Sala Mexicali

Sala Mexicali bills itself as a California fresh Mexican grill and tequila bar, and its Rawai flagship on Viset Road is an open-sided timber sala with tropical planting and a rock waterfall. The team describes itself as friends and family, and the kitchen says it cooks without MSG or additives.

The menu mixes Mexican plates, Tex-Mex BBQ, salads and pizza. Sizzling fajitas with four soft tortillas, the nacho grande, Baja fish and shrimp popper soft tacos, the burrito supreme and the dos combo are the core, with chips, salsas and guacamole to start. Margaritas come in lime, pineapple and strawberry, and there is a tequila list.

Relaxed and good value, it suits families: there is a children's menu, wheelchair access and plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free choices. Rawai opens 2pm–11pm daily. Sister branches run on Chao Fa East Road in Chalong (1pm–10pm) and in Talat Yai, Phuket Town (3pm–11pm).