9.5/10 (half a point deducted because of the stressful process of securing a table)
I’ve put off going to Mamasita for a while, put off by the hype, but now I am a true convert. The only bad thing about Mamasita is the difficulties that you have to endure in getting a table. Everything else about this truly unique restaurant is fabulous. I am hard to impress, and went to Mamasita with high expectations and left with them exceeded. It truly was a great dining experience, as good (or better) than many of the top Melbourne restaurants, at a fraction at the price.
So what is so good about Mamasita? Well, of course, the food is the star of the show. Fresh, light and perfectly balanced Mexican food, like you have never had before. It sticks to the traditional soft taco/quesadilla path, but includes beautiful homemade salsas (truly to die for), fresh seafood, herbs, spices and all things wonderful in the world of food. And the cocktails! Don’t get me started on the margaritas. At $60 a jug, they are not cheap, but as a long time hater of tequila (from several bad tequila shots related incidents), I was blown away. The mix of fresh lime, quality tequila, ice and the salted rim was worth every cent. They sure packed a punch, and after half a glass my companions and I were giggling away with rosy cheeks. After two glasses I was three sheets to the wind. I opted for a glass of wine after that, afraid that I would topple off my high stool if I downed another margarita.
The deal with getting a table with Mamasita is simple - arrive early. This will involve you heading out for dinner at a “nanna” time. I went on a Friday night, arriving at around 5.30 pm and I still had to line up for twenty minutes to get a table. The queue was already extending down the stairs and onto Collins St. The queue remained that long (and even longer at times) throughout the night, although by the time we left it had started to shorten. So arrive very early, or very late, to avoid having to stand awkwardly on the steps staring down those who have a table to try to make them eat faster and leave.
The queue at Mamasita - 5.30 pm!
But once you are in, the fun begins. You would think that the service at Mamasita would suffer because of the constant turn over of tables and amount of people hanging around wanting a seat. I have worked in extremely busy places like this, and believe me, it is exhausting never getting a breather between tables. However, the service was fabulous and the staff were friendly and efficient. Our table of five people ordered a range of food to share, and it was brought out at well spaced intervals. We started with two types of tostadas (small crispy tortillas), the first topped with lime cured fish, guacamole, nasturtiums & serrano chilli ($14), the second with sweet corn, black beans, epazote, jalapeno salsa & queso fresco ($12). They were both tasty, but the lime cured fish was the stand out. We then had two kinds of soft tacos, the first with grilled fish with lime, achiote paste & red onion salsa ($16), and the prawns with habanero chillies & chipotle almond salsa ($18). They were served with an extra salsa on the side that when combined, took the tacos to another level. Less impressive was the quesadilla of mexican truffle, mushrooms, roasted corn, epazote & queso fresco ($14), which, whilst pleasant tasting, just didn’t have the punch of the other dishes. But this food, mixed with the previously mentioned magnificent margaritas, equalled one of the best meals I have had in a long time. Combined with the buzz of the restaurant and the great service, it was a truly wonderful eating experience. I left a bit drunk, full, happy and ready to go back straight away. Although, I am not looking forward to that queue again!
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