La Santa Muerte is the latest offering from the Hell’s Kitchen team, also based in Melville, Johannesburg. Eat Out critic Mokgadi Itsweng pays it a visit to sample the Mexican-themed fare and drinks.

The interior at La Santa Muerte. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Food

The menu offers a fresh take on trendy Mexican food, using fresh seasonal ingredients in dishes that are perfect for sharing. Kick off with favourites like chilli poppers and empanadas filled with sweet potato, feta and tequila-soaked mushrooms, then move onto the likes of steak or pulled pork tacos with orange chipotle sauce, served with your choice of a soft or hard taco. The flavoursome and spicy beef strips with chimichurri are delicious and definitely worth a try. Other highlights include tacos and burritos. The dessert menu is small but features delectable options like the hot churros served with custard.

The food at La Santa Muerte. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Drinks

La Santa Muerte has a small bar, offering an adequate selection of mostly local wines. Maybe more suited to the Mexican fare is the wide selection of cocktails. Try the beer cocktail made with traditional Mexican brews such as Chavela (tomato juice, beer and hot sauce) or the Michelada (tomato juice, lemon, tobacco sauce and a shot of tequila). They also offer two commercial beers and a craft tequila ale.

The bar at La Santa Muerte. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Service

The staff are friendly, efficient and well versed on the menu.

More seating at La Santa Muerte. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Ambience

The black pressed ceilings, parquet flooring and antique bar give the space a quirky and unique ambience. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, making La Santa Muerte the perfect hangout spot for the cool Melville bunch.

Have you washed down your taco with a beer cocktail at La Santa Muerte in Melville? Rate and review them now.

Eat Out critics dine anonymously and pay for their meals in full. Read our editorial policy here.