After years of sub-par Mexican, Australian palates are finally getting the real flavour of the old country. A raft of genuine Mexican restaurants have flung open their doors Sydney-wide and the most talked about is the recent opening of El Topo in Bondi Junction.
With its open-air, top level position and day of the dead theming throughout, they’ve certainly got the décor right. The music compliments the vibe with a cross between mariachi covers of well known pop classics, and bluesy 70’s rock’n’ el’rollo.
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But this ain’t no style over substance eatery – the food is to die for, with real south-of-the-border treats stretching the entire length of their extensive menu.
We started in true Mexican style with some margarita jugs. Tart and heavy on the tequila with subtle agave hints, these are a must have, so leave your car at home.
For nibbles it’s hard to go past the real corn chips and guacamole. The BBQ corn with Cajun pistachio coating is fresh and original. And we followed that with the $5 pulled pork tacos. With beautiful spice and fresh salsa, they’re a no-brainer. Finally we finished with the 12-hour beef rib with smoky BBQ sauce. The beef had been slow cooked to perfection – we cut ours with a spoon.
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The down-low:
Four people – $140 (inc. drinks)
El Topo
Rooftop, Level 3
The Eastern Hotel
500 Oxford Street
Bondi Junction
Phone: (02) 8383 59 59
Facebook.com/eltopoMexican
TUE – THURS
BAR OPEN 4PM TILL LATE
KITCHEN OPEN 6PM – 10 PM
FRI-SUN
BAR OPEN 12PM TO LATE
KITCHEN 12PM – 3PM 6PM -10PM
MONDAY
CLOSED
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