Flora’s Temper Mexicantina in Nightcliff set to open on March 22

The taste of Mexico is on its way for Top End residents, with a former Middle Eastern eatery rebranding for a new venture. Find out when it opens.

The taste of Mexico is on its way for Nightcliff residents and beyond, with a new Mexican restaurant set to officially open at the weekend. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The taste of Mexico is on its way for residents of Darwin’s northern suburbs, with a new Mexican restaurant set to officially open at the weekend.

Flora’s Temper – formerly a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influenced cafe bar – has rebranded into Flora’s Temper Mexicantina.

The revamped restaurant and bar will open its doors on March 22.

From next week the restaurant will open on Thursday, 5pm to 8.30pm; Friday and Saturday, 11am to 11pm; and Sunday, 11am to 3pm.

Located at 8 Pavonia Place, Nightcliff, the menu will feature modern Mexican dishes that are easy, fun and fresh – made from locally sourced ingredients.

Venue owner Nicholas Peters and Venue Manager Mookie. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Venue owner Nick Peters said there would be something for people of all ages on the menu.

“We’ll have lots of shareable dishes, like ceviche, chicken wings, and corn on the cob, as well as soft-shelled tacos with corn and flour tortillas, a Baja-style fish taco, pulled pork, and quesadillas,” Mr Peters said.

“There’s a frozen margarita machine here, too.”

“For sweets, we’ll have churros with ice cream and a Mexican lime icebox cake.”

Venue owner Nicholas Peters and Venue Manager Mookie before the launch of their newest Mexican restaurant Flora's Temper Mexicantina. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mr Peters said he hoped the restaurant would offer a better work-life balance than the one he and his family were used to.

“We moved up here to be more outdoors, be more active and have a better life,” he said.

“I feel as though work should be a part of that, so what we were doing — working a seven days a week cafe and then working late into the night — didn’t really fit into that lifestyle we wanted.”

“Now we’re focusing on a more lively atmosphere,” he said.

Venue owner Nicholas Peters and Venue Manager Mookie before the launch of their newest Mexican restaurant Flora's Temper Mexicantina on March 19, 2025. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Venue manager Mookie Hesketh, who has worked across many parts of Darwin’s hospitality scene, said she was excited to open the venue to the public.

“The main focus for us is food options that are easy, accessible, fun – and fresh,” she said.

“We want to bring a new flavour to Nightcliff: that includes not only tasty local produce, but through live music, DJs, and even the odd Sunday session.”