Tomatillo Mexican Food and Bar: New taqueria at Esplanade that celebrates Mexican flavours

I think I’ve found my next favourite Mexican spot in Singapore: Tomatillo Mexican Food and Bar at Esplanade. 

It’s an all-new taqueria set on a scenic waterfront location with a cityscape view, and it serves up hearty Mexican food packed with utmost flavour.

Headed by power couple and chefs Daniel and Tamara Chavez, this is their latest venture yet. It opened on February 7, following the success of Tinto Spanish Restaurant and most recently, Vino Tinto at Raffles Place.

While both are upscale Spanish speciality restaurants, Tomatillo focuses more on casual, no-frills Mexican fare. The menu sports all-time classics such as tacos, nachos, and quesadillas — each one brimming with ingredients and rich dressings.

Hailing from Mexico herself, chef-and-owner Tamara has curated the recipes in hopes that diners can savour a true-blue slice of Mexico here, and the best, freshest flavours it has to offer.  

Even the space has been thoughtfully designed to resemble a vibrant tropical paradise. Dressed in captivating shades of reds, oranges, and greens, it spotlights the dynamism of Mexican food, and pays homage to the multi-faceted culture and beauty of her home country.

Take a seat at Tomatillo’s outdoor terrace and kick back with an ice-cold beer or a refreshing margarita (S$16). 

The atmosphere is lively, thanks to the upbeat music playing in the background. It also benefits from a gentle breeze that wafts over from the Singapore River. 

And it’s pet-friendly, too, so you can unwind with your furkids over a drink or two.

The best time to come by the taqueria is in the evening, during the golden hour at around 6pm or so, when the sky is swathed in orange and red, and the stage is set for a vibey dinner ahead. 

Communal plates are a staple in Mexican cuisine, so come with friends and be prepared to share!

We started off with the nachos chilangos (S$22), and it truly hit the spot. 

It’s a hefty dish heaped with crunchy nachos and grilled prawns. Ooey-gooey yellow cheese and mozzarella blankets the corn chips, while a spicy jalapeno and habanero chilli mayo is drizzled all over for a kick of tangy spice.

Cheese lovers will enjoy the queso fundido (S$12) that’s chock-full of heart, flavour, and silky melted cheese. 

Yet another dish for sharing, it comprises crispy tortilla chips nestled atop a decadent layer of cheese that you’re meant to dip into and enjoy altogether.

A must-order at any taqueria is its tacos. 

At Tomatillo, the tacos de jaiba (S$18) features chubby soft-shelled crab tacos stuffed with a medley of ingredients, such as crunchy cabbage and a tomato onion salsa. 

Bits of fresh mango are also added into the mix, offering a pop of brightness and zest to the rich, umami-laden dish. 

Those who’re not up for seafood can try the signature taco al pastor (S$14) that spotlights juicy chunks of pork as the star. The pork is marinated in a classic Mexican adobo sauce, crafted with chillies and peppers for a spice-filled oomph.

The soft tortilla skin wraps around and contrasts nicely with the crispy strips of pork nestled within. The taco is then peppered with fresh pineapple salad and salsa de arbol chilli to balance out the savouriness of it all.

Bursting with flavour is the pollo morcho pizza (S$22), one of my favourites among the dishes that I tried. 

Rather than the usual doughy base we expect from conventional pizzas, Tomatillo’s rendition sees chunks of grilled chicken and mozzarella cheese layered atop a crispy tortilla shell. 

It was addictive and reminiscent of a thin-crust pizza. Just one bite into the pollo morcho pizza, and you’re treated to a party of flavours and textures!

End your dinner on a high note with the slew of boozy concoctions on Tomatillo’s menu, such as the citrus-hued paloma (S$16) and mojito (S$16) laced with rum and lime. 

There’s also a selection of wines and beers, so grab a drink that catches your fancy and toast to a fantastic evening!

This was an invited tasting.

For the latest eats, read about Nakey cafe at Chinatown for bomboloni and all-day brunch mains, and Two Men Bagel House x Forged by Vow’s limited-time bagel sandwiches with quail. Alternatively, check out the newest openings in Singapore here. 

Enjoy up to 50% off when you dine with GrabFood Dine Out.

You can also book a ride to Tomatillo Mexican Food and Bar to savour its Mexican fare.