Restaurants

Nopales Mexican

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

352 Barrenjoey Rd, Newport NSW 2106, Australia
4.5
171 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Nopales Mexican, nestled in the vibrant suburb of Newport NSW, is a culinary jewel delivering an authentic taste of Mexico with a modern twist. This charming restaurant specializes in Mexican cuisine, boasting an inventive menu that caters to a variety of dietary preferences including gluten-free and vegan options, making it a welcoming spot for all food lovers.

Start your meal with one of their standout entrées, such as the Sweet Corn Ribs—a sensory delight where the natural sweetness of caramelized corn meets the smoky warmth of guajillo and chipotle mayo, finished with a luxurious touch of truffle oil. Another must-try is the Chicken Tinga Empanada, generously filled with tender shredded chicken and accented by tangy salsa taquera and creamy jalapeño crema, offering a balance of spice and comfort. For a truly unique experience, the Nopales Tlacoyos feature paddle cactus hummus paired with fresh pickled jalapeños and queso fresco, delivering a burst of earthy and zesty flavors. Seafood lovers will appreciate the Prawn Gorditas with chili prawn, creamy avocado, and fresh pico de gallo, a dish that perfectly blends heat and freshness.

The mains at Nopales Mexican are equally impressive, highlighted by the Rib Eye MBS 3+ 400gm, charcoal-grilled to perfection and served with achiote lime butter and bright chimi churri, bringing a smoky and citrus-infused depth to each juicy bite. The slow-cooked Beef Short Ribs MBS 2+ melt effortlessly in your mouth after 32 hours in chili rojo con vino, enhanced by a sweet and tangy agave tamarind glaze. For something a bit different, the deboned half duck offers an indulgent yet balanced dish with rich mole manchamantel, roasted pumpkin, and pepitas crumb, creating layers of smoky, sweet, and nutty notes.

Complete your meal with one of the lush desserts that perfectly capture Mexican flair. The crispy Churros, paired with creamy vanilla coconut gelato and spiced coconut crumb, provide the perfect finale. Alternatively, the Pan De Elote, a moist corn cake served with butterscotch and salted caramel gelato, is a heavenly blend of textures and flavors.

The atmosphere at Nopales Mexican is vibrant yet laid-back, resonating with warm Mexican music and attentive, friendly service that enhances the dining experience. Guests repeatedly praise the staff's genuine kindness and flexibility, making it feel like a home away from home whether you’re visiting for a casual meal or a special gathering. The venue accommodates both small and larger groups gracefully, with a fun and easygoing vibe that invites you to relax and savor every moment.

Patrons rave about the quick service and the well-crafted cocktails which perfectly complement the robust flavors on the menu, making Nopales a standout destination for Mexican cuisine enthusiasts in the Newport area. Whether you're drawn by the distinctively spiced dishes, the welcoming environment, or the outstanding hospitality by team members like Yuna, Santos, and Trilok, Nopales Mexican consistently offers a memorable dining journey that invites guests to return again and again.

03 Notes from regulars

171 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.5
Based on 171 verified notes
5 148
4 9
3 13
2 5
1 11
All Corn Ribs Margarita Happy Hour Mexican Food Churros Guacamole Spicy Margaritas Prawn Tacos Mixed Ribs Corn Chips
Ant McK.
2 month ago
The food is amazing! I highly recommend the sweet corn ribs as an entree. It’s delicious and quite unique to this restaurant. All the dishes including the tacos were great. The food comes out quite quickly and the service is good. The cocktails are well priced and yummy. The restaurant has a fun easy going atmosphere and a small or large group would enjoy this venue. I have eaten here twice now and will be back.
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Pat M.
3 month ago
Great food. Service very good and Santos was very flexible with our order. The Mexican music also created a nice atmosphere. Highly recommended. Will definitely come back
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Ellen T.
3 month ago
Amazing food, surprisingly the salads were the highlight of the dishes we had. Ensalada de naranja was incredible, and the greens. Highly recommend corn empanadas. Molcajete guacamole was a great starter. Grilled Fish taco was a bit of a let down in comparison, very ‘fishy’ fish, and very small portion. Staff really kind and helpful with drink and food recommendations. Great spot, will be back
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Dayoung Song.
4 month ago
Food was fantastic and the vibe was lovely. Our waitress Yuna was so tentative and checked in throughout. Such a great experience. Thank you team.
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Adrian Tamayo.
4 month ago
What an amazing experience we had with a group of 3. We didn’t book but we were properly accommodated. The food was great and tastes superb among from the Mexican dishes I’ve had before in different venue. Many thanks Yona and Trilok for your very friendly service . Made it even more enjoyable to dine in to this restaurant .
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Jay Cee.
5 month ago
Hands down the best bottomless around! Cocktails were actually endless and flowing the entire time, and the amount of food was incredible. Huge shout-out to Trilok and the team for their friendly, attentive service — they made the whole experience even better. Can’t wait to come back!
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M J.
5 month ago
The entrees were amazing. The cocktails are tasty as well. Yuna provides fantastic service
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Rebecca Squire.
6 month ago
Just had a lovely Wednesday evening dinner at Nopales. Food, drinks and service was great! Especially our waiter Trilok and the kitchen looked after our fussy toddler’s special request. We will definitely be back!!
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday (today) Closed
Wednesday 04:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 04:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday 04:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Finding the door

352 Barrenjoey Rd, Newport NSW 2106, Australia

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Highlights
  • Great cocktails
Popular for
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Hard liquor
  • Late-night food
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine
Dining options
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
Amenities
  • Bar onsite
  • Gender-neutral restroom
  • Restroom
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Trendy
Crowd
  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Transgender safespace
Planning
  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu
Parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Parking
Pets
  • Dogs allowed outside
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