There is a sizzling new wave of Mexican restaurants in Cape Town that are shaking up the city’s streets with bold flavours, vibrant atmospheres, and, of course, plenty of tequila.
These hotspots are serving up more than just tacos – they’re dishing out experiences that turn a meal into a fiesta. Whether you’re craving the nostalgia of 90s Venice Beach, the lively spirit of Mexico, or just a killer margarita, these must-visit spots have you covered.
Here’s a taste of where to find your next flavour-packed adventure.
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Margaritaville
Newcomer Margaritaville is set to be the hype of Kloof Street if it follows in the footsteps of Mamacita’s, its popular sister restaurant and tequila bar in East City’s Harrington Street.
Margaritaville pays tribute to the colourful skate and surf culture of 1990s Venice Beach. A clash of neon signs, graffiti art and 90s pop rock creates an electric atmosphere.
Serving up big portions that you can really sink your teeth into, Margaritaville’s menu is a dream for a hungry belly: tapas, birria tacos, burgers and burritos bursting with juicy fillings and grilled cheese are hands-down the ultimate kind of comfort food.
And what’s Margaritaville without … margaritas? Complementing the cuisine, the bar whips up every margarita you could ever dream of, shaken or frozen, as well as an inventory of signature cocktails, spirits and wine. And tequila – the real good stuff too.
And, of course, where the tequila flows, the party goes. Taco Tuesdays, First Thursdays and live DJs – the vibe is strong with this one.
- Location: 8 Kloof Street, Cape Town
- Contact: 083 467 5799
- Times: Monday – Sunday, 11am until late
Mamacita’s
Tucked away in Cape Town’s vibrant East City district, Mamacita’s offers a unique Mexico-meets-LA experience that’s hard to beat.
The colourful, lively décor immediately lifts the spirits, as does the premium tequila, making it the perfect spot for anything from a casual date night to a fun evening out with friends.
The menu features an impressive selection of moreish Cal-Mex dishes, complemented by a variety of cocktails and drinks that keep the energy high. Warm, welcoming service adds to the charm, making Mamacita’s a must-visit on your ‘Mexican restaurants in Cape Town’ itinerary.
- Location: 75 Harrington Street, Cape Town
- Contact: 083 660 5515
- Times: Monday – Sunday, 11am until late
Flirt
Flirt, Cape Town’s recently opened Mexican cocktail bar and restaurant, brings a vibrant twist to the inner city. With bold decor, an impressive wrap-around bar, and live DJ sets, Flirt is the ultimate spot for both dining and partying.
Its extensive drink menu features over 30 margaritas and classics like daiquiris and piña coladas, with standouts like Purple Rain and Tequila Sunrise.
On the food front, Flirt serves up hands-on Mexican favourites, from tacos and nachos to unique fajitas and seafood platters. Enjoy live jazz on Sundays and DJ performances every weekend.
- Location: 75 Church St, Cape Town City Centre
- Times: Wednesday to Saturday, 4pm to 12pm | Sundays, 12pm to 9pm
- Contact: [email protected] | 079 041 8836
Una Más
The highlight of Una Más has to be its location, right in the heart of party central on Sea Point’s ever-expanding Regent Road. Opposite a karaoke bar, a local watering hole and flanked by a host of culinary heroes, it’s a recipe for a good time.
Quickly becoming a local favourite since its opening in February 2022, the small spot has windows that open onto the pavement, inviting guests to enjoy the vibey street life while dining.
Despite its small quarters, the menu is perfectly sized, featuring a select range of muerde (bites), ensaladas (salads), soft tacos, and larger meals, while the dessert selection tempts with churros, Don Pedros and more.
The drinks menu, however, steals the show with a vast array of cocktails and an entire page dedicated to Tequila and Mezcal.
- Location: 77 Regent Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town
- Times: Wednesday to Saturday, 12pm to 12am | Kitchen closes at 10pm
- Contact: 076 705 8410
Bigga D’s Food Truck
A little food truck bursting with big flavours! Bigga D’s Food Truck is drawing crowds to an inconspicuous alley off Kloof Street. Founded and run by Dale Kushner of Come Dine With Me fame, this kitchen on wheels serves up authentic Mexican street food and is most famous for its birria tacos.
These are fried tacos filled with a slow-cooked meat stew and melted cheese and served with the stew’s broth as a dipping sauce – this explains the queue of hungry humans that gather around the truck for lunch or dinner. Bigga D’s is usually open for business over the weekends, but it’s best to follow its account on Facebook or Instagram to keep up to date with the changing operating hours.
- Location: Metal Lane, 4 Kloof Street, Cape Town
- Times: Refer to social media accounts
- Socials: @bigga_d_s_foodtruck | Bigga D’s Food Truck
- Contact: [email protected] | 083 635 9699
Hacienda
Inspired by Baja California, a state in Mexico’s North-Western coastline, Hacienda is on a mission to serve Cape Town its finest take on authentic coastal cuisine.
Prepare to shock your taste buds with an array of elevated Mexican flavours. Paired with exclusively selected tequilas and mezcals from Mexico, Hacienda’s menu is perfectly curated to offer you a dining experience unlike any other.
Ps. There’s half-price margaritas every day from 4pm to 5.30pm.
- Location: 92 Bree Street, City Centre
- Times: Monday to Sunday 12pm to 10.30pm
- Contact: 021 422 0128
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Picture: @una_mas_mezcaleria / Instagram
