XOCO Mexican Cantina & Bar

XOCO is a small, colourful Tex-Mex cantina on Mosque Street, just off the Central–Mid-Levels escalators. Murals and oversized sombreros set the tone, and what the room lacks in space it makes up for in portion size and value, according to reviewers.

Tacos come packed with fillings such as pepper rajas, Jack cheese, pico de gallo, refried beans, guacamole and sour cream, with naturally raised Yucatán pulled pork or organic chicken. Critics recommend the grilled prawn tacos, the very cheesy Yucatán pulled pork enchiladas and the grilled steak chimichanga, and a plate of nachos to start. Hard taco shells are available on request for anyone missing old-school Taco Tuesdays.

It suits a casual, filling dinner with friends rather than a long night out, and diners are often sent off with a free shot of tequila. It opens for dinner only on Monday and Tuesday, and for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday. Book through the online reservation link.