La Casita

La Casita – “little house” in Spanish – is a lively Mexican diner by Josh Lewis and Astrid McCormack, the duo behind Fleet in Brunswick Heads. Like its celebrated sibling, La Casita is serious about seafood and Northern Rivers produce – but the experience of dining here is far more casual. Walk in after a dip, order some tacos and tequila, and see where the night takes you.

To start, it's antojitos (street food-style snacks) such as elotes – grilled corn on the cob coated in sweet paprika, butter and cheese – and raw fish tostadas. The many taco options include battered market fish; slow-cooked pork with pickled pineapple and pig’s ear chicharon; and coal-roasted lamb. As at Fleet, Lewis’s attention to detail is what sets La Casita apart: hot sauce is house-made and tortillas are pressed on site.

An extensive tequila and mezcal list is available standalone or in cocktails, including multiple variations on the Margarita, as well as Palomas. Diners can also “design their own Margie”, with their choice of mezcal or tequila. And house-made aguas frescas (fruit drinks) come in interesting flavours such as corn cob lemonade and charred pineapple.

The sunny, hot NSW north coast lends itself well to the Mexican cantina feel of the place. Orange- and pink-hued concrete walls, and cacti aplenty help the space feel like a holiday, as does the covered garden dining area for 30 (there’s space inside for 10), which wraps around lush trees.