Tequila Daisy: New Mexican restaurant brings the fiesta to Barangaroo

Diners will get the best of Mexico and Sydney at Barangaroo’s latest addition, Tequila Daisy.

After a month of teasing Sydneysiders with takeaway tacos in lockdown, the Mexican-inspired eatery has officially opened its doors.

You cannot miss the harbourside restaurant. We are more than 100 metres from the eatery when we hear the trumpet tunes and guitar strings of the performing Mariachi band.

We follow the music and turn the corner. The restaurant immediately pops with its yellow umbrellas and chairs and pastel blue picnic tables.

The scene is set for a traditional Mexican fiesta.

Tequila Daisy is the newest venture by husband and wife duo Rebecca Lines and Hamish Ingham.

Formerly Banksii Vermouth Bar & Bistro, Lines and Ingham decided to reboot it as Tequila Daisy when they saw a gap in the market.

“We’ve really seen Barangaroo’s clientele evolve over the last few years so we wanted to mix things up and have some fun with a new concept that would work for everyone,” Lines said.

Luchetti Krelle fronted the design team to transform the waterfront space into a bustling 200-seat terrace bursting with red, yellow and blue. Daisy-shaped light fixtures hang from the ceiling to bring the concept full circle.

You might be wondering why the daisy motif? The word ‘margarita’ translates to ‘daisy’ in Spanish. That’s more than enough proof that Tequila Daisy is as authentic as it gets.

The menu

Tequila Daisy offers a menu that is jam-packed with the boldness and vibrancy that you would expect from Mexican flavours.

Rolling off the back of their success with takeaway tacos guests can now dine in and choose from a taco lineup of six different fillings. Pick from chicken, wagyu beef, fish, pork, lamb and chimichurri.

Tequila Daisy tacos — Choose from six tacos. L-R: grilled chicken, wagyu beef, pulled pork and fried fish.

The tacos along with the eatery’s ‘entrada’ share-style menu are perfect for when you bring the whole crew and you feel like nibbling at a bit of everything. The kingfish tostada, beef cheek empanadas and the watermelon salad are a must-try.

If you want a more traditional dining experience, the ‘grande’ menu allows you to choose a main of your own.

The Wagyu flank steak with mole pasilla, pepper berry and Padron pepper is juicy, tender and flavoursome. Or indulge with a whole grilled snapper a la talla with red chilli adobo and lime to yourself.

For the indecisive diner, the Fiesta menu will solve all your dilemmas. The $69 set menu serves up six chef-chosen dishes that will give you a well-rounded taste of Mexico.

Bottoms up

In keeping with the Mexican theme, Tequila Daisy has a drink list that features more than 100 tequila and mezcals. Expect an array of punchy cocktails including the namesake Tequila Daisy and a selection of beer and wine to suit all tastes.

“We’ve created a long drinks list that will work regardless of if you’re enjoying a quick beer or settling in for an afternoon of margaritas,” Lines said.

Tequila Daisy drinks — Sip on classic margaritas, signature cocktails and more than 100 tequilas or mezcals by the glass.

Ingham said the Bar Taqueria takeaway was a great way to introduce Tequila Daisy to Sydney.

“But the full experience is all about sitting around a table with friends and feasting on fresh Mexican flavours with a cocktail in hand,” he said.

To add to the ambience, Tequila Daisy will have fun daily specials. Start the week with $14 Margarita Mondays and $6 Taco Tuesdays. Cheers to a daily happy hour (or La Hora Feliz!) and boozy bottomless lunches every weekend.

Tequila Daisy is giving a 10 per cent discount all day, every day to hospitality workers. The ‘hospo high five’ gives back to the industry after a challenging 18 months.