Amor Mexico - Mexican Restaurant in Blackburn — Restaurant in Melbourne

Last evening, I had the pleasure of dining at Amore Mexico, a quaint Mexican eatery nestled in the heart of Blackburn. The experience was a delightful journey through a menu brimming with promise, though it held a few surprises along the way.

Starters: The evening commenced with a duo of starters. The Street Tacos, tender chicken enveloped in soft tortillas, were a textural delight, while the Mexican Potato Skins, also chicken-stuffed, offered a comforting embrace of flavors.

Mains: For the main course, the Amor Burritoand Enchilada Taco took center stage. Each dish was crafted with care, the burrito generously filled and the taco striking the right balance between soft and crunchy.

Drinks: To complement the meal, a classic Bacardi and a refreshing Gin and Tonic were the chosen libations. Both were mixed to perfection, providing a smooth accompaniment to the rich flavors of the food.

Ambiance: The overall vibe of the restaurant was unexpectedly quiet, a serene backdrop that allowed the food to truly shine. It was a welcome respite from the bustling noise one might anticipate.

A Culinary Quirk: However, as a Mexican cuisine aficionado, I found myself taken aback by the absence of certain staples. The lack of jalapeñosand coriander was a curious omission across all dishes. Moreover, the simplicity of pico de galloand the zest of salsas were notably missing, leaving a gap where a burst of freshness should have been.

Value: While the food was undoubtedly delicious, it’s worth noting that the prices leaned towards the higher end of the spectrum. The cost, though not exorbitant, did prompt a moment of pause when considering the missing elements of traditional Mexican fare.

Conclusion: In summary, Amore Mexico offers a delightful dining experience with flavors that satisfy and service that comforts. Yet, for those seeking the full vibrancy of Mexican cuisine, there may be a few flavors left...

Nothing quite compares after you’ve dined at Amor Mexico. The Food - each dish is lovingly crafted and cooked to perfection. Their love for their work is evident in each bite and by the end you’ll wish you had more than one stomach so you could have more without feeling so full. Portion sizes are just right and you’ll leave feeling like you’ve gotten your money’s worth for sure. The Staff - where do you even begin with the staff? They are all such a pleasure to interact with, all of them so lovely and kind, always happy to help. This applies to no one more so than the charismatic owner of Amor Mexico, Amy. This is a woman who very clearly loves not only her business but every customer who walks through her doors. Instantly you feel like she’s a friend you’ve known for a lifetime and she makes you feel so at ease and so comfortable that you almost forget you’re dining at a business and could easily be forgiven for thinking you’re just having dinner with a friend. Amy is the life and soul of the business and you’ll find it nearly impossible to walk out without a grin on your face.

This is the kind of business every community needs and Blackburn is forever blessed to be lucky enough to have such a gem in its backyard. Being an Amor Mexico customer is not just another night out, it’s knowing you’re giving back to a loving and inclusive community jewel who gives back to its community as much as it receives.

10/10 would recommend to anyone and everyone and cannot praise...

Tacky, Overpriced and Mediocre.

The first thing that struck me was the decor. Classy or Understated is not in the vocabulary of Amor Mexican. The place feels like it hasn't been updated since the 90s and the walls are adorned with Gaudy Sombreros and the walls were yellowey-brown.

The second thing that struck me were the prices. You will struggle to find a main course from here for under $20. In a world where you can get a passable burrito or enchilada from a Mexican chain in any shopping center food court for $11, I have no idea how they can justify asking $25 for one of similar quality. $25 is what I expect to spend on a main in a trendy resteraunt in a trendy part of town, not a tired-looking place in Forest Hill whose meals consist primarily of beans, tomatoes and corn chips.

And finally, the food. It was the kind of inauthentic Mexican your parents cooked for where everything is covered in iceberg lettuce and spices are a foreign word. It's the kind of food you can find a recipe for on the back of a box of Old El Paso brand taco shells. I honestly wouldn't be surprused if that's how they assembled their menu.

So in short don't go here if you don't want to not be charged through the nose for a pile of corn chips covered in tomato and cheese, or if you want to eat authentic and well made Mexican food. I certainly won't be coming back. The staff were...