It’s hard to be sad with a taco in your hand. Get your amigos together and try these delicious Mexican restaurants.

Ghost Donkey

Buried within Crown Casino is where you'll find the totally unique restaurant, Ghost Donkey. Feast on grilled hanger steak tacos, with sherry onions, coriander and black garlic. Must tries are the charred sweetcorn nachos and jalapeno poppers. Wash it all down with delicious cocktails made with vibrant mezcal, agave and juicy pineapple served in kitschy cups.

Mesa Verde

When it’s time for a fiesta – or just a weeknight treat – head to the sixth floor of Curtin House. In a cool old-meets-new space, Mesa Verde serves bold and beautiful takes on traditional Mexican fare. Think freshly-shucked oysters with finger lime mignonette, Kingfish ceviche with habaneros and an impressive taco menu. Oh, and did we mention it has one of Australia’s largest collections of tequila and mezcal?

Taquito

Boasting hand-pressed tortillas and an ever-changing seasonal menu, you can’t go wrong at Taquito. Located in the heart of Carlton, this Mexican-inspired cantina serves up classic dishes like salsa-topped BBQ corn and ceviche. It’s hard to go past the taco flight where you can choose four mouth-watering taco options. Want to try it all? Go for the chef’s feed me menu.

Amigos

Located at the Lonsdale Street end of Hardware Lane, Amigos has the right atmosphere for any occasion. Choose from three levels, including alfresco laneway seating, and a menu of temptations. Will you go classic corn chips, dips and quesadillas? Or something a bit fancy like the chicken, honey and mustard fajita? You’re in for some serious food envy, no matter what you order.

Bodega Underground

Did you know there’s a pocket of Mexico City in a basement on the edge of Chinatown? Moodily lit but bright with conversation and Mexi-kitsch decor, Bodega Underground is about good times. Peruse the massive 'agave bible', or feast through the pre-theatre menu before a show. From bottomless brunch to late-night bites (until 1am Friday and Saturday), menus are gluten-free. Many dishes can also be made vegan on request.

Mamasita

Nestled at the top of an unassuming staircase, Mamasita is one of ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s original modern Mexican hotspots. Impress the most discerning foodies with mouth-watering tuna tartare, furikake, and avocado salsa tostadas. Or slow braised chicken tacos with jalapeno mayo and salsa macha. Drinks are rather good too. Cucumber-jalapeno margarita, anyone? Good news, amigos – there's no need to queue any more because bookings are now available.

Tres a Cinco

In iconic Hosier Lane, next door to Movida, Tres a Cinco is an instant ³Ô¹ÏÍø classic born out of lockdown. Mexican chef Sarai Castillo made takeaway meals inspired by her homeland during those dreary days. They were such a hit she’s now heading this bricks-and-mortar eatery. Say hello to her tuna tostadas with chipotle aioli and fried leeks on crispy corn tortillas. Maybe wash them down with a cheeky pineapple mezcalita made with mezcal, charred pineapple, agave and lime.

Hecho En Mexico

Slinging street-style classics is Hardware Lane's neon-lit Hecho En Mexico. Pull up a chair at one of the alfresco tables and stay seated for the famous bottomless brunch. We're talking unlimited tacos and drinks for $75 per person, every Saturday and Sunday. For Hecho's signature dish, try the birria tacos with pulled pork and other filling faves.

La Tortilleria

Making corn tortillas for top restaurants and home cooks isn’t enough for La Tortilleria. It also serves instant Mexican gratification where it all began, at this cute, colourful Kensington eatery. So go to the source and tuck into fresh, authentic street food, from tacos to quesadillas. For dessert, try the flan made from Gerardo’s grandmother’s special recipe.

Dingo Ate My Taco

Tacos for brekkie? Say no more! Dingo Ate My Taco is a food truck slinging breakfast tacos inspired by the Austin Texas BBQ scene. They come stuffed with your choice of fillings and salsa. Perhaps fried egg, homemade chorizo and Oaxacan cheese. Mexican in the morning not your thing? Worry not. The crew are famous for their Tex-Mex street tacos.

El Sabor

A cosy cantina near the Queen Victoria Market, El Sabor offers super-fresh Mexican flavours. We recommend the sopes. Handmade corn tortillas are topped with your choice of chicken, beef or spicy potatoes, and more. Check out the daily meal deals too. Whatever you choose, from vegan fajitas to pork belly tacos, leave room for the classic flan.

Hello Jose

Step behind the iconic Queen Vic Market and you’ll find Hello Jose. Whether you're after tacos, tostadas, some Mexican beer, tequila or mezcal, Hello Jose has something for you. Pop in Tuesday to Friday, or make a booking via email and enjoy the weekend boozy brunch. Feast on bottomless tacos, beers and sangria for only $69 per person.