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Mexican Food Melbourne Central

A Local Review of Mexican Restaurants Near Melbourne Central

Melbourne’s food scene is pretty unbeatable, and if there is one genre that Victoria excels in, it's Mexican. Melbourne Central is a great midpoint for a quick trip in every direction to land at a great Mexican spot, and we can prove it.

There's street-style tacos, eateries with walls of smoky mezcal, freshly made tostadas, and the all-familiar fiery kick of a spicy Margarita. End it all with a perfectly fried churro, and you've got a great night out.  

Mexican Restaurants Review Melbourne Central

So you want some Mexican food? Melbourne Central is your starting point? No problems, the following are your best options:

Mamasita  

A pioneer of Melbourne's Mexican dining scene, and arguably the best Mexican restaurant Melbourne CBD can offer, Mamasita is a staple, just off Spring Street. It's chic, it's upstairs, and it mixes American diner aesthetics with Mexican flair. Perfect for an after-dark feast paired with cocktails, Mamasita runs weekday specials on tacos and margaritas— the ultimate excuse for some midweek fun.

  • Must-try: The iconic fish tacos, roasted pork belly with Guajillo sauce, and the tangy tamarind cheesecake.  

  • Good for: Midweek catch-ups, date nights, or grabbing a cheap taco during their weekday 3-5 PM specials.  

  • Price: $$-$$$ (Affordable weekday deals, slightly upscale dinner pricing).  

  • Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: A scenic 15-minute walk or a quick tram ride down Collins Street.  

Hotel Jesus  

With its retro vibes and laid-back energy, Hotel Jesus is located on Smith Street in Collingwood offering a more communal and casual twist to Mexican. The light-filled space is ideal for group dining or solo sessions, and the $10 margaritas during happy hour are worth the trip alone. We recommend their “Feed Me Jesus” menu so you can try a bit of everything.  

  • Must-try: The snapper ceviche tostada, fried jalapeño, and spicy chicken skin tacos.  

  • Good for: Group dining, casual hangs

  • Price: $$ (Great value, especially during happy hour).  

  • Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: About 20 minutes by tram to Smith Street in Collingwood.  

Bodega Underground  

Hidden beneath Little Bourke, Bodega Underground is a subterranean Mexican surprise filled with mezcal and tacos. Known for its entirely gluten-free menu, this spot delivers the most authentic Mexican food Melbourne can offer with a healthy dose of creativity. The intimate setting is perfect for late-night eats or kicking off a weekend with their famous bottomless Mexican brunch, featuring 90 minutes of tacos and cocktails.

  • Must-try: Their mezcal margaritas, fish tacos, and the bottomless Mexi-brunch (90 minutes of tacos and cocktails).  

  • Good for: Late-night eats, bottomless brunch

  • Price: $$-$$$ (Affordable brunch deals; dinner and drinks add up).  

  • Distance from Novotel Melbourne Central: A 7-minute walk down Little Bourke Street.  

Tres a Cinco  

Born from the heart and soul of chef Sarai Castillo, Tres a Cinco offers a personal take on Mexican cuisine in Hosier Lane. Expect bold and exciting dishes showcasing the creativity and authenticity of regional Mexican flavours. With a relaxed vibe and a menu that celebrates fresh ingredients, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy eight, yes eight, different margarita options.  

  • Must-try: Kingfish aguachile, crab tostadas, and the conchita pibil pulled pork tacos.  

  • Good for: Intimate dinners and lots of margaritas  

  • Price: $$ (Mid-range with great value for the quality).  

  • Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: A 10-minute walk to Hosier Lane.  

Mesa Verde  

Perched atop Curtin House, Mesa Verde is a rooftop spot that combines gourmet Mexican dishes like kangaroo loin skewers with margaritas that have extra quirk added to them. Grab a spot in the vintage green booths for Taco Tuesdays and enjoy.  

  • Must-try: Pork carnitas, crispy school prawns, and the Ghost Face Killer chilli margarita.  

  • Good for: Creative cocktails

  • Price: $$-$$$ (Good deals like $5 tacos on Tuesdays).  

  • Distance from Novotel Melbourne Central: A 7-minute walk to Swanston Street.  

Radio Mexico  

A fusion of food truck vibes and fine dining, Radio Mexico stands out as a highlight of St Kilda’s vibrant food scene. The private dining space upstairs makes it great for events, while their 2-for-1 margarita deal on Mondays ensures post-work drinks are always a good idea.  

  • Must-try: Chipotle tamarind pork ribs, carnitas with a crispy cheese crust, and spanner crab quesadillas.  

  • Good for: 2-for-1 margaritas on Mondays!/relaxed dinners.  

  • Price: $$-$$$ (Affordable bites with pricier mains).  

  • Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: About 25 minutes by car or tram to St Kilda.  

Dine & Accommodation Near Melbourne Central

When you stay in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, you have easy access to everything you need. Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central is the perfect base, and the modern elegance and supreme comfort of each room mean you have all the amenities you need.

Dining is also a highlight, with the onsite Pretty Boy Bar & Restaurant serving a fresh, seasonal menu blending Italian classics and premium steaks. Just steps from Melbourne Central Station, Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central combines convenience with a touch of luxury, plus super easy access to a lot of great Mexican food!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Does Novotel Melbourne Central offer dining options on-site?

Yes! Novotel’s own Pretty Boy Bar & Restaurant is a steakhouse that is focused on Italian food in all its glory. Convenient, delicious and one of the best spots to eat in Melbourne Central.

What can you expect from Mexican Restaurants in Melbourne Central?

Melbourne Mexicans love to be creative. You’ll find all of the Mexican classics, like tacos and burritos, but most menus in Melbourne have a unique twist, especially when it comes to the drinks.

What are the tips for choosing the right Mexican spot?

You will be hard-pressed to find any bad food in Melbourne, so the fun of finding the right Mexican spot is - finding the right Mexican spot. Try as many as you can, order different dishes at different places, and you’ll soon hone in on your favourite (if you can pick just one).