Overview
As the CBD slowly emerges from its 2020 hibernation, it's welcomed an especially lively newcomer in Mejico — a vibrant eatery that opened its doors this week, transforming Pink Alley into a permanent fiesta. Sibling to Mejico Sydney, which launched back in 2013, the restaurant's serving up a diverse menu of regional Mexican fare, alongside what's pegged to be Melbourne's largest selection of tequila and mezcal, clocking in at over 260 varieties.
The two-storey space sports an edgy fit-out full of black and neon pink accents, with an all-weather glasshouse-style dining room on the ground floor, and a more intimate tequila bar and cocktail lounge upstairs. It's decked out with hand-drawn mandalas, striking murals by local artist Ash Keating, and a leafy vertical garden.
Unlike most of the Mexican joints you've been frequenting, this one's an early riser, kicking off each day with a breakfast offering from 7.30am. Settle in with the likes of a reworked eggs benny with chipotle hollandaise, dulce de leche crumpets and mezcal-cured salmon, or grab a fresh croissant and coffee to-go.
Arianna Leggiero
Come lunch and dinner, the menu expands to a colourful lineup of street snacks — think, grilled haloumi with burnt honey, fire-glazed salmon tacos and empanadas stuffed with Daylesford beef brisket — alongside larger plates like the pasilla-spiced roast chicken and a Yucatan-style pulled pork matched with smoked eggplant. Here, the all-important guacamole element is prepared tableside in front of your eyes, served with plantain chips and customised with your choice of garnishes. Or, you can tuck into a classic ($62) or deluxe ($79) 'feed me' menu, the latter of which includes a serve of Mejico's signature margarita cheesecake. Late-night cravings are sorted, too, with a special post-11pm snack menu, featuring bites like blue corn chips with a roasted pineapple and habanero salsa, brisket empanadas, and crispy chicharrones.
Tequila and mezcal reign supreme on the drinks list, though the agave-focused cocktail lineup is also set to get a solid workout. You'll find fruity creations like a jalapeño margarita and the Guadalajaran — featuring a blend of pineapple-infused tequila and passionfruit. Rounding out the fun is a tidy crop of wines, crisp beers, and sangria by the glass or jug.
Find Mejico Melbourne at 1 Pink Alley, Melbourne. It's open from 11.30–11pm Sunday–Wednesday and 11.30am–3am Thursday–Saturday, plus, from 7.30am for takeaway breakfast Monday–Friday.
Images: Arianna Leggiero