Top 5 Fish Tacos

I didn’t realize how hard it was to find fish tacos in Melbourne until I started my search this year. To add to it, these restaurants all don’t take reservations so getting in there is in itself a challenge! Yes, it has been that long but I have finally completed my “research”. This list takes us on a journey to find the best fish tacos in Melbourne that is of top quality and of authentic Mexican influence (not Tex-Mex).

1. Mamasita

1/11 Collins Street  Melbourne VIC 3001
(03) 9650 3821

I was first introduced to Mamasita by my friend Brad who swore by this fancy Mexican restaurant in the city. At first, I was puzzled by all the hype and why people would queue up for hours to get into this joint. And then I found out why. An hour of queuing later, we got into this casual but contemporary Mexican Mecca, and were blown away by the delightful flavors and variety of traditional Mexican treats made modern. From the likes of their classic grilled corn with cheese, cayenne pepper and fresh lime, to their signature fish tacos with spicy tomatillo salsa and slaw and crispy chicken quesadilla topped with creamy guacamole. Definitely worth the wait, make sure you make time for the sangria or margarita  in a carafe to share amongst friend's. Truly an experience like no other.

Photo by AVLXYZ

2. Touché hombre

233 Lonsdale Street  Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9663 0811

I finally made it to this new Mexican kid on the block after several failed attempts due to private events and queues. My initial thoughts - great ambience, funky, vibrant, colorful atmosphere, and friendly staff. All the makings for a top Mexican joint! This place features casual shared dining with long rustic wooden high tables and chairs. You can also dine by the bar for easy access to a myriad of cocktails and of course tequila!

You will find interesting usage of disposable cutlery and recycled materials for the menu. My next thoughts – this is an accessible Mamasita. Affordable Mexican at $6-$7 a taco with a wide variety to choose from. We chose the crispy duck leg special that came with margarita for 2 and of course, the legendary battered fish tacos. Followed by grilled corn and seafood ceviche. Not forgetting the blood orange Madagascar cocktail. Wow.

The cerviche was generously filled with mussels, prawns, salsa and guacomole. It was sour but flavorsome and the tortilla chips crunchy and a great accompaniment to the cerviche. The fish tacos were juicy, crispy and packed with flavor with the mayo and salsa oozing out as you sunk your teeth into it. The grilled corn was flooded with flavor of mayo, peppers and cheese. Simply beautiful. The special crispy duck leg was as described. Crisp, delicious and luscious. The guacomole and sauces were devine. All up, a perfect Mexican dining experience and a close second to Mamasita.

Fish Taco

Cerviche

3. Paco’s Tacos

Level 1, 500 Bourke St (up the stairs from Little Bourke St)

(03) 9663 3038

Located off Little Bourke St, between William and Queen St, Paco’s Tacos sits right next to Movida Aqui and is owned and managed by Movida. It is, however, a more accessible and affordable joint than Movida, offering exciting and colourful Mexican food at its best. All tacos are a cheap and cheerful $6 and come in colourful red baskets. We tried the Pescado – marinated fish, chipotle and radish which was savoury, crispy and juicy – drenched with the hot chipotle sauce. We also savoured the camarones – filled with prawns, pepita sauce and salsa verde – it was spicy, peppery and flooded with green creamy salsa verde sauce. Between the 2, the pescado was the winner. Another winner was the BBQ corn nicely char-grilled with chipotle pepper sauce, and generous portions of grated cheese on the top. A great dish to share is the crispy nachos  with toasted tortilla chips, salsa verde, pico de gallo, guacamole, and queso fresco. Absolutely delish. Order the jug of sangria to share at $32 a pop enough for 3 and a bit. Note: this venue is sheltered but in an open outdoor area with heaters to keep you warm but make sure you rug up for winter!

Fish Taco

Nachos

4. Taco Truck

Expect the unexpected with the taco truck as it changes its location every week (mostly in the Brunswick area) to cater to the throngs of taco lovers eager to sink their teeth into each exquisite taco creation. The thrill is in finding the truck and then of course the experience of dining like no other.  My friends and I decided to go on an adventure last week by “chasing” the truck. We found out the location via the taco truck’s facebook page and then off we went to find the truck.

We were beside ourselves as we pulled up past the truck and spotted the bright coloured “TACO TRUCK” sign amidst a queue of hungry taco hunters. Jackpot! I ordered the fish taco plate which was a reasonable $12 for 2 fish tacos and tortilla chips. “A 20 min wait, but its worth the wait”, said the friendly lady in the truck. And, true to her word, it surely was worth the wait as it wasn’t long before we savoured the delightful crispy fish tacos and crunchy tortilla chips oozing with flavours. Tip: Add a dash of the habenaro hot sauce over the tacos and chips for an extra kick! Unexpected to say the least – who would’ve thought good food could come out of a truck? Taco truck has certainly found a new fan.

Fish Taco Plate

5. Fonda Mexican

248 Swan Street  Richmond VIC 3121
(03) 9429 0085

We ordered takeaway from Fonda thinking it might be a bit of a wait. To our surprise, 15 min was all it took for us to pick up our much-awaited orders! If you have a little more time, dine in at the casual Casa de Mexicana as you watch their friendly staff hustle about in the busy kitchen. The tortillas are made to order using dough presses so you are guaranteed freshness.  (Their dough is prepared daily at the Abbotsford Convent bakery.) Choose from a variety of meat, market fresh fish or even vegetarian 6” tacos or 12” burritos.

Again, this joint is set to give mamasita a run for its money. Reasonably priced tacos at $6 a pop with sides from $3.50 for the charred corn and $6 for the tortilla crisps with spicy salsa and guacamole as well as the Mexican pork scratchings (Chicharons with gaucamole) at $5 - our total bill for 2 came up to $30! Unreal by Melb standards. The crunchiness of the slaw against the flavorsome grilled fish and guac make for a real treat. Yet again another accessible Mamasita!

A Mexican Feast