Taco Loco Phuket

Taco Loco is the second restaurant from the people behind Mamasita Mexican, set in the Porto de Phuket lifestyle centre on the Bandon–Cherngtalay road near Bang Tao. It is a colourful, spacious Cal-Mex room with an upbeat feel and occasional live music.

Order the Taco Fiesta platter for two or three: Baja fish, chipotle chicken and carne asada tacos with sour cream, jalapeños, pickled onions and guacamole. Acapulco-style shrimp ceviche, made-to-order guacamole and the Sombrero Loco, hand-battered chips loaded with chilli con carne, are good starters, and quesadillas and loaded burritos fill out the menu. Margaritas and fresh juices lead the drinks.

The kitchen serves no pork, sources chicken and beef from halal-certified suppliers and cooks without alcohol, which makes it a useful option for Muslim visitors, though the restaurant itself is not certified and the bar serves alcohol. Families are well looked after. Book by WhatsApp; delivery is available. Sister restaurant Mamasita is on Lagoon Road.