"Cape Town’s best hand-pressed corn tacos, a Green Point fixture since 2010; book two weeks ahead for a fun first date."
About El Burro
El Burro does not serve nachos the size of a hubcap or fishbowl margaritas. It serves Mexican food: corn tortillas pressed by hand each service, salsas made daily, lime juice squeezed to order. Founder Nic Haarhoff opened it on Main Road in Green Point in 2010, part of the same Cape Town group behind Royale Eatery, and it has stayed busy enough that you now need to book one of the best tables a fortnight out. It is upstairs, loud, lit warm, and one of the few rooms in the city where a Tuesday still feels like an event. See where it sits among the city’s tables in our Cape Town dining guide.
The Kitchen
The kitchen, led by head chef Paul Van’t Hoff, treats the tortilla as the whole argument. Masa is pressed and griddled to order, then built into tacos that range from the classic to the cult Korean beef, the most-ordered plate in the room at around R64 a taco. The ceviche, cured in fresh lime with the day’s fish, and the corn croquettes are the openers regulars reach for; the guacamole is mashed at the bar. Drinks lean to tequila and mezcal rather than sugar. It is honest, fresh, mid-priced cooking that has outlasted nearly every other Mexican room in the city. For the global field, read our guide to the best Mexican restaurants worldwide, and compare the late-night energy at Royale Eatery.
The Room
The room is a first-floor space on Main Road, warm-lit, tightly packed, and loud in the good way: a hum of conversation, clinking glasses and the press of the masa griddle. Tables are close, the bar is the social centre, and the crowd skews young and local. Dress is no-rules; arrive in whatever you wore that day. The energy is the point, so this is not a room for a hushed, lingering dinner, but it is a brilliant one for a date that needs momentum. Sit near the bar if you want the buzz, by the window if you want to talk.
Best for First Date
Book El Burro for a first date that needs a pulse. The room is lively without being deafening, the hand-pressed tacos are made for sharing, and the tequila list gives you an easy second round if the evening is working. It is unpretentious enough to take the pressure off and good enough to prove you have taste. Order a spread of tacos for two, start with the ceviche, and keep it casual. Browse more first-date restaurants or ideas for a birthday dinner.
Not for
Not for a quiet conversation or a long, lingering meal. El Burro is loud, the tables are close, and it runs at pace, so anyone wanting a hushed room or a slow tasting menu should book elsewhere.
Frequently Asked
Is El Burro worth it?
Yes, if you want real Mexican food and a lively night. El Burro has pressed its own corn tortillas in Green Point since 2010 and stayed busy through every Cape Town dining trend since. Tacos start around R64, the ceviche and Korean beef tacos are the orders, and the room runs loud and warm. You come for fresh, honest cooking and energy, not for a refined fine-dining hush.
What should I order at El Burro?
Start with the ceviche, cured in fresh lime with the day’s fish, and the corn croquettes, then build a spread of hand-pressed tacos. The Korean beef taco is the cult order and the most-requested plate in the room. Drink tequila or mezcal rather than a sugary cocktail. The kitchen pressing masa to order is the whole point, so the tacos are where the money goes.
How hard is it to book El Burro?
Harder than its casual look suggests. El Burro is one of the few Green Point rooms where you should book a good table a couple of weeks ahead, especially for a Friday or Saturday. Walk-ins can find space at the bar earlier in the week. Book online through the restaurant for weekend evenings and larger groups.
Is El Burro good for a first date?
Yes, for a date that wants energy. The room is lively and warm, the tacos are easy to share, and the tequila list keeps the night moving, so conversation rarely stalls. It is loud and the tables are close, so skip it if you want a quiet dinner. See our first-date guide for the full shortlist.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at El Burro
Book a good table about two weeks ahead for Friday and Saturday evenings; early-week walk-ins can usually find bar space.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address81 Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town
NeighbourhoodGreen Point
CuisineMexican (hand-pressed corn tortillas)
PriceTacos from R64; mid-range per head
Dress CodeNo rules
SeatingFirst-floor dining room and bar; tables close-set
ReservationOnline; advisable for weekend evenings
