Taqiza, meaning ‘taco party’, is the latest Mexican eatery to open its doors in Bondi.
Walking through the front door on a windy Thursday night, there wasn’t a spare seat in the house. We were clearly late to the party. Although it’s taken us Australians a while to distinguish between a taco, burrito and enchilada, a wave of Mexican eateries hitting Sydney’s shore reflects our growing love of Mexican culture and namely, it’s delicious cuisine.
Thankfully, it didn’t take long before a bar seat became available at the front of this cosy restaurant. Seated on a stool overlooking Glenayr Avenue in Bondi, we hungrily eyed the menu.
As I pondered whether to order a traditional margarita ($16) or Tommy’s margarita (with organic agave and vegan white $18), my date was swayed by the Mezcal selection and ordered a mojito with Mezcal subbed for rum ($18). I settled on Tommy’s margarita and was not disappointed.
Wanting to soak up the relaxed but buzzing atmosphere at Taqiza, we started with a selection of small share dishes. These were the standout dishes of the night – including jazzed up Guacamole with grains and pomegranate ($12) and a Tuna Ceviche Bowl with Israeli couscous, chipotle mayo, guacamole, corn chips, nori & black sesame seeds ($21).
The corn chips were a great touch as they were freshly made in house. The Tuna Ceviche Bowl reminded me a bit of a poke bowl with a generous serving of fresh tuna piled with delicious and healthy ingredients. If you are into that sort of thing, Taqiza also serve Taco Bowls ($16) with your choice of protein on top of couscous and super greens.
Taqiza is particularly atmospheric. The candles and wicker shades give the whitewashed walls a beachside vibe and make me feel as if I am back visiting Tulum on Mexico’s beautiful coastline. The staff work away busily and I am surprised to see that all the food comes from a tiny open kitchen behind the bar. This explains the simple and concise menu.
Next we ordered a selection of tacos including chicken, beef checks, bbq salmon (between $7.50 and $8.00 each). The beef cheeks were particularly juicy and tasty. Forget Guzman or Tex-Mex. This is where it is at.
We also decided to share one of the larger, main dishes – wild caught snapper with veracruz sauce, capsicums, caperberries & jalapenos ($34). This dish was full of flavour but our recommendation is that you stick with the tacos and double your order. We jealously eyed the table next to us with an endless taco tray.
To round the evening off we decided to share a Frozen Watermelon Margarita ($18). A sweet night cap – or perhaps better served to kick the evening off!
Feeling like a bit of a burrito ourselves, we happily rolled out of Taqiza. Even at 10pm, the place was still buzzing. If you’re after good, light Mexican flavours with a wine bar vibe, go no further than Taqiza.
Taqiza Restaurant
Shop 3 177/179 Glenayr Ave Bondi Beach NSW 2026
(02) 9130 8616
Opening hours: Monday – Closed, Tuesday – Thursday: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Friday – Saturday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Sunday: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm