Collingwood just got even cooler, thanks to a lively new haven on Smith Street for all things Latin American and tasty. Holy Guacamole is a relaxed cantina founded by cousins Laurent Linares and Leidy Avila, who together share a vision to shine a light on authentic Mexican and Colombian cuisine in Melbourne. The star of the show, of course, is the signature guacamole – handmade at your table in a molcajete (Mexican stone tool) with red onion, lime, jalapeños, garlic and Morita chilli pepper oil.
The rest of the menu covers handcrafted street-style tacos, arepa chip nachos, housemade salsas, cassava fries and South American classics like burritos, quesadillas and enchiladas – all made fresh, and served up in style with authentic mezcal- and tequila-based cocktails, spirits and beers. Ingredients are hand-picked from the Footscray Market by Linares herself, who shares: “We’ve poured our hearts into creating a space that truly reflects the flavours and traditions we grew up with. From the way we prepare each dish to the warm, lively atmosphere, Holy Guacamole is all about sharing the best of Latin America with Melbourne."
An impressive drawcard for aspiring home cooks, Il Mercadito is the venue’s in-house specialty grocer, where you can stock up on Colombian coffee, premium tequila, rare snacks, spices, sauces, condiments and a diverse array of quality imports. Here, you'll also find an acai bar serving up organic bowls on-site, so you can indulge in your fave Amazonian treat with toppings like kiwi, mango, chia seeds, peanut butter, toasted muesli and more.
“We wanted to create something special and a place that feels like home, where people can share incredible food, sip on handcrafted cocktails, and pick up authentic Latin ingredients all in one spot,” shares Avila.
Before moving to Australia to embark on a hospitality career, Avila grew up in Bogota, Colombia, helping her grandparents in their restaurant. Linares started out studying medical biotechnology instead, but knew deep down that she shared a similar level of passion as her cousin for food and community.
“What was missing for me was always the kitchen, that’s where I felt most at home, so I moved to Australia to pursue a career in hospitality," shares Linares. "From the moment I stepped back into the kitchen, everything just clicked. Leidy and I dove deep into our Latin roots and she fell in love with traditional Mexican pozole, while I kept refining my signature guacamole and fast forward to today, we’ve bought our shared passion and heritage to open Holy Guacamole.”
So whether it’s a round of Micheladas or Margaritas and charred corn ribs you’re after, you’re keen to try the new spot’s birria mushroom tacos in your ongoing hunt for Melbourne’s best or you simply want to pick up some new ingredients to play with at home, pop this one on your list.
Open from noon daily (except Monday), Holy Guacamole is located at 320 Smith Street, Collingwood. Both inside and outside dining options are available. Check out the Instagram for more info.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.