Taqiza, a bustling cosy taqueria has opened in Bondi Beach, serving up authentic Mexican cuisine and cocktails.
Taqiza
Located at the top of Glenayr Ave, the venue is headed by Pablo Galindo Vargas (ex Rojo Rocket, Los Vida) alongside his business partner Liber Osorio.
Taqiza
The intimate space with a central bar and kitchen brings together white washed slatted walls with exposed wood, patterned tiled floors, and cacti in brown ceramic pots, transporting diners to beach bars and boutique hotels of Tulum.
With Latin rhythms and a welcoming vibe, you’d be tempted to start the dining experience with a drink or two. Naturally, the cocktail list has a strong focus on tequila and mezcal along with with pisco and rum, featuring top shelf products.
El Jefe
Start with El Jefe ($18), a refreshing mix of Agave de Cortes Espadin Mezcal, Aperol, Dom Benedictine, fresh orange juice and agave syrup with a hint of smoke from the mezcal.
Jalapeno Margarita
The Jalapeno Margarita ($17) with Arette blanco tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, syrup and fresh jalapeno has the right amount of heat to kick start the appetite.
Mezcal Mojito
Alternatively, the Mezcal Mojito ($18) is a refreshing, summery crowd pleaser with Agave de Cortes Espadin Mezcal, fresh lime, mint, syrup and soda. The cocktails are food -friendly and can easily be sipped throughout the meal.
The name Taqiza translates to “taco party” in Spanish, so you can expect a variety of tacos along with other dishes. Authenticity is the theme and it’s reflected through the use of tortillas produced using the ancient Aztec process of Nixtamal, where the corn is cooked in an alkaline solution and rested overnight which enhances its flavour and nutritional value. Furthermore, sauces are made in-house and all the meat is cooked without using oil but using sous vide methods.
Tacos L-R: Pulled Pork, Goat, Barramundi
The tacos bring fresh vibrant flavours, be it the Pulled Pork ($7.50) with pibil marinade, caramelised pineapple and habanero pickled onion, or the Barramundi ($8)/ with achiote relish, pickled cabbage, pineapple salsa and pomegranate mojo. The Goat ($7.50) is the top pick, cooked birria style as in a spicy stew with onion, coriander and lime wedge.
Oaxaca Cheese Fondue
From the Botana, or entrée style dishes, the Oaxaca Cheese Fondue ($21) is not to be missed. Warm tortillas are waiting to be lathered with the stretchy cheese along with free range chorizo and cactus. One word of advice, don’t linger too long on instagramming this dish – enjoy it in its delicious stretchy glory.
Grilled Octopus
From the more substantial dishes or Plato Fuerte, the Grilled Octopus ($34) is a delight, tender to the bite and big on flavour with a tomato-based creamy zarandeado sauce, free range chorizo on a bed of heirloom corn salad.
Beef Short Ribs
The Beef Short Ribs ($32) with chipotle glaze and Mexican pickles are well portioned and satisfying. The meat simply falls apart and melts in the mouth and is big on flavour.
Coconut Panna Cotta
Dessert is a choice of Horchata Infused Tapioca or Coconut Panna Cotta ($14). The latter has temptation written all over it with a coffee-mezcal caramel and chocolate corn chips.
Taqiza is a fun, casual, intimate and vibrant venue that welcomes you from the moment you arrive which explains it popularity among locals. Be it, girlfriends catching up after work, couples of a date night or lone diners with their laptops enjoying Margaritas and tacos. Add live music on Tuesdays and Sundays and it makes for a most enjoyable night out.
Taqiza Restaurant
Shop 3 177/179 Glenayr Ave
Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Phone (02) 9130 8616
Open for dinner Tuesday-Sunday
www.taqiza.com.au
Photography © by Gourmantic – Copyright: All rights reserved.
