el Publico — Restaurant in Highgate

One of the worst dining experiences of my life. To state all of the inadequacies of this establishment would make this review endless. The cliff notes are as follows:

Food was nowhere near adequate

Food was overpriced

Bill was over 2 thousand dollars, which you might have assumed got as some sort of up to scratch service but you would be wrong. Absolutely NOT the young Irish woman that was serving our table was possibly the single rudest person I have ever encountered in the service industry, potentially my life

According to this unpleasant woman the establishment does not do split billing even when the bill totals in the thousands. Which is so moronic it has baffled me as to how this establishment even functions in modern day society.

After discussing our displeasure over not being able to split a bill in the thousands the establishment then rang up the next venue we were visiting and told them to NOT ALLOW US IN.

We we’re not intoxicated whatsoever which was why considering our sober state the next venue was confused and allowed us in. I can only assume it was because we asked el publico to provide a service (split billing) that every single other restaurant I have ever eaten in provides.

Can only assume this was out of spite which is not only petty but just a downright terrible customer experience. Just stating this for your feedback in case you would actually like your customers to enjoy the time they spend at your establishment.

regardless of potential delusions that contacting another venue was for some murky moral righteousness. You have just displeased customers paying above average price. I’m going to let you know a secret. That is a terrible business model. Visiting your establishment was one of the worst dining experiences me or my family have ever had. The service was abhorrent and the quality for price ratio was nothing besides disgusting.

I will not be returning nor recommending el publico to any person. I actually believe I will go out of my way to do the opposite after my experience at your...

If I could leave zero stars I would. I had the unfortunate experience of dining at "El Publico," and I cannot express how disappointed I am with every aspect of this restaurant. From start to finish, it was an absolute disaster.

Let's begin with the food. The tacos at "El Publico" were a complete letdown. They were not only small but also utterly tasteless. It was as if they had taken the smallest tortillas available, filled them with a minuscule amount of ingredients, and then charged an exorbitant price for them. These tacos were a culinary insult, lacking any semblance of Mexican flavor or authenticity.

To add insult to injury, the beef ribs smothered in mole sauce were equally disastrous. The beef ribs were tough, overcooked, and flavorless. I've had better beef jerky! The mole sauce, which should be rich, complex, and bursting with flavor, was instead a bland, thick mess. It was as if someone had diluted it to the point where it lost all its essence.The mole sauce was honestly an absolute travesty. It was thick to the point of being inedible, completely overpowering any hope of flavor from the beef ribs it smothered.

The disappointing food was only the tip of the iceberg when it came to "El Publico." The service was nothing short of appalling. The staff were disinterested and utterly condescending .Worst customer service ever.

It's also as if they wanted to save every last drop of alcohol, even though customers were paying for it.

In conclusion, "El Publico" is a restaurant that I would strongly advise anyone to avoid at all costs. The tiny, tasteless tacos, the flavorless beef ribs drowning in subpar mole sauce, the abysmal service, all contribute to a dining experience that I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemy. Save your time and money, and seek out a more deserving Mexican...

el Publico has long held a reputation as a mainstay in Perth’s dining scene, and after attending a recent private event there, I’m pleased to say it’s on my personal favourites list. With new ownership at the helm, there’s a renewed energy in both the service and the menu — and it shows.

From the moment we arrived, the staff were warm, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. The bar remains a standout feature, boasting an impressive selection of cocktails that hero Mexican spirits. I was particularly impressed by the creative use of mezcal, which added a smoky complexity to a few standout drinks.

The restaurant itself leans into a dark and moody aesthetic, with quirky artwork and comfortable seating. While I personally found the space a touch dim and noisy, that’s likely down to my own sensitivities — others may find the buzz adds to the lively atmosphere, especially on a busy night.

We dined on a set menu and I can confidently say that every course delivered. The food struck a fine balance between authenticity and innovation, with bold flavours and thoughtful presentation throughout. The pacing of dishes was spot on, and there was more than enough to go around. A special mention must go to the staff, who were not only attentive but also happy to accommodate special dietary needs.

One dish that stood out was the cured salmon served with vibrant fruit-based sauces — a perfect blend of fresh, salty, sweet and tangy. It was a true highlight, both in flavour and presentation.

All in all, El Publico is clearly thriving under its new ownership. It feels like a reinvigorated version of the much-loved original, and I’m genuinely excited to return and explore more of the menu. If you haven’t visited in a while, now’s the time — do yourself a favour and...