Once upon a time in Melbourne, Mexican food was solely hard shell tacos and nachos with sour cream. Thankfully our ever evolving, beautiful Melbourne has exploded with authentic, fresh, bursting with flavour REAL MEXICAN FOOD. We've made a list of our favorite taco spots - we don't want to fight about it but LET'S TACO 'BOUT IT. Do you have a favorite? Did we miss something? Tell us on our Instagram! @elpatiospanish

LA TORTILLERIA - Kensington - @latortilleriaau

Image: La Tortillería's website

If you ask any Mexican person in Melbourne where the most authentic tacos are, most of them will say without a doubt: La Tortillería.
With a restaurant open since 2013 and a whole range of whole foods catered for restaurants and foodies alike, La Tortillería is famous for its tortillas. Made with raw stone-ground Australian corn, salt and water, these tortillas are made in old traditional fashion, just like the Aztecs and Mayans used to in ancient times.
The restaurant is small, cozy and gets really packed over the weekend. A true gem of the west.

Bonus track: Don’t dare to leave without tasting their vanilla flan!

They're the best because: They have the most authentic tacos in Melbourne, they are a wholesale distributor, and you can order Mexican Feast packs delivered!

Google review: 4.2 stars

HELLO JOSE - West Melbourne - @hellojose_au

Image: Hello José's website

Tucked in Victoria Market’s block, this tiny brightly coloured venue welcomes you with market appropriate temptations: how about some Chilaquiles after doing your fruit and veg shopping? Their new-ish breakfast menu has it all, alongside with a beautiful hand pressed taco-centered menu for brunch, lunch and dinner. Open till late!

They are the best because: of their Mexican breakfast menu

Bonus track: Boozy brunches

Google review: 4.4 stars

SI SEÑOR ART TAQUERIA - Balaclava / Hampton @sisenortaqueria

Image: Si Señor Art Taqueria's Instagram

Colour pops as you enter the venue, various spaces filled with beautiful art and murals from local artists that match the intensity of the flavoursome food. With an outdoor area that screams “afternoon margaritas” this not-so-well-known restaurant has gained faithful patrons who devour the 10 different tacos on offer.

They are the best because: They offer 10 different taco varieties, and you can order them all together in the taco tasting tray!

Bonus track: Happy Hour 7 days a week before 5pm! 

Google review: 4.5 stars

TAQUITO - Carlton - @taquito.bar

Image: Taquito's website

In the middle of Carlton lies this Mexican little haven - next-level cocktails and mouth-watering tacos.  Taquito does Mexican fine dining - its menu is filled with easy-going creations with bright flavor combinations and beautiful fresh ingredients.

They are the best because: their tortillas are hand made from scratch

Bonus track: daily specials mean there is always something new to try!

Google review: 4.5 stars

LITTLE HOP - Fitzroy - @littlehop_fitzroy

Photo - Little Hop Instagram

What once started like a 1 month only pop-up shop, ended up being a Brunswick st must-visit. The formula was and still is pretty simple: Craft beer and tacos, a match made in heaven!

This tiny space big in heart venue has that relaxed chill vibe that you need in the middle of Fitzroy. A candle-filled interior and colorful plastic tablecloths outside make you feel you're in the right place, having a reminiscence of old cocinerías. It also boasts the exclusivity of only spinning vinyl, for the delight of music lovers. 

They are the best because: their low fuss fish tacos and mushroom tacos are on point and their spicy margs are the BOMB

Bonus track: they're always releasing new craft beer on tap