Of all the cuisines we dearly love here on the Gold Coast, is there any that come close to the universal appeal of Mexican?
Fresh, zesty, and often spicy, this Central American cuisine enjoys much love not just here but the entire world over — from Margaritas being slurped in Manilla to Tacos being munched in Toulouse: the love is real.
It’s the type of going out food that deserves to be held in high regard; it’s simple, tasty, and honestly, do you even know anyone who doesn’t like it? (If so, reconsider that friendship/relationship fast.)
For you to find the best possible taste of Mexicana, we’ve compiled our take on the best places to get your fix here on the Gold Coast.
Goodness Gracias
A little (somewhat hidden) gem on the Gold Coast Highway is Goodness Gracias serving up plant-based Mexican eats that are some of the tastiest around. With five staple burritos to choose from amongst other menu items, you’ll be hard-pressed to choose just one dish. But if you ask us, regardless of which you choose you’ll be sure to have your sombrero knocked off, even if you aren’t vegan!
Where: 1A 1114 – 1116 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
El Camino Cantina
With shops across the country, we’re lucky to have ourselves one of these spicy little dens of Mexican magic here on the Goldy. Slip in and slip on a sombrero and let the endless fantastic food and moreish cocktails flow. Positioned on the promenade waterfront dining precinct at Robina Town Centre — and with a capacity for 175 diners — means you have the perfect place to enjoy al fresco dining with your gang and the chance to book for functions. Shout out to their Carne Nachos. If you know, you know.
Where: 1009/1010 Lev 1, 19-33 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
La Diosa Mexicana
The baby of the bunch, and found at Circle on Cavill, La Diosa is one of the prettiest Mexi-joints around, and most importantly, they’re serving up a burrito-y lunch special that you’ll want to get involved in. It’s your choice of a chicken, chorizo or Adobo mushrooms (yum) burrito plus chips and salad for a modest $15. — Winning!
Where: Shop 11, Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise
Beach Burrito Company
The southern belle can be found overlooking the ocean in Coolangatta, usually packed with people and with all of the good vibes on offer. There are what feels like endless burritos on offer, and why not get the ‘Cali upgrade’, which means the beans and rice are replaced with hot chips — yes, you read that correctly!
Where: The Strand Shop 25/26 72-80 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Costa Taco
Starting as a pop-up of your dreams at Alfreds Apartment and various markets, the cool, laid-back lads behind Costa Taco have finally decided to lay some roots in Palm Beach. Expect big flavour tacos and some seriously laid-back vibes. And if a debate should arise about what spices and chilies are hotter than one another, refer to their handy spice-o-meter mural on the wall — perfect for settling any heated discussion.
Where: 1136 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Hail Mary
This little Burleigh beauty pumping out all the tasty eats, but, in particular, the tacos are the goods. Choose from ELEVEN varieties, including veggie and vegan options, all of which are taste sensations. We particularly enjoy the Snapper and Mango taco, but we’ve never met a Hail Mary dish we haven’t liked.
Where: 6/26 James Street, Burleigh Heads
Frida Sol
With a menu self-confessed to “tickle your pickle in the best way” you are guaranteed to be in Mexican heaven here. Add on top of a tasty menu, Frida Sol also offers five-star views of the Palm Beach oceanfront. May we give a special shoutout to their Mucho Nachos? Which are served with black beans, queso, smoked sour cream, habanero Jam, cilantro crema, guacamole and your choice of: Carne Mexicana, pulled pork or crispy/grilled chicken. — Yum!
Where: Level 1, 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Mexicali
One of the original cool kid Mexican hangouts on the Coast, and by our books, still one of the best! When the endless jugs of various margarita’s start landing on your table accompanied with some zesty and tasty dishes like their chargrilled chicken achiote tacos (and a live DJ set thrown in for good measure), you know you have yourself the blueprint for a perfect afternoon session.
Where: 1/2223 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
Bonita Bonita
The Mermaid Beach fave has been serving the goods for some time now, and they don’t seem to be slowing up. Tacos are the name of the game here. Choose between a selection of Premium Tacos of Classic Tacos. So really the choice is yours as to whether you want to ‘treat-yo-self’ or not? Strong favourite here is the Cerdo, which includes pork belly with quinoa, rocket, pineapple chilli jam, spiced rojo chimichurri & queso fresco.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Montezumas Burleigh
After relocating from the beachside arcade to just off James Street, this family-friendly Mexican purveyor of good times sure can serve up the goods. The menu is quite extensive, so shall we suggest the Combination Plate? Because why not have a little bit of everything and give ’em all a go. Plus through in a Margarita for good measure!
Where: 1/19 Park Avenue In the Alleyway From James Street to Park Ave, Burleigh Heads
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
