Walking into Chica Bonita’s new Clarence street venue, it was the interior that got me first, beautiful traditional Spanish architecture. It was almost like being transported back to my recent Mexico trip. They’ve gone with a terracotta, brown and white colour palette with clay finishings, dark tiles and deep brown leather chairs throughout the venue. For the smaller details, there are empty tequila bottles, clay vases and deep green plants adding pops of colour around the venue.  It was all very cool but classic at the same time.

We were seated at one of the booths, overlooking the open kitchen. The lights were dim and the music was lively, perfect for that after-work crowd, or lunchtime, which I am told, is more focused on the quick bites to eat during rush hour.

One cannot dine to Mexican restaurant without kicking things off with a Margarita. We ordered a ‘Tequila Rock My Melons’, an extra spicy Margarita with habanero, a must for all those chilli lovers. And of course good old fashion margarita.  Another obvious choice to start was a serving of Guacamole, we devoured this whilst we perused the rest of the menu. 

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Next we ordered the snapper ceviche with habanero, cucumber and green tomato, which was oh-so refreshing with each bite offering a world of flavour. First, you get the spicy habanero, then the tenderness of the snapper followed by the freshness of the cucumber. 

The tacos also need a special mention; there are six to choose from: a juicy duck, tempura corn, pork with pineapple and of course my favourite, the fish taco. I’ve become quite the fish taco connoisseur and these did not disappoint.

We also shared the soft shell crab, the ensalada de bruselas and the bebe corn; the corn was another personal favourite of mine.

We finished things off with a glass of wine each, unlike its sister location in Manly; the Chica Bonita in the CBD has an extensive wine list with wines from Australia, France and Mexico. I opted for a 2017 Rioja from Spain.

Chica Bonita is a must visit when you’re craving Mexican in the city.

Wearing Wittner yellow block thong sandals and Shona Joy playsuit, sadly sold out.