Best of the Gold Coast 2019: The Gold Coast’s 13 best Mexican restaurants

The Gold Coast has a thriving Mexican scene, but how do you know what’s muy buen? Best of the Gold Coast has sorted the fiestas from the restas. Here are the 13 best eateries as voted by you.

The Gold Coast has a thriving Mexican scene, but how do you know what’s muy buen? Best of the Gold Coast has sorted the fiestas from the restas.

Goodness Gracias

1A/1114 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Dishes at Goodness Gracias still come with "meat","cheese" and "sour cream", however it's all plant-based. Photo: Kaitlin Maree Photography

TWEED’S FIVE BEST PLACES TO EAT REVEALED

Just like a crispy corn chip, if you’re going to do Mexican on the Gold Coast, you need an edge.

Palm Beach’s Goodness Gracias forgoes the meat-heavy cuisine custom of the Latin American country and instead serves up entirely plant-based fare that’s light and fresh.

“I took over this in November, it was an omnivore eatery then,” owner Crissi Carvalho says.

“I travel a lot, we’ve visited some vegan Mexican restaurants and we wanted to establish the same thing here.

“Everything here is whole food, plant based, and we only have two dishes that are deep fried.”

Goodness Gracias was taken over by new owners in November last year who relaunched the menu as entirely vegan. Photo: Kaitlin Maree Photography

MEXICAN GIANT’S BIG PLANS FOR THE COAST

But don’t expect soft tacos sans sour cream and cheese — all of your favourite dishes are topped with the Mexican ingredients you know and love, just in cruelty-free versions.

The BBQ beef and bacon tacos are made with plant-based meat and features pico de gallo, chipotle crema and cheese, while the smoken jack burrito comes with smoked jackfruit, guacamole and sour cream.

“All our cheeses are made out of aqua faba. We even have a blue cheese that’s dairy free and vegan, that’s on our triple cheese quesadilla,” Crissi says.

“Even our coffee we use plant-based milk: hemp, cashew, macadamia, soy — there’s so many nut milks now.

“And all of our sweets, desserts and brownies as well. It’s pretty much a vegan heaven.”

California Tacos

1/1718 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

California Tacos offers small dishes and extra-large servings of Mexican food. Photo: Kaitlin Maree Photography

SUBSCRIBE TO THE BULLETIN: JUST $1 A WEEK FOR FIRST 12 WEEKS

So you’ve agreed on Mexican but you’re only after a snack while your friend is seeking a siesta-inducing pile of nachos … por que no los dos? California Tacos owner Ty Yturralde says his restaurant accommodates for dos. “We have Baja Mexican which is really reliant on fresh fruits and fresh vegetables,” he says. “The food is not meant to knock you down — a couple of tacos and you go out for a surf. Then there’s an element of San Diego-style Mexican food, that’s like food to feed an army. As far as I’m concerned, we have the biggest nachos dish in Australia. And our burrito is 1.3 kilos.” Ty says California Tacos offers simple and fun dishes inspired by the Tijuana region, with the tortillas made on site.

The Jungle Mexican Cantina

52/50-58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

The Jungle Mexican Cantina in Coolangatta. Photo: Steve Holland

FIVE OF THE BEST MOTHER’S DAY DINING EVENTS

You bring the drinks, The Jungle Mexican Cantina takes care of the food. Owner Craig Scadden says his Mexican restaurant holds up an underrated practice of BYO so the customer gets more value for money. “BYO restaurants used to be the place to go, because their focus has to be on the food — if you don’t do food well, there’s nothing else to bring people in,” Craig says. “We try to keep it so the average person can come in and give it a try.” The Jungle Mexican offers southern California-style dishes that are baked, not fried, and has been serving the community for more than 34 years. “One of the things I learned from the restaurant industry is people like it to be consistent,” Craig says.

Montezuma’s

Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade, Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Ole! Montezuma’s combination dinner. Picture Mark Brake

Montezuma’s in Burleigh is your trusty old amigo that never lets you down. The restaurant chain is decorated and colourful, with an extensive list of Mexican options sure to please every palate. Waitress Carly Worthington says the longstanding eatery is the go-to place for familiar faces. “It’s where the locals meet to eat. That’s our little motto,” Carly says. With the changing on the seasons, Carly says diners gravitate towards more comforting and warming dishes. “I find in summer people go for the Montezuma’s Delight and tacos, in winter people go to the enchilada and burritos,” she says. Look out for lunch specials from Monday to Thursday, paired muy bien with a cool margarita.

Cantina on Capri

Shop 3G13, Capri on Via Roma, Surfers Paradise

Cantina on Capri is a popular spot for Friday knock-offs.

THE GOLD COAST’S BEST AUTUMN MENUS REVEALED

With so much variety, fresh vegetables and herbs in Mexican cooking, Cantina on Capri owner Kelly Ingram never tires of her restaurant’s food. “I eat it every day,” she says. This bistro is described as a “hidden gem” by customers and has a strong local following, taking diners from knock-offs on a Friday to fuelling the weary on a Sunday. “We’ve got a wooden deck on the outside with cute fairy lights, people have drinks on the deck after work,” Kelly says. “The location is close to Surfers, so people come in for pre-drinks. Our tacos and nachos are pretty popular, and we do an amazing loaded fries. It’s a large serving of fries, pulled pork, jack cheese and barbecue sauce and ranch dressing. It’s a huge meal, they’re a great hangover food.”

La Diosa Mexicana

Circle on Cavil, 3184 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

New Mexican restaurant in Surfers Paradise La Diosa blends authentic recipes with worldly flavours. Picture Glenn Hampson

BEST OF THE GOLD COAST 2018: MEXICAN RESTAURANTS

La Diosa is the new el chico on the block, opening up in the Circle on Cavill complex in February this year. The restaurant blends Mexican food with worldly flavours, taking inspiration from chef Danny Azzi’s Middle Eastern and Mediterranean background. La Diosa’s “al pastor” meat is a nod to the Lebanese community’s influence in Mexico. It’s a slow-cooked, shaved off the bone style of protein that’s sprinkled in South American spices and herbs. Danny says he’s had plenty of praise for the dishes since opening. “They keep saying how fresh it is, like a fresh twist on Mexican,” Danny says. “We had a couple of compliments from people saying it’s the best Mexican they’ve had outside the US.”

Hail Mary

6/26 James St, Burleigh Heads

Hail Mary in Burleigh Heads promises you’ll save on pesos when you head there for dinner.

Make the pilgrimage to Hail Mary if you’re looking to save on pesos. The Burleigh Heads hangout offers a mix of much loved Tex Mex dishes and authentic Mexican recipes, all served at reasonable prices. Simon Oxley took over the business late last year and says he’s been experimenting with a menu that meets in the middle. “I’ve blended the two styles of food, it doesn’t really try to stick to one thing,” he says. “And our whole thing is we don’t over charge, it’s designed to be really good food at a good price.” Every day there’s sunset specials and other deals on menu items. “Wednesday and Thursday we have a cheap feed option, on Saturday we do a lunch deal, on Sunday a large nachos and jug of sangria is $35,” Simon says. Coupled with a 16-strong list of margaritas, you’re in for a buenos noches indeed.

Mexicali Bar Y Taqueria

2223 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Mexicali Bar Y Taqueria in Nobby Beach.

POPULAR COAST CAFE’S NEW HOME REVEALED

Is there anything better than a domingo por la tarde (aka Sunday afternoon) spent atop a rooftop deck with a glass full of sangria and a plate full of tacos? Mexicali Bar Y Taqueria’s Sunday sessions are legendary, slinging spicy eats and beats for the perfect weekend wind down. That’s not to say you shouldn’t head along on another day — Mexicali offers fiesta vibes and filling food Tuesday to Sunday. “Everything from our menu — sauces, marinades and cooked meats — is made in-house from scratch each day,” co-owner Luke Johnson says. “We’re also committed to using local suppliers to source our fresh produce, free range and hormone-free meats and sustainable seafood. Our bestseller is our Baja-style fish tacos, made famous from the Baja peninsula in Mexico.”

Bonita Bonita

2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Bonita Bonita is a modern Mexican taqueria and bar.

Bonita Bonita is moody Mexican that makes no apologies. Dark and enticing, the dimly lit restaurant and its neighbouring tequila bar Bon Bon serves up South American fare with a modern twist. “(Our) food style is modern Latin American, featuring traditional dishes with a fresh and modern approach to the flavour combinations,” manager Dani Knight says. “We also try to showcase fresh seasonal produce within our menus sourced from local Gold Coast growers and suppliers.” Dani says the tacos and nachos are always a popular choice, however those looking to step out of their comfort zone are well catered for. “If you’re feeling a little adventurous we find the achiote rib eye, market fish skewers and chorizo croquettes are really popular by both staff and customers,” Dani says.

THE GOLD COAST’S BEST BAKERIES AS VOTED BY YOU

Frida Sol

1176 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

Frida Sol is the little sister of Bonita Bonita and offers a more casual approach to dining. Picture Glenn Hampson

Frida Sol is the charismatic little sister of Bonita Bonita, offering a more casual approach to drinking and dining that’s all about lazy lunches and sunset sipping. Opened in December last year by Ryan Renwick, who also runs Bonita Bonita and The Yard, the menu blends locally grown produce with traditional spices and ingredients in a light and bright setting. While there’s nachos and guacamole to wet your appetite, dishes of grilled corn, chimichangas, agave with tequila pork belly and 12 types of tacos reinforce its reputation as a bona fide cantina. Upstairs the rooftop bar is luxurious yet welcoming, boasting ocean views and plenty of seating for you and your familia.

The Aztec

Shop 11, 7 Albert Avenue, Broadbeach

After over 20 years The Aztec have moved to Albert Ave in Broadbeach. Aztec Delight. Picture: Jerad Williams

THE GOLD COAST’S BEST PIZZERIAS REVEALED

When life give you lemons, make margaritas — that’s The Aztec’s motto. After having to relocate to a new spot in Broadbeach last year, this OG Mexican haunt made the most of the opportunity to revitalise its image with an updated menu and extensive tequila bar. You can pick up all of the well-known classics including enchiladas, oven baked burritos, nachos and more, but the new addition taco bar hands out nine types of burritos for $6 each, a great option for saving on cash yet while still getting your fix. The Aztec Broadbeach has a Cinco De Mayo celebration that will make you say ole: tomorrow the restaurant is offering a sweet buy one margarita, get one free deal.

Beach Burrito Company

72/80 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Beach Burrito is opening at The Strand at Coolangatta. Photo supplied by PR for Gold Coast Bulletin's Taste

It seems Australian beach culture and Mexican food is a match made in heaven. Beach Burrito Company’s laid back coastal vibes make a fantastic setting for kicking back with some freshly made Mexican, all prepared on-site at the Coolangatta restaurant. “Our Mexican food is more like Californian street food, taking classic flavour combinations and mixing them up with an American and Californian twist,” manager Luke Edwards says. For a dish sure to start a feugo in your belly, try the jalapeño poppers — lightly crumbed and flash fried peppers filled with cream cheese and served alongside chipotle aioli. “Our most popular items are the jalapeño poppers, the Flying Pig burrito and the Californian burrito,” Luke says.

Casa Mexicana

38 Frank St, Labrador

Casa Mexicana in Labrador.

TOP 13 WINERIES, BREWERIES AND DISTILLERIES IN THE REGION

It’s what’s inside that counts at this homely Mexican restaurant in Labrador. With an unassuming exterior reminiscent of a home in New Mexico, Casa Mexicana offers a diverse range of delightful Mexican food in a casual dining setting. The options are plenty for the famished, with a selection of entremeses, comidas and casa especiales sure to have any fan of Latin American food salivating. The arroz con pollo is an authentic dish featuring boneless chicken strips sauteed in light tomato sauce, while the avocado del mar takes the green fruit to new heights: two avocado halves filled with seafood, sprinkled in melted cheese and baked in the oven — exquisito.