Overview
International Margarita Day is indeed a thing and if its imminent approach has left you craving some quality Mexican cuisine, you'll soon have another restaurant to add to your hit-list (along with our picks for the best Mexican restaurants and bars in Melbourne). Long famed for its house-made tortillas, Kensington's Mexican eatery and grocer La Tortilleria is expanding and gearing up to open the doors to a new Bayside outpost.
Chilpa by La Tortilleria is taking over the Highett space formerly home to Hot Lips Hacienda, welcoming diners with an offering of authentic eats and margaritas aplenty from Friday, March 10.
The team's legendary nixtamal tortillas (made using a special corn preparation method) are set to be the stars of the show here on Railway Parade, featured throughout a menu of punchy classic dishes.
La Tortilleria Kensington
Signature tacos might come loaded with everything from birria to battered fish with slaw, showcased alongside a range of cheesy quesadillas and crisp tostadas. There'll be chilaquiles — think of it like the unbastardised version of nachos, plant-based options galore, and even a flan made from a family recipe from co-owner Gerardo Lopez's abuela (that's Spanish for 'grandmother' in case you haven't seen Coco).
Expect margaritas in abundance, along with a slew of other cocktails, beers, Mexican sodas and horchata. Plus a solid lineup of mezcal and agave behind the bar.
The site's makeover is currently underway, but you can look forward to a fittingly festive aesthetic with Chilpa embracing a similar feel to its colourful Kensington sibling.
Find Chilpa by La Tortilleria at 2 Railway Parade, Highett, from March 10.