From laid-back taquerias to sleek city spots serving small plates and margaritas, Cape Town’s Mexican food scene is as lively as ever. Whether you’re craving classic street tacos, modern takes on Mexican flavours, or a place to sip on the finest Tequila and Mezcal, the Mother City has something to match your mood.
In celebration of Taco Day, here are nine local favourites that bring the colour, spice and spirit of Mexico right to Cape Town.
Try this recipe at home: Big Mac Tacos
Una Más – Mezcaleria
Sea Point’s Una Más is effortlessly cool – a mezcal bar-meets-restaurant that knows how to set the mood. The menu is made for sharing, with everything from corn ribs and tacos to empanadas and small plates that pack a punch. Expect an extensive Tequila and Mezcal collection (over 180 bottles, to be exact) and cocktails that make it hard to leave after just one. Come for the tacos, stay for the vibe.
Location: Shop 2, 77 Regent Rd, Sea Point
Hours: Mon–Sun: 12h00–late
Contact: 076 705 8410 | unamas.co.za
Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant
A true Cape Town classic, Pancho’s in Observatory has been serving up hearty Tex-Mex fare for years – and it’s still one of the most fun nights out in town. Think heaped nachos, sizzling fajitas, oversized margaritas and colourful interiors that set the scene for big group dinners. It’s loud, lively, and the portions are famously generous. You’ll want to come hungry and ready to celebrate.
Location: 127 Lower Main Rd, Observatory
Hours: Tues –Thurs: 17h00–22h00 | Fri–Sat: 17h00–23h00 | Closed Sun & Mon
Contact: 021 447 4854 | panchos.capetown
Hacienda Coastal Mexican
If you love your tacos with a touch of elegance, Hacienda on Bree Street delivers. Inspired by the coastal flavours of Baja California, their dishes lean fresh and vibrant – from seafood tacos to colourful ceviche and in-house mole. The interiors are chic but inviting, and happy hour (16h00–17h30) brings half-priced margaritas worth planning your day around. Don’t miss their Wednesday taco special for R99.
Location: 92 Bree St, Cape Town
Hours: Mon–Sun: 12h00–22h30
Contact: 021 422 0128 | hacienda.co.za
Mexicola Locale
With its wood-fired grill, lively energy and locally inspired dishes, Mexicola Locale is all about flavour and fun. Their tacos range from classic al pastor to fish and veggie options, while the bar keeps the margaritas flowing. Whether you’re in Hout Bay or Woodstock, both branches capture the same festive atmosphere – the kind that turns dinner into a night out.
Location: 4 The Promenade, Hout Bay | 154 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock
Hours: Tues–Thurs: 17h00–22h00 | Fri–Sat: 12h00–23h00 | Sun: 12h00–22h00 | Closed Mon
Contact: 066 152 9757 | mexicolalocale.co.za
Chingadas
Fun, bold and brimming with energy, Chingadas in Gardens is a Tex-Mex hotspot that brings together delicious comfort food, striking décor and good music. Expect a fiesta of flavours — from cheesy quesadillas to perfectly loaded tacos — and a drinks list filled with Tequila, mezcal and colourful cocktails. It’s an easy pick for both a spontaneous lunch and a night that turns into dancing.
Location: 50 Orange St, Gardens
Hours: Tues–Thurs: 12h00–23h00 | Fri–Sat: 12h00–00h00 | Sun: 12h00–22h00
Contact: 021 201 0325 | chingadasct.com
Tacos Locos
Simple, tasty and great value — Tacos Locos in Salt River knows how to do street food right. Their tacos, burritos and quesadillas are packed with flavour and freshness, while the casual setting makes it perfect for a quick lunch or easy dinner with friends. Affordable, relaxed and full of personality, it’s exactly what you want when craving authentic, fuss-free Mexican food.
Location: 364 Victoria Rd, Salt River
Hours: Mon–Thurs: 12h00–20h15 | Fri–Sat: 12h00–21h00 | Closed Sun
Contact: 081 851 6843 | tacoslocos.co.za
El Burro
A Cape Town favourite for years, El Burro offers a refined take on Mexican dining without losing its soul. Their Green Point restaurant and Taqueria in Tamboerskloof both serve bright, flavourful plates – from hand-pressed tortillas to zesty ceviche and irresistible churros. The atmosphere is always buzzing, the cocktails are stellar, and the décor adds that signature El Burro warmth.
Location: 79 Main Rd, Green Point | 1 New Church St, Tamboerskloof
Hours: Mon–Sat: 12h00–23h30 (Green Point) | Mon–Sat: 12h00–23h00 (Tamboerskloof)
Contact: 021 433 2364 | elburro.co.za
Tortuga Loca
Down in Muizenberg, Tortuga Loca captures the laid-back charm of the coast with Mexican flair. Expect a bright space filled with locals tucking into prawn tacos, jackfruit enchiladas and refreshing margaritas. There’s a beach-town energy that’s impossible to resist, and with plenty of vegetarian-friendly dishes, it’s an inclusive spot that welcomes everyone.
Location: 141 Main Rd, Muizenberg
Hours: Tues–Sun: 12h00–23h00 | Closed Mon
Contact: 087 095 5733
Didi’s Mexican
From humble food truck beginnings to multiple city branches, Didi’s Mexican has become a go-to for easy, flavourful meals. Their burritos, bowls and tacos are built for customisation — with plenty of plant-based options too. It’s casual, colourful and consistently tasty, making it a reliable choice when you need your Mexican fix on the go.
Location: Foreshore | Newlands | Plumstead
Hours: Mon–Sun: 11h00–20h00
Contact: 021 003 4494 | didismexican.co.za
Whether you’re looking for an upmarket taco and Tequila experience or a grab-and-go burrito bursting with flavour, Cape Town’s Mexican food scene delivers it all – one margarita at a time.
ALSO SEE: CELEBRATE WORLD TACO DAY WITH OUT FAV RECIPES
Image: Pexels
