Calita

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After months of lockdown, we are finally back, just as the weather started to warm in the Southern hemisphere and the beaches filled with revelers. Calita is on the waterfront of Bondi beach, and has the kind of bright, relaxed vibes associated with long, lazy and boozy lunches. 

Various margaritas, $19-$20

Pictured are the classic margarita, the feiry-rimmed jalapeno magarita and the dainty, pretty violetta margarita. The violetta is an easy-to-drink concoction of butterfly pea infused tequila, elderflower, lime and agave. The acidity of the lime has turned the blue butterfly pea flower a pastel shade of violet. 

El Pastor Cerviche, $26
Being a marisqueria (seafood restaurant), the freshness of the seafood is a huge drawing card at Calita. The kingfish is thickly sliced and very lightly acid-cured, topped with grilled pineapples and crispy canchitas. Sweet, fresh and moreish, this is a perfect way to start a meal. 

Blue Swimmer Crab Tostadas, $28

Recommended by the staff as one of the most popular dishes, the blue swimmer crab tostadas did not disappoint. Although I could taste just a hint of fishiness in the crab, the beautiful combination of it with mango salsa and microherbs made this a satisfying, delicious mouthful. Also pictured is a vegetarian option of hummous with grilled red pepper. 


Guacamole, $14

A Mexican feast isn't complete without guacamole. The addition of pomegranate and pumpkin seeds adds some welcome crunch and sweetness to the creamy guacamole. The corn chips are great, too: non-oily, and fragrant. 

Fish and Chips Tacos, $9 each

Although the idea of fish and chips in tacos sounds a little strange, I highly recommend those because they are simply wonderful. The chips are crunchy and salty, the battered fish flakily satisfying. A dollop of salsa tatara completes this simple, yet delicious taco. 


The govenor's Taco, $30 for 3 or $11 each

Not to be out-done by the fish and chips tacos, the fittingly-named governor's tacos were arguably the best of what we tried. Lots of bouncy prawns marinated in XO sauce, served with melty Oaxaca cheese and poblano sauce, these tacos were both flavourful and light at the same time. Highly recommended. 

Adobo chicken tacos and haloumi tacos, $8 each

A disappointment of the meal was that these tacos were perhaps left out for a little longer and therefore completely lost their integrity, falling apart as we tried to pick them up. The chicken adobo tacos was respectable, but the chicken was a little stringy and the mess of the soft shell further led to me deducting a couple points. 

Score: 3 / 5
A fun, relaxed, fresh and delicious Mexican restaurant by the seaside. Even if we set the food aside, the view and people-watching alone are worth the visit.
Cost: approx $60-$80pp 
Address: Shop 1/266 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach


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