Gone are the days when foil-wrapped burritos and sweaty quesadillas were the sole representatives of Mexican cuisine in Sydney. The Harbour City is now home to a variety of refined Mexican diners specialising in little-known and regional fare that showcases the diversity and depth of Latin-American flavours. Among them is Alegre, a stylish yet laidback eatery heroing dishes from Tulum, the popular tourist hotspot on the east coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. This latest venture from the team behind Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant Callao in Barangaroo, is led by chef-owner Rasel Zaman, who oversees a team with a superb pedigree, including Mexico City-born sous chef Alvaro Valenzuela, formerly of Alma, and Ivan Castillejos, who sharpened his skills at Chula. The menu is not just an introduction to Tulum's culinary traditions but also an ode to the kitchen team's personal food memories, drawing on family recipes, such as the restaurant's signature mole madre with wagyu and fresh lime, inspired by Castillejos' recollections of cooking with his grandfather and mother. Reflecting Tulum's coastal locale, seafood is a prominent presence on the crudo menu, including a silky octopus ceviche tostada, spiked with pico de gallo, spicy Yucatecan aioli and finished with a local wink of saltbush. The Mayan-spiced charcoal king prawns are another highlight, served with a picante chipotle tomato salsa and a refreshing spritz of fresh lime. Carnivores are equally well served by a mighty, meaty al carbon selection including a Range Valley wagyu tomahawk and a chargrilled half-chicken served with mole amarillo and chochoyote dumplings. Diners with a sweet tooth shouldn't miss Alegre's riff on the banoffee pie: a burnt platano custard tart, topped with vanilla mascarpone, dulce de leche jam, cajeta ice cream and roasted macadamia. Besides its sunny skies and crystal waters, Tulum is also famed for its agave spirits, so naturally, tequilas and mezcals are a vital pillar of Alegre's bar offering. You'll find more than 150 varieties on offer, from bright and easy sips perfect for newcomers to Mexico's national liquors, to rarer, more complex pours for curious connoisseurs. Located overlooking the gentle waters of Darling Harbour and King Street Wharf, the rustic elegance of Alegre's interiors — featuring a relaxed palette of earthy tones, natural finishes, Mexican furnishings and leafy planting — transports diners to the shores of Tulum, no passport required. The dining room is designed to cater to multiple types of gatherings, from intimate tables for two with harbour views to large communal tables and private spaces for bigger celebrations. While Alegre takes its food seriously, the atmosphere here is playful. From Friday to Sunday, a trio of resident DJs help get the party started, while the bottomless lunch menu, offering free-flowing spritzes, wine or beer alongside a menu of share plates, available Saturday and Sundays for $99 per person, helps diners start (or end) their weekend as they mean to go on.
