Who doesn’t love nachos? Just digging into a warm plate of it means warm tangy cheddar cheese dragging in long and luscious strings. Then comes the crisp snap of the tortilla chip as you sink your teeth in, followed by a bite of salsa cooled by creamy guacamole. Salivating yet? Here’s a roundup of Pretoria’s top spots serving this comforting cheesy dish.

El Pistolero (Constantia Park)

This authentic Mexican eatery offers four different takes on this delicious dish, starting with the basic Nachos Grande: a platter laden with tortilla chips, cheese sauce, jalapeños, drunken beans, guacamole, salsa Mexicana, queso fresco and spring onions (R95). You then have the option of adding an extra topping of pork (R30), chilli con carne (R35) or chicken (R30). You could also opt for the tortilla chips that come topped with queso fresco, guacamole and salsa Mexicana (R70). The tequila is plentiful, but teetotallers can try the coriander lemonade or a glass of home-made thyme-and-pomegranate iced tea.

A post shared by El Pistolero (@elpistolero.za) on Aug 11, 2017 at 11:57pm PDT

Guy Fieri’s Kitchen & Bar (Menlyn)

Guy Fieri – host of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives – opened this restaurant last year, his first in South Africa. Guy’s infamous Trash Can Nachos is a serving of food big enough to share with several nacho-loving pals (R165). Expect a generous helping of warm corn tortilla chips, super melty cheese, black beans, jalapeños, sour cream, pickled red onions, cilantro and pico de gallo. There’s also a chicken option (R180), a beef option (R195) and a pulled pork option (R195). Definitely go hungry – and wear pants with a stretchy waistband. Do note that because of its location inside the Times Square Casino, no one under the age of 18 is allowed inside.

Jo Mexican (Garsfontein)

Family-owned and operated Jo Mexican serves its take on the cheesy Mexican classic topped with drunken beans, cheddar cheese, and thinly sliced black olives and jalapeños. It comes in one of those quirky cream-coloured enamel bowls and is accompanied by sour cream, guacamole and pico de gallo, each served in its own little enamel mug. Choose the standard nachos (R85), or the chicken (R110), beef (R115) or pork options (R115). Make sure you leave space for dessert. The Postre nachos are drizzled with chocolate and peanut butter sauce and topped with marshmallows (R50). Go on, you know you want to. (Jo Mexican runs regular specials on different menu items and sometimes has live music – check them out on social media if you’re planning to visit.)

The nachos at Jo Mexican. Photo supplied.

Salsa Mexican Grill (Centurion)

A relative newcomer to Centurion’s restaurant scene, Salsa Mexican Grill serves up two basic plates of nachos: signature spicy nachos and a milder version (both R92). The plate of crisp corn chips comes piled high, each chip laced with salsa, cheddar, and a tangy sour cream. A large dollop of guacamole accompanies each plate. You can then add extras like pickled jalapeños (R9), sour cream (R13), chicken (R22), Mexican mince (R22) and pulled pork (R33). The vibe is jovial, the cocktails are served tall and ice cold, and the service is friendly and fast.

A post shared by Salsa Mexican Grill Official (@salsamexicangrill) on Jun 17, 2018 at 3:29am PDT

Salsa Libre Tex Mex Bar & Grill (The Willows)

Salsa Libre has a trifecta of choices: the Nachos Grande, a serving of golden fried nachos topped with melted cheese and served with guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo (R69); fried nachos topped with spicy beef chilli, super cheesy sauce and jalapeños (R75); and a veggie option topped with cheese, corn and black beans, and served with a side of guacamole (R70). Wash it down with something from the tequila menu, which includes spicy pineapple and even bubblegum. Salsa Libre also offers a very thoughtful kids’ menu, with all the dishes tailored for sensitive taste buds. There’s a Mexican-style pizza topped with enchilada sauce, cheese, bacon, pineapple and herbs, and small or large portions of nachos (R20 and R38 respectively).

We’re looking for the best Mexican eateries in SA to award at the 2018 Best Everyday Eateries. Cast your vote before 31 August by reviewing your favourite. The easiest way to write a review is on our free app. Download it now.)