El Grotto

El Grotto is a Mexican restaurant, bar and taqueria in Scarborough Beach, Perth, built around food, drinks and music. Its stated aim is to bring a slice of Mexico to Scarborough, with a menu that draws on Mexican flavours and a relaxed, good-times setting. The venue also promotes events, making it a place for a casual meal as well as a livelier night out.

The food menu covers familiar Mexican-style sharing plates and more substantial options. Guacamole with corn chips, queso, nachos and grotto fries make an easy start for the table, while the tacos include jackfruit, chicken, fish and pork variations. The beef birria quesadilla and beef birria burrito bring braised short rib, cheese and consommé into the mix, and there are also veggie burritos, a la burger royale, seafood fresca and jalapeño and cheese croquetas. The menu includes vegetarian, vegan and vegan-option markings on selected dishes, although the full range of dietary requirements is best checked directly with the venue.

Drinks are a major part of the El Grotto offering. The cocktail list includes several margarita variations, including a spicy margarita and Tommy’s Margarita, alongside mezcal and tequila serves, the Mexican Standoff, Bloody Maria and Grotto XO coffee. Beer is available from taps and the fridge, with a rotating selection of independent brewers listed alongside Mexican and Australian options. The wine list covers sparkling, pet nat, white, orange, rosé and red styles, while low- and no-alcohol choices include yuzu spritz, Pi-No Colada, soft drinks and alcohol-free beers.

With its combination of tacos, share plates, cocktails and music, El Grotto suits groups looking to settle in for a social meal or drinks, particularly when an event is on. The menu also offers enough variety for a mixed table, from jackfruit and veggie choices to meat, seafood and lighter drinks. For a straightforward Scarborough visit, it works as a place to share food, try a margarita or mezcal, and stay for the atmosphere rather than treating dinner as a quick stop.