Mejico — Restaurant in Sydney

An otherwise nice experience ruined by one very rude staff member. The food was alright, nothing we’d rave about.

A few points on the lower rating: We had initially booked for 22-23 people and had 3 extra show up last minute that were missed in our final headcount, we understand this could be inconvenient but we did have the space on the table allocated to fit them. Unfortunately, the waitress was quite snappy when she asked “Is there more people coming?! There’s no more space nor extra tables for anyone” before storming off. This was an initial experience that made us feel awkward. We understand the inconvenience but we also accept that if the extra attendees could no fit a reasonable solution would’ve been to explain that we only booked for 23 and that they should leave. The behaviour continued on from here: my colleague let her know she was the one who had ordered the gluten free taco and she snapped back at her in such a way that a quarter of the table pulled faces in shock. When we asked them for the cake. It was brought out unprepared in a box. Perhaps an over sight if they were busy but really unusual. But as it was this waitress that brought it out in a box and another server who offered to then take it back and serve it on a plate one can never be too sure. The music was loud. Like, SUPER loud. Which makes it understandable when the staff speak louder. But the waitress in question was super loud and at times to the point of yelling when snapping at us and pulling faces like she was very unhappy to be there or serving us. The other two servers were very lovely. So we’ve bumped the star rating up for them. Lastly, we also had issues when we were asked to leave. We were well aware we had a timed booking and honestly they did well to stick to time, it didn’t feel like we were being asked to leave too quickly after we finished eating but again the rude waitress was very short with us whereas the other waitress was more apologetic and said times up just letting you know you need to leave. Overall it was a profound experience. Sadly the food wasn’t redeeming enough to make it enjoyable.

Some suggestions if I may: If your staff are having a bad time, assign them to a different table. Everyone’s going to be happier in the long run.

Turn the music down slightly. Music definitely brings vibes but if you’re all yelling at each other or having to ask people to repeat things enough times until you default to smiling and nodding - it’s definitely too loud.

If people have timed bookings, it is completely reasonable to say something like “just letting you all know you have 15 minutes left on your booking, we are a bit busy tonight so we’d really appreciate that you leave on time so we can prepare for the rest of our night” and to give timed reminders after that point. Again if people aren’t moving at that time (happens so often with larger groups, trust me we know it) just again be firm but not rude with “sorry times up! We hope you had a good night but we will need to start preparing the table for our next guests”

To the waitress directly: It’s best not to assume everyone is stupid and against you on a bad day. Some of us have also done our hard yards is hospitality too and know how it gets serving large tables. You’ll find that most people are sympathetic if you’re feeling a bit off but you’re in a customer facing role, please learn to take breaks if...

Dined at Mejico last week to try some sit-down, more "fine-dining" style of Mexican food compared to our usual taco runs and it was average.

We didn't order their guac which I think most people do because the staff prepares this right at your table and I suppose it's some entertainment to watch someone mix together avocado and other ingredients in a bowl but my partner does this all the time at home so we skipped this.

We had: Kingfish ceviche- nice, refreshing, very light flavour. The flavour is in the medley of the sauce so make sure you get it on your spoon with the kingfish rather than spearing the fish with a fork on its own.

Tequila wild mushrooms al Ajillo served with gorditas (corn cakes). I found the mushrooms quite salty at first then realised it should be eaten with the gorditas to balance out the saltiness.

Angus beef brisket empanadas. These was my favourite of what I had that night. Chunky and tender beef in a crispy empanada that was not too dough-y and didn't feel fried. It also came with a nice subtle chimichurri that, IMO, the empanadas didn't need.

Tacos! Beef suadero and Pork barbacoa. The meats were soft enough but was lacking in flavour. The apple salsa of the pork barbacoa was a nice taste contrast so I preferred this to the beef. The corn tortillas were soft and hand-made (you can tell because it's misshapen) which were nice but I definitely preferred our casual taco runs to these.

For dessert, chocolate churros and margarita cheesecake. The chocolate churros had the slightest hint of chocolate and the dulce de leche was not too sweet. I was not a fan of the cheesecake. Not sure what was margarita about it, except maybe that it was served in a margarita glass. It didn't really taste like cheesecake either but had bits of what I assume is cheese. I would have skipped the dessert.

Atmosphere- nice, casual vibe where you will need to speak at a louder tone to be heard across the table. It has a bustling vibe for catchup dinner and drinks with friends. The interior complements the vibe with its bright pink chairs and colourful skull as you enter the restaurant.

Service- Tom was great. He explained the menu and I can see he was attentive to his tables, refilling water glasses that were low and clearing away empty dishes and glasses.

Price- a bit pricey for the food and serving that you're getting but a part of eating out is the ambiance of the restaurant and this place...

Relocating a well-loved restaurant to a new neighbourhood is no small feat, but Mejico has embraced the challenge of moving to 355 Crown Street, Surry Hills, with style and flair. The vibrant new location, necessitated by the construction of Sydney’s Metro, marks a fresh start in a dynamic and eclectic community. It’s not just about adapting to a new space but also about building connections with a clientele that values local charm, unique dining experiences, and a buzzing atmosphere.

From the moment you step in, the oversized colourful skull artwork by the entrance immediately grabs your attention, setting the tone for what lies ahead—playful, creative, and full of personality. It’s a clever visual hook that makes you feel the energy of the space as soon as you walk through the door.

The menu has clearly been designed with Surry Hills’ cosmopolitan crowd in mind. The wide range of shared plates is a standout feature, and the staff’s willingness to adapt portion sizes for groups demonstrates a thoughtful approach to service. Whether you’re catching up with a few friends or celebrating with a larger party, the flexibility is a welcome touch. And then there’s the tableside guacamole—an experience in itself. Watching the fresh avocados being smashed right before you adds a sense of intimacy and craftsmanship to the meal. It’s an Instagram-worthy moment, too (I even have a video to prove it).

The drinks menu is equally impressive. Their sangria, with its perfect balance of fruit and spice, deserves special mention. It’s refreshing, bold, and pairs effortlessly with the vibrant dishes on offer. Combined with attentive service, it’s clear that every detail has been considered to make guests feel welcome and valued.

Mejico’s new location also feels like a celebration of Surry Hills’ artistic and relaxed vibe. The pastel tones, neon accents, and open, airy layout create a space that feels modern yet inviting. The staff strike the perfect balance between efficiency and friendliness, ensuring you never feel rushed but always feel attended to.

While moving to a new neighbourhood comes with its challenges—reaching a new audience, establishing a presence in a tight-knit community—Mejico seems poised for success. By blending thoughtful service, clever design, and a commitment to exceptional food and drink, they’ve not only transported their reputation but elevated it for a new crowd. Surry Hills, it seems, has...