The Coolest Mexican Eateries in Cape Town

Who doesn’t love Mexican cuisine? Cape Town might be miles away from the Americas, but that hasn’t stopped the city from embracing the flavors of Mexico. From Green Point to Durbanville, you’ll find a variety of vibrant and laid-back spots that serve up the tastiest tacos, tortillas, and tequilas in town. These are the places where you’ll want to satisfy your craving for authentic Mexican fare. And hey, if by any chance we’ve missed a hidden gem, feel free to give us the scoop in the comments below!

1. El Burro

Image Credit: Ellerman
I love this place! It’s a super cool Mexican restaurant on the first floor with vibrant and lively vibes. The decor is fantastic, and the service is top-notch. But let me tell you, the real star here is the food. You’ve got to try it.
Downstairs, they have a popular bar called Cabrito that serves delicious bar meals. But if you want the best experience, head upstairs to the restaurant. The balcony offers an incredible view of all the hustle and bustle on Somerset Road. It’s like a little slice of urban decadence right in front of your eyes. Trust me, it’s the place to be.
Now, let me warn you, this place gets packed. So if you want a table, make sure to book well in advance. You don’t want to miss out on this Mexican gem.
Oh, and here’s a fun extra tidbit for you. If you’re in the mood for some morning-after Mexican food with live music, check out El Burro’s food van at The House of Machines in Shortmarket Street. They do brunch every Sunday from 9am to 3pm. It’s a perfect way to start your day off right.
Where Green Point
The food Now, I can’t personally vouch for whether this is authentic Mexican food or not. But what I can tell you is that it’s incredibly delicious and quite possibly the healthiest Mexican food you’ll find in town. It’s a refreshing change from the cheesier, greasier Tex-Mex options out there. And if you’re a vegetarian, don’t worry, they’ve got you covered too.
You must try Now, let’s talk about the must-try dishes. The linefish tacos are out of this world. People say that once you try them, you’ll never forget them. And if you’re a veggie lover, you absolutely have to try the butternut and goat’s cheese quesadilla. It’s a true vegetarian feast. Finally, don’t miss out on the chicken mole poblano. It’s the national dish of Mexico and for a good reason. The sauce is simply divine, with flavors of chocolate, nuts, herbs, and spices. And make sure to pair your meal with some tequila. They have a wide selection to choose from. And if you’re not a tequila fan, they also have an impressive list of craft beers.
Contact To make a reservation, give them a call at 021 433 2364.
Where to find it You can find them at 81 Main Road, Greenpoint, Cape Town.

2. Fat Cactus

Hey there! Let me tell you about Fat Cactus – it’s a super popular spot for locals who love to have a good time in big groups. They all know that this place is the life of the party! What’s not to love? They have 10 different kinds of tequila, five amazing margaritas, and a wide selection of beers. And the best part? The food never disappoints! It’s all about Tex-Mex cuisine here, with all its bold flavors and large portions.

If you visit Fat Cactus, you have to try their famous Amazeballs – they’re these scrumptious chorizo risotto balls that will blow your mind (they’re only R40!). And if you’re feeling extra hungry, go for the Three Amigos – a trio of mini burgers with cheese, mushroom, and BBQ sauce (R62). Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

You can find Fat Cactus in different locations – Mowbray, Gardens, and Woodstock. If you need to get in touch, just give them a call at 021 685 1920 or email them at mowbray@fatcactus.co.za. The Mowbray branch is at 47 Durban Road, Cape Town – stop by and have a blast!

3. Zapata

Hey there! Guess where you can find a fantastic restaurant called Zapata? In lively Harfield Village, specifically on 2nd Avenue. Let me tell you, this place is so popular that it’s always packed to the brim! One of the best things about it is the charming courtyard, where you can gather with your pals and enjoy some delicious margaritas. And let me tell you, these margaritas are no joke – they’re frozen and can be ordered in a liter-sized jug! If you’re up for a kick, these will do the trick.

Now, let’s get to the food. Zapata’s got all your favorites, made to perfection and bursting with flavor. They serve up a mean batch of chilli poppers that folks claim are the absolute best in town, and I believe them. I have a sneaking suspicion it’s because they come with this scrumptious chili mayo dipping sauce that’ll have your taste buds dancing with joy.

But wait, there’s more! If you’re feeling indecisive (like me most of the time), you can go for the Zapata Remembrance Platter for two. Trust me, it’s a feast fit for royalty. They pile it high with tortilla rolls, cheesy baked nachos, spicy meatballs, and, of course, those amazing chili poppers. And that’s not even everything – there’s a whole lot more to enjoy on that platter.

If all this talk has got your mouth watering, you’ll be happy to know that you can get in touch with Zapata at 021 671 2393 or by emailing bookings@zapata.co.za. Ready to make your way to this foodie haven? You’ll find it right on 2nd Avenue in Harfield Village. I’ll see you there!

Pancho’s: A Mexican Dining Experience in Observatory

Hey there! Let me tell you about Pancho’s, one of Observatory’s most popular and beloved Mexican restaurants. When you step inside, you’ll feel a warm and relaxed vibe that instantly puts you at ease. Pancho’s is a place where everyone, from all walks of life, comes together to enjoy delicious food and great company.

Now, let’s talk about the food, because that’s what really sets Pancho’s apart. Their Tex-Mex menu is overflowing with tempting options that will leave you wanting more. Oh, and did I mention that the portions are available in both standard and smaller “Mexican” sizes? So, you can choose exactly how much you want to indulge, all at a difference of just around R10 per dish.

Here’s a must-try for you: the nachos. Trust me when I say that Pancho’s serves up the best nachos in town, and they come generously topped with your choice of mild, chilli, or “macho” flavors. You can get a small portion for R68 or go big with a large portion for just R80. These nachos will definitely satisfy your cravings!

Another delightful option on the menu is the flautas. Picture this: deep-fried flour tortillas filled with a delicious mix of salsa, cheese, and your choice of filling – there are plenty of vegetarian and meat options to choose from. This irresistible dish will only set you back R85.

Now, for the grand finale, let’s talk about dessert. Pancho’s has something that will make any chocolate lover’s heart skip a beat: the Mexican chocolate cake. Imagine a rich and decadent chocolate fruitcake that will leave you yearning for more. It’s priced at R40, and trust me, it’s worth every single penny.

If you’re already convinced about paying Pancho’s a visit, here are some details you need to know. You can reach them at 021 447 4854 or drop them an email at panchosadmin@gmail.com.

Curious about where you can find this gem? Pancho’s is located at 127 Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town. Now that you know all about Pancho’s, it’s time to gather your amigos and head on over for a memorable dining experience. Buen provecho!

We love going to these casual cantinas as well

Check out Cantina Tequila

Cantina Tequila is a relaxed restaurant that offers a wonderful outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying leisurely meals filled with the delicious flavors of Mexico.
Location: It can be found in Tygervalley.
The food: The dishes here are incredibly tasty and satisfying.
A must-try: Don’t miss out on their famous Mexican chilli tequila and the unforgettable nachos. If you go before 3pm and have a big appetite, be sure to try the Breakfast Quesadillas – they’re filled with cheese, jalapeno chillies, scrambled eggs, bacon, and mushrooms and served with fries for just R36. But be warned, you might need a nap after such a hearty meal!
Contact: You can reach them at 021 919 1556 or info@cantinatequila.co.za.
Location: They are located at 86 Edward Street, Tygervalley, Bellville.

Another option is the Tacoways Mexican Café

Hey there! I’ve got a great spot to share with you. It’s a cozy little café that you might not notice at first, but you’ll definitely want to check out. They’ve got a few tables for when you’re in a hurry, and they even have a special menu just for kids. How cool is that? It’s the perfect place to introduce your little ones to some tasty tacos, spicy mince, and salsa. Yum!

Now, let’s talk about the food. Prepare yourself for some seriously delicious eats. They make everything fresh and it’s so good that you might just get addicted. Seriously, it’s that tasty.

One thing you absolutely have to try is their crispy chicken wings. They’re served with a mouthwatering chipotle mayo that will have your taste buds dancing. You can get a small serving for just R29 or go all in with a bigger portion for R69. Trust me, you won’t want to share. And if you’re a fan of burritos, you’re in luck. They’ve got these amazing soft tortillas filled with incredible flavors like black bean and chocolate or pulled pork. Each one is R55, and they are worth every bite.

If you’re looking to get in touch with them, you can give them a call at 021 975 5606 or shoot them an email at info@tacoways.co.za. They’re located at the corner of Wellington Road and Oxford Street in Durbanville, Cape Town. Now you’re all set to have a fantastic meal at this hidden gem. Enjoy!