Gluten-Free Mexican Hotspot Hotel Nacional Is Throwing a Half-Price Birthday Bash for Five Days This June
Score stellar coeliac-friendly cuisine for a feel-good price, as this five-level Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar rings in its second anniversary.
Melbourne's Hotel Nacional has become a gluten-free haven on Hardware Lane, featuring five levels of Mexican-inspired food and drinks — with stellar panoramic views to match. Now, on the cusp of its second birthday, the venue is celebrating with a discounted fiesta from Monday, June 15–Friday, June 19, slinging the entire menu for half price.
Moving into the former home of Campari House two years ago, each space within this sprawling operation has been designed to make a big impression on guests. Wandering from one floor to the next, a vibrant combination of earthen tones, arched walkways, textured walls and colourful cacti combines modern Mexican aesthetics with a breezy, beachside feel. As you might expect, it goes hand in hand with the venue's feel-good flavours.
Head Chef Sergio Tourn's (Tino, The Vale) contemporary fusions combine fresh seasonal produce with native ingredients. Now, the winter menu features highlights like pumpkin tamales with zucchini and poblano peppers; Mexican chicken balls with chipotle and tamarind sauce; and chamoy-glazed pork with sweet potato, kale and hibiscus. Best of all, the entire menu is coeliac-friendly, making it a go-to choice for avoiding cross-contamination.
"I always try to mix a bit of tradition with modern learning so I can honour both," says Tourn. "Each diner that walks through the doors of Hotel Nacional will not only enjoy our Mexican food offering but also taste the experiences I have had with flavourful and native ingredients. A standout dish on the menu is the chamoy-glazed pork, which is a mix between sweet and smoky, and my upbringing as an Argentinian child."
Co-owned by Alex Greco, Hotel Nacional is not his only gluten-free establishment. Elwood's Repeat Offender and St Kilda's Rufio are also forward-thinking restaurants and bars, serving Latin-inspired flavours to those with special dietary requirements. All three venues feature numerous vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring diners have plenty of choice when it comes to indulging in a top-notch feed that aligns with their needs and musts.
So, with this special birthday discount only happening for a few days, now is your chance to experience Hotel Nacional's laidback, accessible vibe. And if you're keen to celebrate with all your pals in the future, the recently opened Radio Nacional is the venue's brand-new events space, complete with a state-of-the-art sound system, plush seating and your very own bar loaded with agave goodness.
Hotel Nacional's second birthday discount is available from Monday, June 15–Friday, June 19 at 23–25 Hardware Lane, Melbourne. Head to the website for more information.
Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Images: Supplied.
- Melbourne's Best Heated Swimming Pools for Winter
- The Best Cheap Eats in Melbourne
- The 18 Most Whimsical, Witchy and Gothic Places in Melbourne
- The Best Cafes for Working or Studying in Melbourne
- Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Melbourne
- The 20 Best (and Cosiest) Bars and Pubs with Fireplaces in Melbourne