Taquila: Galway’s vibrant new hub for Mexican Cuisine and Culture

Taquila is Galway City’s newest and most exciting venture into traditional Mexican cuisine. A brilliant fusion of irresistible food, lively atmosphere, and undeniably fantastic service, this is a dining experience you can’t miss out on. With an immense range of dishes, Taquila is dedicated to bringing the best flavours of Mexico to Galway.

For owners Carlos and Melissa Melendez, Taquila is the next step on a wonderful adventure together as husband and wife. Since their opening in 2024, the authentic Mexican restaurant has introduced new and bold flavours to Galway. The menu has been carefully crafted by one of Carlos’ childhood best friends from Mexico and Head Chef, Andres Zubizarreta. Carlos shares, “Working with Andres is unreal… When I had my [previous] restaurants back in Mexico he did the menus there as well!”

The menu at Taquila is as unique as it is delicious; here you can try a fantastic range of tacos and salsas. Try the Cochinita Pibil, a succulent slow-cooked pork, served with pickled onions and refried beans. You can also opt for what’s deemed as the ‘ultimate Mexican comfort food’, Chilaquiles, which consist of crispy tortilla chips, smothered in salsa verde, and topped with frijoles and queso fresco.

As it is with most passions we pour our hearts into, Melissa shares that the reception to Taquila has been both nerve-racking as well as affirming. “People have an expectation of what Mexican food is… I’ve been a little bit scared about whether they'll understand the menu. So it’s been amazing to see people take to it, and love it, and want to eat it…”

Coupled with an amazing food menu is a masterfully crafted cocktail list. From top-quality margaritas to tropical indulgences, this cocktail menu is one of the best in town.

Inside, Taquila is a beautifully vibrant restaurant. With brilliant star light fixtures handcrafted in Mexico hanging from the ceiling and neon signs illuminating the walls, this is a space that is striking and inviting in equal measure. “I think atmosphere is just as important as food,” Melissa shares. “[Carlos’] restaurants have always been a meeting place for friends and family, and it’s great to see that reach out into Galway as well.”

Carlos says that at present, “what we’re really focusing on is establishing ourselves in Galway… Having the end product with the menu, we’re still finding that core menu we want to have.” With plenty of exciting things happening in now and in the future, Taquila is definitely one to check out in 2025.

Situated on Eglinton Street in the heart of Galway’s city centre, Taquila is serving up a classic menu of Mexican favourites with a distinct modern flare. Be sure to try their irresistible tacos and cocktails yourself, and check out their website at taquila.ie and their Instagram @taquilagalway!