What this Smith Street kiosk lacks in size, it makes up for in Mexican flavour, from the menu right through to the unpretentious streetside setting. Frankie’s is a laidback, paper plate affair, with a fuss-free food offering that’s pure lunchtime gold. 

Inspired by the owner’s passion for tacos and motorbikes, this modern Mexican haunt sits adjacent to a bike workshop on High Street. Crafted from repurposed shipping containers, it’s working an easygoing industrial vibe as the backdrop.

With a moniker that translates to an affectionate term meaning ‘little taco’, this pint-sized bar that lives up to its name. Tacos are the undisputed stars of the show, where each tortilla is handmade from scratch and only top-notch ingredients make the menu. 

It’s fairly new, but this colourful Collingwood Mexican restaurant is already pulling in the regulars, earning brownie points for its cheery fit-out, region-hopping menu and $10 Friday margaritas. 

Tucked away in a cosy basement space on Little Bourke Street lies this late-night mezcal bar and taqueria slinging good times and ripper tacos right through until 3am. 

Loud and lively in both spirits and looks, Collingwood’s Hotel Jesus comes from the same minds behind CBD mainstay Mamasita, though marches to a very different tune. 

Making its home six storeys up within Swanston Street’s Curtin House, Mesa Verde is reimagining classic Mexican flavours with a touch of contemporary Melbourne flair. 

That this family-run tortilleria supplies many of the city’s other Mexican eateries with its award-winning freshly-pressed flatbreads, should give you some idea of the quality fare it’s dishing up. 

An oldie but a goodie, Mamasita is one of the OG players in Melbourne’s Mexican wave, first opening its doors way back in 2010. That famous front staircase has seen many a lengthy queue as people scramble to get their fix of Latin American fare.

With a solid eight years under its belt, this colourful St Kilda gem is one of Melbourne’s go-tos for fast, fun Mexican street food. The kitchen’s honouring traditional flavours, while the cheery corner space has those festive feels sorted. 

A long-time favourite for tequila-fuelled taco feasts with the crew, Brunswick’s Los Hermanos has been kicking on strong for years. The buzzy, backstreet Mexican restaurant is rocking a rustic space and an authentic menu to match.