REVIEW
Five years after opening its doors, this spirited bar-restaurant remains Australia’s benchmark for Mexican food. Or should we say “Mexican” food? While opening chef Sam Ward made his name by championing a traditional approach, his successor Tommy Payne has put his own twist on the menu and he isn’t afraid to use poetic license in the kitchen. The aguachile is a punchy combination of lightly cured kingfish, mezcal and watermelon sprinkled with coconut dust. Smoked chicken wings in a satay-esque peanut mole taste like the sort of thing you’d find in an Asian food court in Oaxaca, but chime perfectly with El Público’s style, as does the mango and coconut trifle in a jar. Despite the change of chef, some things remain the same. The soundtrack rocks, tacos produced with house-made tortillas are as essential as ever, and chipper staff and a mighty drinks list (tequila, beer, cocktails!) are deeply conducive to good times. Bring a posse and party on.
Phone:
0418 187 708
Website:
Bookings:
Bookings recommended
Features:
Licensed
Bar
Wheelchair Access
Outdoor dining
Accepted card types:
American Express
Eftpos
MasterCard
Visa
Chef(s):
Tommy Payne
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide’s reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.
Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide
Gourmet Traveller’s star-ratings, which range from zero to three stars, reflect reviewers’ first-hand experiences. The best-rated restaurants form our national Top 100. Our wine ratings, from zero to three stars, are made by wine editor Max Allen on the strength of the quality of the restaurant’s wine list. View our rating key here.
