New Brisbane

I’m always interested in trying something new. So when I was told about a friend’s birthday gathering taking place at Montezuma’s in Mt Gravatt, I was naturally very curious. Specialising in Mexican cuisine, Montezuma’s is fitted out just like a traditional Mexican Cantina - or at least what someone who’s never been to Mexico (like myself) might imagine one to be like. Usually when I go into a restaurant with very high expectations, those expectations are almost never met. This was not the case with Montezuma’s.

MT. GRAVATT
Cnr of Logan Rd & Lumley St
Mt. Gravatt 4122
P: 07 3349 9344
F: 07 3343 2150
E: tasteofmexico@optusnet.com.au
W: www.montezumas.com.au

Offering a diverse range of south-of-the-border meals, Montezuma’s is a restaurant that you can go to many times without ever getting bored with the menu. There were plenty of delicious drinks to choose from, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic and the meals were fairly well priced compared to how much was provided. For the first time in a long time, I have been so full from a meal in a restaurant that I couldn’t finish it all! Customers can choose to either sit inside, or enjoy the fresh air in the outside patio. Although it must be noted that Montezuma’s is fairly packed, so pre-booking is a must.

The service was above average, our waitress was more than happy to recommend a meal and give a more thorough description of certain items on the menu. Nowadays it’s hard to come by a place where you can ask an employee about a meal, and not only get a description of the meal, but also how it’s prepared and its origins. I opted for the most distinctive meal on the menu, the Mole Poblano (”Centuries old chicken dish invented by nuns of Puebla for the bishops visit, served with a spicy Aztec sauce, 32 herbs and spices, coconut, banana and pineapple”), which not only tasted great, but also had an interesting history behind it.

Like everything else in the venue, the music and decorations were traditionally Mexican. This added to the great feeling of being overseas in your own city, I certainly felt like I had walked into a Mexican Restaurant upon arriving. Montezuma’s was a positive change from some previous restaurants I have visited, which I found bland and nowhere near as interesting and positive as Montezuma’s. I can say with no regrets that I plan to go back here again in future.

The friendly atmosphere was inviting and encouraging. It also had a very “community-based” feel where customers can join a Montezuma’s Club, which offers a few different incentives for its members to come back again. By being a member of the Montezuma’s Birthday Club, you may come in for a complimentary main meal on your birthday. By being a Gold Card Club member, you can get a free meal by your sixth visit to Montezuma’s.

With Montezuma’s venues located in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria, it makes it easy to see why so many people love these restaurants. If you are looking to try some delicious Mexican meals but can’t quite afford to travel to Mexico for some, then Montezuma’s would be one of your next best options. The friendly atmosphere, great food and drinks, and the different membership incentives and competitions will make it difficult for you not to return to Montezuma’s after your first visit.

- Viktor