Chefs and friends Vitor Rodrigues and Caio Guastapaglia opened their first Freshie Mex restaurant in Freshwater in 2020 and expanded in 2024 with a second venue opposite Collaroy beach.
“We decided to lean into the growing popularity of Mexican food,” says Vitor. “Our goal was to offer flavour-packed food at great value and cocktails accessible to most budgets.”
Vitor says the menu isn’t a pure play on the traditional Mexican menu and includes many authentic hard-to-find recipes, along with well-loved Tex-Mex favourites.
“Our menu is quite solid, with only small changes or additions yearly,” Vitor says. “What we do works well. When developing new dishes, we look at Mexican trends, brainstorm ideas, test multiple recipes and refine them until we’re happy.”
My son and I have a lazy lunch at Freshie Mex Collaroy one Sunday. The restaurant is spacious with gentle lighting, soft cushions, and Mexican inspired décor and art, including a mural of iconic Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. There’s an outdoor area behind the restaurant too.
Corn chips and delicious fresh homemade guacamole are first up. My son isn’t vegan but is tempted by the impressive vegan menu. Vitor was vegetarian in the past and remembers the difficulties dining out.
“We believe that Mexican food adapts naturally to vegan cooking,” says Vitor. “Rather than offering just one or two options, we created a dedicated vegan menu that mirrors most of our core offerings.” They also have gluten-free and dairy-free options.
My son devours jackfruit tacos – jackfruit has a similar texture to pulled pork – served on two soft tortillas with shredded cabbage, topped with guacamole, fresh pico de gallo and vegan cheese. He says it’s full of flavour and would satisfy vegans and carnivores alike. I opt for chicken quesadillas – two tortillas with melted cheese, sour cream, salsa verde, pico de gallo. The flavours and textures combine perfectly to make a mouthwatering dish. Our empanadas are golden and crispy and filled with succulent beef. The beverage list is ample with some delicious looking cocktails. I’m driving and have a homemade burnt orange and vanilla Mexican soda which is refreshing and not as sweet or fizzy as commercial sodas. My son enjoys a Tommy’s Margarita (tequila, agave syrup and fresh lime juice). Next time, I’ll leave the car at home!
Freshie Mex 1093 Pittwater Road, Collaroy freshiemex.com.au
