Cookbook author and budding Mexican restaurateur Rosa Cienfuegos has lifted the lid on a meticulously planned Mexican restaurant and deli, Itacate.

Cienfuegos rode into Redfern with ambitions her tiny Dulwich Hill shop couldn't satisfy. Enough tables to celebrate a birthday party, enough space to hang a pinata, and fresh territory to introduce to her authentic Mexican food.

Cienfuegos surveyed regulars at her tamaleria in Dulwich Hill (which remains open), and as well as more seating, they wanted somewhere they could still buy her range of Mexican products while experiencing the full reach of her kitchen talent.

"People who have my cookbook have asked about how to make certain dishes," she says. "[At Itacate] we'll be able to show them how to do things, like make and press tortillas."

There will be some adventurous dishes on the menu, but she'll still punch out the staples. Tamales will make an appearance at breakfast, and there will be three tacos on the menu.

The colourful, rustic Redfern venue stocks the same staples and hard-to-find Mexican ingredients she sells in Dulwich Hill. It's waiting on a liquor licence, but in the meantime you can BYO or hop into a Mexican soft drink.

Open Tue-Sat 9am-9pm.

Itacate 129-133 Redfern Street, Redfern