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Restaurant

El Columpio

Level 1/52 Johnston St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Recommended by 32 people

Updated

Find El Columpio

Level 1/52 Johnston St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 425 106 591
HoursMonday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About El Columpio

Perched on Johnston Street’s first floor, El Columpio cuts straight through Melbourne's Tex-Mex fog with proper regional Mexican cooking. Mexican transplants head upstairs when craving a taste of home—filling the room even on Monday nights. The kitchen stays loyal to street tradition, stacking double tortillas with slow-seared suadero, crumbled chorizo, or charred cactus with melted cheese. Come the weekend, tender braised beef tacos land on the table alongside warm cups of broth.

  • Double-Tortilla Street Tacos: Traditional twin corn tortillas packed with slow-seared suadero and chorizo.
  • Weekend Barbacoa & Consomé: Limited weekend beef tacos served alongside a dedicated bowl of warm broth.
  • House Nopal Special: Charred cactus and melted cheese offer an authentic plant-based focus without mock meats.
RestaurantMexicanRestaurant

What's On at El Columpio

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Diners Choose El Columpio

From double-tortilla street classics to weekend barbacoa consomé rituals, discover why Fitzroy's taco purists bypass Tex-Mex shortcuts—book your table early to secure a spot.

  • Double-Tortilla Taco Architecture

    Tacos are constructed street-style on sturdy double tortillas, ensuring generous portions of rich suadero and campechana hold together perfectly from first bite to last.

    The tacos were amazing, with the double tortilla just as it should be.

    ClaudiaThePeruvian

  • Traditional Nopal & Plant-Based Depth

    Instead of relying on commercial meat substitutes, the kitchen champions genuine plant-based Mexican heritage with fresh grilled cactus and slow-simmered refried beans.

    I also really loved the nopales taco with refried beans, which is now my fave vegan taco in Melbourne by far.

    Quincy

  • Weekend Barbacoa & Consomé Ritual

    Saturdays and Sundays center on slow-braised Barbacoa Estilo Hidalgo served in a generous trio alongside a bowl of rich, warming consomé broth.

    It's 3 soft tacos of perfectly cooked beef with excellent flavours, the right amount of heat, and a perfect little bowl of broth on the side.

    Dean Johnston

  • Atmospheric Sensory Transport

    From the aromas of bubbling pozole to the lively dining room rhythm, guests enjoy an authentic sensory transport to Mexico rather than an adapted local approximation.

    It really felt like being in Mexico—not just because of the atmosphere, but because of the authentic taste.

    Maria Alejandra Gonzalez Bueno

  • Comforting Sabor a Casa

    Diners seeking authentic flavors find genuine emotional comfort in traditional recipes that faithfully evoke childhood memories and home kitchens.

    Every bite took me back to the taste of home.

    Juan Lira

  • Preserving Cultural Culinary Heritage

    Guests express deep gratitude for a dedicated Mexican kitchen team that refuses fusion shortcuts to protect and share their authentic culinary roots.

    I am completely grateful to them for keeping their culinary heritage alive and bringing real Mexican food to Melbourne.

    elizabeth matos

The most praised dishes and traditional drinks at El Columpio, grounded in authentic Mexican culinary traditions.

  • Barbacoa Tacos

    It's 3 soft tacos of perfectly cooked beef with excellent flavours, the right amount of heat, and a perfect little bowl of broth on the side. HIGHLY recommended dish.

    Dean Johnston

  • Agua de Horchata

    Also, don’t skip the horchata. We ordered just 2 glasses, but honestly we should have ordered the whole jar. It’s that good. You won’t be able to stop slurping.

    ClaudiaThePeruvian

  • Suadero Tacos

    The suadero tacos were my absolute favorite. Just writing this makes me salivate.

    ClaudiaThePeruvian

  • Cheese Nopal Tacos

    the Cheese Nopal Tacos were super delicious. The tortilla tasted homemade (I’m not sure if they actually make it in-house).

    Constanza Núñez Brito

Other favorites

Traditional Mexican accompaniments, specialty drinks, and desserts to complete your meal.

  • Flan

    Oh and the flan don’t even get me started! Yum

    Hasko Hanim

  • Micheladas

    their micheladas made with clamato are absolutely delicious and prepared perfectly.

    elizabeth matos

  • Spicy Margaritas

    The spicy margs excelled as you would expect!

    Gregor Heard

  • Beans

    the beans were outstanding.

    Constanza Núñez Brito

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I book a table in advance?

Yes, reservations can be made. Guests note it gets busy even on weekday evenings like Monday, and booking ahead is recommended to avoid waiting or awkward walk-in seating.

When are the barbacoa tacos available?

The signature Barbacoa Estilo Hidalgo tacos are offered as a weekend special, served as three soft beef tacos accompanied by a side of warm consomé broth.

Are there vegetarian options available?

Yes. While the filling options are focused, El Columpio serves authentic cactus (nopales) tacos with beans and cheese, alongside vegetarian-friendly tostadas and sides.

What are the parking options nearby?

Street parking is available in the surrounding area, with guests noting timed free parking spots nearby. Paid street parking is also accessible along Johnston Street and nearby streets.

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