Tres a Cinco

Overview

Tres a Cinco, tucked away on Hosier Lane in the CBD, is a colourful, dynamic, and welcoming Mexican cantina that attracts locals, city workers, and those seeking a taste of elevated, contemporary Mexican cuisine. 

Like many entrepreneurially minded people, chef Sarai Castillo was motivated during the COVID lockdowns to do something meaningful. Through her take-away packs, known as Comida Corrida, Castillo shared a taste of home-style Mexican cooking, rooted in a strong sense of place and tradition, with customers who quickly became loyal followers. 

The remarkable response to her cooking led to Tres a Cinco becoming a permanent venue, sitting under the MoVida umbrella. The menu showcases classic dishes — cooked with love and care and packed full of flavour — that are generous, approachable and lend themselves to a laid-back, social way of dining. 

Agave is at the heart of the drinks offering, with a back bar boasting over 200 agave spirits. No surprise that there is also a stellar lineup of margaritas and Latin-inspired cocktails on offer. So pop in for a quick after-work charred pineapple mezcalita or hibiscus daiquiri, and snack on chorizo and corn croquettes and prawn empanadas, or settle in for a night of Jalisco negronis and coconut margaritas and work your way through the enticing menu. Perhaps a Bloody Mary oyster shot, followed by a crab tostada and chilaquiles rojos, before sampling calamari tacos with jalapeno yoghurt sauce, and filling up on chicken enchiladas or pork meatballs in chipotle sauce.

Images: Supplied.