Overview
Bondi Junction's El Topo Cantina, which has been bringing Mexican fare to the eastern suburbs for a few years now, has expanded. The team has opened a second eatery in Warwick Farm, in Sydney's southwest.
As at the original, the menu offers a mix of street food and hearty mains. Executive chef Marc Cartwright learnt his stuff at Quay and Longrain, so you can expect some pretty fancy touches, such as pork belly tacos filled with a crackling that takes three days to prepare.
Also among the street food dishes are chorizo and pea croquettes with Sriracha cream and fennel seeds, a coconut-crumbed avocado taco with pico de gallo, radish and chipotle, and loaded nachos — for both carnivores and herbivores. Meanwhile, on the mains list, you'll find roasted barramundi with heirloom tomato, eggplant, zucchini, cumin, Sriracha cream and pea sprouts, as well as slow-braised beef cheek with garlic potatoes, pickled guindilla chilli and chimichurri.
As you might guess, the drinks menu is big on tequilas and margaritas. Of the former, there are over 40, including George Clooney's Casamigos, 1800 Coconut and Cazcabel Honey. As far as the latter goes, look out for some unusual concoctions, such as the jalapeño margarita with chilli-infused tequila, Cointreau, lime juice and jalapeño syrup, and a lagarita.
Designer Paul Kelly took care of the interior, with loads of colour, Mexican emblems and natural materials, including bamboo, wood and ceramics.
If you're a local, then you're in luck — not only have you scored a new cantina, but El Topo will also shout you a free taco. To celebrate their launch, they're giving out 300 free tacos from 6.30pm on Thursday, September 21. Margaritas will be just $10 too.
El Topo is located at the El Toro Motor Inn, 6 Homepride Avenue, Warwick Farm. It's open 5–10pm Monday and Tuesday, 12–10pm Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and 12–11pm Friday and Saturday. For more info, visit their Facebook page.