Mersa Verde - Australia

Amazing food and the waitress helped us bringing food up to the rooftop cinema. Best vegetarian food I've ever had

Josh, previously of Eau De Vie, first created a P.G for me. This drink featured silver tequila, muddled sugar snap peas, green tea syrup, and lemon. It was a brilliant combination; the starchiness of the peas blended perfectly with the flavor of the green tea, while the tequila brought everything together for a refreshing start to the evening. Mesa Verde aims to build an extensive salt collection, and the green tea salt used in the P.G enhanced the cocktail rather than overpowering it, which I often find happens with salted rim drinks. Later in the night, I tried an experimental drink garnished with smoked salt and salted apple slices. It was fantastic and paired perfectly with the pulled pork taco I was enjoying at that moment. The cocktails are thoughtfully crafted and balanced, and I can't wait to try more. As for the food... time will tell if it can reach the same heights as the cocktails. I ordered a prawn cocktail, which took ages to arrive, only to be informed that it was out of stock and offered a ceviche instead. I accepted, but it turned out to be a small portion of chunky fish, jicama, and radish slices. While it was pleasant, the flavors could have been improved, and I wouldn't order it again in its current form. Next, I had the pulled pork taco. The tortilla was fresh and warm, and the pork filling was moist and flavorful, but it could use a zesty garnish to elevate it further. Some jalapeños, pineapple, or even some of the sliced apple from my cocktail would have added a nice textural contrast and brought it together. If Mesa Verde can harmonize its bar and kitchen menus and refine the flavors on the dining side, I believe it has the potential to stand out significantly—and I might just become its biggest fan.

As a Los Angeles native, I scrutinize Mexican food quite closely when I'm abroad, but Mesa Verde is a remarkable exception to that rule. I believe they recently brought in a new chef, as I asked about his background—his tacos were just that incredible (I tried the pork, but I’ve heard the prawn option is fantastic, and the scallops were amazing as well). He's from the southern part of the U.S., where authentic Mexican cuisine is done right. I was genuinely thrilled with the food here; it was an exceptional culinary experience. The atmosphere blends the elegance of a gentleman's club with a trendy Brooklyn vibe, which I loved. The margaritas were excellent too and even more affordable than those upstairs. If you're looking for great Mexican food in Melbourne, Mesa Verde is definitely worth a visit!

Most dinners don't start with a full leg muscle workout. 4 minutes and 6 flights of stairs make even the most fit person feel a little tight in the legs. Mesa Verde has accommodated for this by providing toilets for those who can walk freely, those on crutches and those in wheelchairs. The later (and those feeling less fit) can access the restaurant/bar using the less adventurous lift. The toilets by the way are kind of cool all light and white marble with a great view make you feel like a little bit like a trendy kid in NY. But it (the restaurant and bar not necessarily the toilets) is definitely worth the walk. Drinks are a amazing. The jalapeño margarita and another drink with sage leaves and pineapple where amazing. Litres and litres of different tequilas and a good list of beers. Food was also great. Best unconventional Mexican in Melbourne. Tacos especially the raw tuna were awesome. Warm light almost fluffy tortillas, with juicy spicy citrusy accompaniments. The Mushroom, and the pulled pork tacos were also stand outs. Everything else tried was also great. My friends said the cheeseburgers were a surprisingly good stand out but I didn't try them. I'll be back soon.

We were trying to get into the rooftop bar but they were packed so we came down here instead. We're glad we did, as we were able to enjoy a light snack and a beverage before heading out for our Old Melbourne gaol tour. We ordered the guacamole to share, and we each ordered a taco. I ordered sweet potato and kale, and my wife ordered the fish taco. Everything was excellently prepared and tasted great. I really liked their beer and tequila pairing they give suggestions on the menu. The servers were super nice and friendly, and I thought it was neat that there was a live DJ right by our table. Definitely worth a try if you're in the area! Just take note that it's up on the sixth floor of the listed address.