Last week we attended the official launch of Condesa, Adelaide’s newest Mexican Bar and Restaurant.

And what better way to spend our night, than eating tacos and drinking margaritas?

This modern Mexican restaurant compliments the multicultural dining options along Henley Beach Rd, taking on traditional Mexican food with a modern twist that the public is sure to enjoy.

Located inside Hotel Royal, Condesa perfectly encapsulates the essence and flavours of the beloved Mexican streets of the La Condesa district within Mexico City.

With its vibrant artwork and food, the restaurant is sure to take you on a culinary journey.

Head chef, Ashley Nguyen, has twice won Best Mexican Restaurant in South Australia at Viva Zapata’s (Semaphore) and Mexican Society (Chinatown) in his past careers; and with Condesa, he is able to bring his creativity to life.

“I always take every opportunity to develop my culinary skills and knowledge of Mexican cuisine and Condesa will be no exception,” he said.

Ashley says that the service, passion and dedication behind the dishes at Condesa will take them above other Mexican restaurants in the city.

“We have a really modern take on Mexican; there is really nothing like us in Adelaide.”

The perfectly curated menu is made for sharing, with the fiesta banquet the ideal choice for those looking for an exciting way to experience a range of dishes from the menu.

Starting at $45 per person (minimum of 2 people), the banquet offers three dishes from the entrée menu, a taco of your choice, three dishes from the main menu, and a dessert.

But even if you are flying solo, there is plenty on the full menu to choose from, as well as an extensive list of tequilas and mezcals to keep you company.

For the Opening night we were served samples of their: Tacos (pork carnitas, chicken tinga & cauliflower frito); Roasted Chicken Mole, with a carrot purée; Chargrilled Ancho Chile Octopus, with basil pesto, salsa fresca and ancho chile dressing; Smoked Chargrilled Elote, with chipotle Mayonesa and lime chilli parmesan; Nachos, with totopos, queso, dry aged ricotta, chipotle crema, pico de gallo, smoked corn, black beans, cilantro and hoisin and guajillo; Chicken Flautas, with guacamole, salsa fresca, crema and dry aged ricotta; Eggplant Frito, with roasted capsicum sauce and epazote; and for dessert we had Churros, with orange powdered sugar, cajeta and Mexican chocolate.

Every dish contained beautifully fresh ingredients, with lovely vibrant pops of flavour. I was surely satisfied with the quality and flavour and couldn’t help but have seconds and even thirds!

Ashley Nguyen has done a spectacular job at transporting guests to Mexico through his delicious food. It is no wonder his motto has always been: ‘food is everything’.

Ashley will have your taste buds thanking you, all in a modern and vibrant space that takes you to the beautiful bohemian district of La Condesa.

Condesa Bar and Resturant can be found on Henley Beach Road, Torrensville, and is open for dining from Sunday to Thursday 12pm-3pm & 5pm-9pm, and Friday & Saturday from 11am-9pm.

So to get your Mexican fix, make sure to head down to Condesa today.

Words by Cyndal King

WHERE: 180 Henley Beach Rd, Torrensville