Three years after opening Cartel Del Taco in Hawthorne, Marco Ramirez and Erick Martinez opened a second location in on Merthyr Road in New Farm. The new corner venue mirrors the 1980s Mexican taqueria aesthetic of its sibling, featuring eye-catching design elements like colourful tiles, neon lights and an oyster display. Unlike Hawthorne, the New Farm kitchen focuses on woodfired meats and seafood, with the menu including new items inspired by Mexico’s diverse cuisine, such as beef pastes, gorditas and seafood towers. A new breakfast menu, blending Australian and Mexican influences, is also in the works. As always, Cartel Del Taco’s bar offers classic and creative margaritas, artisanal mezcals and Cartel’s own Mexican lager. Despite their success, Marco and Erick remain humble, aiming to bring a piece of Mexico to New Farm while offering an authentic dining experience.