Mr Moustache – Bienvenidos A Mexico

By Dining Dave on May 15, 2014 in Food

Picture: Grant Brooks

Warning: You will get tipsy at Mr. Moustache. Period. If you don’t, you’re not getting the full experience of this Mexican bistro and cantina, which has shaken up Bondi with its intoxicating street food, high-octane tequila cocktails and mind-blowing mezcal shots. If you are boring, or want a quiet meal, stay away!

Pleasing customers since November last year, Mr. Moustache is owned by a couple from Mexico City who have a mission to bring the feel and energy of the city’s street-food to Sydney, which is why everything comes in small plates for sharing. As Andreas, the cousin of one of the owners explained, many of the ingredients are imported from Mexico so as to attain the highest degree of authenticity. Located in the Adina complex on Hall Street, the whole place benefits from the already lively atmosphere up on the third-level.

Unexpectedly, there really is nothing particularly Mexican (such as sombreros, serapes or other clichés) on show in the bistro. The look is actually that of a French bistro (interestingly, the first café in Mexico City was French), with a long, white marble-top bar in front of a huge mirror that makes up the Wall of Alcohol. Only the red and orange kitchen grill area with cool, intricately patterned globes hanging down from the ceiling reflects the street-food inspiration. Once seated, the quirky, tall menus will immediately catch your eye, as will the bistro’s logo – a sketch of the owner’s grandfather (with his moustache – get it?) wearing ‘secret-society’ goggles, as he appeared in the 1920s – which is on walls, coasters and menus.

The two barmen, Todd and Roman, warmly took care of us, first up hitting us with a cocktail called the Mary Jane, which was sweet, cold and spicy all at the same time. Other treats including The Cloud People and the apricot-infused Divine followed, plus a number of unnecessary (but enjoyable) mezcal shots.

The menu is divided into Platitos, Tacos and Tostaditas, and is very informative, even going so far as to outline an ‘Index of Chilli’.

We started with three Platitos: the guacamole, the scallop aguachile and the esquites. Always a favorite, the guac was delicious and the unusual red beetroot chips were a winner. The scallop sashimi had a nice flavour and was a good complement to the guac. The esquites, a warm corn in a shot glass creation topped with fresco cheese, mayo and chilli powder was a tasty and unique treat.

The Tostaditas really hit the spot as our second course. The tuna and avocado on tortilla discs were amazing, while the black corn truffle of the Huitlacoche really hit the spot.

Tacos made for great mains and I can safely say that Mr. Moustache’s beer-battered fish and spiced pork tacos are the best ones I’ve had in the Eastern Suburbs. Whatever you decide to dine down on, make sure that you try all three of the house salsas.

If you want a dessert you will never forget, Andreas’s choice of the Brownie Picosito de Chocolate, a warm and gooey chocolate brownie served with chocolate sauce, salted candied peanuts and vanilla-bean ice cream will make you forget Messina is just downstairs.

When it comes to international cuisine, nothing beats authenticity, and Mr. Moustache has gone further than any other to take the diner right to the mean streets of Mexico City.

Mr. Moustache

Address | UG 03, 75-79 Hall St, Bondi Beach
Phone | (02) 9300 8892
Website | www.mr-moustache.com.au
Open | Mon-Fri, 5-11pm; Sat, 12pm-11pm; Sun, 12pm-10pm
Prices | All dishes $5 – $15
Seats | 30
Cards | All major cards
Licensed/BYO | Yes