Benzina Cantina Is Preston's New Authentic Mexican Joint From the Mind Behind Los Hermanos

Preston's foodie revolution continues, with modern Mexican haunt Benzina Cantina opening on High Street over the weekend.

A collaboration between Bruno Carreto — the mind behind cult Brunswick taqueria Los Hermanos — and motorcycle stuntman, 'Lukey Luke' Follacchio, sparked by the mates' shared love of tacos and motorbikes.

Adjacent to Follacchio's bike workshop, Benzina Garage, the laidback venue's tapping into those warehouse vibes, with a minimalist, industrial fitout and its own rooftop space.

The kitchen here is riffing on Los Hermanos' much-loved menu of authentic Mexican fare, with tacos and tequila the stars of the show. To start, there's Carreto's 'gorditas' — handmade corn flour pockets stuffed with refried beans and either cheese or chilli mince beef — alongside bites like chipotle grilled corn and cactus salad. Crafty taco varieties feature the likes of beer battered fish with red cabbage, or twice-cooked beef with carrots and potato, and a slew of options for meat-free diners — including cactus mole and tortillas topped with smoky mushrooms.

To wash it down, choose between a tidy mix of local craft beers and Mexican imports, a concise crop of wines from Australia, Chile and Spain, and a hefty lineup of cocktails. Settle in with one of the Watermelon Margaritas, or the tequila-infused Espresso Martini and summer won't feel so far off at all.

Find Benzina Cantina at 84 High Street, Preston.

Images: Alex Jovanovic