Mexican restaurants in Bali have quietly become part of the island’s regular dining rotation. Nasi campur is a given, but Mediterranean, Japanese, and Italian are now so common they barely register. Mexican fits in comfortably — unfussy, full-flavoured, and easy to fall into.
Tacos and margaritas are a reliable order when nothing else quite lands. Something crunchy, something fresh, a little tequila, and maybe a chorus of Latin beats in the background. It’s the kind of meal that resets the mood — no pressure, just good food and a bit of a fiesta.
Some places are made for quick lunches. Others are best when the sun’s gone down, the playlists are loud, and the mezcal is flowing. These are the ones we come back to, for all of it.
It pays to know your Mexican as styles do differ. There are two kinds of Mexican restaurants. The Tex-Mex style — famous for crispy tacos, nachos, and all the cheesy favourites — it’s fun, familiar, and built for comfort. Authentic Mexican cuisine, on the other hand, stays close to its roots: native ingredients, regional techniques, and deep, layered flavours shaped by tradition. Here in Bali, we’ve got a mix, and that’s worth raising a glass to.
Motel Mexicola – Seminyak
The original. The party starter. Motel Mexicola Seminyak is where it all began — and yes, people still dance on tables and order one too many margaritas. But behind the neon and tequila-fuelled chaos is a kitchen that’s been delivering solid Mexican since day one.
Start light with the Ensalada de Sandía — watermelon, salty cheese, chilli and lime. Then move on to the good stuff: tacos and tostadas like the Pollo Tinga, Al Pastor, and De Cangrejo (soft-shell crab). From there, it’s all about Los Pollos Hermanos — their signature achiote-marinated chicken — or the Pancita Guisada, a slow-braised pork belly you’ll want to revisit.
What to get: Margaritas are a given. The Churros are a crowd-pleaser, but Pinguino — a warm chocolate mousse with cake and vanilla ice cream — is only on the Seminyak menu. Make room for it.
Motel Mexicola – Canggu
Motel Mexicola Canggu isn’t just a copy of the Seminyak OG — it brings something new to the table. A bigger space, a little more grown-up in some ways, but still heavy on the fiesta. There’s even Jardín Paraíso — a lush back garden designed for slowing down with a cocktail between rounds.
The biggest difference? The pib oven. It’s a traditional Yucatán-style earth oven, and the slow-cooked meat that comes out of it is next level. Think smoky, tender, rich — and found in everything from tacos to tostadas.
What to get: Start with the Aguachile Mixto — lime-cured snapper, calamari, prawn and octopus with just enough heat. Then go for the Birria de Res Tacos, Atún de Pib, or Cochinita Tostada, all slow-cooked with that earthy pib magic. The Carne Asada brings grilled beef fillet and an Oaxaca cheese quesadilla into the mix. For dessert, we back the Arroz con Leche, but the house-made gelato is a sleeper hit — guava and coconut if you’re asking.
To drink: Start with a Picante Margarita or a Paloma Dorada, but don’t miss the Mexi-Cola — made in-house at Jardín Paraíso and dangerously addictive. Shout-out to Denny Bakiev for keeping the cocktail game tight.
Jalapeño – Sanur & Canggu
Jalapeño has been serving up Bali’s favourite modern Tex-Mex since 2014, with two venues now in Sanur and Canggu. The look is clean and minimal, more “less is more” than full-blown fiesta — and it works. The fit-out is unfussy, the playlists are good, and the food speaks for itself.
What sets it apart? Flavour. Real, punchy, dialled-in flavour. The kind that doesn’t hide behind cheese and chilli. The kind you actually come back for.
What to get: Jalapeño Poppers, Prawn & Chorizo Tacos, Sizzling Chicken Fajitas. Hit happy hour for margaritas and try the Sweet Señorita — bright, tangy, and far too easy to drink.
Adriana Cocina & Bar – Jimbaran
Adriana brings a fresh take on rooftop dining in Jimbaran — sunset views, Mexican plates, and easygoing energy that makes it feel like the weekend, even when it’s not. It’s laidback but dialled in, the kind of place you can show up hungry, settle in, and not think too hard.
The menu plays all the familiar hits, with tacos, nachos, and a solid paella lineup. Flavours lean big and bold, with plenty to share. Drinks keep up the pace — the Centarito is a solid call if you want something crisp and tequila-forward, while the watermelon soda (alcohol-free) is refreshing without trying too hard.
Come midweek, the promos kick in. Tuesdays mean IDR 20K tacos. Wednesdays? Unlimited paella for four. Both are worth turning up for.
What to get: Tacos are there if you want them, but the move here are the beefy nachos and the seafood paella. Hot, loaded, and designed to be passed around. Don’t skip the Centarito.
Tacos Aqui – Umalas & Uluwatu
What started as a humble taqueria in Umalas has become a full-blown pink taco temple in Uluwatu. Neon lights, pink walls, a killer soundtrack, and a bar that’s not playing around.
Tacos Aqui keeps it fun but flavour-first – house-made tortillas, slow-cooked meats, just the right amount of heat and crunch. Umalas still has the charm, but Uluwatu is where the party’s at—especially after dark. And if the fourth margarita has you feeling brave, Club Corazon kicks off at 10pm right inside the venue. Consider it a natural progression.
What to get:
Margaritas, classic or slushy, they pour them strong, and it’s easy to lose count. Our current fix: babi guling tacos. Rich, spicy, and stupidly satisfying. For the purists, the Fajitas, Taco Al Pastor, and Taco Carne Asada all hit. Flour or corn tortillas? Choose your fighter.
Sinaloa – Legian
If you’re wandering Legian and craving something solid, Sinaloa is your move. A vintage-style Mexican bar with Cuban flair, this one’s got character, cocktails, and a break from the buzz. The vibe is chill. Grab a seat, order a few small plates, and let the table fill up. Tacos, quesadillas, margaritas—they’re all done right. One round turns into two, and no one’s watching the clock. It’s unfussy, flavourful, and easy to like.
Sinaloa is also a big hit for breakfast, and this is a menu you won’t forget anytime soon, besides the classic favourites, think pumpkin pancakes with glazed pears and popcorn; it’s incredible. Open every day from 7 am and they have the cheapest coffee in town!
What to get:
Tacos and quesadillas, no brainer. Popcorn chicken and dressed-up toasties, yes please. Margaritas? Duh! Especially on 2-4-1 nights. Don’t sleep on the churros—golden, crisp, and low-key, or the deeply delicious brownies.
Origen – Pererenan
Origen brings a side of Mexico you don’t often see in Bali — traditional dishes, handmade tortillas, and genuine Mexican spirit tucked into breezy Pererenan. This is the real deal, no shortcuts, no Tex‑Mex fluff. Think ancient recipes, local Balinese ingredients, and a menu that lands like it’s straight from Veracruz
The space is spectacular yet inviting; it’s the kind of place you settle into for a few hours, whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner. Mezcal lovers will find their moment here, with one of the island’s biggest selections.
What to get:
Panucho De Camarón, a crunchy maize pocket loaded with spicy prawns, beans, mozzarella, sour cream, and salsa ranchera, topped with crisp lettuce, a playful‑bright riff on Yucatán street food. Don’t skip the churros! Take a note, all tortillas here are hand‑made, and it shows.
Lola’s Cantina Mexicana – Canggu & Uluwatu
What began as a shortcut gem in Canggu has grown into a two-spot phenomenon, and is now lighting up Uluwatu too. Think Cali‑Mex vibes, easy cocktails, and tacos that don’t mess around. Reviewers call it “authentic flavours with strong cocktails”, and it’s clear why. Canggu’s open-air setup overlooks rice fields and is a go‑to for happy hours and laid‑back nights. Uluwatu brings the same warm energy, with warm lighting and attentive service from the team (shoutout to Rafa and Sindu). Both menus hit the sweet spot with tacos, fajitas, nachos, and vegan-friendly options that don’t feel like an after thought.
What to get:
Margaritas are a solid start. But more interesting is the buffalo cauliflower — rich, crispy, the kind of dish that surprises you even if you’re no vegan. Beef cheesy tostada brings comfort, and the Aperol Margarita is our current cocktail obsession. Aperol meets tequila in a way we never thought could work…but does.
Taco Island – Seminyak & Canggu
Taco Island is where you go when the craving hits hard, specifically for Birria. Slow-cooked beef, cheesy melt, rich consommé to dunk it in… no fuss, just deeply satisfying tacos that live up to their own hype. It’s a Birria Taco heaven, plain and simple.
Both locations, Seminyak and Canggu, keep it casual and open late. Perfect for when the night runs long and you need something real. Birria gets a look at everything on the menu – from tacos, ramen, and even pizza. While it might sound over the top, it works. The flavours are juicy and messy in the best way.
What to get:
Start with the Birria Tacos, handmade tortillas, juicy beef, the works. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the Birria Ramen or the pizza version. Add a cold beer or a margarita to the mix and you’re all set.
Taco Beach Mexican Grill – Seminyak
Tucked into Kunti in the heart of Seminyak, Taco Beach is practically our default spot for reliable Mexican fare. Think flame-roasted chicken quesadillas and big Mac-style smash tacos, done well, with fresh ingredients and care. The vibe’s low-key but inviting, warm staff, casual seating, and enough charm to feel like a neighbourhood favourite.
Their chicken quesadilla is a standout—grilled over flames, melty cheese, tender chicken, and just the right amount of char, and the smash tacos! Loaded, juicy, and fun to eat, hit the sweet spot every time.
What to get:
Go straight for the flame-roasted chicken quesadilla and one (or two) of their Bigmac smash tacos. They’re the reason we keep coming back, and they deliver exactly what you’re craving when you’re in central Seminyak.
Lacalita – Canggu & Seminyak
Lacalita knows how to throw a proper Mexican gathering — bright tiles, bold flavours, mezcal in the mix, and just enough noise to remind you that dinner should feel like a party. Both the Canggu and Seminyak spots keep it lively, with a crowd that rolls in early and often stays late. This is the kind of place you come with your crew. Order a jug of one of their classic cocktails, let the table fill up with tacos, sliders, tostadas, whatever’s calling. But if you’re here for the real stuff, go straight for The Oaxao. It’s their signature mezcal drink – smoky, balanced, and exactly what you want after the first round of chips.
What to get:
The smoked beef sliders are rich, juicy, and totally addictive. Baja fish tacos are crisp, fresh, and perfect for sharing. Wash it all down with The Oaxao, and maybe pace yourself… Those jugs have a way of disappearing fast.
Taco Fiesta Bali – Ubud
Ubud finally has its Mexican moment — and it’s worth the detour. Taco Fiesta keeps things casual but gets the flavours right. The two-level venue has a breezy upstairs space and bold, colourful touches throughout.
Expect soft-shell tacos stuffed with smoky prawns, grilled fish, or chipotle chicken. Portion sizes are generous, and the tortillas hold their own. This isn’t trying to be fancy — it’s just tasty food done right, with solid cocktails to match.
What to get: Shrimp or fish tacos served in crispy corn shells. Add a house margarita or mojito, and stay upstairs for a slow lunch with a view. Check out the live music nights every Tuesday, a grat reason to order another round!
