La Casita was easily the most recommended restaurant to me in Brunswick Heads, and after visiting, I can 100% see why. This spot is all about authentic Mexican flavours, a relaxed atmosphere, and genuinely warm hospitality. Hidden away with just a small neon sign reading ‘Mexican’ and a blanket draped out the front, it doesn’t try to be flashy – it doesn’t need to. Once they open, the place is buzzing, with people gathered under the umbrellas, margaritas in hand.
Location: Tucked away in Brunswick Heads, La Casita is unassuming but impossible to miss once the crowd starts to build. It’s the kind of place you stumble upon and instantly wish you had booked in advance.
What I Ordered:
- Tostada de Pescado – Raw local fish, lime, salsa macha, coriander
- Pescado Taco – Battered local fish, roast garlic salsa, cabbage, jalapeno
- Barbacoa de Cordero Taco – Slow-roasted lamb, zucchini pico de gallo, salsa, served with consommé
- Watermelon Margarita
- Aguas Congas – Charred Pineapple House Soda (with rum added!)
The Details: When I arrived, La Casita was fully booked, but the staff were incredibly kind and pulled out an ‘emergency table’ for me. It turned out to be a cute little mint-coloured table, perfect for a solo diner.
I started with a watermelon margarita, which was everything I wanted – fresh, vibrant, and not overly sweet. The watermelon was real (no sugary mixers here), and the tequila was great quality, setting the tone for a happy meal.
Choosing food was hard because I wanted everything, but being solo meant I had to be strategic.
The Tostada de Pescado was the first dish out, and it was beautifully unexpected. The raw fish and lime gave the freshness I anticipated, but the salsa macha added a depth of flavour that made it stand out from other tostadas I’ve had.
The Pescado Taco was my absolute favourite – light, crispy battered fish paired with an unexpected but perfect roast garlic salsa. The cabbage gave it crunch and a break in the richness. I could have eaten five of these.
The Barbacoa de Cordero Taco was a completely different experience, with smoky, slow-roasted lamb and a consommé on the side for dipping or sipping. The charred, deep flavours mixed with the freshness of the zucchini pico de gallo made for the perfect balance.
Although I originally planned to try more, I was completely full after two tacos. The team was lovely and let me order one of each taco rather than two of the same, which was perfect for a solo diner. I spent the rest of the meal just wishing I had more space for another fish taco.
To drink, I ordered the house soda – Aguas Congas in Charred Pineapple and, of course, added rum. This drink was a game-changer. The charred pineapple added smokiness, the soda kept it refreshing, and the rum gave it that tropical edge. It reminded me of something from the Caribbean or Mexico. I’d take a whole bottle home if I could.
Vibe Check: Casual, lively, and effortlessly cool. Sitting outside was the perfect spot to people-watch and dog-watch – I was lucky to have a very playful puppy nearby for entertainment. It was clear that locals and regulars love this place, which is always a good sign.
The Service: The team at La Casita was warm, welcoming, and accommodating. From finding me a table to letting me mix up my order, their genuine hospitality made all the difference.
Why I’d Return: For the Pescado Taco and Charred Pineapple Soda alone, I’d be back in a heartbeat. La Casita is the kind of place that feels like a hidden gem but is well-known for a reason. It’s unpretentious, buzzing with energy, and packed with flavour – exactly what you want in a Mexican eatery by the coast.
Final Thoughts: If you’re in Brunswick Heads, La Casita is a must-visit. Whether you go for a quick bite, a long lunch with margaritas, or just to soak in the atmosphere, you’ll leave wishing you could fit in just one more taco.
