The newly opened El Mexicano Kitchen & Bar is here to bring Mexico’s vibrant flavours and lively atmosphere to Adelaide. Quickly becoming a go-to spot for those craving authentic Mexican cuisine, it’s a gem in the heart of the city.
The owners were inspired to open a Mexican restaurant in Adelaide after making the move from Melbourne. With a longstanding dream of opening a restaurant, they saw the opportunity when they stumbled upon the space in Gawler Place.
“In Gawler place, there are not many Latin American or Mexican food,” says co-owner Natali Monsalve. “We want to provide an experience, not just that you grab your burrito and go. To motivate people to come, sit down, have a laugh, enjoy your meal, you can be distracted from work and get involved in another culture, another language.”
Their goal for El Mexicano is to create an environment where people can enjoy good music and indulge in delicious food, combining elements of South American cuisine alongside traditional Mexican flavours.
The uniqueness of El Mexicano lies not only in the high-quality ingredients they use but also in the way they prepare their dishes. The owners take immense pride in making everything from scratch, including their fresh salsas.
“Our uniqueness is in our salsas and the recipes,” says Natali “It’s how we prepare it that makes the difference. We prepare the salsas every morning, we don’t buy it in from anywhere, we prepare it in our kitchens, fresh.”
“We can’t change what is traditional, but we can change the flavour – balancing all the flavours and make a difference with the salsa.”
With regular specials in addition to their diverse menu, they seek to provide an unforgettable dining experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
When you step into El Mexicano Kitchen & Bar, you are greeted with a warm, vibrant atmosphere reflecting the rich Mexican culture. Natali and her partner Amit Maan have made a conscious effort to incorporate Mexican decor and ambience throughout the restaurant, paying homage to the country’s traditions. A prominent feature is the Catrina on the wall, a symbol of Mexican culture representing life after death. The owners aim to create an immersive dining experience where customers can not only savour the flavours of Mexico but also feel the happiness and energy of South American culture.
The restaurant not only offers authentic Mexican flavours but also provides an experience that goes beyond simply grabbing a quick meal. They want to motivate people to relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere while indulging in delectable dishes.
“We wanted to create an environment where people can listen to good music and try good food,” she explains. “We want our customers to have a date night or family time, so we want to welcome everyone.”
Looking to the future, the owners of El Mexicano Kitchen & Bar aspire to become a favourite with locals. They aim to create a sense of community and support while sharing the happiness that Mexican cuisine and culture bring them.
El Mexicano Kitchen & Bar
Where: 92 Gawler Place, Adelaide SA 5000
More info: Click here