Cape Town is a very well-known foodie destination among locals and tourists alike, the sheer variety of eateries on offer means that you’re always well catered for no matter what you’re looking for. In the last decade or so there’s been an emergence of great Latin American and Mexican restaurants in Cape Town, with these particular styles of cuisine proving very popular among locals.

The wholesome, spicy flavours combined with generally big portions and a great vibe means that many Capetonians flock to these eateries in search for a little slice of south of the border flavuor in their backyard. Tequila, tacos and amazing margaritas – what more could you want? To ensure that you get to experience the best of this style of food we have compiled a shortlist of the best Latin American and Mexican restaurants in Cape Town that are worth a visit.

Tex-Mex and Mexican Restaurants in Cape Town

The Fat Cactus, Gardens, Mowbray, Woodstock

This Tex-Mex favourite has 3 venues in Cape Town, which means you’re never too far away from a branch. The simple, yet functional décor is informal and homely.

The food is delicious and authentically prepared – think favourites such as tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, nachos and a good choice of Tex-Mex inspired burgers. They’ve added some delicious vegan options to their menu, favourites being the Big Cheezy Cowboy Nachos and The Vegan taco. The drinks menu includes a good selection of tequilas, margaritas and beers with a small selection of wines. Try ‘The Iceberg’ – a 500 ml draught topped with an iceberg of frozen lime tequila.

Opening Hours
Monday – Sunday: 12h00-21h00

Location
5 Park Rd, Gardens, Cape Town
47 Durban Road, Mowbray, Cape Town
160 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

fatcactus.co.za | Facebook | Twitter

---

El Burro Taqueria

Another restaurant under the El Burro umbrella, but with a smaller menu and a cosier setting in trendy Kloof Street. El Burro Taqueria’s tacos are small, but inexpensive at R30-R35 – the idea is to sample a variety. It’s a sort of tapas goes Mexican – small portions to share and to nibble on. Starters include ceviche and nachos and truly delicious chilli poppers served with guacamole. The crispy churros with chocolate sauce are legendary.

They have a small selection of beers including local craft, imported beers, with two Namibian beers completing the line-up. There’s no long tequila list, but a short wine selection and, of course, the trusty margarita to establish their intrinsic Mexicanness.

Opening Hours
Tamboerskloof: Mon-Sun 12h00 – 22h00
Green Point: Mon-Sat 12h00 – 22h00

Location
1, New Church St & Kloof Nek Rd, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town
79 Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town

elburro.co.za | Instagram

---

Mexicola Locale

Mexicola Locale, Cheyne Morrisby’s (owner of Shio, Ding Dong, Lucky Bao, to name a few) brand new restaurant in Hout Bay is in the location of the old Deez. The menu is small but filled with delicious options. Because it’ss only a week old there is no website or social’s yet but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it out for yourselves.

Opening Hours
Tuesday – Sunday: 12h00-22h00

Location
4 The Promenade, Hout Bay, Cape Town

Contact
Facebook

---

Pancho’s, Observatory

This Mexican restaurant hidden away in vibey lower Main Road, Observatory is sure to win you over with its cosiness and distinct character. Think generous portions at reasonable prices.

The menu offers nachos with assorted dips, flautas, burritos, fajitas with various fillings, chicken, chilli con carne and fillet with an option of chocolate and chilli sauce. The wine list includes some very reasonably priced wines or you can order tequila as well as one of their well-known Margaritas.

Be sure to book as Pancho’s is busy and buzzing – book up to a week in advance if you want to go down Mexico way on a Friday or Saturday evening.

Opening Hours
Tuesday – Saturday: 17h30-00h00
Sunday – Monday: Closed

Location
127 Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town

Facebook

---

Tortilla Modern Mexican, Mojo Market

Quick and healthy Mexican food with a kick. Super friendly and efficient staff are happy to talk you through the various options. Prices are very reasonable and the portions are generous. They also offer home delivery and take away options.

The menu is very simple consisting of three easy to follow steps. You choose a Burrito or a Bowl, then you choose a meat or vegetarian filling option and then you choose from another range of fillings to complete your delicious Burrito. They also offer salad bowls, tacos and totopos (tortilla chips). Unlike many other Mexican restaurants in Cape Town, you won’t find any tequila here, but you will be able to enjoy great coffee. Tortilla Modern Mexican is perfect for the city slicker on the move looking for a quick and tasty Mexican burrito.

Opening Hours
Monday – Sunday: 12h00-21h00

Location
Mojo Market, Seapoint, Cape Town

Facebook | Twitter

---

Cosecha at Noble Hill Wine Farm

Cosecha is a Latin-American inspired restaurant is situated on the picturesque Noble Hill Wine Estate and will take your breath away with its beautiful setting alone.

The à la carte menu offers a good range of light, Latin American-inspired meals or plates (bocaditos) to share, to accompany the many wines on offer. It is a wine farm after all. The signature bocadito guacamole, is prepared at the table. Snacks or starters range from Serrano-wrapped tiger prawns, crispy shredded pork taquito and chipotle meatballs. The duck tacos should not be missed – amazing! Mains include enchiladas and fajitas with various fillings. Tequila and a choice of 3 Japanese beers are available on request. End your meal on a sweet note with the homemade cake of the day. Be sure to book in advance for either the picnic or the restaurant which is also open for breakfast (served all day).

Opening Hours
Wednesday – Monday: 10h00 -17h00
Tuesday: Closed

Location
Simondium Rd, Klapmuts, Paarl

cosecharestaurant.com | Facebook | Twitter

Hankering for some Latin-American inspired food? Check out some of our favourite Mexican food recipes.