The Best Mexican Restaurants in Cape Town

If you’re looking for a shot of sizzling Mexican flavour, there’s a handful of Cape Town restaurants getting it fabulously right! From trendy taquerias and flaming-hot tequila bars to old-school neighbourhood cantinas that have been serving enchiladas and frozen margaritas by the jugful for decades, there’s a Mexican restaurant for every occasion. However you like your taquitos, quesadillas and margaritas, here’s where to go Mex to the max in Cape Town!

Chingadas

Vibrant but chilled, Chingadas has taken over the heritage house in Gardens that was once Societi Bistro, with interleading rooms, fireplaces, intriguing nooks, vintage furniture, colourful tiles, vintage wallpaper, neon signs and a homely Tex Mex vibe that lifts the spirits. The spacious front courtyard has views of Table Mountain and leads into a long bar – where you can explore the long menu of build-your-own margaritas (the frozen smoked pineapple and chilli is a storm in a glass). It’s the sort of place to gather around a table, eat with fingers and share a series of enchiladas, quesadillas, tacos and taquitos (all deeply delicious and made with the freshest locally sourced ingredients). Or build your own fajitas and have some bowls of nachos to share. It’s unpretentious, generous, fresh, sparkling with energy, family-friendly (dog-friendly, too) – and yet thoroughly grown-up! We visited on a winter Tuesday evening and it was humming.
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday, 12pm – 11pm
Friday + Saturday, 12pm – 12am
Sunday, 12pm – 9pm
Contact 021 201 0325
Where to find it 50 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
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Hacienda Coastal Mexican

This eatery has turned up the heat on the Bree Street strip with its gaucho-chic interiors (leather booths, mosaic floors, ceramic drinkware) and spice-flecked food and drinks. Inspired by the cuisine of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, the menu is made for sharing. There’s kingklip ceviche with tigers milk; tamale with kabeljou and tiger prawn; guajillo smoked beef empanada; totopos (tortilla-like chips) served with three addictive salsas, eight mouthwatering taco options, and the must-try mole Hacienda. Just add flowing tequila (a bespoke selection of tequilas and mezcals from the region), fabulous margaritas (which come in glasses with rims dipped in tajin spice, not salt) and a playlist of cool Latin tracks for a memorable night out.
Good to know There’s a half-price margarita happy hour every day 4pm – 5.30pm (except First Thursdays)
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10.30pm
Happy hour: 4pm – 5.30pm
Contact 021 422 0128, [email protected]
Where to find it 92 Bree Street, Cape Town
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El Burro

This lively Mexican joint first captured hearts back in 2010. It’s since moved downstairs to street level as a vibey, no-reservations taqueria. Grab a booth in the colourful interior, or a table outside on the covered verandah to watch the world go by. Fish, beef, chicken or duck tacos (jackfruit, tofu al-pastor and broccoli-avo for the vegans) and an extensive range of tequilas are the order of the day – whether it’s a quick bite on the run, or a long evening of margaritas, nachos, enchiladas, quesadillas (again, great vegan options… try the artichoke with cashew nut cream cheese). Finish with churros and dark-chocolate fondant. Other tempting offerings include chicharrons (pork scratchings), ceviche, gorditas and quesabirria tacos.
Good to know Its Tamboerskloof sibling at Kloof Nek is just as vibey and popular. No reservations at either taqueria.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 11.30pm
Contact 021 433 2364, [email protected]
Where to find it 79 Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town

Rita’s

The curvy bar takes centre stage at Rita’s Cocktail Club, a vibey rooftop tequila cocktail bar hidden away up the stairs in Kloof Street’s Hudsons. A luxe lounge spills out onto two secluded rooftop terraces, with views over the city to Table Mountain. Rita’s is short for margarita, which hints at the focus here, and there’s a veritable library of tequilas and mezcal – reposado, blanco and añejo from a wide variety of producers. To go with your margarita, Rita’s has recently expanded their food offering to include a selection of Mexican-inspired small plates – alongside their well-loved signature tacos. Think crispy cauliflower popcorn, homemade pulled pork tostados and tempura prawns, among others. Once the sun sets, the moody laidback atmosphere gets a kick of energy when the disco ball starts turning – and on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights the resident DJs amp up the vibe.
Good to know Half-price margaritas and small plates 5pm – 7pm daily. And two-for-one tacos every Tuesday. There are set menus available for functions, birthdays and year-end parties.
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday, 4.30pm – 2am
Friday – Sunday, 3pm – 2am
Contact 021 300 6695
Where to find it 22 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
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Tortuga Loca

This buzzy Mexican joint on Muizenberg’s Main Road is a delightful space, dressed in a catholic-yet-curated pastiche of owner Georgina McLoughan’s lifelong collectables. Two giant flatscreen TVs with rolling surf videos are a reminder that you’re in Muizies, with a fireplace, cosy lounge areas and glassed-in street-facing patios enhancing the homely vibe. Warm and welcoming, with frozen margaritas on tap, good service and a lively authentic playlist it makes for a fabulous night out. Georgina has put a deliberately health conscious spin to the menu: everything is either free-range or line-caught, and there’s a wide range of vegetarian options (jackfruit enchiladas and much more). We tucked into the finger-licking chicken wings, corn ribs and chicken fajitas when we visited. And for dessert… two words: churro waffles!
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 11pm (kitchen closes at 10pm)
Contact 087 095 5733
Where to find it 141 Main Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town

Pancho’s

An Observatory neighbourhood stalwart that’s hardly changed in 40 years (except for a colourful mural added to the back courtyard), Pancho’s is loved for its warm, relaxed vibe and generous unfussy Tex-Mex classics, from chilli poppers to enchiladas, along with frozen margaritas by the jug. The menu offers the main dishes in either large or smaller “Mexican” portion sizes, whether you’re going for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tostadas or DIY fajitas. Of course there are quesadillas with a choice of fillings, and generous bowls of what regulars consider the best nachos in town draped in your choice of  mild, chilli or “macho” sauce. Don’t miss the flautas: delicious deep-fried flour tortillas filled with salsa, cheese and one of several vegetarian or meat fillings. Not many make it to dessert, but if you do go for the rich chocolate mousse torro.
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday, 5pm – 10pm
Friday + Saturday, 5pm – 11pm
Contact 021 447 4854, [email protected]
Where to find it 127 Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
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Una Más Mezcaleria

For “cócteles” mixed with mezcal (tequila’s underground cousin), head to this cool little Sea Point saloon. Dressed in wood panelling, moody lighting and the odd potted cactus, it’s a vibey spot for a drinks gathering, and the Mexican-style tapas make it a tasty dinner spot too (with only a few tables it’s best to book ahead). On the menu you’ll find ceviche, grilled corn ribs, soft shell tacos, empanadas, loaded nachos and burrito bowls. And of course churros with chocolate mole for dessert. The substantial cocktail menu is all about classics with a twist – you’re bound to have “una más” (“one more”). Window seats opening onto the pavement let you people-watch, and you better believe it gets interesting.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – late (kitchen closes 10pm)
Contact 076 705 8410, [email protected]
Where to find it 77 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
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