Restaurant
el Publico
511 Beaufort St, Highgate WA 6003, Australia
Find el Publico
511 Beaufort St, Highgate WA 6003, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Visit websiteAbout el Publico
Highgate's moody haunt bypasses predictable Tex-Mex for regional Mexican plates and smoky mezcal pours. Regulars head straight for plantain-wrapped mogo mogo balls, charred rib eye gaonera tacos, and crunchy gorditas. The entire kitchen runs strictly gluten-free—down to the fried taquitos and cinnamon-dusted churros. Behind the bar, staff shake up spicy margaritas alongside neat pours of tequila with sangrita.
- Entirely Gluten-Free Menu: The entire kitchen is 100% gluten-free, serving wheatless fried snacks, corn croquettes, and churros safely.
- Regional Specialties: Regional plates feature plantain-wrapped mogo mogo balls, gorditas, and seasoned crickets alongside charred tacos.
- Mezcal & Agave Focus: The back bar pairs deep agave selections and mezcal cocktails with house sangrita and spicy margaritas.
What's On at el Publico
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Dine at el Publico
Discover regional flavors, total gluten-free freedom, and vibrant drinks on Beaufort Street.
Complete Gluten-Free Confidence
El Publico runs an entirely gluten-free kitchen, allowing diners with celiac disease or gluten allergies to freely enjoy crunchy corn croquettes, tacos, and desserts without cross-contamination worries.
Our family is celiac and it was completely gluten free which was amazing
Sophia Walsh Distinct Regional Specialties
The kitchen explores regional Mexican dishes beyond typical Tex-Mex offerings, crafting items like savoury plantain-wrapped mogo mogo balls and corn gorditas.
Mogo mogo balls - complex flavours of meat wrapped in banana, never tasted anything like it
John Walsh Worry-Free Indulgence
Having access to an entirely safe menu provides complete peace of mind and excitement, letting celiac guests indulge in treats like freshly prepared churros.
Needing gluten-free food we were spoiled for choice! Even the churros dessert was gluten free (and amazing!).
Katie P Authentic Culinary Departure
Diners seeking traditional flavors find relief in an authentic culinary approach that moves far beyond predictable, Westernized Mexican options.
If you are sick of trying ‘Australianised’ Mexican restaurants than this is the place you need to try.
Rhianna Jamieson Vibrant Group Gatherings
A bustling atmosphere, welcoming staff, and craft cocktails make the venue an ideal setting for group dinners, birthdays, and date nights.
The vibe of the venue is perfect for a casual date night or a fun night out with friends
Camila Herrera Abundant Sharing Feasts
Generous share platters, multi-course set menus, and shareable sides make dining out with friends effortless and satisfying.
We ordered the Feed me Set menu and got SO MUCH food. We were filled to busting at the end.
Brittany Bardsley
Most popular items
Crowd favorites and authentic Mexican signature dishes
Mogo Mogo Balls
The Mogo Mogo Balls were incredible I’d never tried anything like them!
Anna Walsh Gorditas
Gorditas - pulled pork on crunchy corn croquettes.
John Walsh Feed Me Menu
We had the Feed Me Menu to taste everything. It was absolutely delicious.
Melanie Lamont Rib Eye Gaonera Tacos
The Rib Eye Gaonera tacos were also delicious, we will be back, thankyou!
Anna Walsh
Other favorites
Desserts, drinks, and distinctive regional Mexican bites
Churros
Even the churros dessert was gluten free (and amazing!).
Katie P Spicy Margaritas
Spicy margaritas were next level.
Melanie Lamont Crickets
even CRICKETS (worth a shot, I promise!)
Haley Clay Guacamole
Guacamole - they were all outstanding.
Teresa Holland
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful hospitality and unique culinary touches that elevate your dining experience
Complimentary Consomé from the Owner
When the owner noticed guests relishing their meal, he stepped over to personally offer a complimentary rich, hearty consomé to complement their feast.
Dedicated Celiac and Allergy Guidance
Diners with celiac disease and allergies receive attentive guidance, enjoying a menu where even fried snacks and churros are made entirely gluten-free.
Attentive Birthday Celebrations
Staff and bar tenders go out of their way to make milestone events memorable, providing warm and attentive service for birthday celebrations.
Adventurous Cricket Tastings
Adventurous food lovers can sample unique authentic regional Mexican delicacies, including seasoned crickets served right alongside street tacos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the menu suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes. Reviewers frequently note that the entire menu is gluten-free, including fried snacks and churros, and staff are attentive to dietary restrictions.
How large are the food portions?
Portions are generous, with options like mixed grill platters and set menus often providing more than enough food. For tacos, diners suggest ordering one or two per person or trying different varieties.
Do I need to make a reservation, or are walk-ins welcome?
Yes, walk-ins can sometimes get seats at the bar during busy periods, though booking ahead is recommended if you want to avoid a wait on popular evenings.
Is parking available nearby?
There is parking available around the area, though much of it is paid street parking.
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