Looking for fab fajitas, mega margaritas & tasty tacos? Head to these top restaurants for spice-packed Mexican food in Bali... Arrrriba!
Foodies all over the world consider Bali as a go-to gourmand destination. It’s most famous for its traditional dishes from local warungs, as well as its award-winning fine dining institutions and even Instagrammable vegan and vegetarian cafes. But if you’re after big burritos, Taco Tuesdays, frozen margaritas and all the yummy guac, then you’re in luck. Epic Mexican restaurants have been popping up all over Bali, and they’re as delicious and as spicy as you’d expect. From simple but sensational cantinas to all-out tequila fiestas, grab your sombrero and head to these head honchos for the very best Mexican food in Bali… Vamos!
The best Mexican restaurants in Bali: CANGGU
1. Lacalita Bar y Cocina
One of our all-time favourite Mexican restaurants in Bali, Lacalita slings straight-from-Tijuana tacos, cooler-than-Colonia-Roma vibes, and daily happy hours that have us dancing the Jarabe Tapatio after one too many tequilas. This colourful and happening spot draws in Canggu’s crowds, promising fresh modern Mexican food, famously addictive cocktails (we’re looking at you, Jalapeño Margarita) and all-round good times – every damn time. Try the fresh snapper ceviche, the signature Baja fish tacos stuffed with tempura barramundi and a jalapeño-lime aioli, and whatever you do, don’t miss the 48-hour wood smoked brisket. Psst – Lacalita is now open in Seminyak too!
Lacalita, Jl Pantai Batu Bolong No. 68, Canggu, p +62 822 4731 2217; Open daily from 12pm. Also in Seminyak (Jl Drupadi No.1, p. +62 822 4731 2218).
2. Lola’s Cantina Mexicana
Lola’s Cantina Mexicana is a perfect fit for Canggu – it’s all about great food, killer cocktails and the kind of atmosphere that’ll ramp you up for a wild night of music and dancing,. Start off with jackfruit carnitas and vegan cheese empanadas, or loaded Mexi fries to share. Then, try the Taco Salad with crispy tortilla chips, fresh veggies and your choice of toppings, like chimichurri steak or Mexican tempeh. Finish off with Lola’s selection of dulces – we love the churros with salted caramel sauce, spiked with Captain Morgan spiced rum…
Lola’s Cantina Mexicana, Canggu shortcut, p. +62 878 6168 6721; Open daily 8.30am – 11.30pm.
3. Tacos Aqui
Sitting on the outskirts of Canggu in the quaint Umalas neighbourhood, Tacos Aqui brings splashes of colour and spicy food to Bali’s Mexican food aficionados. At this homey Mexican cantina, sharing is definitely caring – a menu designed to be swapped and sampled in great company. Think smaller servings of taquitos and enchiladas, a looong list of tacos and burritos, shared nachos and even party-size churros. You’ll also find classic recipes like carne asada and al pastor, as well as Balinese fusions like betutu and sate babi taco toppings, served up in homemade corn or flour tortillas.
Tacos Aqui, Jl Bumbak No. 79 – 81, Umalas, p. +62 817 968 8882; Open daily 12pm – 11pm.
4. Johnny Tacos – Canggu
Who doesn’t love a good ol’ taco bar? Well, Johnny Tacos is exactly that: a humble spot where you can grab tacos and tostadas in flour tortillas with all the classic toppings. Gluten-free, veggie and vegan options included! Love a hit of chilli? Top off your tacos and tostadas with the house blend muy picante hot sauce. Or, upgrade to a house combo which comes with a cocktail, or go for the Johnny Combo to wash down your tacos with a cold Bintang and a shot of Jose Quervo.
Johnny Tacos, Jl Pantai Berawa, Canggu, p. +62 813 3889 8221; Open daily 8am – 10pm.
The best Mexican restaurants in Bali: SEMINYAK
5. Motel Mexicola
Motel Mexicola simply has to be on your Mexican restaurant hit-list when in Bali (and your partying itinerary too, for that matter!). Best known for its fiesta vibes, this place is buzzing every night of the week. Look out for the most colourful building on the block, with an upstairs and downstairs area to dine in, plus chairs by the bar and booths for bigger groups. The menu consists of classic Mexican staples, but we recommend trying the chicken tinga tostadas and the zesty snapper ceviche. And of course, our fave thing about Motel Mexicola has got to be the seemingly endless list of high quality tequila… Did someone say tequila tasting?
Motel Mexicola, Jl Kayujati No. 9X, Kerobokan, p. +62 361 736 688; Open daily from 11am.
6. La Plancha
There’s so much to love at La Plancha – the prime beachfront address in Seminyak (which calls for a sunset cocktail or two), famous for its multi-coloured bean bags and umbrellas. But that’s not all. Head inside and it’s all about cute interiors and epic Mexican food. Try the black bean hummus and share a few tapas plates between you, like patatas bravas, baby burritos and orange-scented churros. All of this, topped off by a candy-coloured Bali sunset…
La Plancha, Mesari Beach, Seminyak, p. +62 878 6141 6310; Open daily 7.30am – 11pm.
7. Taco Casa
The original Mexican restaurant in Bali and still one of the very best, Taco Casa is probably the more well known Mexican spot on the island, with the flagship address being in lovely Ubud. We give thanks to Taco Casa for the tequila and tacos revolution in Bali, because since it was such a big hit, Taco Casa later opened its doors in Seminyak and now Canggu! Whichever location you go to, you’ll always find the Casa’s freshly made tacos, burritos and quesadillas. And for those not so keen on spice, you’ll be pleased to know that the spicy salsas and sauces come on the side, with almost everything available to switch up and change as you need.
Taco Casa, Jl Petitenget, Seminyak, p. +62 812 2422 2358. Open daily 11am – 10pm. Also in Ubud (Jl Pengosekan, p. +62 812 2422 2357) and Canggu (Jl Batu Mejan, p.+62 812 2422 2359).
8. Taco Beach Grill
Perhaps the most humble Mexican restaurant in Bali, Taco Beach Grill mixes Balinese warung vibes with colourful Mexican flair. From Babi Guling tacos to roasted tempeh asada, there a taco for everyone here. The kitchen also slings other Mexican faves, like fajitas, burritos and quesadillas, just to name a few. Dining with the kiddos? Try the Mexican pizza which features three types of cheeses. Easy peasy Mexican deliciousness.
Taco Beach Grill, Jl Kunti I No. 8, Seminyak, p. +62 878 6163 2845, e. [email protected]; Open 12pm – 11pm.
The best Mexican restaurants in Bali: KUTA
9. Holy Guacamole Mexican Bar & Grill
This Mexican bar and grill in Legian is one of our fave pit-stops for a casual fiesta in Kuta. You’ll find delicious and homey Mexican food here, including crispy jalapeño poppers, giant burritos and piping hot fajitas (all made with premium produce from the local farmers). And if you love your tequila, this is the place for you. Holy Guacamole boasts one of the most extensive ranges on the island, so whatever you fancy (straight up shots or frozen margis), you can be sure to find it here.
Holy Guacamole Mexican Bar & Grill, Jl Melasti No. 16, Legian, Kuta, p. +62 811 3991 1110; Open daily from 8am.
10. Don Juan
Cartel vibes meet rustic cantina at Don Juan – the head honcho that’s been serving up Mexican food in Bali since 2019. The Don’s interior is decorated with vibrant colours and cool arts, perfect for a no-fuss hangout with a group of friends or the whole family. For the early birds, check out the Mexican breakfast fiesta menu, like the Huevos Rancheros – a traditional Mexican brekky consisting of soft corn tortillas, with chorizo and tomato salsa, sunny side up eggs and refried beans. By night, pop by for street tacos and tostada bites, best paired with Don Juan’s signature sangria. and psst – it’s now open in Canggu too!
Don Juan, Jl Pantai Kuta No. 3, p. +62 889 8730 1368; Open daily 8am – 11pm. Also in Canggu (Jl Pantai Pererenan, p. +62 889 7135 4781.
The best Mexican restaurants in Bali: SANUR
11. Jalapeño
A hopping Tex-Mex restaurant with serious style and flavour, Jalapeño is a spicy little number when it comes to eating out in Sanur. It’s most famous for its tasty tacos (and yes, “buy 2 get 1 free” Taco Tuesday is a thing here) which are made from homemade tortillas, loaded with fresh salsa (made in-house daily) and scrummy fillings like Baja fish, jackfruit carnitas and slow-braised brisket. It goes without saying that the margaritas here are top notch, too.
Jalapeño, Jl Danau Tamblingan No. 102, Sanur, p. +62 813 3996 1875; Open daily 12pm – 10pm.
12. Taqisa
With their traditional Mexican recipes that’ve been passed down from generation to generation, Taqisa is dedicated to dishing up the best homemade Mexican food using the freshest ingredients. Everything is made by hand in the Taqisa kitchen, and all dishes are brought to Bali from Mexican family recipes. Choose your faves from the a la carte menu, or build your own tacos, burritos or bowls. And while you sip on top-shelf margaritas, the kids can tuck into the delish little amigos menu. ¡Viva México!
Taqisa, Jl Danau Tamblingan No. 170, Sanur, p. +62 813 3790 9178, e. [email protected]; Open daily 10am – 9pm.