Melbourne’s Mexican dining scene covers more than quick tacos and margaritas. Around South Melbourne, the CBD, Windsor and the city’s laneways, you can find colourful cantina-style restaurants, underground mezcal bars, modern Mexican dining rooms, authentic taquerias and casual Chapel Street favourites built for tacos, burritos, nachos, cocktails and group meals.
This guide focuses on five Mexican restaurants in Melbourne worth knowing: Taco Bill Mexican Restaurant, Bodega Underground, Mamasita, Maíz y Cacao Mexican Restaurant and Fonda Mexican Windsor. Each one suits a different kind of Mexican meal, from relaxed family dinners and late-night tacos to polished Collins Street dining, authentic corn-and-cacao-driven cooking and casual Windsor catch-ups.
1. Taco Bill Mexican Restaurant
Taco Bill Mexican Restaurant in South Melbourne is one of the city’s long-running Mexican dining options. Located on Clarendon Street, it has the kind of colourful, casual restaurant personality that works well for families, groups, birthday dinners and anyone who wants a relaxed Mexican meal without the pressure of a polished fine-dining room.
The appeal of Taco Bill is familiar comfort. This is the kind of place people choose for nachos, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, quesadillas, margaritas and generous plates that suit sharing. It is not trying to be minimalist or ultra-modern; it leans into the fun, casual side of Mexican-inspired dining.
That makes it especially useful for mixed groups. Some diners might want a lighter taco or salad, while others want a full plate with rice, beans, cheese, salsa and sour cream. The menu format is easy to understand, which is part of why restaurants like Taco Bill remain popular for relaxed weeknight dinners.
Taco Bill South Melbourne also works well because of its location. Clarendon Street is central to South Melbourne’s dining strip, close to the market, offices, apartments and nearby suburbs. It is a practical choice when the group wants Mexican food that feels easy, colourful and familiar.
Taco Bill Mexican Restaurant is best for nachos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, margaritas, family meals, casual group dinners and anyone looking for a relaxed Mexican restaurant in South Melbourne.
Address: 375 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne
Taco Bill Mexican Restaurant Menu
Bill's Bundles
Pack for Two (GF)
$60 for a Mexican feast for 2 (normally $71)! Treat yourself & an amigo to Regular Nachos, 4 Enchiladas, Mexican Rice, and a 1.25L Soft Drink . Big savings & even bigger flavours! Gluten Free
Pack for Four
Satisfy your family's cravings for just $69 (normally $80) Enjoy Regular Nachos, 2 mouthwatering Fajitas & a 1.25L Soft Drink – perfect for feeding the whole crew. Don't miss out on this delicious deal!
Starters
NACHOS SUPREMOS
Regular Serve
NACHOS SUPREMOS
Large Serve
Add Mexican Chicken (GF)
Add Slow Cooked Beef (GF)
Add Frijoles (V)
POPCORN PRAWNS
Crunchy prawns coated in a spice crust served with chipotle aioli
STUFFED JALAPENOS
Crumbed and fried jalapenos (4) filled with cream cheese and served with our fresh house salsa
CHAR GRILLED CORN
Mexican street-style corn on the cob, chargrilled then rolled in creamy chipotle aioli, topped with parmigiano, paprika and pico de gallo
CHILE FRIES
Cheesy fries covered with our chile con carne (meat), guacamole, sour cream and salsa
DELGADA
Flour tortilla, folded and grilled with your choice of filling. Garnished with pico de gallo. Choose from: Mexican Chicken, Cheese and Corn / Slow Cooked Beef & Cheese / Mushroom, Spinach & Cheese (VG)
ENCHILADA
Choice of: Chicken & Cheese (with green tomatillo / Slow Cooked Beef & Cheese (with red chil / Spinach, Potato & Cheese (with both gree
Tacos
CLASSIC TACOS
Mexican Chicken
CLASSIC TACOS
Slow Cooked Beef
CLASSIC TACOS
Frijoles (V)
CLASSIC TACOS
Prawns and Scallops (contains gluten)
STREET STYLE TACOS
Chicken with house guacamole, topped wit
STREET STYLE TACOS
Carne Colorado - Mexican Beef, guacamole
STREET STYLE TACOS
Vegan - House Black Beans, guacamole and
STREET STYLE TACOS
Fish, battered with shredded cabbage, pi
Mains
FAJITAS
Marinated Chicken (GF)
FAJITAS
Marinated Beef (GF)
FAJITAS
Marinated Prawns
FAJITAS
Marinated Vegetables (V)
FAJITAS
Add: Sour cream, cheese and salsa
FAJITA SALAD
Marinated Chicken (GF)
FAJITA SALAD
Marinated Beef (GF)
FAJITA SALAD
Marinated Prawns
QUESADILLA SUPREMA
Mexican Chicken
QUESADILLA SUPREMA
Slow Cooked Beef
QUESADILLA SUPREMA
Creamy Prawns and Scallops
ENCHILADA NUEVO MEXICO
Stack of corn tortillas. Topped with cheese, mild chile sauce and an egg. Served with a taco, frijoles and mexican rice. Choose from: Chicken / Beef
ENCHILADA GRANDE
Mexican Chicken & Cheese (GF)
ENCHILADA GRANDE
Slow Cooked Beef & Cheese (GF)
ENCHILADA GRANDE
Spinach, Potato & Cheese (V)
LA COMBINACION
Mexican Chicken (GF)
LA COMBINACION
Slow Cooked Beef (GF)
LA COMBINACION
Spinach & Potato and Frijoles (V)
BURRITO
Mexican Chicken, Cheese and Pico de Gall
BURRITO
Slow Cooked Beef, Cheese and Pico de Gal
BURRITO
Creamy Prawns and Scallops
BURRITO BOWL
All your favourites in one nourishing bowl. Fresh chopped lettuce, grilled corn and black beans, house Mexican rice, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, topped with fresh avocado (V). Add some protein:
BURRITO BOWL
Mexican Chicken (GF)
BURRITO BOWL
Slow Cooked Beef (GF)
BURRITO BOWL
Frijoles (V)
Sides
SIDE SALAD
Lettuce leaves with red onion, capsicum, cherry tomatoes, avocado and Balsamic dressing
CRUNCHY FRIES
CORN CHIPS
FLOUR OR CORN TORTILLA - 4 PIECES
MEXICAN RICE
FRIJOLES
BLACK BEANS
HOUSE SALSA
PICO DE GALLO
JALAPEÑO CHILES
HOUSE MADE GUACAMOLE
SOUR CREAM
CHEESE
Fiesta
LET US FEED YOU!
For 4 or more Amigos to share! Nachos Supremos / Delgadas - Beef, Chicken or Veg / Fajitas - Beef, Chicken, or Veg $45 PP Add on a Beer, glass of Wine or Frozen Fruit Margarita for $10pp!
Kids
NIÑO MEAL DEAL
Niño's choice of meal from kids menu plus a niño ice cream and glass of Mexican Punch
NIÑO MEXI RICE & CHICKEN
Marinated chicken with rice and salad
NIÑO TACO WITH RICE OR FRIES
Crunchy corn or soft flour tortilla filled with lettuce, tomato, cheese and choice of beans, beef, or chicken
NIÑO NACHOS
Crunchy corn tortilla chips smothered with melted cheese. Served with niño's choice of salsa or sour cream
NIÑO NACHOS
Add Beef
NIÑO NACHOS
Add Chicken
NIÑO NACHOS
Add Bean
NIÑO MEXI NUGGETS
5 chicken nuggets with a choice of fries or Mexi rice
NIÑO MEXI FISH & CHIPS
2 pieces of battered fish with a choice of fries or Mexi rice
NIÑO FRIES
NIÑO ICE CREAM
2 scoops of vanilla ice cream with strawberry or chocoloate topping and a jelly snake
Desserts
MEXICAN CHOCOLATE MOUSSE
A smooth, airy and chocolatey dessert served with whipped cream (2,280 kJ)
DEATH BY CHOCOLATE
Layers of chocolate mousse and chocolate ice cream, topped whipped cream (2,867 kJ)
STICKY MEXICAN PUDDING
Mexico's version of the all time favourite: sticky date pudding. Served warm with home-made caramel sauce and ice cream. (Contains nuts) (3,083 kJ) (Contains walnuts)
FLAN DE QUESO
Smooth cream cheese custard topped with a decadent layer of caramel sauce - Taco Bill's version of this true Mexican dessert (1,797 kJ)
ICE CREAM NACHOS
Crispy tortilla pastries dusted in cinnamon sugar, topped with 3 scoops of rich vanilla ice cream, coffee liqueur and honey (1,165 kJ)
Beer & Cider
Victoria Bitter
Carlton Draught
Heineken 0.0
Apple Cider
Corona
Spirits
Gin
Vodka
Rum
Kahlua
Whisky
Bourbon
Brandy
Midori
Tequila
Paloma
Jose Cuervo Especial Silver
Tequila Sunrise
Sparkling
Bottega Prosecco Doc
200ml Bottle (Italy)
Bottega Petalo Moscato
200ml Bottle (Italy)
White Wine & Rose
Svelte Sauvignon Blanc
Glass
Svelte Sauvignon Blanc
Bottle
Caldora Pinot Grigio
Glass
Caldora Pinot Grigio
Bottle
Friends of Rufus Rose
Glass
Friends of Rufus Rose
Bottle
Red Wine
Svelte Cabernet Merlot
Glass
Svelte Cabernet Merlot
Bottle
Haselgrove Shiraz
Glass
Haselgrove Shiraz
Bottle
Shore's Reach Pinot Noir
Glass
Shore's Reach Pinot Noir
Bottle
Sangria
SANGRIA
Glass
SANGRIA
500ml
SANGRIA
1L Jug
Margaritas
Classic Lemon
Glass
Classic Lemon
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Strawberry
Glass
Strawberry
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Mango
Glass
Mango
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Pineapple
Glass
Pineapple
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Tropical
Glass
Tropical
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Fruit Tingle
Glass
Fruit Tingle
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Blue Lagoon
Glass
Blue Lagoon
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Illusion
Glass
Illusion
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Midori Cactus
Glass
Midori Cactus
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Fruit Salad
Glass
Fruit Salad
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Tijuana Treasure
Glass
Tijuana Treasure
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Caribbean Dream
Glass
Caribbean Dream
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Supercharged Strawberry
Glass
Supercharged Strawberry
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Sunrise
Glass
Sunrise
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Red Russian
Glass
Red Russian
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Purely Peach
Glass
Purely Peach
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Passionfruit Zing
Glass
Passionfruit Zing
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Margarita Sampler
(110ml glasses x5) Classic Lemon, Strawberry, Mango, Midori & Blue Lagoon
Margarita 'On The Rocks'
Taco Bill handcrafted Lemon Margarita, salt rimmed and served shaken over ice
Non-Alcoholic
Mexican Slushie
Classic Lemon, Strawberry, Mango or Pineapple - Glass
Mexican Slushie
Classic Lemon, Strawberry, Mango or Pineapple - Jug
Soft Drinks
Coke, Diet Coke, Coke no sugar, Lemonade, Fanta, Raspberry - Glass
Soft Drinks
Coke, Diet Coke, Coke no sugar, Lemonade, Fanta, Raspberry - Jug
Natural Sparkling Mineral Water
Lemon, Lime & Bitters
Mexican Punch
Glass
Mexican Punch
Jug
Orange Juice
Glass
Orange Juice
Jug
Milk Shakes
Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla or Blue Heaven
Jarritos
Hot Drinks
Liqueur Coffee... Mexican Style
Taco Bill's coffee liqueur served with hot, fresh black coffee and whipped cream
Coffee
Cappuccino / Cafe latte / Flat white
Tea
Hot Chocolate
2. Bodega Underground
Bodega Underground is one of Melbourne CBD’s most atmospheric Mexican restaurants. Hidden beneath Little Bourke Street, it combines a late-night taqueria feel with a mezcal bar, making it a strong choice when tacos and drinks are equally important to the night.
The food leans into street-style Mexican eating: tacos, snacks, share plates, salsas, corn, spice, lime, herbs and bold flavours that work well with tequila, mezcal and cocktails. It is not a quiet family-style restaurant; the appeal is underground energy, late-night dining and a room that feels built for groups, dates and after-work drinks.
Bodega Underground is especially useful for diners who want Mexican food before or after a bigger CBD night out. The Little Bourke Street location puts it close to Chinatown, bars, hotels, theatres and the top end of the city, while the underground setting gives it more personality than a standard street-level restaurant.
The mezcal side of the venue is a major part of the experience. If you are interested in agave spirits, margaritas, tequila cocktails or a Mexican dinner that naturally turns into drinks, Bodega Underground is one of the most useful Mexican spots in Melbourne.
Bodega Underground is best for tacos, mezcal, tequila, margaritas, late-night dining, group dinners, casual dates and anyone looking for an underground Mexican restaurant in Melbourne CBD.
Address: 55 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Bodega Underground Menu
Compartir / To Share
Open 7 days! Our food is 100% gluten free
Elote
Street corn with spiced chipotle mayo and queso cotija
Mexi Chicken Wings
Saucy fried chipotle wings, toasted guajillo, spring onion
Chilaquiles Roja*
Pulled chicken or frijoles, tortilla chips, roja sauce, cotija cheese, sour cream, coriander
Beef Rib with Mole Negra
Slow cooked beef rib, mole negra sauce, white sesame, crispy kale (contains peanuts)
Totopos with Guacamole
Corn chips served with avocado & green pea guac, and salsa morita
Papas
Fried potatoes, chipotle garlic sauce, spring onion
2 X Tostadas de Camáron (Prawn)
Buttery prawns, guacamole, Bodega hot sauce, cos lettuce
Cabbage & Chorizo*
Braised cabbage, crumbled chorizo, mole blanco, guajillo oil, chives
Broccolini and Pistachio Mole
Charred broccolini, pistachio mole, salsa macha, black sesame (contains nuts)
Taqueria
2 tacos per serve
Tacos de Frijoles (Black Beans)
Black beans, jalapeño crema, pickled jalepeño, cactus, onion, coriander
Tacos de Calabacita (Zucchini)
Battered zucchini, corn crema, apple & tomatillo salsa, pico de gallo
Beetroot Chorizo Taco
Vegan beetroot chorizo, dutch crema potatoes, pineapple hot sauce, coriander
Tacos de Pescado (Fish)
Fried market fish, green pea guacamole, chipotle mayo, cabbage slaw
Tacos de Chorizo y Papa
Fried chorizo, buttery potatoes, Bodega hot sauce
2 X Birria Quesatacos & Consome
12 hour braised beef, Oaxaca cheese, onion, coriander, dipping broth
Carnitas (Pork)
Braised pork, salsa tomatillo, onion, coriander
Add Salsas
Guacamole
Vegan Chipotle Mayo
Sour Cream
Postre / Dessert
Churros con Dulce de Leche*
Cinnamon sugar coated churros (Gluten free!) served with dulce de leche
Featured Items
Feed Me
Min. 2 People
Pre-Theatre Menu
Guava Mimosa on Arrival. Order Between 5pm - 5.30pm out By 6.45pm. Dinner, Dessert & a Drink!
Bottomless Brunch
Every Fri, Sat & Sun. 5 dishes + 90 mins of cocktails. All seatings between 11.00am - 3.15pm
Experiences
Bottomless Mexi-Brunch $75pp
Every Wed to Sun we host Bottomless Mexi-Brunch sittings until 5pm (last seating time at 3pm), which consist of 5 dishes & 90mins of bottomless cocktails, beer & wine. Gluten free & vegan friendly options available. Tables of 2 may be sat at the bar. WARNING: Arriving late will result in a shorter seating time
Workers Lunch $25pp
Workers Lunch offer of corn chips and guac, mexican street corn and 2 tacos. Add a Paloma, beer or wine for $10 Available Wed - Fri from 12pm - 5pm 100% Gluten Free, and Vegan friendly options
$60 Pre Theatre Mexi-Mimosa Menu!
6 dishes incl dessert, plus a Guava Mimosa on arrival (beer, wine, non-alc also available). Gluten free & vegan friendly options. AVAILABLE FOR 5:15pm SEATING ONLY.
3. Mamasita
Mamasita is one of Melbourne’s best-known modern Mexican restaurants. Set upstairs on Collins Street, it has been part of the city’s dining scene for years and remains a strong choice for people who want Mexican food with a more polished CBD restaurant feel.
The appeal of Mamasita is that it treats Mexican food as a full restaurant experience rather than just a quick taco stop. The menu is built around modern Mexican flavours, shared plates, tacos, tostadas, snacks, larger dishes, drinks and a strong agave focus. It works well when the table wants to order across the menu and share.
Mamasita is especially useful for date nights, business lunches, group dinners, birthdays and visitors to Melbourne. The Collins Street location gives it a city-dining polish, while the food still keeps the meal lively, colourful and full of flavour.
It is also one of the better options when the setting matters. The upstairs dining room, cocktail list and central address make Mamasita feel more occasion-ready than many casual Mexican restaurants. It is the kind of place you book when you want tacos and mezcal, but you still want the night to feel organised.
Mamasita is best for modern Mexican food, tacos, tostadas, mezcal, margaritas, date nights, group dinners, business lunches and polished Mexican dining in Melbourne CBD.
Address: Upstairs, 11 Collins Street, Melbourne
Mamasita Menu
TACOS (2PC)
Stone-ground blue corn tortillas made in-house & hand-pressed to order
CRISPY SWEET POTATO (V,VG,NUTS)
Lime mayo, macha verde
SLOW BRAISED CHICKEN (NUTS)
Tinga chicken, salsa macha
OVERNIGHT BLACK BEER BRISKET
PORK BELLY CHICHARRÓN
Salsa negra, pickled fennel
CERVEZA-CRUMBED MARKET FISH
Chipotle salsa, verde jalapeno crema
CHEF’S PLATES
LIME-CURED SNAPPER CEVICHE
Coconut & green jalapeno milk, baby cucumber salsa
ROASTED SUGARLOAF CABBAGE (V, VG, NUTS)
Oaxaca mole, whipped tahini
CHARGRILLED CHICKEN ASADO
Pumpkin mole, pico de gallo verde
TWICE-COOKED MURRAY VALLEY PORK BELLY
Black salsa, pickled fennel & herb ensalada
LAMB BIRRIA (NUTS)
Consommé, soft tortillas, salsas
GRASS-FED GIPPSLAND BRISKET BARBACOA
Chimichurri rojo, pickled red onion
SNACK PLATES
ELOTE (V)
Sweet corn on the cob, chipotle mayo, queso
PICKLED SEASONAL VEGETABLES (V,VG)
Chef’s mothers recipe
FRIJOLES (V)
Black turtle bean dip, chilli oil, cotija cheese
MAMASITA GUACAMOLE (V, VG)
House-made crisp tortillas, smoked guajillo oil
CHILAQUILES
Salsa roja braised totopos, crudo tiger prawn, avocado
TIJUANA STREET SALAD (V)
Baby cos, mustard & caper dressing, charred chilli salt
CARNE ASADO HASH BROWN
Gippsland hanger steak, brown butter sauce, salsa cremosa
FLAUTAS (3PC) “FLAU-TAS”
Rolled, filled and fried corn tortillas topped with salsa & crema
CHILLI CHEESE (V)
Fermented green chilli, papas, Oaxaca queso, salsa verde
BRAISED CHICKEN
Tinga chicken, Oaxaca queso, salsa roja
TOSTADAS (2PC) “TOS-TADAS”
Topped crisp 4” yellow corn tortilla
SPICED CONFIT MUSHROOM (V, VG, NUTS)
Cashew crema, orange beetroot
TUNA TARTARE
Ponzu, furikake, avocado & jalapeno mousse
PRAWN SESAME TOAST (NUTS)
Santa Maria rose, soft herbs, toasted sesame
MARGARITAS
Perfecting our margaritas over 15-years, we squeeze fresh lime daily and serve a la tradicional - straight, over ice. Imported by our friend Howie, Nodo Blanco has been produced by the Banuelos family in the Canyon of Tecuani in Mexico since the 1970’s using Blue Webber Agave.
MAMASITA MARGARITA
Nodo Blanco, pineapple, mango
PAPACITO MARGARITA
Nodo Blanco, jalapeno, cucumber, coconut water
FUEGO MARGARITA
Nodo Blanco, chile ancho, lemon myrtle liquor, fresh mint
CLASSIC MARGARITA
With Tequila
CLASSIC MARGARITA
With Mezcal
CLASSIC MARGARITA
Spicy with house infused green jalapeno tequila (Mezcal +2)
COCKTAILS
HOUSE SANGRIA
G / J
HOUSE SANGRIA
G / J
MEXICAN SPRITZ
Nodo Blanco, prosecco, guava juice, agave, yuzu soda, mint
YUZU PALOMA
Nodo Blanco, yuzushu liquor, lime, agave
OAXACA OLD FASHIONED
Peloton Mezcal, toasted tortilla syrup, mole bitters
OAXACA OLD FASHIONED
Peloton Mezcal, toasted tortilla syrup, mole bitters
MAMASITA MARTINI
Ketle One, vermouth, mezcal, red guajillo oil
VINO
MAMASITA PROSECCO NV
Victoria
MAMASITA PROSECCO NV
Victoria
VINE MIND RIESLING‘23
Clare Valley
VINE MIND RIESLING‘23
Clare Valley
MAMASITA BLANCO (PINOT GRIS)‘23
Victoria
MAMASITA BLANCO (PINOT GRIS)‘23
Victoria
ELM BOMBA BIANCA‘23
Alpine Vallery, Victoria
ELM BOMBA BIANCA‘23
Alpine Vallery, Victoria
LIGHTHAND CHARDONNAY‘23
Victoria
LIGHTHAND CHARDONNAY‘23
Victoria
MAMASITA ROSADO (ROSE)‘23
Victoria
MAMASITA ROSADO (ROSE)‘23
Victoria
MAMASITA TINTO (SANGIOVESE)‘23
Victoria
MAMASITA TINTO (SANGIOVESE)‘23
Victoria
CUTIO GARNACHA/CARIÑENA‘21
Cariñena, Central Spain
CUTIO GARNACHA/CARIÑENA‘21
Cariñena, Central Spain
HODDLES CREEK WICKHAMS RD PINOT NOIR‘23
Yarra Valley, Victoria
HODDLES CREEK WICKHAMS RD PINOT NOIR‘23
Yarra Valley, Victoria
ELDERTON BULLET SHIRAZ‘23
Yarra Valley, Victoria
ELDERTON BULLET SHIRAZ‘23
Yarra Valley, Victoria
BEER
MAMASITA TAP CERVEZA - SCHOONER
SOL (MEX)
BALTER CERVEZA (AUS)
BOHEMIA (MEX)
MODELO ESPECIAL (MEX)
O’BRIEN’S GUTEN-FREE LAGER (AUS)
THE HILLS CLOUDY APPLE CIDER (AUS)
HEAPS NORMAL XPA 0% (AUS)
NON-ALCOHOLIC
JARRITOS SODAS (MEX)
Cola, lime, mandarin or guava
MUNDET APPLE SODA (MEX)
HOUSE-MADE HORCHATA
Condensed milk, rice milk, vanilla, cinnamon
CHERRY BATANGA
Black cherry, vanilla, lime, salt, Mexican cola
CASI NO AQUI
Coconut water, cucumber, lime, agave, yuzu soda
SPARKLING WATER
4. Maíz y Cacao Mexican Restaurant
Maíz y Cacao Mexican Restaurant brings a more culturally specific Mexican voice to Melbourne’s dining scene. Its name points to two ingredients at the centre of Mexican food history: corn and cacao. That gives the restaurant a different identity from casual Tex-Mex-style venues or modern cocktail-led Mexican restaurants.
The food direction is built around Mexican tradition, tacos, antojitos, drinks and flavours that celebrate corn, chocolate, spice, salsa, herbs and masa-based cooking. It is a strong choice for diners who want Mexican food to feel connected to culture and ingredients, not just a quick plate of nachos.
Maíz y Cacao works well for lunches, casual dinners, small groups, date nights and diners who want something more authentic and ingredient-led. The Queen Street address also makes it useful for CBD workers and visitors looking for Mexican food in the city without choosing one of the larger, louder venues.
Because the restaurant’s identity is built around maíz and cacao, it brings a useful point of difference to this list. It is less about party-style Mexican dining and more about the ingredients, traditions and everyday dishes that make Mexican cuisine so deep and varied.
Maíz y Cacao Mexican Restaurant is best for tacos, antojitos, Mexican drinks, masa-based dishes, casual CBD meals, date nights and anyone looking for a more traditional Mexican restaurant in Melbourne.
Address: Shop 1, 189 Queen Street, Melbourne
Maiz Y Cacao Mexican Restaurant Menu
Antojitos
Guacamole del Tianguis
Street market guac, green tomatillo, cactus, roasted garlic, coriander, onion, roasted pepita, tomato, totopos.
Guacamole con Totopos
Guacamole with corn chips.
Frijoles con Totopos
Black beans with corn chips, pico de gallo and jalapeños.
Elote de la Calle
White char-grilled corn, mole negro mayo, cotija cheese, tajin, lime.
Esquites
Char-grilled corn off the cob in a cup, mole negro mayo, cotija cheese, tajin, lime.
Brocoli Crocante
Crispy broccolini, coconut tajin cream, puffed millet seed.
Tortillas y Salsa
Handmade corn tortillas, salsa roja, salsa verde.
Tacos
Taco de Barbacoa estilo Hidalgo
Mexican steamed lamb Hidalgo style, onion, coriander, lime.
Taco de Pescado
Market fish, turmeric batter, orange dressing, cabbage slaw, chipotle mayo.
Taco de Asada
Char-grilled sirloin (beef), grilled onions, cactus, coriander, lime.
Taco de Pollo al Pastor
Marinated chicken, pineapple, onion, coriander, lime.
Taco Vegano
Seasonal vegetables, salsa, coriander, lime.
Compartir
Shared dishes
Papas Bravas
Hand-made fried potatoes, yuca, smoked ink mayo, brava sauce, tajin & Giannopoulos oregano salt.
Nachos
Natural corn chips, double fried turtle bean, chunky tomato sauce, melted cheese, guac, pico de gallo, sour cream, jalapeño pickle.
Quesadillas
Corn tortillas filled with cheese, served with salsa and cream.
Fajitas de Verduras
Grilled seasonal vegetables, served with tortillas and salsas to share.
Postres
Desserts
Tamal de Mole
Chocolate 75% cacao, mole negro sauce, rum raisin ice cream, ancho chilli crumbs.
Churros de la Calle
Crispy cinnamon doughnut, orange & roasted coconut mascarpone.
5. Fonda Mexican Windsor
Fonda Mexican Windsor is one of Chapel Street’s most recognisable Mexican restaurants. Located in Windsor, it brings a bright, casual and contemporary Mexican style to one of Melbourne’s busiest dining and nightlife strips.
The menu style is built around fresh, easygoing Mexican-inspired food: tacos, burritos, quesadillas, bowls, nachos, margaritas, drinks and shareable sides. It is a useful restaurant for people who want Mexican food that feels lively but not too heavy, with plenty of options for quick meals, group dinners and casual catch-ups.
Fonda Windsor works especially well before or after Chapel Street plans. You can use it for a weekday lunch, a casual dinner, a birthday catch-up, pre-drinks food or a relaxed meal with friends. It has the kind of format that suits spontaneous dining as well as planned bookings.
The Windsor location gives it a strong neighbourhood role too. It is close to Prahran, South Yarra and St Kilda, and the Chapel Street setting means it can suit both local diners and people coming into the area for a night out.
Fonda Mexican Windsor is best for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, bowls, margaritas, Chapel Street dinners, group meals and casual Mexican food in Windsor.
Address: 144 Chapel Street, Windsor
Fonda Mexican Windsor Menu
Antojitos
Charred Street Corn
Our signature chargrilled corn, with chipotle aioli, parmesan-ricotta cheese blend, paprika and lime. 1 half cob per serve.
Tortilla Crisps
House-made corn chips, fresh guacamole & pico de gallo.
Tuna Ceviche
Fresh cucumber, pickled red onion, chilli lime dressing, tortilla crisps
Cauliflower Ceviche
Fresh cucumber, pickled red onion, chilli lime dressing, tortilla crisps
Smoky Mac & Cheese Croquettes
Salsa roja & coriander
Fried Chicken Tenderloins
Fried Chicken Tenderloins (4 pieces) with chipotle aioli & lime
Fonda Seasoned Chips
with chipotle aioli
Crispy Zucchini Wedges
Crispy Zucchini Wedges served with Chipotle aioli
Fonda Nachos
Classic Nachos
Tortilla crisps tossed in a house salsa, four cheese blend, topped with guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo & jalapeño
Loaded Nachos
The nachos you love, plus your choice of: Chargrilled chicken, barbacoa beef, Tasmanian lamb, tender pork, or pulled shiitake mushrooms
Tacos
Pulled Pork
Juicy pulled pork with salsa roja, red onion, guacamole & fresh coriander.
Baja Snapper Taco
Crispy fried snapper with smoky chipotle, guacamole, crunchy slaw, pickled onion, fresh coriander & a squeeze of lime.
Grilled Chicken Asado Taco
Grilled chicken with guacamole, salsa roja, onion & fresh coriander. Smoky, juicy, and packed with flavours.
Crispy Prawn Taco
Succulent prawns with fresh pineapple salsa, smoky chipotle, guacamole & a touch of agave.
Barbacoa Beef Taco
Slow-cooked barbacoa beef with chimichurri, guacamole & zesty red onion.
Shiitake Mushroom Taco
Tender pulled shiitake mushrooms with guacamole, chimichurri, onion, corn salsa, fresh coriander & a squeeze of lime. A deliciously hearty and flavorful plant-based option.
Lamb Shoulder Taco
Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with salsa roja, pickled onion, pico de gallo, fresh coriander & our signature F.U. sauce.
Burritos
Tasmanian Lamb Burrito
Succulent lamb, rice and quinoa, peppery rocket, and pickled onion, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Topped with salsa roja, fresh pico de gallo, chimichurri, coriander, and crispy tortilla strips for a vibrant finish.
Flamed Grilled Chicken Burrito
Tender flame-grilled chicken, rice and quinoa, black beans, and crunchy slaw, wrapped in a warm tortilla. Finished with salsa verde, fresh pico de gallo, and crispy tortilla strips for a bold, satisfying bite.
Shiitake Mushroom Burrito
Savoury shiitake mushrooms, rice and quinoa, black beans, and peppery rocket wrapped in a warm tortilla. Topped with fresh pico de gallo, chimichurri, pickled onion, and crispy tortilla strips for a vibrant, earthy bite.
Barbacoa Beef Burrito
Chimichurri, slaw, smoky chipotle, caramelised onion & capsicum
Crispy Snapper Burrito
Golden crispy snapper, rice and quinoa, black beans, and crunchy slaw wrapped in a warm tortilla. Finished with salsa roja, chipotle aioli, pickled onion, and crunchy tortilla crisps for a smoky, satisfying bite.
Roasted Sweet Potato Burrito
Smoky chipotle aioli, spinach & caramelised onion, capsicum & salsa roja
Pulled Pork Burrito
Slow-cooked pulled pork, rice and quinoa, black beans, and fresh spinach wrapped in a soft tortilla. Layered with pineapple salsa, salsa roja, pico de gallo, pickled onion, coriander, and a sprinkle of Mexisalt.
Bowls
Pacifico Tuna Bowl
Tuna Ceviche with chopped kale, slaw, fresh cucumber, pepitas, mint, chilli lime dressing, crunchy tortilla strips
Pacifico Chicken Bowl
Chicken with chopped kale, slaw, fresh cucumber, pepitas, mint, chilli lime dressing, crunchy tortilla strips
Santa Fe Bowl
Chargrilled chicken, slaw, rocket, corn salsa, pico de gallo, parmesan ricotta blend, crunchy tortilla strips, chilli citrus mayo
Mex Bim Bap Bowl
Quinoa & rice, black beans, spinach, guacamole, slaw, sweet potato, fried chickpeas, pico de gallo, pepitas, pickled onion, tortilla strips & tamarind dressing
Fiesta Burrito Bowl
Quinoa, brown rice, slaw, black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, mango crema, salsa roja, and tortilla crisps with your choice of: Barbacoa beef, chargrilled chicken, lamb, crispy sweet potato, or pulled shiitake mushroom
Quesadillas
Pork Quesadilla
Pineapple, rocket & chili mango crema
Chargrilled Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla
Sweet corn salsa & spinach
Slow Cooked Beef
Pickled onion, rocket & salsa roja
Lamb Shoulder Quesadilla
Chimichurri, rocket & pickled onion
Pulled Shiitake Mushroom Quesadilla
Chipotle aioli, spinach & corn salsa
Roasted Sweet Potato Quesadilla
Chipotle aioli, spinach, caramelised onion & capsicum
Sweet
Churros
Dulce de leche & chocolate sauce
Kids
Corn On the Cob
A freshly steamed half cob of corn
Tortilla Crisps
White & blue corn tortilla crisps, with guacamole
Fonda Seasoned Chips
Served with tomato sauce
Cheese Quesadilla
Toasted tortilla with our signature cheese blend. Served with tomato sauce
Chicken & Chips
Crispy chicken tenders with a side of chips. Served with tomato sauce.
Fish & Chips
Crispy battered snapper fillets with a side of chips. Served with tomato sauce.
Frozen Cocktails
Piña Colada
Sailor Jerry’s Rum, Bacardi, lime, pineapple, coconut milk
Lychee & Elderflower Margarita
El Jimador Blanco Tequila, elderflower, lychee, apple
Margaritas
Classic Margarita
Tequila, Triple Sec, lime, salt rim
Tommy’s Margarita
Tequila, lime, agave, salt rim
Verdita Margarita
Tequila, lime, coriander, mint, jalapeno, agave, salt rim
Spicy Tommy’s Margarita
Tequila, lime, agave, habanero hot sauce, salt rim
Blood Orange Margarita
Tequila, Triple Sec, Campari, lime, blood orange, orange bitters, tajin rim
Pine-Jalapeño Margarita
Tequila, pineapple, ginger, habanero hot sauce, jalapeño, tajin rim
Coconut Margarita
Tequila, coconut tequila liquor, lemon, coconut
Cucumber Margarita
Tequila, lime, cucumber, salt rim
Watermelon Margarita
Tequila, watermelon, salt rim
1800 Cristalino Margarita
Lime, agave, salt rim
Classic Cocktail
Aperol Spritz
Aperol, prosecco, sparkling water
Espresso Martini
Vodka, Kahlua, Boston Black Espresso
Sangria
Tempranillo, Triple Sec, lemon, ginger, tonic
0% Cocktails
Sparkling Guava-Rita
Aloe vera, guava, lemon, agave, sparkling water
Virgin Elderflower Paloma
Grapefruit, elderflower, lime, tonic
Cerveza & Cider
Corona Lager
Balter Cerveza Lager
Balter XPA
Balter Captain Sensible (Mid)
Somersby Apple Cider
Brookvale Union Ginger Beer
Vino
Sunnycliff Brut
Victoria
Isadora ‘Extra Dry’ Prosecco
Italy
Ca’Di Alte, Pinot Grigio
Italy
The Pass, Sauvignon Blanc
New Zealand
Kumeu River ‘Village’ Chardonnay
New Zealand
Chateau L’Escarelle Cuvee ‘Chateau’
France
Spring Vale ‘Melrose’ Pinot Noir
Tasmania
Mesta Tempranillo
Spain
Finca Las Moras ‘Organico’ Malbec
Argentina
House-made Sodas
Cucumber & Mint
Cucumber, lime, soda
Strawberry & Mint
Strawberry, fresh mint, lime, soda
Ginger & Passionfruit
Ginger, passionfruit, fresh mint, soda
Pineapple & Lime
Pineapple, lime, soda
Traditional Lemonade
Lemon, soda
Lemon, Lime & Bitters
Lemonade, lime, bitters
Aguas Frescas
Watermelon
Cold-pressed watermelon juice, fresh lime
Horchata
Rice milk, evaporated milk, vanilla, cinnamon
Mexican Iced Coffee
Horchata Cold Brew
Horchata with a shot of Boston Black cold brew
Final word
The best Mexican restaurants in Melbourne cover several different moods. Taco Bill Mexican Restaurant is the South Melbourne choice for colourful, casual Mexican comfort food. Bodega Underground is the CBD pick for tacos, mezcal and late-night energy. Mamasita is the Collins Street option for polished modern Mexican dining. Maíz y Cacao Mexican Restaurant brings a more traditional, ingredient-led Mexican style to the city. Fonda Mexican Windsor is the Chapel Street favourite for tacos, burritos, margaritas and relaxed group meals.
Together, they show why Mexican food in Melbourne works across so many occasions: easy when you want tacos and drinks, lively when the night calls for mezcal and margaritas, relaxed when the group wants nachos and burritos, and more thoughtful when the focus is on Mexican ingredients, culture and tradition.