There’s a reason why Baha Taco has gained a reputation as one of Johannesburg’s best places to try out Mexican food. Dynamic, authentic and imaginative, the dishes on their menu persuade you to keep coming back, because you can’t eat them all in one sitting, says Eat Out critic Thando Ndabezitha.

Fast facts

Best for: A chill-out session with friends
Corkage: R40
Cost: The average main course is R50
Serves: Fresh tacos and fresh, Mexican-style food
Star rating: Food 4, service 4, ambience 5

Tacos and chilli rellenos at Baha Taco. Photo supplied.

Food

For the uninitiated, the corn tortilla chips with roasted tomato salsa and a side of guacamole is a good introduction to the flavourful and ethically sourced and -made cuisine (the corn is GMO-free and South African). If you’re brave, the jalapeño rellenos make all other poppers fade in comparison.

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Remaining true to its origins as a food truck, Baha Taco serves quick, yet fresh and tasty quesadillas and gluten-free soft corn tacos with delicious fillings. Try the sirloin steak taco, made with meat that’s grilled while you watch, which is so tender and delicious it hardly needs chewing. For vegetarians, halloumi, veg and re-fried beans tacos are a treat for the taste buds. To satisfy a cheese craving, opt for the free-range chicken quesadilla, or the one with mushrooms, peppers and jalapeño chilli.

A delightfully indulgent banana chimichanga with flan and toffee sauce, or churros served with chocolate sauce will be the perfect sweet ending to your meal.

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Drinks

One word: Tequila. Try Baha Taco’s pineapple, gingerbread or mint tequila. In addition to the experimental dessert shots, a fairly wide selection of drinks is available, including craft beers, in the warm and welcoming cantina adjoining the restaurant.

Service

Staff members are friendly and efficient. Parking may sometimes be hard to find, depending on how busy it is.

The bar at Baha Taco. Photo supplied.

Ambience

Baha Taco has a warm and cheerful ambience that tells you it doesn’t take itself too seriously, but you can expect food made from the heart. Because the food is prepared out in the open, not only are you assured that the best care is taken in making your meal, but the whole restaurant just smells delicious! Whether you sit inside or at the street-side tables, it’s the type of restaurant you go to for a good chill.

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And…

The soups here in winter make all the sense in the world. Try the seafood chowder made with grilled prawn, line fish, calamari, bacon, chorizo, sweetcorn and potato. Mmmm… está riquísimo!

Have you eaten out at Baha Taco Restaurant recently? Write a review to put them in the running for the Mexican category at the 2017 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Best Everyday Eateries. Write a review now.  

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