Los Amates Mexican Kitchen - Fitzroy

If you're looking for authentic Mexican the this is the place to go. Have been here many times and have never been disappointed. Food has always been very good, a must try are the cactus tacos. Excellent choice of tequilas and the magarita's are excellent, especially the tamarind chilli one! The staff are very friendly and provide good service. Decor is what I would call Mexican rustic, good ambience. Have taken friends here on may occasions, always worthwhile and everyone has loved it.

Finding good Mexican food in Australia is hard, but Los Amates is the real thing, more than just tacos and burritos (though they have those). This is rustic traditional Mexican at its best - nothing pretentious about it. There were two of us, we started with an order of taquitos and an order of sopes, then had a main each (chicken mole and chipotle beef). Add a beer each to start and a bottle of wine, and we came out at about $120 and so full that we could barely walk. Great food, great value! Service was great and the atmosphere was perfect: staff, small, crowded, brightly painted, loud... a proper Mexican restaurant. Love love love it!!!!

I attended with a group of 7 for a birthday dinner and am sorry to say it was an unpleasant experience. Despite confirming the booking the night before, we were told on arrival that there was no record of our booking. After waiting some time, they were able to squeeze us into the courtyard at the back of the restaurant on a tiny table. We had to ask twice if we could order and then after ordering, waited an hour and a half for our food. One of our party had some food issues and they were not able to accommodate with anything substantial. Not one of our group enjoyed the meals mostly due to things being burned, over cooked, under seasoned, fatty, or oily. Mostly there was a lack of fresh taste and quality ingredients.

This was a really authentic mexican restaurant with a great atmosphere and cool artwork. Could hear the waiters and chefs speaking in Spanish, so we got the opportunity to practise our Spanish because we felt comfortable there. I think we got a banquet to share and it was delicious, every part of it. It was so well priced as well.

This is probably one of the most authentic Mexican restaurants in Melbourne. Food was fresh, full of flavour and nicely presented. The room is vibrant and informal with a nice buzz. Service is very good.