El Mero Mero
The equivalent of Mexican fine dining, this chic but unstuffy place serves tons of regional Mexican food that most are unaware of. Aside from fresh seafood ceviches like their Aguachile de Callo de Hacha, they’ve also got favorites like Al Pastor kurobuta pork tacos and enchiladas verde with prawns and tomatillo-serrano sauce. The restaurant is situated in the historic CHIJMES, complete with an alfresco courtyard space.
El Rocho’s
This Boat Quay staple attracts quite a crowd with its Yucatan braised pork, fish ceviche, carne asada and chicken mole. There are more experimental options like stewed lamb and ox tongue tacos, but everything’s still tasty. The space is also pretty airy with full glass windows, tiles and stone walls, a nice change from most Boat Quay establishments.
Guzman Y Gomez
An Australian import, this no-frills place specializes in tacos, burrito bowls and nachos. Things can get a little messy with fillings like slow-cooked beef and spicy grilled chicken, but they’ve got hearty portions making it a great option for a quick and easy lunch that’s value for money.
Lower East Side Taqueria
This vibrant space serves food like chili con carne tacos and pork carnitas quesadillas. It’s a pretty classic menu with items like cumin-grilled chicken and lime rice, salsas and churros, so don’t expect anything too out-of-the-box. That aside, it’s got an impressive booze menu with drinks like sangria, cava, draft beer, tequila, mezcal and cachaca.
Lucha Loco
One of Singapore’s best known Mexican restaurants has an equally enchanting space. Fairy lights and alfresco views aside, the buzzing restaurant on Duxton Hill has dishes like fish tacos, chorizo and braised beef brisket tacos and quesadillas. It’s all pretty generic but still comforting and good food to accompany cheeky cocktails. They’ve got a great bar menu with a huge list of tequilas and cocktails, so this place is a sure bet for a weekend night out.
Muchachos
This DIY burrito bar is an easy solution to any Mexican craving. With the mandatory industrial-chic decor complete with exposed light bulbs and concrete walls, it’s the high-class Subway of burritos. There are five types of meats that you can build on rice, beans and your choice of three salsas. There’s also cheese, guacamole and roasted veggies to choose from as well. Wash it all down with wines by the glass or a good old Mexican beer.
Piedra Negra
Not the most glam of destinations but it’s definitely a favorite. The laidback atmosphere is super-friendly and the food pretty diverse. There’s stuff like cactus salad and rollito de platano, deep-fried habaneros stuffed with cream cheese and plantain. However, if you’re not up for the adventure, there are familiar options like tamarind-glazed pork ribs and beef flautas, deep-fried tortilla flutes with refried beans. Plus, they’ve got affordable drinks, too.
Senor Taco
Look no further if you need a late-night fill after a boozy evening at Clarke Quay. This Mexican taqueria serves some of the best tacos in town with options like their signature Al Pastor pork tacos, chorizo tacos and classics like chicken flautas and, of course, burritos. Plus, they’ve got some killer margaritas and the expected range of beers.
Super Loco
Lucha Loco’s more youthful and raucous sister is aptly situated in Robertson Quay. It doesn’t have the extensive menu of its grown-up sister but the things they serve are equally as tasty. Everything’s a reinterpretation of Mexican street food so think tuna tostadas with chili mayo and octopus ceviche with smoked paprika and squid ink. Drinks-wise they’ve got a range of Mexican brews and classics like margaritas. Don’t forget the luchadores and sombreros.
