Mejico

Overview

Dining institution Mejico has been serving Sydney-siders some of the finest Mexican cuisine and tequila for over a decade now — and has been slinging some of the greatest tacos from its Melbourne restaurant since 2020.

The Mejico space in Sydney remains much the same after so many years — lofty industrial ceiling, exposed brick walls and distressed concrete beams brightened by vivacious colours and bold geometric patterns. A sizeable bar that greets you upon entry is indicative of imminent revelry, and impressively offers one of the largest tequila selections in the city. The venue is buzzing with tables of young people in the mood for a fiesta of flavours and flowing tequila.

The tequila at Mejico is all 100 per cent agave, with none of the nasty additives that give you a headache. We recommend treating the experience like you would a single malt whisky, where you sip, roll the tipple over the tongue and savour its unique flavour. For connoisseurs, a nip of the elite varieties, such as the Gran Centenario Gran Reserve, could set you back over $100.

Choosing from over 250 tequila options is a daunting task. That's why Mejico introduced an ingenious invention: the Tequila Wheel. This nifty wooden contraption provides a tailored tequila recommendation as you turn the wheel to your preference for price, intensity and flavour. Let the fates decide what you'll be sipping on when visiting this haunt.

But if shooting tequilas isn't your jam, there are a heap of variations on the classic margarita — with the team slinging $10 margaritas every Monday — as well as plenty of beers and wines.

Food-wise, the signature guacamole adds some theatre to your meal, as the ingredients are smashed together tableside in a molcajete (Mexican pestle and mortar), with long, golden plantain chips as the perfect vehicle for dipping. Additional starters come in the form of corn ribs slathered in a chipotle lime glaze and dusted with pecorino cheese popcorn, as well as spicy jalapeño poppers.

Regarding tacos, you can expect wagyu-, jackfruit-, tempura lobster- and salmon-filled delights alongside weekly specials. Larger dishes made to share include the lamb rump topped with gremolata salsa and yellow mole; barramundi with vera cruz salsa and capers; and succulent wagyu rump steak served with a guajillo puree and asparagus.

The fresh, seasonal produce and modern yet authentic dishes at Mejico will challenge your expectations of Mexican food. And who knows, after experiencing tequila like a connoisseur, you might reconsider its wicked reputation.