The Best Mexican Restaurants in Cape Town

If there’s one place in the city that’s woken Cape Town up to the delights of premium mezcal, it’s Una Más. Set in the heart of the vibe of Sea Point’s Main Road, Una Más is the passion-project of brothers Gavin and Sean Binder, whose love for mezcal and Mexican cuisine prompted them to open this fantastic mezcaleria serving great food. Or perhaps it’s a vibey little restaurant with a fantastic cocktail and spirits menu on the side. We’re not quite sure which, but the crowds out the door on a Friday night tell you all you need to know about the quality of food and drinks here.

Let’s start with the inspired menu of Mexican cuisine. Head Chef Dian Botes has crafted an impressive collection of Mexican-inspired plates, including the signature masa corn tacos – don’t miss the Jalisco-style beef birria for an umami bomb. There’s guacamole and totopos, of course, but the Bites and Sides offering hide plenty of treasures, including tasty empanadas and tangy ‘Street Corn’ ribs.

To drink? You’ll find more than 200 agave spirits on the menu, from premium imports to a handful of top-notch local varieties. While you should certainly sample the premium sipping tequilas, served in traditional clay copitas, they also do a fine line in margaritas and mezcal-forward cocktails.

77 Regent Rd, Sea Point

Don’t pitch up at Hacienda expecting greasy, cheesy Tex-Mex. Rather, the menu here takes its cue from the Baja Peninsula to create a thoroughly unique take on ‘Coastal Mexican’ cuisine. 

First up, order a margarita. Hacienda boasts one of the largest collections of premium tequila and mezcal in the city, and it’s a cold-hearted cocktail fan who isn’t thrilled by the dusting of honey, salt and tajin that adorns their margarita glasses. After snacking on a plate of totopos, begin with the guacamole. It’s prepared tableside, and makes a perfect starter for two while you browse the menu divided into five sections: Land, Ocean, Tacos, Fire and Dessert.

It’s a menu of small plates, so you’ll want at least two; three if you’re hungry. The ceviche of local kabeljou is outstanding, with just the right kick from the leche de tigre, while vegetarians will love the Oaxaca adobo rice with salsa verde. Guajillo-dusted corn elevates a simple vegetable side dish into a more-ish delight, while the tacos range from brisket to spicy chicken. Dessert? It’s got to be the churros, right?

92 Bree Street

Set on trendy Somerset Road, El Burro is rightly credited (along with San Julian, sadly now closed) with introducing Cape Town to proper Mexican food. Think proper corn tacos, chunky guacamole, ceviche with the right amount of bite. The corn croquettes are a bit of a diversion, but oh so worth the journey. To drink? Dozens of tequilas and mezcals are on offer, from mass-market brands to more complex premium tequilas, and an excellent collection of cocktails. Chances are you’ll love the colourful décor as much as the superb food and drinks.

The original El Burro in Greenpoint also has a smaller cousin at the top of town. The El Burro Taqueria is close to the after-dark bustle of Kloof Street and makes a fine place to refuel when you’re out on the jol.

79 Main Rd, Green Point

EL Burro Taqueria, Corner Church Street & Kloof Nek Road

Fat Cactus is a bit of an institution in Cape Town. Now boasting six branches dotted in and around the Mother City, these Mexican restaurants bring the goods – as well as a daily Happy Hour between 12pm and 6pm, where the frozen margarita jugs are known to flow freely and the seemingly endless selection of tequila is enjoyed with or without lemon (without for those brave enough).

Each location has its own charm, bringing great food and drinks. It’s tough to pick just a few things to recommend, but a regular go-to is the chilli poppers for starters, followed by the Cowboy Nachos loaded with chorizo, jalapeños, and feta. Delicious! If you aren’t a nachos person, definitely try out the Pistol Pete quesadilla or the BBQ pulled pork tacos. 

For those who enjoy beer, don’t forget to try out The Iceberg, which is a Fat Cactus original. It’s a draught beer of your choice topped with an ‘iceberg’ of frozen lime margarita. I mean, why the heck not, right?

21 Mispel Road, Bellville Park / 315 Main Road, Sea Point / 160 Albert Road, Woodstock / Corner of Sir David Baird and Otto du Plessis Drives, Bloubergstrand / 47 Durban Road, Mowbray / 5 Park Road, Gardens

A longtime local favourite in the boho suburb of Observatory, Pancho’s serves up generous portions of hearty, no-frills Tex-Mex food in a lively laid-back setting. Famous for its oversized nacho platters, cheesy enchiladas, and fiery jalapeño poppers, it’s little wonder Pancho’s has long been a hit popular with hungry students. And the real draw? The legendary frozen margaritas, available by the glass or jug, pair well with this festive, unpretentious dining experience.

127 Lower Main Rd, Observatory

Book your table at Tortuga Loca ahead of time, summon an e-hailing taxi (no driving, please, with the calibre of margarita on offer) and get ready for a Mexican feast of note. 

Man, this place is so good. It’s also really cool that they cook with a sustainability mindset, with many of their dishes vegan and vegetarian-friendly. You also won’t find any beef on the menu; it’s purely chicken, seafood, beans and jackfruit.

The aesthetic is ‘Day of the Dead’ meets ‘Chilled Muizenberg Surf’ with the lights turned down (you’ll see when you get there), and that backdrop only serves to enhance the deliciousness of the food presented in pretty large portions. A dependable go-to is the chicken enchilada, while the corn ribs and nachos for starters set up the meal perfectly. Their tacos are also a winner, and don’t forget to grab yourself some of those oh-so-tasty frozen margaritas, which hit the spot every single time. They’re dangerous, guys – you have been warned.

141 Main Rd, Muizenberg

As if you needed another good reason to go and explore Cape Town’s vibey East City precinct, here you go: Mamacita’s. Because if you’re into the best ‘Cal-Mex’ cooking in the city, you’ve come to the right place. It’s an irreverent spot, this, with a loveably punk attitude in service and decor that’s reflected on the menu of West Coast (as in, US West Coast, not Paternoster) flavours. Your choices here run from tasty tacos and finger-licking burritos to an eclectic collection of late-night bites. Beyond the food, Mamacita’s is famous for flavoured margaritas, and has fast become a must-visit for any hungry local or tourist in town. 

75 Harrington Street, Cape Town

Chances are you’ve seen the Didi’s Mexican Food Truck parked up around town or at your favourite event, but did you know you can also drop in and pick up your favourites any day of the week? Didi’s Mexican has take-away stores in Newlands, Gardens and Plumstead, with the same no-nonsense menu of bold Mexican flavours. The nachos and tacos (flour or crispy corn) are always a hit, as are the quesadillas and enchiladas. But if it’s your first time, you’ll want to look no further than the signature ‘Bitchin Burrito’ filled with (we recommend) smokey chipotle chicken.

1 Dorman St, Gardens

Corner Main Road/Dean Street, Newlands

4 Gabriel Rd, Plumstead