Chicano Taqueria
Top Mexican Restaurants

Born from a lockdown pop-up and shaped by serious culinary chops, Chicano Taqueria is where Southern California sunshine meets Melbourne street smarts. Head Chef Kingsley Heron cut his teeth at some of the world’s best kitchens—The French Laundry, Attica, Maze—before flipping the script and diving headfirst into the cult of tacos. At Chicano, he brings fine-dining precision to a menu that’s anything but fussy: bold, bright, and built for pleasure.

The food is all about punchy flavour and thoughtful craft. Tortillas are gluten free and pressed to order, and everything is made from scratch in the open kitchen using local, seasonal produce. Expect signature tacos with authentic So-Cal flavours, fiery empanadas that pack a proper punch, and a Peruvian cheese bread that might give you a religious experience. Every dish walks the line between comforting and surprising—big flavours, zero pretence.

It’s the kind of place where you can taste the love in every bite—laid-back, a little loud, and deeply satisfying. Come hungry, leave happy.