It’s one of life’s greatest pleasures; eating Mexican and drinking margis – sounds a bit corny but we stand by it. So it’s pretty darn lucky the Gold Coast is spoilt for choice when it comes to Mexican meals, mmm there’s a little Mariachi band playing in our head just thinking about it.

And if you don’t like Mexican then this is guac-ward, because we’ve done the heavy lifting – aka eating – so you can pick your taco joint of choice and put your taco where your mouth is. Come on, don’t be salty – unless you’re a margarita of course.

So here’s our round up of the Coast’s best spots to get your Mexican fix, but before you go don’t forget the rules – first we fiesta, then we siesta. We’ll be there faster than you can say “extra guac, please”.

Chicos Taqueria
Hola chica, this Southern Belle is one of the newest additions to the Mexican scene. And what do they bring to the table? Glad you asked because tacos and un-burrito-ble burritos are clear heroes but if we’re honest, we’re yet to taste a dish we didn’t like. Don’t fret if tacos are nacho vibe, get around the delicious little morsels of flavour that are their empanadas.
Where: 27-31 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters

Nude Amigos
Grab your (fully clothed) amigos and head on town to Cancun – uhh, we mean Broadbeach – because Nude Amigos might be nude in name but it’s flavours are anything but. The space is as light and breezy as it is chic and vibey, it’s basically just begging of you to sip back on one of the exotic (see: very fancy) tequilas that take pride of place behind the bar. In fantastic news for our across-the-border neighbours, they’ve opened a second venue in Kingscliff.
IWhere: Lot 1, 70 Surf Parade, Broadbeach and 60 Marine Parade, Kingscliff

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 de-lish cocktails flow. Overlooking one of the Gold Coast’s best known beaches – Surfers Paradise – it’s big on size, vibes and margs… No really, the margs are giant and nothing gets us going like a cocktail as big as our sombrero.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Panchos
Who said the beachside burbs should be having all the fun? Not us, so if you’ve been having a siesta on our humble Hinterland’s worst kept secret and Gold Coast institution, Panchos, then this is the sign you need to get on out to Mudgeeraba so they can guac your world. With splashes of colour from wall to wall plus enchiladas, margs and tinnies at the ready you’re set for a spec-taco-lar feed.
Where: 581 Springbrook Road, Mudgeeraba

Isla Cantina
Isla just go ahead and say it, this cal-mex might be the GOAT cultural combo and Isla Cantina understood the assignment when they curated not just their menu, but the holy trinity of Wing Wednesday, Taco Thursday and Sunday Specials so you’ve got not one, not two, but three reasons to treat yourself to those glorious water views and the Surfers skyline while you chow down on some mex-cellent fare.
Where: Shop4, G7 Capri on Via Roma, Surfers Paradise

Agave Rosa
Fresh, delish dishes with dashes of distinct oriental flavour (say that after a few tequilas), served Mexican style is what you’ll get in spades at Agave Rosa. It’s funky, bright and welcoming feels are perfectly complimented by their phenom menu mixing our two fave cuisines with finesse. And like any Mexican establishment worth its salt, their cocktails and margaritas slay!
Where: Shop 2/74 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta

Clay Cantina
It might just be the Cooly-est Mexican haunts to hit the south – Gold Coast we mean. The casual laneway dining outside and inviting, home-style dining inside makes the perfect home for this feisty Latina to dish up the best Mexican outside of the Motherland. And we’re not actually joking. Plus, you can transform into a Mexican Masterchef yourself with super fun classes using authentic ingredients and tools.
Where: 2/16 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Hail Mary
If you haven’t been to Hail Mary have you even been to Burleigh? Tucked away in a James Street laneway we’ll forgive you for missing this pink hued haven just this once. It’s not just it’s ridiculously good looks that maker her a winner, they deliver with the freshest, most flavoursome Mexican nosh you’ve ever tasted. With a daily lunch special like two tacos and a beer/wine or soft drink for $19, what are you even waiting for?
Where: 6/26 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Mexicali
Always busy, the Cali meets Mexico feels of Mexicali have us coming back again and again. You can’t go wrong with a banquet if you’re in a group, so you can think less about what to order and more about the margaritas on the horizon. Sunset cocktails on the balcony never get old, and a snap under the ever-changing lightbox message above the stairs is mandatory!
Where: Level 1, 2223 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach

Bonita Bonita
Eats institution Bonita Bonita (and little sister Bon Bon pouring mezcals and tequilas for pre or post-dinner party starters) is a long-standing fave. Its dimly lit, moody and ornate interior design never ceases to impress and create an intimate vibe and while it’s traditionally been a dinner-only spot, the Mexican gods answered our prayers and we’re officially on for lunch Tuesday to Saturday. Enjoy the mouth-watering eats (the grilled corn…OMG) and don’t even get us started on the cocktails.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

California Tacos
SoCal vibes are so strong with this one it’ll have you singing CALIFORNIAAAAAA, here we come… No? Just us then. Well if you can depend on anywhere to give you a taste of authentic Mexican street-style tacos it’s a place called California Tacos, step into the beachy vibe at Burleigh or Broady and get better acquainted with the well-stocked bar – the only way a bar should be, we say. Salud!
Where: 1718 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads & 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Costa Taco
Overcoming the momentary temptation to leave this one out (in hopes of greedily keeping more of those highly coveted tables all for ourselves) – but no list about epic Mexican spots would be complete with such a glaring omission. Especially now they’ve opened another outpost in Broadbeach. Dishing up authentic Mexican eats, the menu is short but sweet, sticking only to their specialities with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients.
Where: Cnr Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach and 1136 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

The Aztec
Kicking around since 1995, The Aztec Broadbeach…along with The Aztec Coolangatta…is a hit with the whole fam, boasting a fun-loving mixture of cosy booths, ultra-modern furnishings, neon lights and an epic fluoro bar. A colourful and upbeat venue, you’re spoilt for choice with all the Mexican goodies you’d hope to find and half price lunches Friday through Sunday in case you needed any more convincing.
Where: The Aria Building, Shop 11/17 Albert Avenue, Broadbeach & 152 Griffith Street (Twin Towns end), Coolangatta

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski

You’ll need all the energy you can get this weekend with three full days of dancing on the cards at Blues on Broadbeach. To start your weekend right, cook up this simple and healthy breakfast hash and you’re good to go!

INGREDIENTS
2 cups pumpkin in 1cm cubes
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1Ž2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
2 teaspoons of ground cumin
A pinch of salt
1 garlic clove, crushed
1Ž2 onions, diced
1 jalapeno, finely diced
1Ž2 cups of red capsicum, diced
1 cup of zucchini, diced
1 and a 1/Ž2 cups spinach
4 eggs
Juice of 1 and a 1/Ž2 limes
1 avocado
1/4 of a red onion, diced
A handful of fresh coriander

DIRECTIONS
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees celsius. Peel the pumpkin and cut into small 1 cm cubes. Place the cubes in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, smoked paprika and cumin. Toss so each cube is well seasoned. Place the pumpkin on a baking tray and roast in the oven for 15 minutes or until tender.
While the pumpkin is roasting, in an oven-proof frying pan sauté the crushed garlic, diced onion, diced capsicum, diced zucchini and 1 tablespoon of the diced jalapeños, for 3 to 4 minutes. Once the onion becomes translucent add in the spinach, lime juice and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Cook for another minute and then set aside.
Once the pumpkin is cooked add it to the pan with the veggies and stir to ensure everything is evenly mixed. Create 4 wells in the mixture and crack an egg into each hole.
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the egg whites are cooked.
In the meantime mash the avocado with 1 tablespoon of diced jalapeños, diced onions, the juice from half a lime and a pinch of salt.
Once the eggs are cooked serve with the smashed avocado and a handful of fresh coriander.
Serves 2
Preparation time 15 minutes
Cooking time 25 minutes

For more great recipes by Gold Coast local Caralee Caldwell, check out her page here.

Locals love Mudgeeraba and clearly, we do too. It’s easy to get swept up in the allure of our iconic coastline, but when was the last time you popped into this hinterland haven? No seriously, it’s a little over 15 minutes from Burleigh (we don’t want to hear you say it’s too far) so you can escape the hustle of the beachside burbs and take our word for it when we say it’s got some of the best eats the Gold Coast has to offer. Big claim, we know, but we stand by it.

We’ve taken the task of finding the best feeds in Mudgeeraba very seriously so you can just pop in and live like a local for the day. So, book a table and pretend you’ve gone bush for a little while, it’s the next best thing to an actual holiday.

Anekawa Japanese
This has got to be one of the Gold Coast’s best-kept secrets, nestled in the heart of Mudgeeraba’s Village, Anekawa shines a whole new light on traditional Japanese food. Created by chef Koki Anekawa (ex Rick Shores), the menu is a glorious celebration of ethically sourced Australian produce and traditional Japanese fair that we don’t so often see, set to the backdrop of one of the most intimate restaurant spaces we’ve dined in. The menu is ever changing based on the seasonality of produce and availability of specialty seafood, so you know that what they’re dishing up is fresh AF.
Where: Corner of Swan Lane & Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

The Wine Barrel
An institution among locals, there’s good reason why The Wine Barrel has stood the test of time, serving up some of the best tapas and wine (obviously) going around. The menu is loaded with an epic variety of food from Asian-inspired dishes to classic tacos. Our must-try’s? We can’t go past the pork belly, chilli caramel, coriander and mint to start, followed with the organic black mussels with Napoli, cream and nudja for a serious flavour bomb.
Where: 59 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

Pangaat Indian Restaurant & Bar
We know it might not be fair, but we low key judge a suburb’s foodie scene by their best Indian restaurant, so it’s fair to say Mudgeeraba is serving up the goods. Pangaat Indian Restaurant & Bar is not only one of our favourite Indian spots in the hinterland, but the whole of the Gold Coast. Think of the aromatic spices and bold flavours that come with authentic Indian food, they’ve got everything covered from hearty curries and succulent tandoori specialities that will keep you coming back.
Where: 3/59 Railway St, Mudgeeraba

Bon Appetea
Tucked away in the most beautiful old Queenslander, Bon Appetea brings that English whimsy charm to Mudgeeraba – made even better with the beautiful hinterland back drop. You can pop in for your favourite high tea whether it’s for breakfast, brunch or lunch with luxe options too if you’re feeling a little bit fancy. In case you needed more mo-tea-vation to book in high tea with your favourites, the iconic basque cheesecake is one of our favourite sweet treats on the menu. Heading there in winter? You’ll want to snag a spot fireside while you get cosy, sit and sip on your hot beverage of choice.
Where: 7 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba

Lenny Pizzeria
By now you’ve surely heard all the buzz about Lenny Pizzeria, the woodfired pizza hotspot has been buzzing since their iconic entrance to the Mudgeeraba dining scene. Think next level flavour combinations – we’re looking at you, Chill Kale and Fancy 4 Cheese – you’ll definitely want a pizza this. Perch up under the stars with your nearest and dearest and treat yourself to your favourite drop while you carb load.
Where: Shop 5/58 Railway St, Mudgeeraba 

Mudjira Village Eatery
Now it would be plain old rude of us to miss out on Mudgeeraba’s best breakfast spot. Embrace the laidback vibes of the hinterland at Mudjira Village Eatery, it’s got the country charm you expect from one of the town’s best eats and a full menu of epic eats. We’re all about the maple pecan French toast – try it and thank us later.
Where: 3 Swan Lane, Mudgeeraba

Junior’s Deli
For a taste of New York in the heart of Mudgeeraba you don’t need to look any further than Junior’s Deli. With classic deli sandwiches, toasties and burgers, plus barista coffee supplied by Therefore Coffee these guys have nailed the casual dining vibe. If you’re more about the grab and go life Junior’s have you sorted, you can even take home some of their signature house-made pickles to up your sandwich game and get a taste of the deli at home.
Where: 2/51 Railway St, Mudgeeraba

The Wallaby Hotel
One of the Gold Coast’s oldest pubs, The Wallaby has been serving up cold brews and great food since 1883. If you’re looking for the ultimate pint and parmy combo then you’ve come to the right place. They’ve got all the pub classics you know and love to kick those hunger pains, if you want to get a little adventurous then get around the Native Australian Wallaby Shanks – guaranteed to become your new go-to.
Where 43 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

Whisky Lounge
Whisky aficionados will feel right at home at the Whisky Lounge, but don’t stress if you’re a newbie – the legends behind the bar will find you the perfect drop to start your whisky lover journey. It doesn’t matter if your palate prefers a smoky scotch or a smooth bourbon, they’ve got pretty much everything so you can pour, savour and enjoy the flavour. Not into dark spirits? Stress less and don’t whisk yourself away, there’s a delish cocktail menu to keep you busy all night long.
Where: Shop 2A/58 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

The Sensory Boutique
In need of some retail therapy? The Sensory Boutique have the most aesthetically pleasing collection of goodies that have been perfectly curated so you can pick up home décor, scents, jewellery and more. If you’re looking for a fresh fit the team have hand selected pieces just for you. If buying brand-new is so last season for you, in the name of circular fashion, there’s a selection of pre-loved clothing and accessories (chic of course) that you can give a new life.
Where: Shop 24, Franklin Square, 60 Railway St, Mudgeeraba

Panchos
Spice up your dining experience at Panchos, this Mexican spot knows what’s up when it comes to good food, good margs and good entertainment – the holy trinity of good vibes. The colourful fit out feels like you’ve stepped straight off the streets of Mexico into an authentic taqueria with the Latin American influence coming from all ends. Did we mention on Thursday’s you can snag a burrito and beer for $25 too? You’re losing money not getting amongst it #girlmath.
Where: 581 Gold Coast Springbrook Rd, Mudgeeraba

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.