El Columpio

13/20Critics' PickUpdated September 3, 2026,first published November 18, 2024El Columpio FitzroyMexican$One of Melbourne’s true portals to Mexico goes far beyond tacos.Roll up your sleeves: things are about to get saucy. Almost everything at this colourful eatery – a Mexico City native’s taste of home – is made to be held. The torta, Mexico’s national sandwich, is among our city’s finest: crusty bolillo rolls are ugly-delicious with hunks of aromatic, fall-apart beef brisket plus melted Oaxaca cheese coating the outside.Guajillo chilli-marinated pork tacos are so stacked and sauced they’ll spatter your pastel-hued plate, while the lamb barbacoa tacos are a Friday-to-Sunday specialty served with consomme. A metres-high sign on the frontage spruiks the signature dish: pozole, a deeply nourishing soup seldom seen in Melbourne, fragrant with oregano and bobbing with chewy hominy (maize kernels). What El Columpio lacks in frills, it makes up for in high-calibre Mexican thrills, offering freewheeling good times with mezcal-spiked cocktails – and the occasional mariachi band.Good to know: Get a free flan or shot of mezcal on your birthday. Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox.Sign upLast visited: April 2026More:FitzroyEl ColumpioMelbourneMexicanAccepts bookingsGood for solo dinersBudget friendlyTakeawayLicensedBreakfastGluten-free optionsGood for groupsRestaurantReviewsGood Food GuideCritics’ PickFrom our partners