Our first visit to el Publico was an amazing experience from start to finish. We were greeted warmly by a lovely lady staff member and the owner, who both took the time to chat with us, explain the dishes, and recommend their favorites. The service was outstanding .. genuinely friendly and personal. Now, the food… absolutely incredible. Every bite was packed with flavor. The portions were huge, the ingredients fresh, and the taste felt truly authentic !! easily the best Mexican food we’ve ever had!! We especially loved the Mictlan Mole Taco and the share grilled meats platter. The owner even noticed how much we enjoyed the meal and gave us a free consomé, which was rich, hearty, and full of depth. That kind of attention to detail and care really stood out. They make you feel welcomed. We’ll definitely be back again soon!

We came as a group of four on a Saturday early evening. We shared a couple of plates of food and a couple of margaritas. Service was really prompt and very friendly. Finished off the meal with a flight to Mexico for tasting fun night wouldn't say no to coming again.

Our first visit here and it won’t be our last! Was also the first time I’ve convinced my partner to try ceviche and he loved it so much he ended up ordering a second dish. Service was perfect. Friendly and professional. Drinks were amazing and well priced. Highly recommend the ceviche and the beef tacos. Desert was an amazing Chilli mousse which we will definitely need to come back to enjoy again. Atmosphere is fun but possibly just a little bit squeezy. Fitting all of the plates on the table can be tricky and having a conversation that’s not completely overheard can be a little challenging.

Just realised it’s changed ownership and you can really tell!!! The guy that seats everyone on his phone the whole time. Soon as we walked in the guy tried to sit us down the bottom on this little table but we booked by phone prior to arriving. My question is why can we book and choose a table if your just going to sit us wherever???Started off with the short rib spring roll looking things it was definitely short of meat. When we got it served to us they just gave us the plate with it on it with no share plates and didn’t think to give us any untill we asked for them.The meat didn’t fill the whole thing and when u did take a bite it just pulled all the meat out so you were left with an empty shell. Cocktails were $20 and I’m not joking it was one sip the glass wasn’t even filled to the top all the glasses tasted soapy It had 6 massive ice cubes in it just very disappointing next we ordered a chicken empanada 1 duck taco and 1 fish taco very taste less and there was a bone in my duck taco than nearly went through my gum. Last time I was there 18 months ago we had waiters that took our order which was good cause we could ask them questions about the food but not this time it was all off a QR code which we didn’t like cause it felt like we were eating at a 711 there was no interaction with anyone we paid $90 and was not worth it and even when we left they guy that was on his phone the whole time guess what he was on his phone again didn’t even ask us how the food was or say have a good night thanks for coming nothing just head down on his phone!!!I don’t recommend this restaurant to anyone. ( photos below)

el Publico has long held a reputation as a mainstay in Perth’s dining scene, and after attending a recent private event there, I’m pleased to say it’s on my personal favourites list. With new ownership at the helm, there’s a renewed energy in both the service and the menu — and it shows. From the moment we arrived, the staff were warm, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. The bar remains a standout feature, boasting an impressive selection of cocktails that hero Mexican spirits. I was particularly impressed by the creative use of mezcal, which added a smoky complexity to a few standout drinks. The restaurant itself leans into a dark and moody aesthetic, with quirky artwork and comfortable seating. While I personally found the space a touch dim and noisy, that’s likely down to my own sensitivities — others may find the buzz adds to the lively atmosphere, especially on a busy night. We dined on a set menu and I can confidently say that every course delivered. The food struck a fine balance between authenticity and innovation, with bold flavours and thoughtful presentation throughout. The pacing of dishes was spot on, and there was more than enough to go around. A special mention must go to the staff, who were not only attentive but also happy to accommodate special dietary needs. One dish that stood out was the cured salmon served with vibrant fruit-based sauces — a perfect blend of fresh, salty, sweet and tangy. It was a true highlight, both in flavour and presentation. All in all, El Publico is clearly thriving under its new ownership. It feels like a reinvigorated version of the much-loved original, and I’m genuinely excited to return and explore more of the menu. If you haven’t visited in a while, now’s the time — do yourself a favour and book a table.