality tequila to create a genuine Mexican dining experience.
Visitors can enjoy a selection of Mexican beers alongside their tacos. The restaurant’s micheladas, a Mexican beer cocktail, are particularly praised by patrons.
Despite its small size, Hello José has made a big impact on Melbourne’s Mexican food scene. Its focus on traditional taqueria-style dining has earned it a reputation as one of the best places for tacos in the city.
3) Fonda
Fonda brings the spirit of Mexican street food to Melbourne with a modern twist. This popular chain offers a vibrant dining experience inspired by traditional Mexican fondas.
Fonda’s menu features a variety of tacos that showcase fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Their fish tacos are a standout, combining crispy battered fish with zesty toppings.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality is evident in their use of locally-sourced produce and house-made sauces. Fonda’s tacos are served on soft corn tortillas, providing an authentic base for their flavorful fillings.
Diners can enjoy their tacos in a lively atmosphere, with colorful decor and upbeat music setting the mood. Fonda’s multiple locations across Melbourne make it accessible for taco lovers throughout the city.
The restaurant also offers a range of Mexican-inspired drinks to complement their tacos, including margaritas and craft beers. Fonda’s popularity among locals and visitors alike speaks to the quality of their tacos and overall dining experience.
4) El Tigre
El Tigre stands out as a hidden gem for taco enthusiasts in Melbourne. This small, unassuming eatery packs a punch with its authentic Mexican flavors and vibrant atmosphere.
The restaurant specializes in traditional street-style tacos, using high-quality ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques. Their corn tortillas are made fresh daily, providing the perfect base for a variety of fillings.
El Tigre’s menu features classic options like al pastor and carne asada, alongside innovative creations that cater to diverse tastes. Vegetarian and vegan choices are also available, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The restaurant’s commitment to authenticity extends to its salsa bar, where patrons can customize their tacos with a range of house-made sauces varying in heat levels. This adds an extra layer of personalization to the dining experience.
El Tigre’s casual setting and affordable prices make it a popular spot for quick lunches and relaxed dinners. The restaurant’s dedication to quality and flavor has earned it a loyal following among Melbourne’s taco aficionados.
5) Mamasita
Mamasita stands as a pioneer in Melbourne’s Mexican culinary scene. Located on Collins Street in the CBD, this restaurant has been serving innovative Mexican-inspired flavors since 2010.
Perched above a 7/11 store and accessed via a small stairwell, Mamasita offers a unique dining experience. The restaurant underwent a refresh in 2019, bringing its atmosphere closer to that of 1950s Mexico City.
Mamasita’s menu features a variety of tacos that have earned it recognition as one of Melbourne’s best taco destinations. The restaurant prides itself on being the city’s first proper taqueria.
Beyond tacos, Mamasita is known for its signature dish: streetstyle corn. This popular item includes chargrilled corn, queso cheese, lime, and chipotle mayo.
The establishment functions as both a taco and tequila bar, as well as a late-night diner. Mamasita’s commitment to quality and authenticity has helped maintain its popularity over the years.
6) Taco Truck
Taco trucks have become a beloved fixture in Melbourne’s culinary scene. These mobile eateries offer a convenient and tasty way to enjoy authentic Mexican flavors on the go.
One popular option is Dingo Ate My Taco, a Melbourne taco truck known for its Texas-style BBQ tacos on homemade tortillas. They frequently pop up at events and locations around the city.
Another notable taco truck is Meat Mechanics, located in Hoppers Crossing. They serve a variety of tacos and operate on a regular schedule, making it easy for customers to plan their visits.
La Preferida, while not strictly a truck, is a roadside food stand in Melbourne, Florida that offers fresh tacos and tamales in an outdoor setting. It’s a popular spot for locals seeking authentic Mexican fare.
These taco trucks offer a range of options, from traditional Mexican-style tacos to fusion creations. Many feature locally sourced ingredients and unique flavor combinations that appeal to Melbourne’s diverse palate.
Taco trucks often participate in food festivals and events around Melbourne, providing an opportunity for residents to sample multiple vendors in one location. This has helped contribute to the growing popularity of street tacos in the city.
7) Si Senor Art Taqueria
Si Senor Art Taqueria brings authentic Mexican street food to Melbourne. With locations in Balaclava, Hampton, and Richmond, this restaurant has become a local favorite for taco enthusiasts.
The menu features a variety of tacos, burritos, and Mexican-style baguettes. Tacos are priced at $5 each, allowing diners to sample multiple flavors without breaking the bank.
Burritos at Si Senor are particularly noteworthy. Wrapped in soft corn tortillas, they offer a hearty and flavorful meal option. The restaurant’s commitment to authenticity is evident in its food preparation and presentation.
Si Senor’s Balaclava location recently moved to a larger venue, accommodating more diners eager to experience their take on Mexican cuisine. The restaurant’s popularity has grown since its inception in 2013.
For those looking to share the Si Senor experience, gift cards are available. These make an ideal present for food lovers seeking to explore Melbourne’s Mexican culinary scene.
8) Trippy Taco
Trippy Taco stands out as a vegetarian Mexican street food destination in Melbourne. The restaurant offers a unique twist on traditional tacos, catering to vegetarian and vegan diners.
With locations in Fitzroy and St Kilda, Trippy Taco has established itself as a popular spot for plant-based Mexican cuisine. The menu features fresh, house-made corn tortillas filled with black beans, cheese, salad, and avocado slices.
Diners can expect signature tacos accompanied by salsa and lime, with the option of goat cheese for added flavor. The restaurant also serves burritos and quesadillas, providing a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes.
Trippy Taco prides itself on offering gluten-free options, making it accessible to a wide range of dietary preferences. The establishment focuses on creating healthy, fresh alternatives to typically greasy Mexican fare.
The restaurant’s commitment to vegetarian and vegan-friendly options has earned it a loyal following among Melbourne’s health-conscious diners. Trippy Taco’s approach to Mexican street food offers a refreshing change for those seeking flavorful, meat-free tacos in the city.
9) La Cabra
La Cabra Mexican Restaurant & Bar brings a taste of modern Mexican cuisine to Melbourne’s Hawthorn East. This vibrant eatery offers a diverse menu that caters to various palates, featuring both traditional favorites and creative twists on classic dishes.
One of La Cabra’s standout offerings is their $5 Taco Tuesday special. Every Tuesday night from 5 PM, diners can enjoy a selection of tacos at this affordable price point. The restaurant boasts a variety of flavors to choose from, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
La Cabra’s ambiance adds to the dining experience. The restaurant features an illuminated goat symbol and a courtyard that evokes the atmosphere of Mexican streets. This setting provides a unique backdrop for enjoying their tacos and other menu items.
For those looking to pair their tacos with a beverage, La Cabra offers refreshing margaritas. This combination creates what they call “the ultimate taco Tuesday experience.” The restaurant is open daily from 11 AM until late, making it accessible for both lunch and dinner crowds.
La Cabra has expanded its presence in Melbourne, recently opening a new location on Armstrong Street North. This expansion includes a three-storey venue with the first-ever La Cabra rooftop bar, offering patrons a new way to enjoy their Mexican fare.
10) Hotel Jesus
Hotel Jesus offers a vibrant taste of Mexico in the heart of Collingwood. Located in a heritage post office building on Smith Street, this taqueria draws inspiration from the neighborhood eateries of Mexico City.
The restaurant’s colorful decor and lively atmosphere transport diners to a 1970s-style Mexican taqueria. Hotel Jesus serves up a range of market-inspired snacks, elevated street tacos, and reimagined classics.
Their menu features revolving seafood ceviches, tortas (Mexican sandwiches), and volcanes. The taco selection includes options like mushroom and huitlacoche (corn fungus), showcasing authentic flavors.
Hotel Jesus takes its salsa seriously, recognizing that tacos without salsa are incomplete. They offer a variety of salsas to complement their dishes.
The beverage menu includes mezcal, tequila, tap beers, and cocktails. Hotel Jesus operates Tuesday to Thursday from 5pm, providing a perfect spot for evening drinks and snacks.
On Tuesdays, the restaurant hosts “Taco Tuesdaze” from 5pm to 9pm, featuring $2 tacos. This special includes three guisado (stewed) tacos – one vegetarian, one chicken, and one beef option.
History of Tacos in Melbourne
Melbourne’s taco scene has evolved from humble beginnings to become a vibrant part of the city’s culinary landscape. The journey spans decades, marked by cultural influences and changing tastes.
Origins and Influence
Tacos first appeared in Melbourne in the 1970s, introduced by Mexican immigrants and travelers returning from North America. Initially, these tacos were simple affairs, often served in small family-run eateries or food trucks. The authentic flavors were a novelty to many Melburnians, who were just beginning to explore international cuisines.
As interest grew, so did the variety of tacos available. By the 1990s, larger Mexican-themed restaurants began to open, offering a wider range of taco styles. These establishments often adapted traditional recipes to suit local palates, incorporating Australian ingredients and fusion elements.
Growth of Taco Culture
The 2000s saw a surge in taco popularity, driven by food trends and social media. Food festivals and pop-up events showcased innovative taco creations, attracting curious foodies. Chefs began experimenting with gourmet ingredients and unique flavor combinations, elevating tacos beyond their street food origins.
Today, Melbourne boasts a diverse taco scene. From traditional al pastor tacos to creative fusion varieties, the city offers something for every taste. High-end restaurants like Mamasita and Bodega Underground have popularized upscale Mexican dining. Meanwhile, casual taquerias and food trucks continue to serve affordable, authentic options across the city.
The taco’s journey in Melbourne reflects the city’s evolving food culture and openness to global flavors. It has become a beloved staple, embraced by locals and visitors alike.
Ingredients and Flavor Profiles
Melbourne’s taco scene offers a delightful blend of traditional Mexican ingredients and innovative local twists. Chefs across the city skillfully combine authentic flavors with creative additions to craft unique taste experiences.
Traditional Ingredients
Corn tortillas form the foundation of Melbourne’s best tacos. These soft or crispy shells cradle a variety of fillings. Slow-cooked meats like pork al pastor and beef feature prominently, often seasoned with cumin, chili, and garlic. Fresh toppings include diced onions, cilantro, and lime wedges. Salsas range from mild pico de gallo to fiery habanero varieties.
Many taquerias offer vegetarian options with fillings like grilled vegetables or black beans. Guacamole and crema provide creamy textures. Queso fresco or cotija cheese add salty notes. Pickled red onions and jalapeños contribute tangy, spicy elements.
Innovative Twists
Melbourne chefs incorporate local ingredients to create fusion tacos. Seafood options feature prominently, with flathead fish tacos gaining popularity. These often come topped with cabbage slaw and chipotle mayo for a unique flavor profile.
Some restaurants experiment with non-traditional proteins like kangaroo or crocodile. Others infuse Asian flavors, using ingredients like kimchi or wasabi mayo. Vegetarian innovations include jackfruit as a meat substitute or roasted pumpkin for a sweet-savory combo.
Locally-sourced produce adds freshness, with additions like green apple or cucumber. Craft sauces elevate flavors further, from smoky chipotle to zesty salsa verde. These creative touches set Melbourne’s taco scene apart while respecting traditional Mexican culinary roots.