The incredible tiled feature wall. Photo: Kazuri Photography.
The hottest place to be in Canberra right now is at Cartel Taqueria in Belconnen.
Yes, Queanbeyan’s beloved taco joint has finally opened a new restaurant in the ACT!
Owner Anna Petridis laughs, saying that she was told a launch between Christmas and New Year would be quiet, but it feels like every local not down at the coast is lining up to try her Canberra-side tacos.
If you have followed Cartel’s Canberra journey on Instagram, you will know that every obstacle imaginable has presented itself to prevent its long-awaited opening from happening, but Anna is a literal force of nature and with a massive dose of ‘can-do’, she and her family have thrown every ounce of energy into making the space just perfect and flinging the doors open just before 2025.
We are thrilled to drive only 10 minutes for Cartel’s deliciousness.
We walk in and marvel at the incredible tiled feature wall created by ceramic artist Elisa Krey. The artwork is striking, with rich oranges and bold contrasts against a cactus-strewn backdrop.
View from the upstairs dining space. Photo: Kazuri Photography.
We clock four distinct eating areas: alfresco under orange umbrellas, inside dining, an upstairs space with a moody, urban vibe, and the piece de resistance, an enclosed glass terrace with views across the lake. We snag a table on the terrace and watch gusts of wind churn up the waters of Lake Ginninderra as we eat.
On the day we visit, Cartel’s liquor license is still in the pipeline, so we all order virgin margs. Thankfully, BYO means that you can still make those margaritas pop! The drink of the day for me is the one I sneak spoonfuls of from my friend. Her frozen passionfruit-coconut marg is more creamy than icy; the coconut cream is a perfect foil for the sweet tropical tang of fresh passionfruit. The spice and tang of the salty rim of the glass enhances its refreshing summery pop.
My strawberry-lime frozen marg makes up the trio of scrumptious iced beverages. Photo: Kazuri Photography.
This is a second lunch for us all, so we only order one taco each.
Of course, one must be the La Gamba, grilled chilli and butter king prawns with caramelised pineapple, salsa and guacamole. We savour the chilli hit on the tender butter-grilled prawns, its jubes of caramelised pineapple, adding pops of intense flavour.
I order the newest taco on the menu, Carne Asada, grilled sous vide strip loin served with pico de gallo (fresh salsa) and house-made chimichurri. The tender beef paired with fragrant chimichurri is just the best thing ever. I wish I had ordered three.
I sample my friend’s vegetarian taco, the La Batata, on a scrumptious gluten-free tortilla. The flavours are decadent and fun: butter-fried sweet potato adorned with a lush roasted tomato and almond salsa, feta and Mexican cheese and the pop of crunchy seasoned corn.
I always marvel at how incredible Cartel’s tortillas are. Plump and supple, with cheese grilled like a stamp onto the outer edge, they are the perfect vehicle for the fillings.
We finish with a tray of three-cheese queso with tortilla chips. The queso is warm, luxuriously melty and tangy. Roasted tomatoes and capsicum add sweetness, and sriracha sauce adds heat.
We dig into the creamy depths with our tortilla chips, unearthing a goldmine of coriander and guac.
One friend sighs: “It’s like a hug of cheese with a little snack of tortilla.”
The La Gamba taco! Photo: Kazuri Photography
We loved everything and will be back soon.
What taco and frozen margarita will you try?
Cartel Taqueria – Belco is located at 5/114 Emu Bank. The easiest landmark is Hungry Jack’s, and then go down to the water to find your little piece of taco heaven.
To avoid disappointment, book your table. The restaurant is open from 12 pm to 9 pm on Thursday and from 12 pm to 10 pm from Friday to Sunday. Follow Cartel Taqueria on Instagram.
Original Article published by Michelle Taylor on Riotact.
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