This is Melbourne’s most authentic Mexican. Following millennia-old Aztec and Mayan cooking methods, La Torterilla soaks corn in lime overnight before being crushed on a stone grinder, turned into dough and formed into perfect halos on the tortilla press. Choose from 11 flavours including battered fish with pico de gallo and slow-cooked pork with pineapple and chipotle salsa. 72 Stubbs St, Kensington; latortilleria.com.au

This Preston Market van draws a crowd for its Mexican street eats, made from local and organic ingredients. The menu has vegan and gluten free options and all sauces are made from scratch using authentic Mexican spices. Tacos come slathered in fresh tomato salsa and sour cream; request the super hot chipotle made from smoked jalapenos for a kick. 12 Cook St, Preston; cornutopia.com.au.

Like your tacos stuffed with spicy tinga chicken, chilli chipotle mayo and black beans? Maybe you prefer crispy prawn and garlic lemon mayo? Or does slowcooked beef with ricotta get your tastebuds working overtime? At Tres Mexican there’s so much more, such as orange-glazed pork or sauteed vegetables – all packed with authentic Mexican flavours. 132 Nepean Hwy, Seaford; tresmexican.com.au

Under the helm of Mexican chef Sarai Castillo, every bite is fresh and tasty here. Try the taco de pescado with battered fish, coleslaw and jalapeno cream or pulled pork shoulder, marinated and braised in achiote paste and orange juice with refried beans and pickled onions. The taco de carne (asada beef steak with salsa verde) is a safe bet. 3–5 Hosier Lane, Melbourne CBD; tresacinco.com.au.

Self-proclaimed Mexican food fanatic Daniel Pineda spent years learning to cook the cuisine from Mexican mentors. Everything at his taqueria is made in house from tested recipes. The menu favourite, Birria, is filled with braised brisket, salsa and cheese. Toasted on a grill until crisped, the taco is served with a beef stock consomme for dipping. Melbourne and Brunswick East; cdmx.com.au.