Mexicali

Mexicali co-founder Luke Johnson first cut his teeth in Adelaide and Fremantle’s dining scenes before launching Mexicali in Nobby Beach in 2014, driven by a passion for coastal Mexican and Californian cuisine. Quickly becoming a Gold Coast favourite, the taqueria’s 70s-era apartment setting helped kickstart the Gold Coast’s love affair with Mexican food. In recent years, the restaurant has drawn increasing attention from Brisbane foodies, prompting Luke to expand north in 2024, opening a long-awaited Bulimba location on Oxford Street. The venue boasts an open-air rooftop with stunning city views and a bespoke fit-out, blending coastal Mexican influences with unique textures and playful design elements. The Bulimba menu mirrors Nobby Beach’s beloved offerings, including Baja-style fish tacos, al pastor pork, Moreton Bay bug tostadas, and classic margaritas, alongside creative cocktails featuring tequila and mezcal. As the team settles into its new space, Luke plans to evolve the menu further, experimenting while maintaining a focus on quality ingredients like 100% nixtamal corn tortillas and hormone-free meats. Mexicali’s bar program also boasts an extensive selection of blue-agave tequilas and mezcals, with a knowledgeable team ready to guide guests through their options.