Clayfield Cantina — Restaurant in Brisbane City

Up in the area from NSW and wanted to grab a bite, so I looked up top-rated Mexican between the airport and GC Having been to all the Mexican restaurants on the GC, I thought we'd give this place a go. I was initially a bit suss about the 5-star ratings - is there even such a thing as perfection? And given how many Mexican restaurants there are, how good can it be?

WELL... Here I am now, giving this quiet, unassuming little restaurant 5 stars - virtually unheard of, particularly regarding Mexican food (as I make it a lot at home, from scratch). It was AMAZING! We both ordered the burrito bowl, and it was perfect! It was like someone's Mexican grandmother had lovingly made me a handcrafted, home-cooked meal. Everything tasted fresh and super healthy. The quality and quantity of condiments in the bowl was exciting and the hot sauce was HOT!

The chef and the lady working there were super friendly, attentive and professional.

If you want fresh, healthy, traditional, and homely Mexican - COME HERE! It's better than any Mexican I have had anywhere else and incredibly well-priced.

I can't say enough...

As the chill of winter settles on Brisbane, I found myself in need of a good warm meal to get me through the end of the week. I knew exactly the right place. Clayfield Cantina. Upon being greeted by the pumping music cutting through the traffic, I was given as always a warm welcome by Josh the owner. A Clayfield institution who has the classic charm of the old local takeaway shops that are seldom found in the busy world today. While normally I'd have what I'd consider the best Nachos in Brisbane (slow cooked meat with guacamole made in front of you and an ample serving side!) I saw he had recently added Birra tacos to the menu. Perfect to heat you up on a cold day.

Let me tell you, these were heavenly. The meat was flavourful and moist. The shell, the perfect crunch. Then to add a rich and delightful broth days in the making, perfection. Not greasy like most birras, this had that level of care put into them that only a passionate chef would consider.

You can't go wrong at Clayfield Cantina, the best Mexican in Brisbane with a legend behind...

Customer service was alright in terms of the chef, as when we arrived he chirped up and was friendly, but it must have been the lady’s first day as she sort of looked like a stunned mullet. She had neglected to ask us whose meal was whose and bolted back inside.

We had the beef brisket bowl and chicken nachos. The menu stated grilled chicken but we had received four small pieces of deep fried chicken bits. The beef brisket was nice however and there was a fair amount in the bowl. Tomato’s in the nachos tasted as if they were straight from a tin onto the plate.

Maybe the experience would have been better if we didn’t eat in the middle of the week? Or if it was earlier in the night? To be fair we didn’t come too late, so maybe I am just giving the benefit of the doubt.

We may come again to see if it was a one off experience, but not very impressed with the one...