With authentic flavours and good vibes, Mexicano is the place to be
There’s a great vibe when we walk into Mexicano, a cosy restaurant located next to North Narrabeen Beach. It’s a cold winter night, but on entering through the large glass door we’re greeted by friendly staff, upbeat music and the hum of diners chatting away in pairs and groups. Colourful cocktails and share plates of bite sized Mexican delights adorn the tables of patrons around us.
It’s the atmosphere owner Kieron Prenter was going for when he first established Mexicano 15 years ago. “It’s quite simple. We’ve always wanted a simple aesthetic, nothing too outrageous, just dimmed lights and cool music,” he says. “I wanted to create that vibe like you were in Surry Hills, quite tight seating and a bit bustling.”
We start with a Mexi-colada cocktail, a twist on the classic pina colada with blended ice and a delicious rim of dulce de leche and coconut; and a junior assassin mocktail, a refreshing mix of raspberry, lime, pineapple and agave.
The menu is full of plates designed to be shared, and we kick off our Friday night dining experience with prawn tostadas, a crunchy base topped with prawns, guacamole and a mix of aioli, red habanero, radish and coriander; and warm, delicious beef chimichangas, succulent pulled beef rolled in a tortilla and served with a spicy dipping sauce.
The flavours are fresh and authentic, and as we move onto the crowd favourite – ceviche (our choice was the red snapper) – followed by the fish tacos, we realise that this restaurant is something special.
“Everyone loves our fish tacos,” Kieron says, adding that people often try to replicate their fish tacos, with little success. “It’s the flavours – they’re very fresh and light.” In fact, Kieron and his staff work with local businesses to get ‘the best produce.’
Kieron adds that the ceviche is also a popular choice at his restaurant, as it is in its home country of Mexico, loved by surfers up and down the coast.
Churros are our pick to top off the meal, and the cinnamon sugar coating, combined with a choice of either chocolate sauce or dulce de leche is the perfect way to finish our night at Mexicano – a restaurant we are keen to return to again!
Mexicano
2/209-211 Ocean Street, Narrabeen
9970 8975 | mexicano.com.au